Bahrain Expands Midday Work Ban to Three Months

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain has extended its annual midday work ban to three months, effective from June 15 to September 15. The move, announced by His Excellency Mr. Yousif bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, Minister of Legal Affairs and Acting Minister of Labour, underscores the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to occupational safety and public health.

Under the updated Ministerial Order No. (3) of 2013—recently amended by Order No. (11) of 2025—the regulation prohibits all outdoor work between 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m., during which temperatures and humidity levels typically peak.

“The extension from two to three months is more than just a regulatory adjustment—it is a proactive measure to safeguard the health of workers exposed to the elements,” said Minister Khalaf. “By reducing heat exposure during the most intense hours of the day, we are minimizing the risk of heat exhaustion, sunstroke, and other serious heat-related illnesses.”

The Minister added that the initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to modernize labor laws, reduce workplace injuries, and improve overall working conditions, especially during Bahrain’s searing summer months.

Enforcement of the regulation will be strict, with legal repercussions for non-compliance. In accordance with Article 192 of Law No. (36) of 2012, employers found in violation may face penalties including up to three months’ imprisonment, fines ranging from BHD 500 to BHD 1,000, or both.

This strengthened policy reinforces Bahrain’s role as a regional leader in labor rights, reflecting the nation’s broader vision of sustainable development rooted in the dignity and safety of its workforce.