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Al Etihad
15-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE's midday break a major relief for outdoor workers
16 June 2025 00:19 Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)The UAE's annual midday work ban came into effect on Sunday - backed by inspections, fines and new rest stations to ensure the safety of outdoor workers - as summer temperatures hit new records. The three-month ban prohibits work under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces between 12:30 pm and 3 pm, until September initiative, now in its 21st year, was introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in aims to safeguard workers' health and safety during the peak summer months. The UAE recently saw its hottest May day in over two decades, with temperatures hitting 51.6°C on May 24. 'Now in its 21st consecutive year, the midday break is rooted in a sustainability-centred approach that the UAE implements in line with its commitment to providing a safe working environment as per international best practices and occupational health and safety standards, protecting workers from injuries and illnesses caused by working in high temperatures during the summer months,' MoHRE said in a statement. To ensure compliance, MoHRE inspectors will conduct regular site visits across the of the public can report violations by calling 600590000, visiting the ministry's website, or via its smart who fail to comply face fines of Dh5,000 per worker, with a maximum penalty of Dh50,000 for multiple to Mohsin Ali Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection and Compliance at MoHRE, the midday break has achieved a record compliance rate of more than 99% for several years in a year, the ministry uncovered only 51 violations in 134,000 inspections, which is a marked improvement from the 96 violations reported the year before. In addition to inspections, MoHRE conducts awareness raising campaigns through inspectors' field visits to work sites and labour are expected to provide their workers with shaded areas, adequate cooling devices, sufficient drinking water, and first aid supplies. Mohammad, a construction worker who has been in the UAE for three years, said the midday break is a major relief.'Without this break, working in the sun would be unbearable during summer,' he told Aletihad. This year, MoHRE announced that more than 10,000 air-conditioned rest stations equipped with comfort amenities would be set up for delivery service workers across the UAE throughout the midday break period.'It's a great initiative. The rest stations especially make a big difference for us. I can rest, cool off, and drink some water after riding for hours in the sun,' Ali, a delivery rider in Abu Dhabi, told Aletihad. While the midday ban is broadly enforced, the regulations include specific exemptions for critical operations. These include tasks like laying asphalt or pouring concrete that cannot be delayed, as well as emergency repairs to essential services such as water or electricity. Heat Impact on Health Dr. Poornimaraj Chandrasegharan, internal medicine specialist at LLH Medical Centre, Shabiya, said the break is a crucial buffer against serious heat-related illnesses. 'The most severe of these is heat stroke, a life-threatening condition where the body temperature exceeds 40°C (104°F) and requires immediate medical attention,' she told Aletihad. 'Another common issue is heat exhaustion, which occurs due to excessive loss of water and salt through sweating, leading to fatigue, dizziness, and muscle cramps.'Dehydration, sunburn, and electrolyte imbalances are frequent among outdoor workers who don't get adequate rest or hydration, she added. In the UAE, summer temperatures often exceed 45°C (113°F), particularly between 12pm and 3pm. 'Avoiding outdoor work during this period significantly reduces exposure to extreme heat and helps maintain safer core body temperatures,' Dr. Chandrasegharan said.'This break helps reduce the risk of heat stroke, which typically peaks in the early afternoon, by allowing workers to rest in cooler, shaded, or air-conditioned areas. It also plays a crucial role in minimising dehydration, as less time in direct sun reduces fluid and electrolyte loss through sweat, while providing an opportunity to rehydrate,' she explained. Dr. Chandrasegharan added that supervisors and workers should remain alert to early symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. 'The most telling sign of heat stroke is high body temperature, specifically a core temperature above 40°C (104°F), often accompanied by altered mental status or behaviour, such as confusion, irritability, slurred speech, or disorientation,' she said. Other early indicators include hot, dry, and flushed skin, a throbbing headache, dizziness or fainting, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness or cramps, and rapid, shallow breathing. In more advanced cases, symptoms can escalate to seizures or loss of consciousness, according to Dr. Chandrasegharan. 'Recognising these signs early is critical, as timely intervention can prevent the condition from progressing into a life-threatening emergency.'
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE Midday Work Ban from June 15 to September: What rules employers need to know
UAE Midday Work Ban Returns This Summer The UAE's Midday Break regulation will be enforced once again this summer, from June 15 to September 15, 2025, to protect workers from extreme heat during peak afternoon hours. Outdoor work under direct sunlight is banned from 12:30pm to 3:00pm during this period, under strict guidelines issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). A long-standing commitment to worker safety Now in its 21st consecutive year, the Midday Break reflects the UAE's sustained commitment to worker welfare, environmental sustainability, and international occupational health standards. The initiative is designed to prevent heat-related injuries and illnesses during the hottest months of the year. Mohsin Ali Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection and Compliance at MoHRE, noted that the initiative has maintained over 99% compliance in recent years. 'This record highlights the deeply rooted social and humanitarian values within the UAE's private sector,' he said. 'It also reflects a high level of awareness about the importance of safeguarding human capital, the most valuable asset in any organisation.' MoHRE will continue on-site inspections and awareness drives at both work sites and labour accommodations, to make sure employers and employees fully understand their rights and obligations under this seasonal regulation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Private sector praised for active role Dalal Alshehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection, praised the private sector's proactive contributions: 'It has become a model of constructive partnership between the Ministry, the private sector, and the broader community,' she said. 'Many organisations have launched their own initiatives to support workers, reinforcing the values of social responsibility and contributing to the success of our awareness campaigns.' She also encouraged companies to install air-conditioned rest areas and improve workplace conditions during the midday break, noting their positive impact on productivity and worker wellbeing. Requirements for compliance To meet MoHRE's Midday Break regulations, employers must provide: Shaded rest areas or indoor cooling facilities Cooling equipment, including fans or air-conditioned spaces Adequate drinking water and electrolyte supplements On-site first-aid supplies These provisions ensure workers remain safe and healthy not only during the break but also while performing tasks allowed under regulated conditions. Exemptions for critical tasks Some work activities are exempt due to technical constraints or public safety concerns. These include: Asphalt laying or concrete pouring where timing is critical Emergency utility repairs (electricity, water, sewage) Traffic management or essential public services Government-approved projects requiring uninterrupted operations Even in such cases, employers are still obligated to implement all possible safety measures to protect workers. Monitoring and penalties MoHRE has deployed advanced inspection systems to track compliance, and encourages the public to report violations through: Call centre: 600590000 MoHRE website MoHRE smart app Penalties for violations are: Dh5,000 per worker Up to Dh50,000 for repeated or large-scale breaches Part of a bigger vision: We the UAE 2031 The Midday Break is a component of the broader 'We the UAE 2031' strategy, which promotes sustainable, human-centered work environments across sectors. It reflects the country's values of inclusivity and care, benefiting the over 200 nationalities living and working in the UAE. The Ministry will intensify inspection visits and awareness campaigns in partnership with public and private stakeholders to ensure full understanding and consistent application of the Midday Break across all work environments.
Gulf Insider
04-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
UAE Announces Outdoor Work Ban
The UAE has introduced a ban on work in direct sunlight and outdoor spaces during the hottest times of day over the summer. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the implementation of the Midday Break, prohibiting work under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces between 12.30pm and 3pm, from June 15 to September 15, 2025. Now in its 21st consecutive year, the Midday Break is rooted in a sustainability-centred approach that the UAE implements in line with its commitment to providing a safe working environment as per international best practices and occupational health and safety standards, protecting workers from injuries and illnesses caused by working in high temperatures during the summer months. Mohsin Ali Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection & Compliance at MoHRE said: 'The Midday Break has achieved a record compliance rate of more than 99 per cent for several years in a row, in a clear indication of the firmly entrenched social and humanitarian values among the business community and private sector companies in the UAE. 'This also highlights the high level of awareness regarding the need to protect human capital, the most valuable resource in any company, reflecting the commendable and people-centred nature of labour regulations and practices embraced in the UAE, especially with regards to occupational health and safety.' Al Nassi highlighted the Ministry's commitment to raise awareness among establishments and their workers about the importance of adhering to the provisions of the Midday Break through field visits by inspectors to workplaces and labour accommodations. This contributes to enhancing awareness of occupational health and safety requirements and protecting workers from heat-related illnesses. Dalal Alshehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection at MoHRE, said: 'The Midday Break has become a prime example of constructive partnerships between the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the private sector, and the wider community, with many partners developing their own initiatives to support workers while the Midday Break is in effect. 'This reinforces the principle of social responsibility and ensures the success of our awareness strategies, further embedding humanitarian values in the UAE's work environment, which welcomes more than 200 nationalities to live, work, and invest, in line with the objectives of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.' Alshehhi commended private sector establishments that have taken the initiative over recent years to provide fully equipped rest areas designed to ensure workers' utmost comfort during the daily Midday Break, demonstrating these establishments' strong commitment to ensuring workers' wellbeing before they resume their daily duties after the break. She urged all private sector establishments to adopt similar initiatives, which have a positive impact on workers' health and contribute to enhanced productivity. Under the terms of the Midday Break, companies are required to provide necessary supplies and arrangements, including shaded areas to protect workers from the sun during the break or while performing permitted tasks. They must also ensure appropriate cooling equipment is available, such as fans, adequate quantities of drinking water, and hydration supplements like electrolytes as approved for use by local authorities, along with other amenities and first-aid supplies at the worksite. The Midday Break regulations take into account the need for continuity in certain types of work that serve public interests. Exemptions apply to tasks that must continue uninterrupted for technical reasons, such as laying asphalt or pouring concrete when it is unfeasible to complete these activities after the break. Other exclusions include work required to address hazards or repair issues that impact the community, such as disruptions to water or electricity supply, traffic congestion, and malfunctions in basic services. The exemption also covers activities that require a permit from a competent government authority due to their impact on public life and mobility. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation works to assess the level of compliance with the Midday Break requirements among companies, using its monitoring system throughout the duration of the initiative. Moreover, the Ministry welcomes reports of harmful practices or violations flagged by members of the community through its call centre at 600 590000, website, or smart application. Violating companies will be fined AED5,000 ($1,360) for every worker per breach, up to a maximum of AED50,000 ($13,600) if several workers were found to be in violation. The Ministry will also escalate its awareness campaigns and field visits in the UAE, in coordination with its public and private sector partners, to educate workers and employers about the provisions of the Midday Break and the necessity to comply with regulations in that regard. Also read: Eid Al Adha 2025: Dubai Ruler Orders Release of 985 Inmates
Gulf Today
03-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE to implement Midday Break for 21st consecutive year from June 15 to Sept.15, 2025
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the implementation of the Midday Break, prohibiting work under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm, from 15 June to 15 September 2025. Now in its 21st consecutive year, the Midday Break is rooted in a sustainability-centred approach that the UAE implements in line with its commitment to providing a safe working environment as per international best practices and occupational health and safety standards, protecting workers from injuries and illnesses caused by working in high temperatures during the summer months. Under the terms of the Midday Break, companies are required to provide necessary supplies and arrangements, including shaded areas to protect workers from the sun during the break or while performing permitted tasks. They must also ensure appropriate cooling equipment is available, such as fans, adequate quantities of drinking water, and hydration supplements like electrolytes as approved for use by local authorities, along with other amenities and first-aid supplies at the Midday Break regulations take into account the need for continuity in certain types of work that serve public interests. Exemptions apply to tasks that must continue uninterrupted for technical reasons, such as laying asphalt or pouring concrete when it is unfeasible to complete these activities after the exclusions include work required to address hazards or repair issues that impact the community, such as disruptions to water or electricity supply, traffic congestion, and malfunctions in basic services. The exemption also covers activities that require a permit from a competent government authority due to their impact on public life and Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation works to assess the level of compliance with the Midday Break requirements among companies, using its monitoring system throughout the duration of the initiative. Moreover, the Ministry welcomes reports of harmful practices or violations flagged by members of the community through its call centre at 600590000, website, or smart companies will be fined Dhs5,000 for every worker per breach, up to a maximum of Dhs50,000 if several workers were found to be in violation. The Ministry will also escalate its awareness campaigns and field visits, in coordination with its public and private sector partners, to educate workers and employers about the provisions of the Midday Break and the necessity to comply with regulations in that regard. Mohsin Ali Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection & Compliance at MoHRE said, "The Midday Break has achieved a record compliance rate of more than 99% for several years in a row, in a clear indication of the firmly entrenched social and humanitarian values among the business community and private sector companies in the UAE. This also highlights the high level of awareness regarding the need to protect human capital, the most valuable resource in any company, reflecting the commendable and people-centred nature of labour regulations and practices embraced in the UAE, especially with regards to occupational health and safety.' Al Nassi highlighted the Ministry's commitment to raise awareness among establishments and their workers about the importance of adhering to the provisions of the Midday Break through field visits by inspectors to workplaces and labour accommodations. This contributes to enhancing awareness of occupational health and safety requirements and protecting workers from heat-related illnesses. For her part, Dalal Alshehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection at MoHRE, said, "The Midday Break has become a prime example of constructive partnerships between the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the private sector, and the wider community, with many partners developing their own initiatives to support workers while the Midday Break is in effect,' Alshehhi added. "This reinforces the principle of social responsibility and ensures the success of our awareness strategies, further embedding humanitarian values in the UAE's work environment, which welcomes more than 200 nationalities to live, work, and invest, in line with the objectives of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.' Alshehhi commended private sector establishments that have taken the initiative over recent years to provide fully equipped rest areas designed to ensure workers' utmost comfort during the daily Midday Break, demonstrating these establishments' strong commitment to ensuring workers' well-being before they resume their daily duties after the break. She urged all private sector establishments to adopt similar initiatives, which have a positive impact on workers' health and contribute to enhanced productivity. WAM
Gulf Business
03-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Midday Break in UAE: Here's what companies need to know
Image credit: WAM/ Website The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the implementation of the Midday Break, which prohibits work under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces between 12:30pm and 3:00pm, from June 15 to September 15, 2025. Read- Now in its 21st consecutive year, the Midday Break reflects the UAE's sustainability-driven approach and commitment to providing a safe working environment. It aligns with international best practices and occupational health and safety standards, protecting workers from injuries and illnesses caused by high summer temperatures, 'The Midday Break has achieved a record compliance rate of over 99 per cent for several years in a row, clearly reflecting the deeply rooted social and humanitarian values within the UAE's business community. It also demonstrates high awareness of the importance of protecting human capital—the most valuable resource in any company—and underscores the people-centred labour practices embraced in the UAE,' Mohsin Ali Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection & Compliance at MoHRE said. Al Nassi emphasised the ministry's commitment to raising awareness among employers and workers through field visits to worksites and labour accommodations. These efforts help promote occupational health and safety and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. 'The Midday Break has become a leading example of successful partnerships between MoHRE, the private sector, and the wider community. Many partners have launched their own initiatives to support workers during the Midday Break,' Dalal Alshehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection at MoHRE, added. She continued, 'This initiative reinforces social responsibility and supports the success of our awareness strategies, further embedding humanitarian values into the UAE's work culture, which welcomes over 200 nationalities to live, work, and invest in line with the goals of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.' Rest areas Alshehhi praised private sector companies that have proactively established fully equipped rest areas to ensure workers' comfort during the Midday Break. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to workers' wellbeing and help boost productivity. She encouraged all private sector entities to implement similar measures, citing their positive impact on both health and efficiency. Under the Midday Break rules, companies must provide essential supplies and arrangements, including shaded areas, cooling equipment such as fans, sufficient drinking water, hydration supplements approved by local authorities, and necessary first-aid supplies at worksites. Exemptions The regulations allow for exemptions where continuous work is required for public interest or technical reasons. These include activities like asphalt laying or concrete pouring that cannot be delayed, as well as urgent repair work affecting public utilities, traffic, or essential services. Work requiring permits from government authorities, due to its impact on public life and mobility, is also exempt. MoHRE monitors company compliance with the Midday Break via its inspection systems throughout the summer period. The ministry also encourages the public to report violations through its call centre (600590000), website, or smart app. Violating companies will be fined Dhs5,000 per worker per breach, with a cap of Dhs50,000 if multiple violations are recorded. MoHRE will intensify awareness campaigns and field inspections—coordinating with both public and private sector partners—to ensure compliance with the Midday Break regulations.
