Workers get breather from summer heat as midday break begins in UAE
Workers in the UAE have started observing the mandatory mid-day break on Monday. Some headed home to have lunch, while others took naps. Overall, it was a welcome breather that powered them through the day, they told Khaleej Times.
The mid-day break policy, implemented every year, calls for a ban on work activities performed under the sun and in open places from 12.30pm to 3pm. According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, this year’s daily breaks should be given to workers until September 15.
The rule also obliges employers to provide workers with shaded areas where they can rest.
Azmee Ahmed, business development manager at Al Bharat Contracting, said workers who live near the site were allowed to go back to their accommodation during the break.
Those who can’t head home rest in shelter areas, “but they are not allowed to sit in groups like before” as part of social distancing measures in the time of Covid-19.
Mohammed Gous who works at Eco Sol’s construction site in Business Bay, said: “Today is the first day of the break and I am travelling back to my accommodation in Al Quoz now. I will have my lunch and rest for a while during this period. This time helps me unwind and regain much-needed energy.”
Naeem, who is from Pakistan, said: “The weather is getting hotter. So, this break time is for our wellbeing and I ensure that I maximise this time by resting well, so that I can go back to work with equal enthusiasm that I feel at the beginning of the day.”
Increases productivity
Fayaz Dhansay, operations manager at Eco Sol Middle East, said the mid-day break not only benefits employees but also companies.
“The midday breaks help to maintain productivity. So it works both in favour of the employees and the companies they work for. This rest benefits them as they get their energy levels back and the quality of work increases when they resume work in the second half,” Dhansay said.
Keeping workers hydrated is also one of the companies’ top priorities.
Indian worker Ram Sumer, who works at a construction site close to Bur Dubai, said that at their air-conditioned shelter, they are provided with glucose or lemon water.