Saudi Summer Midday Work Ban Ends 15 September 2026

Saudi Arabia's annual ban on outdoor work under direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day concluded nationwide on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, marking the end of the seasonal measure that protects workers during the peak summer heat.

The ban applied to all private-sector establishments across the Kingdom. Under the rules, outdoor work under direct sunlight was prohibited daily between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. The enforcement period ran for three months, from 15 June through 15 September 2026.

No fees in Saudi Riyal, applications, permits, renewals, or validity periods applied to either workers or employers. The measure also required no transaction through any government digital service, meaning employers did not need to complete any steps to comply beyond following the daily timing restriction.

Why it matters for workers

The seasonal ban is designed to reduce the risk of heat-related illness for those working outdoors during the summer, including in construction and other physically demanding fields. By halting exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, the measure helps safeguard the health and safety of the Kingdom's workforce.

Although the seasonal ban has now ended, employers remain responsible for carrying out workplace risk assessments and putting in place appropriate heat-safety measures throughout the year, not only during the summer enforcement window. Workers and employers are encouraged to continue observing sound safety practices whenever conditions require them.

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