Saudi Arabia To Enforce Midday Outdoor Work Ban Starting June 15

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) announced that a midday outdoor work ban will be in force for all private sector establishments, starting June 15. As per the rule, working under direct sunlight from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm will be banned. The rule remains in effect until September 15. The initiative aims to protect workers from heat-related injuries and illnesses.

Employers are urged by the ministry to adjust working hours in line with this decision, which seeks to ensure a safe work environment and improve occupational safety measures. To support implementation, MHRSD has published both the Procedural Guide for Occupational Safety and Health to Prevent the Effects of Exposure to Sunlight and the Advisory Guide for Working in Hot Environments on its website, enabling employers to apply the relevant guidelines. Notably, violations related to the ban can be reported by contacting the ministry’s unified number (19911) or through the ministry’s application.