Bahrain Summer Work Restrictions: What Employers and Contractors Need to Know
Bahrain’s annual summer work restrictions prohibit outdoor work during specified midday hours, with employers and contractors expected to plan for the operational and contractual impact of the seasonal restriction.
— 10.06.2026 04:00:00 — 12 views
Bahrain’s annual midday outdoor work restrictions are designed to protect workers from the risks associated with extreme summer temperatures and direct sunlight.
For 2026, the restriction applies from 15 June until 31 August, prohibiting outdoor work under direct sunlight and extreme heat between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Speaking to The Daily Tribune, lawyer Manal Dhahi explained that while the regulation is primarily intended to safeguard workers, it also carries important contractual and operational implications for employers and contractors, particularly in sectors such as construction where project schedules can be directly affected.
What Are Bahrain’s Summer Work Restrictions?
Under Ministerial Resolution No. 5 of 2026, employers may not require workers to perform duties in open areas under direct sunlight during the specified midday hours and seasonal period.
The restriction forms part of Bahrain’s occupational health and safety framework and is intended to reduce workers’ exposure to heat-related risks, particularly in industries where outdoor work forms a substantial part of daily operations.
Businesses operating in construction and other outdoor-intensive industries therefore need to structure working hours, manpower allocation and project schedules around the restriction.
Why Contract Documentation Matters
The summer work restriction is a recurring and predictable regulatory requirement in Bahrain.
This means that contractors and project stakeholders should account for its impact when preparing project programmes and negotiating contractual terms.
Dhahi stressed the importance of proper documentation where a contractor believes that regulatory restrictions have affected project performance or timelines.
In construction disputes, the ability to demonstrate how a restriction affected work progress can be important when seeking to enforce contractual rights or establish entitlement to an extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
For 2026, the restriction applies from 15 June until 31 August and prohibits specified outdoor work under direct sunlight and extreme heat between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Employers covered by the regulation may not require workers to perform prohibited outdoor duties during the specified hours and period.
No. The existence of the restriction does not automatically create an entitlement to additional project time. Any entitlement will depend on the contract, the applicable legal framework and the circumstances of the project.
Because the restriction is recurring and predictable, contractors should generally consider its potential impact when planning projects. Whether it provides contractual relief will depend on the provisions of the individual agreement.