UAE announces midday break for workers

The UAE’s annual midday break for outdoor workers will run from June 15 to September 15.

The directive by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) prohibits work in open areas, and under the sun, from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm.

Employers must provide their workers with a shaded place to rest during the break.

Fines ranging between AED 5,000 and AED 50,000 will be imposed on companies that don’t comply with the law.

The midday break rule is not applicable for emergency work, but in such cases, firms must ensure that workers have access to cold water, salt and lemon, as well as first aid kits.

#MOHRE will begin implementing the mid-day break in open spaces from 12:30 PM until 3 PM starting 15 June until 15 September. Several businesses whose nature requires the continuation of work are excluded from the ban. #UAE pic.twitter.com/kIRnIhOUlD

— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) June 8, 2022