Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The UAE began a ban on midday work under the sun or in open spaces on Thursday (June 15), with violators warned of hefty fines of up to Dh50,000. The midday work ban will be imposed until September 15, and will take effect from 12:30pm to 3pm. This is the 19th year that the midday work ban is being implemented in the UAE. According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), a fine of Dh5,000 for each worker will be imposed on employers found to be in violation of the provisions and regulation of the ban, with a maximum of Dh50,000 in the case that multiple workers are working in violation of the ban.

What happens during UAE midday work ban?

During the ban, no employee will be forced to work outside and under the sun from 12:30pm to 3pm from June 15 until September 15. This is to ensure that workers are protected from exposure, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke, particularly during the summer months. During the mandatory midday break, employers are required to provide a shaded area where workers can rest. During the months under the ban, daily working hours must not exceed eight hours per morning shift or evening shift. If an employee is made to work more than eight hours in a 24-hour period, the additional hours will be considered overtime and the employee would be entitled to additional pay. “The health and safety of workers is the cornerstone of labour market legislation, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation is committed to creating the necessary conditions to ensure a safe work environment for them,” said Mohsen Al Nassi, Assistant Under-Secretary for Inspection Affairs at MOHRE. “We are confident that employers across the country will comply with the provisions of the ban,” he added. Exempted from the ban are jobs that are required to continue uninterrupted, including laying of asphalt or pouring concrete, in the event where it is not possible to postpone these tasks until after the midday work break. Also on the list are the works needed to contain hazards or repair damages that affect the community, such as interruptions to water supply or electricity, cutting off traffic, and other major issues. The exemption also includes works that require a permit from a relevant government authority to be implemented, given their impact on the flow of traffic and services. These tasks require non-stop work, including cutting or diverting main traffic routes, power lines, and communications. In the case of exempted jobs, the employer is required to provide sufficient cold drinking water for workers. Public health and safety requirements should be maintained by providing hydrating food, such as salts and other food items approved for use by the local authorities. They must also provide first aid at the work site, adequate industrial cooling, umbrellas that protect from direct sunlight, and shaded areas for workers to rest during their downtime. The MOHRE called on employees and the public to report companies that violate the midday work ban through its hotline 600590000. ICA/Expat Media
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