Saudi Health Bodies Boost Summer Heat Safety Drive

Saudi health and labor authorities have stepped up their nationwide summer awareness campaign on heat stress and outdoor work safety, aiming to reduce heat-related illness among residents and workers across the Kingdom. The effort is led by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), with weather alerts from the National Meteorological Center.

Through its seasonal "Summer Heat" and "Seasonal and Festival Health" programs, MoH is publishing public guidance on recognizing heat illness, first aid, hydration, clothing, and sun protection. Current advice includes staying in the shade between roughly 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., wearing lightweight light-colored clothing, using sunscreen, covering the head, wearing sunglasses, drinking fluids regularly without waiting for thirst, and never leaving children in cars.

For heat exhaustion or heat stroke, MoH recommends moving the affected person to a cool place, loosening or removing outer clothing, cooling the body with water, cold compresses or wet coverings, using a fan or air conditioner, and calling the emergency number 997 for Red Crescent help if symptoms are severe or persist.

Midday work ban for the private sector

MHRSD enforces a summer midday work ban on outdoor tasks under direct sunlight for private-sector employees. For 2026, the ban runs from 15 June to 15 September, daily from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Employers must apply occupational safety measures including work and rest cycles, shaded rest areas, gradual heat acclimatization, worker training on heat illness, rotation schedules, scheduling hot tasks at cooler times, and continuous on-site drinking water.

Guidance for Hajj and outdoor religious activity urges avoiding direct sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., using umbrellas while moving between holy sites, drinking water every 15 to 20 minutes, wearing light breathable clothes, and avoiding hot surfaces and climbing elevated areas. A multilingual Hajj Health Awareness Kit offering heat-risk advice in eight languages is also in active use for pilgrims and volunteers.

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