What must a UAE employer provide when work continues through the midday break?
Article 11 of Administrative Decision No. 19 of 2023 allows only listed technical work to continue between 12:30 and 3:00 pm in summer, and requires the employer to provide enough cold drinking water, hydration fluids approved by the health authorities, first aid materials, sufficient air conditioning, and canopies and sunshades on site.
On this page
Which work may continue
Concrete pouring and asphalt mixing that cannot be completed in the afternoon; repairs to avert dangers such as water, sewer, power, gas or petroleum cuts and major road blockages; and projects whose permit from the authorities requires work around the clock because of their impact on traffic and services.
Shade for everyone else
All employers must provide shaded rest areas during the break. The midday break applies from 15 June to 15 September each year.
Where SupaJack Construct fits
SupaJack Construct does not include a safety or incident module. Inspection records with dates and attached documents sit with each project, and HR records hold each worker's documents, which a safety officer can use alongside a dedicated safety system.
Related tools and guides
See the answers on what counts as grave danger, the midday break, work injury compensation, who pays for injury treatment, leaving company accommodation and written work rules, plus the UAE labour law guide for contractors and quality and handover in SupaJack Construct.
Worked example
A contractor must finish a 400 cubic metre slab pour that starts at 6:00 and runs to 16:00. It may continue through the break. It sets up shaded rest tents, air-conditioned cabins, cold water and electrolyte drinks, and keeps a first aid kit and trained first aider at the pour.
Questions people ask
Can concrete pouring continue?
Yes, if it cannot be completed in the afternoon.
Must hydration fluids be provided?
Yes, ones approved by the health authorities.
Do non-exempt crews stop?
Yes, between 12:30 and 3:00 pm.