Midday break for UAE labourers to end this week

Labourers line up to board their bus. From June 15 until September 15, labourers have a right to an extended midday break due to the extreme heat in the region. Silvia Razgova / The National

ABU DHABI // The midday work break for labourers will end on Tuesday, the Ministry of Labour has announced.

The law prevents most labourers from working under direct sunlight between 12.30pm and 3pm from June 15 to September 15, and requires companies to provide shade and water.

According to the state news agency WAM, inspectional teams will be conducting checks until the final day of the break to monitor compliance among companies.

For the past 11 years, the ministry has instituted the midday-break rule for three months during summer. It is considered one of the most important initiatives launched under the directive of Saqr Ghobash, the Minister of Labour, and UAE leadership.

The ministry thanked the government and private institutions for their support to the labourers by providing free medical check-ups, conducting self-protection courses, and distributing cold water and juices to labourers.