Government announces the start of midday break hours

Each summer, employers are required to provide workers with a shaded area to rest during the hottest hours of the day.

Companies are exempt if their work must continue during these hours, for example while repairing damaged water or petrol pipes.

Companies that break the rules face fines of Dh5,000 ($1,360) per worker, or up to a maximum of Dh50,000. Depending on the severity of the breach, the company could also have its status downgraded by the ministry.

However, employers who are exempt from the midday break hours must provide cool drinking water as well as items such as salt and lemons for their workers in accordance with health and safety regulations.

From June 15 until September 15 all work performed in the open air will be banned between the hours of 12:30 pm and 3 pm.