Bahrain’s Midday Outdoor Work Ban Ends After Successful Summer Implementation
Ashwini Gambo
Manama: Bahrain’s annual midday outdoor work ban officially ends today, marking the conclusion of a three-month initiative aimed at safeguarding labourers from the extreme summer heat. In effect since June 15, the regulation prohibited outdoor work in open spaces and under direct sunlight between 12 noon and 4pm the hottest hours of the day.
Implemented by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), the seasonal ban is a key component of Bahrain’s occupational safety measures and has been widely credited with reducing heat-related illnesses and improving working conditions during the peak summer months. The initiative applies primarily to construction and outdoor labour sectors and is strictly enforced with site inspections and penalties for non-compliance.
Officials praised the high level of compliance observed this year, crediting both employers and workers for adhering to the guidelines and prioritising health and safety. As temperatures begin to ease in mid-September, outdoor work can now resume during all daylight hours though authorities continue to urge employers to implement heat stress management practices as needed.
The midday work ban remains a critical annual intervention in Bahrain’s broader commitment to labour welfare and environmental risk mitigation, especially as the region continues to face increasingly intense summer temperatures.
