Midday break for workers in UAE to end on September 15

The midday break for outdoor workers in the UAE ends on Sunday, September 15.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) made the announcements.

The ban has been in place since June 15, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., as part of an integrated system implemented by the Ministry to provide a safe work environment and to spare the workforce injuries and damages that may result from working in high temperatures during summer.

The Ministry confirmed the success of the "midday break", with 99.9% of companies complying with the guidelines.

This witnessed the provision of six thousand breaks across the country for use by delivery service workers.

Mohsen Al Nasi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection Affairs, said that the country's labour market is witnessing a remarkable commitment to implementing government decisions by companies as a result of the partnership strategy adopted by the Ministry in its relationship with the private sector and enhancing its responsibility as a major partner in the development process, which has enhanced the awareness of companies and employers of the importance of implementing decisions and their positive impact on the work environment, worker productivity and competitiveness of the labour market in the country, which has gone beyond the stage of commitment to implementing decisions, to launching initiatives aimed at reducing the risks of heat stress on workers at work sites.

He pointed out that the Ministry conducted about 134,000 inspection visits during the curfew period, recording only 51 violations, which confirms companies' awareness and commitment to their responsibility towards their workers, especially since the noon work ban has become one of the fundamental pillars established in the labour market in the country twenty years after its implementation.

He praised the Ministry's partners who contributed to community initiatives by distributing meals and cold drinks to workers during the noon work ban.

The curfew period witnessed the implementation of many initiatives by the Ministry's partners in government agencies and the private sector to raise awareness of the importance of the curfew, inform workers of their rights, and make workers happy, in addition to the solidarity and support of community members for the noon work ban, by responding to the Ministry and communicating with it through its electronic platforms, smart application, and call centre to record their suggestions and report wrong practices during the curfew period.