His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, continued reviewing the private sector’s compliance with the Midday Break – a ban on working under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces from 12:30 to 3:00 pm – which went into effect on 15 June and is set to continue until 15 September.

Accompanied by leading officials from the Ministry, Al Awar paid a visit to a construction site belonging to Binghatti Developers on Friday (5 July), in an effort to assess the level of commitment among private sector companies to fulfilling the requirements of the Midday Break, which is being implemented in the UAE for the 20th consecutive year, with the aim of creating a safe environment for workers, ensuring their health and safety amid rising summer temperatures.

The initiative requires companies to provide shaded areas for workers during the Midday Break to protect them from heat stress caused by sun exposure while working. Companies must also provide adequate cooling, sufficient drinking water to prevent dehydration, first aid equipment at work sites, and other means to ensure workers’ comfort.

His Excellency was joined by Eng. Muhammad Binghatti, Chairman of Binghatti Developers, during his visit, which included an overview of the key initiatives adopted by the company to protect its workers and provide a decent and safe working environment for them.

The Minister praised Binghatti’s initiatives, applauding the significant commitment seen among private sector companies across the UAE to the health and safety standards set by MoHRE, which were implemented at work sites and labour accommodation facilities across several parts of the country in collaboration with its partners in the federal and local government sectors.

In June, Al Awar had visited a construction site belonging to Sobha Realty to assess their preparations before the Midday Break went into effect, where he toured the rest areas and was briefed on the health and safety standards adopted by the company.

Inspection teams from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation continue to conduct field visits to work sites in order to ensure companies’ compliance with the Midday Break, in parallel with organising awareness campaigns to highlight the initiative’s provisions and requirements, conducting medical examinations for workers, and offering training to outdoor worksite supervisors on first aid procedures, with a focus on addressing heat stress-related cases, in collaboration with the Ministry’s partners in the government and private sectors.

The Midday Break this year is implemented simultaneously with another initiative to provide 6,000 rest stations for delivery workers across the UAE, along with an interactive map of these stations to enable workers to easily locate and access them. MoHRE is implementing the initiative in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); Integrated Transport Centre in Abu Dhabi; the Departments of Economic Development in each emirate, and delivery companies across the country.

The Ministry urged community members to report any irresponsible practices or violations of the Midday Break by contacting MoHRE’s call centre at 600590000, or through its website or smart application.