In the UAE, employees have specific rights regarding breaks during work hours. According to the Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on Employment Relations, employees are entitled to breaks that are crucial for maintaining productivity and well-being.

Break Rights for Employees

  1. Minimum Break Duration: Employees must receive at least one hour of break time during their workday. This time can be divided into smaller intervals if necessary.
  2. Consecutive Work Hours: An employee cannot work for more than five consecutive hours without taking a break. This regulation ensures that employees have time to rest and recharge.
  3. Breaks Not Counted as Working Hours: Importantly, these breaks do not count as part of the official working hours, meaning they are additional to the standard work schedule.

Maximum Working Hours

According to Article 17(1) of the Employment Law, the maximum working hours for employees in the UAE are:

  • 8 hours per day
  • 48 hours per week

Any work beyond these limits qualifies for overtime payment, ensuring that employees are compensated fairly for extended hours.

Employer Obligations

Employers must adhere to these regulations. If an employer requires an employee to work more than eight hours without proper breaks or overtime compensation, it constitutes a violation of the law.

Steps to Take if Rights Are Violated

If your employer restricts your break times or requires you to work beyond legal limits without compensation:

  1. Discuss Your Rights: Approach your employer and reference the legal requirements regarding breaks and working hours.
  2. Document Violations: Keep records of instances where your break rights were denied.
  3. File a Complaint: If discussions do not resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). They will investigate and help settle disputes between employers and employees.

Conclusion

As an employee in a mainland UAE company, you have clear rights regarding breaks during your work hours. You are entitled to at least one hour of break time after five consecutive hours of work, and your total working hours should not exceed eight per day or forty-eight per week. If your employer does not comply with these regulations, take appropriate action by discussing your rights or filing a complaint with MOHRE.

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