UAE: Midday Break for Workers Starts Today
As of Monday, June 15, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, MoHRE, will begin implementing the ban on works performed under the sun and in open places from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm until September 15.
The annual decision, issued by the Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, requires a worker not to stay in the workplace after 12:30pm, prohibiting the resumption of work before 3:00pm. It enforces employers who hire workers to provide them with a shaded place to rest in during their breaks.
Under the decision, daily working hours, for morning, evening or both shifts, are not to exceed eight hours. If a worker exceeds such eight hours within 24 hours, the extra time will be deemed overtime, for which the worker is to be paid, in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Law concerning the Regulation of Labour Relations.
Companies responsible for works which must continue for technical reasons are exempt from the ban. Workers can continue working during the banned hours if they are working on projects that cannot be postponed for technical reasons such as asphalting of roads and laying concrete as well as repairing damage in water pipes, petrol pipes, sewage pipes or the disconnection of electrical lines.
This also includes those working on projects licensed from governmental departments which could affect the flow of traffic, or also that which could affect electrical, water supplies or communications.
