For each employee found working outside during the midday break, businesses that break the rule will be fined Dh5,000.
The implementation of the workers’ midday break, which began in the middle of last month and will continue until September 15, is being closely monitored by authorities in the UAE. The break, which is in effect for the 20th year, prohibits working in open areas and under direct sunlight throughout the UAE between 12:30 and 3:00 p.m.
As part of the ministry’s inspections of private businesses, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratization Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar visited a construction site owned by Binghatti Developers on Friday. He also went to a Sobha Realty construction site the month before, where he saw the restrooms and learned about the company’s health and safety policies.
The federal policy does not apply to certain jobs, such as those related to electricity or water supply, traffic control, and basic services. However, businesses will need to apply for a permit for the midday break exemption. For each employee found working during the midday break, any company found to be in violation of the rule will be subject to a fine of Dh5,000.
If multiple employees are involved, the penalty can reach up to Dh50,000. “Companies are required to provide shaded areas for workers during the midday break to protect them from heat stress caused by sun exposure while working,” states the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre). In addition, businesses must provide workers with adequate cooling, drinking water to prevent dehydration, first aid supplies at work sites, and other means of ensuring their comfort.
Mohre urged the public to contact its call center at 600590000, its website, or its smart app to report any violations of the midday break. Mohre collaborated with government and private sector businesses to provide 6,000 rest stops for UAE delivery workers in addition to the midday break.
