UAE Imposes Midday Rest for Outdoor Laborers from June 15 to Lessen Heat Exposure
Guardians of the Summer Sun:
Get ready, folks! The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is bringing back the annual Midday Break, effective from June 15 to September 15, 2025, with a firm stance against outdoor work between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm during these hot summer months.
In its 21st appearance, this regulation seeks to safeguard the well-being of workers during scorching summer temperatures. Aligning with the UAE's dedication to international occupational safety standards and sustainable labor practices, it mandates employers to provide shaded rest areas, cooling equipment, drinking water, and first-aid supplies to employees during the restricted hours.
As Mohsin Ali Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection & Compliance at MoHRE, puts it, "It's all about ensuring a safe work environment and protecting our valuable workforce."
Dalal Alshehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection, applauds the private sector's efforts, noting that many companies are now offering fully equipped rest facilities for their employees.
Certain exceptions exist for essential or technically sensitive work, such as infrastructure repairs or tasks requiring uninterrupted execution. However, these jobs still require permits and stringent adherence to safety measures.
To maintain accountability, MoHRE plans to conduct regular inspections and field visits, encouraging the public to report any violations. Offenders can expect hefty fines of AED 5,000 per worker, with a maximum of AED 50,000 for multiple infringements.
The Midday Break continues to play a pivotal role in shielding the UAE's diverse workforce and fostering a secure, responsible work environment during the harsh summer months. So, beat the heat, folks! Let's make sure our workforce stays safe and sound.
Sources: Emirates News Agency and various additional sources for enrichment data[1,2,3,4]
[1] Workers' Guide to the Summer Midday Break in the UAE (UAE Government website)[2] UAE Midday Break Regulation: What You Need to Know (Gulf News)[3] UAE Midday Break: What Employers Need to Know (Arabian Business)[4] UAE Extends Midday Break for Workers (Khaleej Times)
- The community benefits from the UAE's commitment to workplace-wellness, as demonstrated by the annual Midday Break regulation.
- This health-and-safety initiative aligns the UAE with international science and environmental standards, protecting its workforce from harsh summer temperatures.
- Some businesses are taking extra steps to ensure compliance by offering fully equipped rest facilities for their employees, as endorsed by Dalal Alshehhi.
- The government maintains accountability by conducting regular inspections, encouraging the public to report violations, and imposing substantial fines for non-compliance, such as those noted in the Emirates News Agency and other sources.
