A decision has been made by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization to begin prohibiting employment under the sun and in public spaces from June 15 to September 15, between 12:30 and 3:00 p.m.
One of the main tenets of the labor market legislation in the United Arab Emirates, according to Emirati media, is the "ban on working at noon," which has been in effect for the twentieth year in a row. Its purpose is to provide a safe working environment that complies with occupational health and safety regulations and best practices in order to prevent worker injuries and damage that may arise from working in high temperatures during the summer.
Prohibition of working at noon
The UAE Ministry noted that businesses must provide covered areas for employees to work in during the months of the ban in order to shield them from the sun during downtime or while conducting authorized business. Additionally, businesses must supply fans, enough water, humidifiers (such as salts and the like) that have been approved for use by UAE local authorities, other amenities, and first aid supplies at the workplace.
Fine for violators
Through inspection tours and reports from community members via the ministry's website and smart application, as well as through the ministry's call center at 600590000, the ministry also keeps an eye on how closely businesses adhere to the ban on working at noon.Companies that violate the law face fines of up to 50,000 dirhams for numerous infringing workers, or 5,000 dirhams for each violating worker.
The importance of adhering to the noon work ban
To make workers and employers aware of the significance of adhering to the ban on working at noon during its implementation, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, in collaboration with its partners, organizes awareness campaigns and conducts field visits to work sites.