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The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has reinitiated the Midday Break Decree for the 12th consecutive year, preventing any sort of duty under direct sunlight between 12:30 - 15:00 for three months from June 15th to September 16th.

Saqr bin Ghubash Saeed Ghubash, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, said that the Decree is based on general safety and health procedures which the UAE adopts to prevent any sort of work related injuries, in accordance with international standards.

Ghobash pointed out that working hours should be divided into two timings; morning and night shifts, 8 hours daily. If labourers face overtime, then they must be compensated according to the laws.

The ruling also requires employers to post a clear schedule informing workers of their daily working hours during the period, plus provide shelter for them during the resting periods.

Employers are urged to provide all necessary health kits to help workers exposed to hazards and dangerous tools, in addition to following safety instructions and distributing awareness leaflets to both employers and labourers to promote such awareness.

Violators will be fined AED5,000 per person found working during the break hours, up to a maximum AED50,000 if the case involves a large number of workers. The company will be downgraded with considerations of temporally stopping its right to function.

For exceptional cases which require work continuation during those periods for technical reasons, Humaid bin Deemas, Labour Affairs Assistant Under-Secretary, launched a Decree stating that employers must supply workers with all facilities that cater to their health, including first aid, air-conditioners, sunshades and cold water.