There were 187 violations of the UAE midday break rule reported over summer, marking a 99.72 percent compliance rate, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

The UAE’s three-month midday break rule, from June 15 until September 15, curbs most construction work between 12.30pm and 3pm.

Duty under direct sunlight is prohibited during these times, although there are some exceptions for specialised tasks.

Assistant Under-Secretary for Inspectional Affairs, Maher Al-Obed, praised those companies that adhered to the rule, which is designed to protect workers from the high temperatures over the summer months.

“We carried out 66,302 inspectional visits, of which 10040 were made in Abu Dhabi, 7062 in Al Ain, 13569 in Dubai, 7197 in Sharjah, 7522 in Ajman, 7847 in Ras Al Khaimah, 4275 in Umm Al Qaiwain and 8790 in Fujairah,” he is reported as saying by the UAE state news agency WAM.

Employers violating the rule face fines of AED5,000 ($1,361) per person found working during the break hours, up to a maximum of AED50,000 where a large number of workers is involved. Companies also face being downgraded or having their operations suspended.

This year marks the 12th consecutive year that the midday break has been in force.