TL;DR:
- Bahrain enforces a
summer midday work ban from 12 noon to 4pm between June 15 and September 15, aimed at protecting outdoor workers from heat-related health risks. - This regulation, under Ministerial Resolution No. (3) of 2013 and amended by Resolution No. (11) of 2025, has achieved near-total compliance (99.96%) in 2025 with only six violations recorded.
- Violators face penalties including fines between BD 500 and BD 1,000 and/or imprisonment up to three months. The ban reflects Bahrain’s commitment to international labour standards for worker safety during the hottest hours.
Bahrain’s Ministry of Labour announced a near-total compliance rate of 99.96% with the kingdom’s annual summer midday work ban, which prohibits outdoor work under direct sunlight from 12 noon to 4pm between June 15 and September 15. Established under Ministerial Resolution No. (3) of 2013 and recently updated by Resolution No. (11) of 2025, the ban aims to protect workers from heat stress, sunstroke, and other heat-related illnesses during the region’s hottest months. With stringent enforcement backed by penalties such as fines up to BD 1,000 and imprisonment, the policy aligns with Bahrain’s dedication to safeguarding labour rights and occupational health.
Overview of Bahrain’s summer midday work ban
What the law states
- Ministerial Resolution No. (3) of 2013, amended by Resolution No. (11) of 2025, legally mandates a ban on outdoor work under direct sunlight from 12 noon to 4pm, effective between June 15 and September 15 annually.
- The regulation covers all sectors involving outdoor labour to reduce exposure to dangerous heat conditions during peak summer hours.
- It reflects compliance with international labour standards and supports efforts to create safer workplaces amid rising temperatures due to climate change.
Enforcement and penalties
- The Ministry of Labour conducts extensive site inspections, having performed over 17,600 visits during the 2025 enforcement period.
- Only six violations affecting 12 workers were recorded so far, resulting in a 99.96% compliance rate, deemed a significant success by Ministry officials.
- Violations may incur:
- Fines between BD 500 and BD 1,000
- Imprisonment for up to three months
- Or both, according to Article 192 of Law No. (36) of 2012 (Labour Law for the Private Sector).
- A hotline (32265727) has been established for the public to report violations, strengthening community involvement in enforcement.
Ministry and leadership statements
- Assistant Undersecretary Aqeel Abdul Ali BuHussain praised private sector commitment to worker safety, noting that high compliance reduces heat-related illnesses and boosts productivity.
- Minister of Legal Affairs and Acting Minister of Labour Yousif bin Abdulhussain Khalaf has highlighted the ban’s extension from two to three months (starting 2025) as a proactive measure to protect workers during the intensest heat periods.
- The Ministry also emphasizes education, providing awareness campaigns, multilingual guides, and safety workshops to employers and workers.
- The policy is part of a larger strategy to modernize labour laws, improve occupational health and safety, and align Bahrain with global workplace standards.
Broader context
- The ban aligns with international data identifying heat stress as a growing cause of lost working hours globally.
- Bahrain’s move mirrors similar bans across the GCC, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE, reflecting regional efforts to protect workers amid harsh climates.
Bahrain’s rigorous enforcement of the summer midday work ban reflects the country’s strong commitment to worker health and safety amid increasingly challenging climate conditions. With near-perfect compliance and clearly defined legal consequences, the Ministry of Labour has demonstrated effective governance in protecting outdoor workers from heat-related risks. The ongoing efforts in education, awareness, and comprehensive oversight not only safeguard labour rights but also contribute to a more sustainable and productive workforce. As Bahrain continues to adapt its labour policies in line with international standards, this midday work ban serves as a model for occupational safety in hot climates regionally and globally.
