Outdoor workers across Saudi Arabia remain protected by the summer midday work ban.
The rule prohibits private-sector establishments from making employees work under direct sunlight between 12 noon and 3 p.m.
It started on June 15 and will remain in force until September 15, 2026.
The restriction applies to expatriate and Saudi workers assigned to outdoor duties.
This may include people working in construction, road maintenance, cleaning, landscaping, repairs, and other jobs performed under direct sunlight.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development said the rule covers all private-sector establishments.
Employers Must Change Outdoor Schedules
The restriction does not cancel work for the entire day.
Employers may move outdoor duties to the morning, late afternoon, evening, or another safer period.
The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health said companies should also provide:
- Safe drinking water
- Suitable rest areas
- Shaded spaces
- Personal protective equipment
- Heat-safety information
- Regular checks on workers’ physical condition
Indoor duties may continue during the restricted hours if workers are not exposed to direct sunlight and the workplace meets safety requirements.
Do Not Assume Your Job Is Exempt
Some past versions of the rule allowed limited exemptions for necessary oil and gas operations, emergency maintenance, and certain areas with different weather conditions.
However, the main 2026 announcement does not provide a complete public list of current exemptions.
Workers and employers should therefore avoid assuming that a job is automatically excluded.
Even when urgent outdoor work is permitted, employers are still expected to apply protective measures against heat and sun exposure.
Companies that are unsure about their situation may seek guidance directly from the ministry.
Report Outdoor Work During Banned Hours
Workers who are ordered to perform duties under direct sunlight between noon and 3 p.m. may report the situation.
The Saudi Press Agency lists two official reporting channels:
- Call the HRSD hotline at 19911
- Submit a report through the ministry’s mobile application
Workers should provide the workplace location, company details, time of the incident, and a clear description of the outdoor task.
They should only take photos or videos when it is safe and permitted.
The ban ends after September 15, but employers must continue protecting workers from unsafe conditions whenever extreme heat is present.