No one is allowed to work in the direct sunlight for three hours every day over the next three months…

Many of you may not know, but it’s actually illegal for people to work outside in the sun from 12.30pm to 3pm throughout the summer – and that ban starts this Thursday.

Yes, from June 15 to September 15, all construction workers or employees who have to be outside in direct sunlight will have to have a mandatory break between 12.30pm to 3pm.

This is good news for those who work outside, but it’s also a firm sign that the worst of summer is ahead of us. According to data harvested from the Dubai Meteorological office, the average high in June is 39.7 degrees Celsius, in July it’s 41.2 degrees Celsius, in August it’s 41.4 degrees Celsius, and then in September it drops to 39.1 degrees Celsius (but it tends to be a lot stickier in September, with the average humidity in that month 60%).

“The committee will conduct seven patrols,” major general Obaid Muhair Bin Surour, said of how the midday ban will be enforced.

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“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 said.

Companies that don’t respect the ban will be fined Dhs5,000 per worker to a maximum of Dhs50,000 in the case of multiple workers.

The Ministry of Human Resources has a very helpful hotline – every time we’ve called we’ve managed to gather all of the information we needed, and quickly – so we’d call them if you have any questions on the above: (800) 66473.

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Photo: Getty Images