Summer work ban partially enforced

A mandatory three-month summer midday work ban set for June 15 was partially enforced by local companies on Sunday to mark the fasting month of Ramadan, the semi-official daily 'Al Ittihad' reported on Monday.

“Some companies began cutting work time for their workers yesterday (Sunday) to mark the advent of Ramadan,” the paper said.

It said Muslim workers were given a shift until 12 noon while non-Muslims were asked to work until 2pm, adding that their shift would be reduced to 12 noon once the three-hour work bank is officially enforced.

The paper quoted Anmar Al Gazali, director of a housing project in Zayed Camp in Abu Dhabi, as saying the company has decided to enforce the work ban on Monday.

He said work would start at 6.00 am until 12 noon as one shift to ensure the safety of workers in line with the UAE law.

The UAE, the second largest Arab economy, began enforcing midday work ban between June 15 and Sept 15 several years ago to ensure safety for workers following reports of sun and heat strike incidents.
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf oil producers have also enforced that ban, which benefits thousands of foreign workers as they account for the majority of outdoor labour.

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