Metro Red Line set for midday work ban exemption

RTA have requested an exemption from the midday labour ban for the Metro

By Soren Billing

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has requested that the Dubai Metro’s Red Line be exempt from the UAE’s summer midday work ban, as contractors try to meet the project’s September 9 deadline.

Workers building the Dubai Metro’s stations may have to keep working in the sweltering midday summer heat after the RTA requested an exemption from the ban.

A senior RTA official confirmed that an application has been submitted to the Ministry of Labour (MoL) but said that a decision was still pending.

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However, according to an internal e-mail sent out on Tuesday and seen by Arabian Business, an exemption from the rule has been granted for the project’s Red Line, which is due to open on September 9.

A ministry spokesperson was not available for comment.

Permission was granted “to expedite the completion of the project” on condition that contractors provide workers with water, oral rehydration salts, first aid kits, fans and enough ventilation, according to the e-mail.

The UAE’s midday work ban is effective between 12.30-3pm from July 1 through to August 31 and MoL is employing 70 inspectors this year to ensure that the rules are followed.

Persistent offenders can face increased charges for government services such as administration and visa fees. In severe cases, companies can also face being denied the right to obtain work permits for at least six months.

A consortium led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is responsible for building the Dubai Metro.