RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has extended its annual midday outdoor work ban for private sector workers, keeping the restriction in place until September 15, 2026, in an effort to protect laborers from extreme summer heat.
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), the ban will remain effective from June 15 to September 15 and applies daily between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm, during which outdoor work under direct sunlight is prohibited.
The decision, implemented in coordination with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, aims to reduce heat-related occupational hazards and ensure the safety and well-being of workers across the Kingdom.
Authorities have urged employers to strictly comply with the new regulations and adjust working hours accordingly. They have also been instructed to implement necessary safety measures at work sites to prevent heat-related illnesses and accidents.
The annual restriction is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader labor protection framework, which is regularly enforced during peak summer months when temperatures in many regions rise to extreme levels.
Officials say the policy has significantly reduced heatstroke cases and workplace incidents in previous years, particularly in construction and outdoor labor sectors.
