The UAE’s prohibition on outdoor work during the hottest months of the year begins on Saturday, June 15th. The UAE continues to enforce the decision to prohibit outdoor work under direct sunlight and in open spaces for the twentieth consecutive year.
The implementation of this decision will start on Saturday, from 12.30pm until 3pm, marking a fundamental aspect of labour legislation in the country.
UAE midday work ban
The ban will be effective from June 15th until September 15th, 2024.
This aims to ensure a secure working environment that complies with best practices and occupational health and safety requirements, thereby preventing workers from injuries and damages due to working in high temperatures during summer.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is implementing the midday break as part of its ongoing commitment to occupational health and safety, aiming to provide a safe working environment for labourers and shield them from the risks of exposure to high temperatures during summer.
The Ministry also receives reports from community members regarding any breaches of the rule through its call centre at 600590000, operational from Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm in various languages, as well as through the Ministry’s smart application.
Administrative fines will be imposed on establishments that violate the midday work ban, amounting to AED 5,000 ($1,360) per worker and up to AED 50,000 ($13,600) if multiple workers are found working in violation of the ban.
The Ministry recently announced the provision of 6,000 rest stations for delivery service workers across the UAE, in collaboration with government entities and private sector companies, offering an interactive map of these stations for easy access during the midday break.
This initiative is part of the Ministry’s efforts to ensure the health and safety of delivery service workers and provide them with a secure working environment.
The initiative is a joint effort involving MoHRE, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Integrated Transport Centre in Abu Dhabi, economic development departments across the UAE, as well as delivery companies such as Talabat, Deliveroo, Noon, Careem, and others.
Numerous restaurants, shopping centres, retail stores, and cloud kitchens will also provide rest areas for delivery drivers.
This innovative step builds upon last year’s initiative, where 365 rest stations were provided for delivery workers.
This year, the initiative has expanded in collaboration with various entities, demonstrating their shared commitment to ensuring the safety of delivery workers and protecting them from heat exhaustion during their duties in the summer months, especially during the midday break from 12.30pm to 3pm.
MoHRE recently launched a new edition of the electronic labour accommodation system – the first national platform for registering workers’ housing.
The platform is being introduced to companies across the UAE to raise awareness about accommodation standards and compliance with Ministry requirements and government partners tasked with monitoring workers’ housing.
The system aims to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of workers in the UAE.
MoHRE issued a statement urging companies with 50 or more employees to provide accommodation for their workers through approved systems, and to register the required data online by accessing the Labour Accommodation System under the “Services” icon, in implementation of Ministerial Resolution No. 44 of 2022 Regarding Occupational Health and Safety and Labour Accommodation.
The Ministry revealed that the number of private sector companies adhering to labour accommodation standards and registered in the Labour Accommodation System had increased by 1,000% by the end of 2023, compared to February 2022, when Ministerial Decision No. 44 of 2022 Regarding Occupational Health and Safety and Labour Accommodation came into effect.
The UAE operates a comprehensive social protection system for workers, encompassing several key components.
This includes the Unemployment Insurance System, which provides temporary financial support for up to three months if workers lose their jobs.
In addition, there is an optional alternative end-of-service benefits scheme known as the “Saving Scheme,” enabling workers to invest their end-of-service benefits and earn returns while still employed.
Furthermore, there are programmes to protect workers’ financial entitlements, a wage protection system, and an occupational health and safety system in the UAE labour market.
These systems play a crucial role in providing a safe working environment for workers, free from risks.