Saudi Arabia announces midday outdoor work ban from Saturday for 3 months

In an attempt to safeguard the health and wellbeing of employees, particularly those working outdoors, all work under the sun shall remain suspended for three hours daily during the hot summer months in Saudi Arabia, starting this weekend.

From Saturday, June 15, until Sunday, September 15, workers will be prohibited from working outdoors from noon until 3 p.m., according to a decision by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

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Violations of the decision can be reported through the unified number 19911 or on the ministry’s mobile application.

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology said average temperature across Riyadh, starting this Saturday, will be 44 degrees Celsius.

“This decision comes within the framework of protecting the safety and the health of those working in the private sector and to prevent anything that can lead to health dangers and provide a healthy and safe working environment for them,” the ministry said.

The ministry called upon business owners to amend their working hours in a manner that fits the decision to protect employees and prevent any untoward incident, while ensuring “improved productivity.”

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