Construction and industrial workers are not permitted to work during the hottest hours of the day during the summer. According to Ministerial Resolution No. 44 of 2022, all work performed directly under the sun and in open places shall not be allowed between the peak hours of 12.30 pm and 3 pm from 15 June to 15 September every year.

However, some workers are exempt from the mid-day break due to the technicality involved in their jobs, which include:

1. laying asphalt or pouring concrete, in the event where it is not feasible to postpone these tasks until after the break
2. containing hazards or conducting repairs such as interruptions to water supply
3. work that requires a permit from a relevant government authority to be implemented.

Employers are required to provide shaded areas for their workers to rest during rest periods. Refer to Article 11 of Administrative Decision No. 19 of 2023 Relating to Occupational Safety and Health and Labour Accommodation (PDF, 334 KB).

Read awareness material from MoHRE relating to the mid-day break.

Read more about the 'Safety in heat' programme of Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre.