The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is enforcing a midday break law for workers, which mandates a halt in outdoor work from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM across the country. This regulation, effective from Sunday (June 15) until September 15, aims to protect laborers from the intense midday heat.
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, working directly under the sun during these hours is strictly prohibited. The UAE has upheld this law for 21 years to ensure workers’ occupational health and a safe working environment.
Violators of the midday break law face fines of 5,000 dirhams per worker, with total fines reaching up to 50,000 dirhams if multiple workers breach the rule. This amounts to approximately 1.7 million Bangladeshi taka.
The law primarily applies to outdoor workers engaged in construction, agriculture, landscaping, and similar fields.
Recently, temperatures in the UAE have exceeded 50 degrees Celsius. Since 2005, this regulation has been implemented every summer, and last year over 3,000 companies were fined for violations.
The Ministry has instructed employers to provide adequate water, shade, and rest breaks, along with ensuring emergency medical services at workplaces. However, water and electricity outages, traffic congestion, and essential services are exempt from this rule.
