With temperatures rising and heat intensifying, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has announced a mid-day work ban across the country, effective June 15, 2025.

In collaboration with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, the ban prohibits working directly under the sun between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. This applies to “all private-sector establishments from Sunday, 19 Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH (15 June 2025) until Sunday 23 Rabiʿ al-Awwal 1447 AH (15 September 2025),” the notification stated. 

The HR Ministry shared, “this decision comes within the framework of preserving the safety and health of workers in the private sector, sparing them from conditions that may endanger their health, and providing them with a healthy and safe work environment in accordance with international standards for occupational safety and health.”

All the private sector employers have been directed to adjust working hours in line with this decision.

 “..this decision contributes to a safe work environment free from various risks, and raising the level of efficiency and means of prevention to reduce occupational injuries and diseases and protect workers from accidents—an effort reflected in improving and increasing productivity..Violations of the mid-day work ban can be reported by calling the Ministry’s unified number (19911) or via its mobile application,” it added.

The employers can check compliance guidelines including, Procedural Guide for Occupational Safety and Health to Prevent the Effects of Exposure to Sunlight and Heat Stress, and Advisory Guide for Working in Hot Environments, available on the Ministry’s official website to ensure compliance. 

You may also like:

• 30% workers in UAE and KSA still prefer working alone despite rising WFO: Gensler Report
• Sharjah approves ‘care leave’ of 1-year paid leave for working mothers; Here’s what it means
• Sobha Realty announces 120 days maternity leave to boost talent retention
• GPSSAAE classifies daily commute accidents as work-related injuries
• Is everyone in the UAE getting free access to ChatGPT Plus? Here’s what the official deal says

The mid-day work ban during peak summer months is a common practice across Gulf nations to protect outdoor workers from occupational injuries and health risks. Temperatures in countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and others can exceed 50°C, putting workers at risk of heat stress and exhaustion due to the extreme conditions. 

The UAE, the Sultanate of Oman, and Kuwait have already implemented the mid-day work ban, with others expected to follow suit. In addition, governments and employers across the region are required to take precautions to protect workers from heat exhaustion.

Common measures include providing shaded or covered rest areas during banned hours, allowing indoor or sheltered work, and using temperature-control methods such as reflective roofing, screens, sprinklers, or misting fans.

Employers are also encouraged to provide appropriate protective gear or uniforms, ensure regular refreshment breaks, and offer access to emergency healthcare support.