The Standing Committee for Labour Affairs in Dubai will start a mandatory midday break from June 15 to September 15, banning the work during the afternoon in summer at exposed places where workers operate under direct sunlight, a report said.

The afternoon break will be from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm daily, reported WAM, the Emirates official news agency.

Major General Obaid Muhair Bin Surour, deputy director of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, and chairman of the Standing Committee for Labour Affairs in the emirate, said: "The committee will conduct seven patrols. There will be three inspectors in each patrol, representing the labour committee, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Dubai Municipality to ensure full enforcement of the midday ban as per regulations in this respect."

He noted the decision ensures the protection of workers and provides a safe working environment as well as occupational safety for them during their work.

Surour said in the event of violation of the afternoon work ban decision, inspectors will take necessary action. The fine of non-compliance is Dh5,000 ($1,360) per worker, and a maximum of Dh50,000 in case of multiple workers who perform work contrary to the ban, he added.

According to Bin Sorour, the committee during the inspection will direct and educate employers and workers about the decision of midday break in order to protect the rights of this category of workforce, and to avoid any violation.