UAE midday work ban to begin June 15, Minister inspects Dubai site
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, visited a Dubai construction site ahead of the implementation of the annual Midday Break.
Now in its 21st consecutive year, the Midday Break prohibits outdoor work under direct sunlight between 12.30pm and 3pm daily until September 15, as part of the UAE's commitment to worker welfare and occupational safety.
UAE outdoor work ban
During the site inspection, Dr. Al Awar, accompanied by senior officials, reviewed Khansaheb Civil Engineering's initiatives to comply with the summer safety mandate. Chairman Tariq Khansaheb detailed the company's measures, including shaded rest zones, cooling devices, and cold drinking water — all designed to safeguard labourers from the effects of extreme heat.
Dr. Al Awar praised the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and highlighted the vital role of the private sector in boosting the UAE's global labour competitiveness.
The visit also included representatives from Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Aster DM Healthcare, and National Food Product Company (NFPC), who contributed by offering workers medical check-ups, gifts, refreshments, and awareness sessions on heat exhaustion prevention.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) reiterated that employers must provide shaded areas, adequate hydration, first-aid kits, and cooling solutions at job sites during the break.
The ministry encourages community members to report any violations or non-compliance through the MoHRE call centre on 600590000, the official website, or the smart app.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Gulf Connections: When water is more precious than oil
Earlier this summer the UAE began to export the technology required to extract one of the essential commodities in the world we live in today. Not oil or gas but water. In May it was announced that the country would send 14 mobile desalination plants, which make seawater potable, to Cyprus, currently facing a water crisis exacerbated by a prolonged drought. It might seem strange, even contradictory, for a desert country, arid for much of the year, to come to the rescue of another entirely surrounded by water. But few people understand the value of water for life like those in the Emirates. Searching for water was a daily task until the 1960s. Desert wells were essential for nomadic life, while in the town of Abu Dhabi, water was obtained by digging 'scrapes' in the sand to a depth where the salinity was reduced to permit drinking. Rulers recognised the importance of water above almost everything. Sheikh Shakhbout, Ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1928 to 1966, regarded the search for clean water as equal if not important as finding oil. In the later 1950s, just as oil was being discovered in the Emirate, Sheikh Shakhbout even resorted to employing two English colonels who claimed to be water diviners, promising them generous rewards if successful. Unfortunately they were not. Technology proved a better bet. In 1961, the Ruler ordered one of the earliest examples of an industrial desalination plant from the British engineering company Richardson & Westgarth of West Hartlepool. After teething problems caused by the heat, by the following year the plant was producing 50,000 litres of clean water a day, distributed across Abu Dhabi in cans carried by donkeys. At a price of around one dirham a gallon (4.55 litres) it was more expensive than the market price of crude oil. Later a pipeline was laid to carry water from wells in Al Ain over 130 kilometres to Abu Dhabi, held in a huge water tank in Khalidiya. It can still be seen to this day. Today the UAE has about 70 desalination plants producing over 40 per cent of the country's drinking water using a process known as reverse osmosis. Abu Dhabi's Taweelah plant, operated by Emirates Water and Electricity (Ewec) is the largest of its type in the world, producing over 800,000 cubic metres a day. The expertise the UAE enjoys in water technology is now shared with the rest of the world. UAE Water Aid (Suqia UAE) was established in 2015 in Dubai to provide clean water in 10 countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Iraq. Funded by donations, in the first year alone over Dh180 million was raised across the Emirates. The annual Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award supports initiatives to support global water security with US$1 million in prize money. In the words of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai 'In our country, water is a great blessing. Our ancestors had been deprived of water, thus they knew its value.'
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro to debut with higher price tag? Here's what we know
Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 lineup is already stirring buzz among tech fans and industry watchers and a trusted leaker has just revealed some key details about storage and pricing that hint at Apple's evolving strategy. According to Setsuna Digital, known for accurate Apple leaks, the iPhone 17 Pro will finally start with 256GB of storage, doubling the base capacity from the current iPhone 16 Pro's 128GB. (For context, the larger iPhone 16 Pro Max already starts at 256GB.) Setsuna noted, 'In 2025, Pro will finally start at 256GB. This is really not easy for Apple.' While this looks like good news for users wanting more onboard storage, there's a catch: the starting price is expected to rise by $50, and subsequently in UAE's currency. That means the base iPhone 17 Pro could cost around $1,049, or possibly $1,149 if factoring in the additional $100 Apple currently charges for 256GB models. This follows a trend we've seen recently with Apple's pricing approach. For instance, the iPhone 15 Pro Max also started at 256GB storage, eliminating the 128GB entry-level option. As for the non-Pro models, the iPhone 17 is expected to maintain the same $799 starting price as the iPhone 16. However, the iPhone 17 Air, which is rumoured to replace the iPhone 16 Plus priced at $899, could cost more, possibly $949 or even $999, tech analysts say, to fill the gap left by the higher-end Pro models. Apple fans won't have to wait long to get official details, as the tech giant is widely expected to announce the iPhone 17 lineup in early September, with a likely event date around September 9.
UAE Moments
2 hours ago
- UAE Moments
The Rise of EVs in the Middle East: What to Expect in the Next 5 Years
Not too long ago, the thought of zipping through Riyadh, Dubai, or Doha in an electric vehicle (EV) felt more like a futuristic fantasy than an everyday reality. Fast-forward to today, and electric cars are quietly — and quickly — becoming part of the Gulf's traffic flow. From government incentives to ultra-fast charging stations, the Middle East is laying the groundwork for a serious EV takeover. But what exactly will the next five years look like for drivers here? 1. More Charging Stations… and Faster Ones One of the biggest roadblocks for EV adoption in the region has been the 'range anxiety' — the fear of running out of battery before you find a charger. That's about to change. Cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh are rapidly expanding EV charging networks, with ultra-fast chargers that can power up a car in under 30 minutes. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan even includes building thousands of charging points across the kingdom, making long-distance EV trips a reality instead of a risky experiment. 2. Price Drops on EV Models The first EVs in the Gulf came with a hefty price tag, but competition is heating up. Chinese brands like BYD and NIO, alongside established giants like Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, are bringing more affordable models to the region. In the next five years, expect EVs to be priced much closer to petrol cars — especially as governments continue offering tax breaks, toll exemptions, and free parking for electric vehicle owners. 3. EVs Built for the Gulf Climate Let's be real — desert heat and electric batteries haven't always been best friends. But manufacturers are now developing cooling systems designed specifically for hotter climates. By 2030, EVs in the Gulf will have better heat-resistant batteries, improved air conditioning efficiency, and solar-integrated tech that can power certain car functions without draining the main battery. 4. More EV-Only Lanes and Perks Dubai has already introduced perks like free Salik (toll) charges for EVs in certain zones. Expect this trend to grow — dedicated EV lanes, discounted registration fees, and priority parking spots could be on the horizon. These perks not only save drivers money but also push more people to make the switch. 5. Big Push for EV Public Transport The EV wave isn't just about personal cars. Electric buses, taxis, and even delivery fleets are going green. In fact, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are already trialling electric buses, while Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) aims to have a majority of its taxis electric or hybrid by the end of the decade. 6. A Surge in Used EV Markets Right now, the Gulf's EV second-hand market is tiny. But as more people buy electric cars, a flood of pre-owned EVs will hit the market, giving budget-conscious drivers a chance to join the trend without paying full price. 7. Tech-Heavy Driving Experiences If you think EVs are just about the battery, think again. The next-gen EVs are basically computers on wheels — offering AI-assisted driving, personalised climate settings, and augmented reality dashboards. In the Gulf, these features are likely to become major selling points for young drivers who want more than just a ride — they want a smart ride. The Road Ahead In just five years, the Middle East could see electric vehicles go from rare sightings to a mainstream choice for city commuters and cross-country travellers. With charging infrastructure booming, prices dropping, and tech evolving, EVs are no longer just the future — they're the present, and they're here to stay. So, whether you're in it for the planet, the tech, or simply to skip the petrol station queues, the next half-decade is going to be an exciting ride for Gulf EV drivers.
