The UAE's Midday Work Break Rules Now In place

The Midday Work Break, which requires companies to give employees who work outside a two and half hour break with shade and hydration, starts in the UAE tomorrow, (15th June 2022) and will run for three months, ending on 15th September 2022.

All UAE companies are required to adhere to the UAE's Midday Work Break to protect their employees from heat related illnesses and injuries. It is prohibited to be working outside, in direct sunlight between 12:30pm and 3pm, daily.

Companies affected by the Midday Work Break usually break their employees' working hours into two shifts and are required to provide the following:

Schedule of the working hours in Arabic and the first languages of their workers

Shelter during the break period

Health kits and first aid kits

Safety leaflets about working in the heat

Air conditioners, where possible

Cold water

In the unfortunate event that emergency works are needed and work can't be stopped due to technical reasons, such situations are considered as exceptions, but employers must supply the following to ensure the safety of employees:

Cold water

Thirst quenching aids (e.g. salt & lemon)

First aid kits

Shade where possible

Industrial cooling facilities on site

Fines for breeching the Midday Work Break

Employers will be fined AED5,000 per employee found working outside during the midday break hours, up to a total of AED50,000. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) carries out inspections throughout the three months to ensure that companies comply.

How to report breeches of the Midday Work Break

Everyone is encouraged to report any breeches of the Midday Work Break they witness by calling MOHRE's call center on 600590000 Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm or via MOHRE's app.

For the health and safety of your employees and to avoid unnecessary fines, please protect your outdoor working employees as much as possible during the next three months and be sure to comply with the Midday Break Rules.