Noon halt: New heatwave triggers mandatory three-hour noon break for workers in UAE

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates has officially reinstated its mandatory midday work break for outdoor labourers, introducing heavy financial penalties for employers who violate the regulation.

The policy, mandated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), requires companies to halt all outdoor work between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM daily. The restriction will remain in effect from June 15 through September 15. This year marks the 22nd consecutive year the UAE government has implemented the initiative in partnership with the private sector.

Rising temperatures and worker safety

The activation of the ban coincides with an advisory from the National Centre of Meteorology, warning of a sharp rise in summer temperatures across the country. Mercury levels in several inland areas are projected to hit peaks of up to 48°C.

The midday break is designed to protect labourers from extreme heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and other occupational health hazards associated with working under direct sunlight during peak thermal hours. Government officials emphasised that the primary objective is to maintain a safe and humane working environment.

Workplace requirements and mandated facilities

Under the ministerial decree, employers are legally obligated to provide sheltered, shaded rest areas for workers during the mandatory downtime. The government has specified that these rest zones must be equipped with adequate cooling infrastructure, including:

• Operational fans or cooling units
• Access to clean, chilled drinking water
• Humidifiers to combat dry heat
• Standard first-aid amenities

Furthermore, the ministry clarified that regular daily working hours during these three months must not exceed eight hours. Any additional hours worked outside the mandated rest period must be compensated as overtime.

Strict penalties for non-compliance

The UAE authorities have outlined a stringent penalty framework to ensure strict adherence to the law. Companies found violating the midday ban will face a fine of 5,000 AED per worker caught working during the restricted hours. For businesses with multiple violations involving several labourers, cumulative fines can reach a maximum cap of 50,000 AED.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation is expected to deploy inspection teams across the emirates to monitor construction sites and industrial zones, ensuring full compliance with the seasonal regulations.