As announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the midday break rule – which prohibits any outdoor labour work between 12:30pm and 3:00pm – will end on September 15. Initiated 15 years ago and taking effect on June 15 this year, the mandatory annual work break is intended to ensure the safety and well-being of workers working in direct sunlight and to guard against heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and COVID-19 for three months. The ban does not apply to companies that must continue outdoor works for technical reasons. It is allowed for workers to work during the hours that are banned for technical reasons. In accordance with public safety and health requirements, employees of exempt companies are required to have access to cool drinking water and to carry salt and lemons to ease thirst, as well as first-aid kits. COVID-19 must also be contained through a strict adherence to all precautionary measures.
UAE mid-day work break ends on September 15
