UAE's Midday Break Initiative: Ensuring Outdoor Workers' Health And Safety

Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, reviewed the private sector’s preparations for the Midday Break, which prohibits working under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm. This regulation is set to commence tomorrow, Saturday, 15 June, and will continue until 15 September 2024.

During a visit to one of Sobha Realty’s projects in Dubai, Al Awar, accompanied by senior Ministry officials, inspected the rest areas provided for workers. These areas are equipped with cooling devices, cold water, and other amenities to ensure workers’ health and safety during the Midday Break.

Ravi Menon, Co-Chairman of Sobha Realty, and Francis Alfred, Managing Director, along with other executives, briefed Al Awar on the company’s initiatives to protect workers and establish a safe working environment. Al Awar commended Sobha Realty’s efforts and expressed confidence in the private sector’s awareness of occupational health and safety standards.

"The Midday Break has become a well-established culture in the UAE private sector as it enters its 20th consecutive year," Al Awar noted. He highlighted the high levels of compliance achieved over the years and emphasised the private sector's role as a strategic partner in enhancing the UAE labour market’s competitiveness.

Al Awar also pointed out companies’ consistent adherence to labour relations regulations and their commitment to supporting labour market initiatives. He stressed the importance of social responsibility within the private sector.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced that 6,000 rest stations would be provided for delivery workers across the UAE. An interactive map of these stations will enable workers to locate and access them easily during the Midday Break period.

The Ministry has urged all private sector companies involved in outdoor work to launch similar initiatives to ensure worker safety. Community members are encouraged to report any violations of the Midday Break by contacting MoHRE’s call centre at 600590000 or through its website or smart application.

With inputs from WAM