Midday work ban for outdoor workers in Saudi Arabia begins this week
It will last for three months
Due to the current harsh temperatures and heat that cities across Saudi Arabia are experiencing, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health have announced a Saudi midday work ban for all those working under direct sunlight.
The implementation of the ban on working under direct sunlight in all private sector establishments went into effect on Monday June 15, from 12pm to 3pm. The Saudi midday work ban will last until Tuesday September 15.
الوزارة تعلن بدء تطبيق قرار حظر العمل تحت أشعة الشمس اعتبارًا من اليوم 15 يونيو 2026. pic.twitter.com/lVcCz77LrR
— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتنمية الاجتماعية (@HRSD_SA) June 15, 2026
This decision comes as part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of workers and reduce health and occupational risks resulting from direct exposure to sunlight during periods of high temperatures.
This contributes to providing a safe and healthy work environment that complies with occupational safety and health requirements and relevant approved standards.
The Ministry called on employers to organise working hours in accordance with the decision and to implement necessary preventive measures at work sites. These measures include providing drinking water, suitable rest areas, shaded areas, and personal protective equipment, as well as educating workers about the dangers of heat stress and how to prevent it.
The Ministry also stressed the importance of monitoring workers’ physical condition during periods of high temperatures. It emphasised the crucial role of occupational safety and health officers and specialists within establishments in ensuring compliance with the decision, verifying the readiness of work sites, raising worker awareness, and implementing approved work site inspection forms and preventive procedures before commencing fieldwork.
The Ministry has also published relevant guides and instructions on its website to assist employers and safety specialists in understanding preventive requirements, managing the risks of working in hot environments, and implementing best practices to reduce injuries and occupational diseases associated with direct sun exposure.
The Ministry urged everyone to report any violations related to non-compliance with the ban on working under direct sunlight by calling the Ministry’s unified number, 19911, or through the Ministry’s application available on smart devices.
Visit: spa.gov.sa
