Reminder: The UAE's Annual Summer Midday Break Rule Is Now In Force

20th June 2019

It has been confirmed by the UAE Cabinet that the UAE's annual summer midday break rule was enforced on 15th June and will run through until 15th September 2019.

What is the Midday Break Rule?

The Midday Break Rule is to protect those employees working outside. From 12:30pm - 3pm daily it is prohibited for workers to be working outside in direct sunlight.

Employer Obligations

Employers are required to:

Clearly post details of working hours during this three month period
Provide shelter for workers between 12:30pm - 3:00pm

In exceptional instances where employees need to be outside, such as for technical reasons or emergencies, employers are required to provide suitable facilities to aid their employee's health such as first aid, air-conditioners, sunshades and cold water.

What are the penalties for violations?

The authorities regularly carry out random inspections to ensure all companies are co-operating. Any companies found breaking this regulation will be fined AED5,000 per employee in violation of the rule, up to a maximum of AED50,000.

Written by Jenny Hunt, Founding Partner & CEO

Gateway Group of Companies, Abu Dhabi & Dubai UAE