What are the Midday Break Hours for Outdoor Workers in the UAE?
- Publish date: Friday، 02 June 2023 | Last update: since 5 days
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From 12.30 to 3 pm every day, from June 15th to September 15th, the UAE announced a restriction on working outside or in direct sunlight.
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According to Ministerial Resolution No. (44) of 2022 on Occupational Health and Safety and Labour Accommodation, which strives to provide a work environment that protects employees from occupational dangers and avoids job-related illnesses or accidents. As a result, midday breaks are implemented yearly.
Over the course of three months, daily working hours for the morning and evening shifts cannot exceed eight hours. The additional hours would be considered overtime, and the worker would be entitled to additional compensation if they were required to work more than eight hours in a 24-hour period.
Additionally, employers must provide a shady location where workers can take a rest during the midday break.
What are the fines if employers are found violating the rule?
Employers who are found to be breaking the law will be subject to a fine of AED 5,000 for each employee. In the event that many employees are forced to work during the forbidden hours, the maximum fine is AED 50,000.
Violations may be reported by contacting the MoHRE's 24-hour contact center (600590000) or using the organization's smart app.
What are the exemptions?
The midday break is not required for certain jobs that need to be completed without interruption due to technical or emergency issues.
Employers are expected to give enough cool drinking water and hydrating food, such as salt and/or other food products permitted by the local authorities, to employees working in exempt jobs.
First aid kits, sufficient industrial cooling, sun protection umbrellas, and covered locations for resting during breaks must all be available to employees on the job location.