Every year, as the temperature in the United Arab Emirates begins to rise, the government takes an important step to protect thousands of workers across the country. The Midday Break is a seasonal rule that stops outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day, and it’s returning once again this summer.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has confirmed that the Midday Break will begin in mid-June and continue until mid-September. This rule has been in place for nearly two decades and is a vital part of the UAE’s commitment to ensuring worker safety, especially for those employed in construction, maintenance, agriculture, and other physically demanding jobs.
What Is the Midday Break?
The Midday Break is a mandatory break from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM, during which companies are not allowed to make their employees work outside under direct sunlight. The goal is to prevent heat exhaustion, dehydration, sunstroke, and other health risks caused by extreme heat.
Temperatures in the UAE often cross 45°C (113°F) during peak summer, and the risk of serious illness or injury increases significantly during those hours.
Who Benefits from the Rule?
The rule mostly benefits blue-collar workers—those who work in construction sites, road works, landscaping, delivery services, and other outdoor jobs. These workers are often exposed to high temperatures and harsh sunlight, making the midday break a vital protection for their health and safety.
Over 4.5 million workers in the UAE, many of them from South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, are involved in labor-intensive jobs. The midday break gives them time to rest, hydrate, and recover in shaded or indoor areas before returning to work in the cooler hours of the day.
What Are the Rules?
The UAE government has clear guidelines for employers:
- Outdoor work must stop between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM.
- Employers must provide shaded areas, water, and first aid kits.
- Workers must be paid normally for their break time.
- Companies violating the rule face fines of up to AED 50,000.
In rare cases, if the work must continue for emergency reasons (like fixing power lines or water pipes), employers must take all safety precautions and provide proper rest periods.
MoHRE also conducts surprise inspections to ensure companies follow the rule.
Why Is It So Important?
According to health experts, working under the scorching sun can lead to heat-related illnesses, such as:
- Heatstroke – a life-threatening condition when the body can’t cool down.
- Dehydration – when the body loses too much water and salt.
- Fatigue – extreme tiredness that can lead to mistakes and accidents.
- Sunburn – painful damage to the skin that can have long-term effects.
Giving workers time to rest during the hottest part of the day reduces these risks and can also improve productivity and reduce the number of workplace injuries.
Results from Previous Years
The UAE has been implementing this rule since 2004, and its results have been largely positive.
According to MoHRE, the number of heat-related work injuries has dropped since the midday break was introduced. Companies also report that workers return more refreshed and perform better after the break.
In 2023 alone, the ministry conducted over 65,000 inspections to ensure companies followed the rule. Most firms complied, and only a small number faced penalties.
What Do Workers and Experts Say?
We spoke to several workers and employers about the midday break.
Ravi Kumar, a construction worker from India, said:
“The break gives us time to cool down and drink water. Without it, we would feel sick. It’s very hard to work under the sun in summer.”
Sarah Al Shehhi, an HR manager at a Dubai-based construction company, added:
“We fully support the midday break. It’s good for our workers’ health and shows that the UAE cares about safety and labor rights.”
Doctors also support the rule. Dr. Faisal Ahmed, a public health expert, said:
“It’s a necessary measure. The human body is not built to handle long exposure to extreme heat. This break can literally save lives.”
How Can Workers Report Violations?
The UAE government encourages workers to speak up if they are being forced to work during the restricted hours.
Violations can be reported through:
- The MoHRE call center: 600 590 000
- The MoHRE smart app
- Visiting any Tasheel center
- Sending an email to report@mohr.gov.ae
The identity of whistleblowers is kept confidential to protect them from retaliation.
A Model for Other Countries?
The UAE’s midday break has become a model for other hot-weather countries looking to protect their workers during summer months. Nations in the Gulf region and parts of Africa and Asia are watching closely and considering similar steps.
The initiative reflects the UAE’s broader efforts to improve labor laws, promote workers’ rights, and create a sustainable work environment.
When Does It Start and End?
The midday break typically begins June 15 and ends September 15, but the dates can slightly vary depending on official announcements from MoHRE each year.
Workers and companies should stay updated through official government channels to know the exact start date.
Final Thoughts
The midday break is more than just a law—it’s a lifesaving rule that shows the UAE’s commitment to safety, dignity, and respect for its workers. As summer approaches, both employers and workers are urged to follow the guidelines and ensure a safe season ahead.
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