Ministry of Labour Oman clarifies midday work ban timeline

The Ministry of Labour Oman has issued a public clarification stating that the annual midday work ban for construction sites and open work areas has not yet come into effect, countering misleading information circulating on social media platforms.

In a notice dated May 4, 2026, the ministry said videos and posts claiming the ban is already active are inaccurate. Authorities confirmed that the regulation is enforced every year from the beginning of June until the end of August, between 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM.

The seasonal restriction is aimed at protecting workers from extreme summer heat, particularly those employed at construction sites and outdoor workplaces across Oman.

“The annual midday work ban is implemented every year from June through the end of August, during the period from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM,” the ministry said in its statement.

The ministry also urged the public to rely on official communication channels for updates and to avoid sharing unverified information that could create confusion within the community.

The clarification comes as Gulf countries continue to strengthen workplace safety measures during the summer months, when temperatures in the region can rise sharply and pose health risks to outdoor workers.