The UAE’s Ministry of Labour is set to implement its mandatory midday work break rule on Saturday and has warned companies that they face fines of AED15,000 for each violation.
The summer regulations, which run until September 15, apply each day from 12.30-3pm, Maher Hamad Al Obed, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection Affairs at the Ministry, said.
He said in comments published by news agency WAM that the work ban was part of the UAE’s keenness to improve conditions for labourers.
In accordance with the midday break decision issued by Saqr Ghobash, Labour Minister, companies will give two-and-half hour breaks to workers employed in open places such as construction sites.
The ministry’s decision also states that the daily working hours should not exceed eight hours in the morning or night shifts, and that overtime should be paid for any additional hours.
Works which must continue non-stop for technical reasons are exempted from the afternoon work ban, the ministry said, adding that in these cases employers must provide health and safety facilities for workers.
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