The annual midday work ban will return this year, prohibiting outdoor labour under direct sunlight for two and a half months, from June 15 to August 31.
The ban, now published in the Official Gazette, will be in place from noon until 4pm every day.
While the timing remains the same as last year, the overall duration has been shortened – in 2025, the ban extended until September 15.
Bahrain enforces this seasonal regulation in line with international labour standards to better safeguard workers from heat-related illnesses and injuries during the peak summer period, when temperatures and humidity reach their highest levels.
According to the provisions of the ban, employers will be required to display a schedule at the workplace specifying the daily working hours in a manner which is visible to all workers.
Labour inspectors are also expected to be out in full force to not only verify that the schedule is put up in a visible location for all to see, but also to ensure adherence to the working hours.
While the decision will cover most forms of outdoor work conducted under direct sunlight, such as construction, certain roles classified as ‘necessary work’ are exempt.
According to the Official Gazette, this exemption applies to workers in oil and gas facilities, as well as employees responsible for operating and managing essential public government services, whose duties require them to remain active during the restricted hours. “Workers performing maintenance work during emergencies are exempt on the condition that the employer notifies the Labour Ministry immediately,” the gazette added.
“Other professions such as security, supervision, and rescue roles at swimming pools and beaches, are also exempt, provided that the employer obtains prior approval from the ministry.
“Those working on maintenance of government projects that require specific deadlines are exempt on the condition that the government agency receives permission and approval from the ministry.”
The ministry has recommended employers strictly monitor employees during the period of the ban to protect them from summer-related illnesses such as heat stress and sunstroke.
It urged them to adhere to all precautions to prevent physical hazards, reduce working hours, adopt a shift system and rotate workers whenever possible.
“Employers should allocate a safe and well-equipped rest area and increase rest periods,” the Official Gazette stated.
“Provide workers with the necessary fluids and encourage them to drink regularly and in appropriate quantities.
“Provide umbrellas and suitable ventilation to workers, along with proper clothing and personal protective equipment suitable for working conditions.
“Ensure there is a system that offers access to necessary medical assistance in the event of heat stress and sunstroke.”
The GDN reported last year in September that the annual midday outdoor work ban saw a 99.97 per cent compliance in 2025, with only 10 establishments found violating the rule.
The Labour Ministry conducted 35,050 visits to check compliance as part of intensive inspection campaigns. It also ran awareness campaigns and workshops with health and safety officials from private sector establishments to educate workers on precautions against heat-related risks and established a hotline to receive reports or complaints about any violations during the ban period.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))