Midday break rule to end tomorrow Tuesday

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that the midday break rule prohibiting work under direct sunlight and in open spaces will end tomorrow Tuesday, September 15.

The decision, which took effect on June 15, prohibited work under direct sunlight and in open spaces from 12:30pm till 3pm for the 15^th year in a row. It aimed at providing convenient work conditions for labourers, particularly under the rising temperature at noon in summer months.

During the period in which the decision took effect, a package of regulations and measures were taken, while many activities were organized by the MoHRE in co-operation with its partners to spare workers exposure to heat stroke and heat exhaustion and also prevent them from contracting COVID-19.

Exceptional cases where continued work is required for technical reasons were excluded from the stipulated ban, provided that cold water should be supplied in line with the number of workers and the safety and public health conditions. Thirst-quenching items including but not limited to salt and lemon as recommended by the UAE local authorities should also be provided.