Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the implementation of the Midday Break, prohibiting work under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm, from 15 June to 15 September 2025.
According to Emirates News Agency, this marks the 21st consecutive year of the Midday Break, which is rooted in a sustainability-centred approach that aligns with the UAE’s commitment to providing a safe working environment based on international best practices and occupational health and safety standards. The initiative is designed to protect workers from injuries and illnesses caused by high temperatures during the summer months.
Mohsin Ali Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection and Compliance at MoHRE, stated, “The Midday Break has achieved a record compliance rate of more than 99% for several years in a row,” highlighting the deeply ingrained social and humanitarian values within the UAE business community and private sector. This also reflects the high level of awareness regarding the importance of protecting human capital and the commendable nature of labour regulations and practices in the UAE, particularly concerning occupational health and safety.
Al Nassi emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to raising awareness among establishments and workers about the importance of adhering to the Midday Break provisions through field visits by inspectors to workplaces and labour accommodations. This initiative aims to enhance awareness of occupational health and safety requirements and protect workers from heat-related illnesses.
Dalal Alshehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection at MoHRE, noted that the Midday Break exemplifies constructive partnerships between the Ministry, the private sector, and the wider community, with many partners developing initiatives to support workers during the break. She added, “This reinforces the principle of social responsibility and ensures the success of our awareness strategies, further embedding humanitarian values in the UAE’s work environment,” in line with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.
Alshehhi praised private sector establishments for providing fully equipped rest areas for workers during the Midday Break, demonstrating their commitment to workers’ wellbeing. She urged all private sector establishments to adopt similar initiatives, which positively impact workers’ health and productivity.
Under the Midday Break terms, companies must provide necessary supplies and arrangements, including shaded areas and appropriate cooling equipment, such as fans and hydration supplements, along with other amenities and first-aid supplies at the worksite.
The regulations consider the need for continuity in certain types of work serving public interests. Exemptions apply to tasks that must continue uninterrupted for technical reasons, such as laying asphalt or pouring concrete, or work addressing hazards or repair issues affecting the community.
MoHRE assesses companies’ compliance with the Midday Break requirements through its monitoring system during the initiative’s duration. The Ministry encourages reports of harmful practices or violations from the community via its call centre, website, or smart application. Companies found in violation will face fines of AED5,000 per worker per breach, up to a maximum of AED50,000.
The Ministry plans to escalate awareness campaigns and field visits, in coordination with public and private sector partners, to educate workers and employers about the Midday Break provisions and the necessity of compliance.