The ban on working under direct sunlight and in open areas at midday has become one of the fundamental pillars of a comprehensive system of legislation and laws aimed at protecting workers in the UAE and upholding their rights.
The initiative forms part of the efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) to provide a suitable work environment that meets the highest health and occupational safety standards, in a bid to protect workers from injuries and illnesses on the job that can be caused by high temperatures in the summer, including heat strokes and heat stress.
The midday work ban is being implemented for the 19th consecutive year, reflecting a comprehensive vision centred around the humanitarian standards entrenched in the UAE, and focusing on enhancing workers' health and safety as a top priority.
We are already past the midpoint in this year's ban, which started on 15 June and is set to continue until 15 September. Nevertheless, inspection rounds have revealed great awareness among establishments operating across the country, and a deep commitment on their part to implementing the ban. This initiative is one of the most significant milestones for labour in the UAE, underlining the successful partnership between the MoHRE and the private sector.
Establishments' commitment to the ban is evident in the positive impact it has had on the sustainability and productivity of various sectors. It falls under the range of social and humanitarian initiatives that these establishments carry out in partnership with the Ministry, the most recent of which was the initiative to set up 356 resting areas for delivery workers across all seven emirates.
