The midday work ban in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia that came into effect on June 15 has come to an end.
The ban on working in open spaces and under direct sunlight from 12:30 pm to 3 pm ends on Friday, September 15.
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Development (MHRSD) said that the decision ended with a compliance rate of establishments reaching 95 percent during 2023, compared to 93 percent in 2022.
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) said only 59 violations, with a total of 130 workers involved had been caught during this year’s midday break initiative.
Employees will now continue their normal working hours as before the peak summer season.
About midday work ban
The decision has been keeping in mind the safety and security of the employees. This initiative protects them from sun exposure, heat exhaustion and sunstroke, among other health problems that occur during extreme heat.
Employers are instructed by the ministry to organize working hours to create healthy and safe working conditions for employees.
Employers were also required to provide a shaded area for workers to rest during breaks.
