What is the midday break rule for outdoor work in the UAE?
From 15 June to 15 September each year, outdoor work under the sun stops between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm. MOHRE's guidance applies it to all work in open places, and requires employers to provide shaded rest areas, cooling equipment, drinking water and first aid. Some continuous work is exempt.
On this page
Exemptions
Laying asphalt or pouring concrete when it cannot be finished after the break, work to contain hazards or repair damage affecting the community such as a water supply cut, and work that needs a permit from a government authority.
Planning site work around it
Two and a half hours a day of outdoor work move or disappear for three months. Contractors usually start earlier and shift indoor tasks into the break. Concrete pours that must continue through it need the exemption conditions met and the shade, water and cooling provisions in place.
Reporting and how SupaJack Construct helps
Violations can be reported to MOHRE on 600590000, in the MOHRE app or on its website. Shift schedules can carry a summer split shift with the break unpaid and outside working hours, so attendance and overtime are calculated on the hours actually worked.
Related tools and guides
See the UAE labour law guide for contractors, the final settlement calculator, the gratuity calculator, the annual leave calculator, the unpaid leave deduction calculator, payroll and WPS in SupaJack Construct, time and attendance and the meaning of basic salary.
Worked example
A crew normally works 7:00 to 17:00 with an hour's lunch. From 15 June the contractor runs 6:00 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 17:30, giving the same 9 hours of work, with the 12:30 to 15:00 break in a shaded rest area with water.
Questions people ask
What are the hours of the break?
12:30 pm to 3:00 pm.
Which dates does it cover?
15 June to 15 September each year.
Is concrete pouring allowed during the break?
Yes, if it cannot be completed after the break.