Here is why Saudi Arabia is imposing a 3-month ban on midday outdoor work
From the 15th of June, 2025, no outdoor work will be allowed between the hours of 12 pm and 3 pm local time in Saudi Arabia for a period of 3 months.
This is because of a new rule introduced by the government to protect workers from extreme heat during the summer.
The directive announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development will stay in place until September 15 and applies to all companies in the private sector.
The decision is meant to stop workers from being exposed to the sun during the hottest part of the day.
The ministry said this will help prevent health problems and reduce the risk of injuries caused by working in very high temperatures. Employers are being asked to change their schedules so that workers are not outdoors during the banned hours.
This step is part of a wider plan to improve safety at work and protect the well-being of employees. The rule was made in partnership with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, which focuses on improving workplace conditions across the country.
To help companies follow the new rules, the ministry has released two online guides. One offers advice on how to reduce exposure to the sun, while the other focuses on how to stay safe when working in hot weather. Both guides are available on the ministry’s official website.
People can report violations of the new rule by calling a special hotline or using a mobile app provided by the ministry. The government says it is committed to making workplaces safer, especially during the summer months when high temperatures can be dangerous for outdoor workers.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
