The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has officially concluded the 2024 Midday Break initiative, which ran from June 15 to September 15. The program aimed to protect workers from the harsh summer heat by prohibiting outdoor labor under direct sunlight between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM. This annual initiative, part of MoHRE’s broader strategy to improve workplace safety, has been implemented for the past 20 years and is a key component of the UAE’s labor laws.
The Ministry reported an impressive 99.9% compliance rate among businesses, underscoring the strong commitment of the UAE’s private sector to adhere to government regulations. “The remarkable compliance of companies highlights the success of our partnership-driven approach with the private sector,” said Mohsin Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection Affairs at MoHRE. He praised businesses for not only following the rules but also launching their own initiatives to further protect workers from heat stress. Al Nassi added that this level of cooperation has positively impacted the UAE labor market, boosting both worker productivity and the overall competitiveness of the economy.
To ensure the well-being of laborers, the Ministry set up 6,000 rest stations across the country for delivery workers to use during the Midday Break hours.
These stations provided shade and a respite from the extreme temperatures. The program also mandated companies to provide shaded rest areas at worksites, along with cooling equipment, sufficient water, and hydration supplements such as electrolytes. First aid equipment was also required to be available on-site.
Throughout the Midday Break period, MoHRE conducted approximately 134,000 inspections to ensure compliance. Only 51 violations were reported, reflecting high awareness and responsibility among businesses. Al Nassi praised the private sector’s proactive steps, which included community-driven initiatives like distributing food and cold drinks to workers during the break.
The Midday Break has firmly established itself as a crucial pillar in the UAE’s labor laws, contributing significantly to creating a safer and more sustainable working environment for laborers across the nation.
