Part of the allure in working in the Middle East is its unique taxation system (or the lack of it, at least back then). Because there’s no income tax to be deducted from one’s earnings, migrant workers have a considerably bigger take-home pay as compared to what they would earn from their home countries or elsewhere.
However, as the oil industry has taken a hit in recent years, many countries in the Middle East are now looking for adjunct sources of revenues by boosting non-petrol industries such as tourism and agriculture, and through the placement of indirect taxes such as value-added tax (VAT).
Credits: Phillip Ingham | Flickr
Oman Looks to Impose New Indirect Tax to Raise Revenues
In this regard, Oman is set to impose a new tax on sugary drinks and tobacco products starting June 15, as the nation seeks to boost state revenues strained by years of low oil prices, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.
According to the update, a 100% excise tax will be introduced for tobacco products, energy drinks and meat, while a 50% tax will be applied on carbonated drinks.
According to Sulaiman bin Salim Al Aadi, director general of survey and tax agreements, the excise tax is a form of ‘consumption tax’ and is considered to be indirect taxes. Thus, the final charge is on the consumers, but it is collected in advance at a stage of the supply chain, notably through the business sectors.
Of note, Oman has been slow in implementing fiscal reforms aimed at limiting the widening of its budget deficit, while it has increasingly relied on external funding – through bonds and loans – to refill its state funds.
The sultanate earlier expressed its intention to introduce a 5 percent value-added tax back in 2018, but has been deferred ultimately, and is now expected to start by next year.
S&P Global Ratings noted in April that any further delays in implementation, along with a scenario of lower oil prices, pose downside risks to the assumption of narrower fiscal deficits relative to 2015-2017.
At the beginning of the year, the national government revealed that it expected its budget deficit to be 2.8 billion rials (USD 7.27 billion) this year, or 9% of the sultanate’s gross domestic product.
While the new law is expected to boost the government’s revenues, it will also promote a price spike in the country, which is ultimately shouldered by the consumers. However, we need to take a look at it in the positive, because the “indirect tax” the people will pay for what they consume, will ultimately keep the overall economy afloat, which benefits the residents themselves in the long run.
As opposed to what some people think of the Middle East, the region is made up of different unique countries with their own cultural identities and distinct traditions.
If you’re planning to visit the region, or the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in particular, there are some considerations or things that you need to keep in mind so that you can enjoy what the Kingdom has to offer to the fullest. This short guide will help you gain some insight on what you can expect about life in Saudi Arabia.
5 Reasons to Visit Saudi Arabia
As the Kingdom has now begun to open to visitors, as reflected by the government’s decision to issue tourist visas, there’re plenty of good reasons why foreign nationals should go visit the Kingdom at least once in their lives, but in this post, we’ll only share our top 5:
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
It’s a Spiritual Haven for Muslims.
Part of the travel experience is to get a closer look at the worldviews and traditions of the people in the place that you’re visiting, and Saudi Arabia is no exemption to the rule. Mecca and Medina are Islam’s holiest cities, cherished by over 1 billion Muslims around the globe.
Mecca is home to the Kaaba, the cubical building that was first built by Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael, while Medina has the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad, who Muslims believe is the final messenger of God in a long chain of messengers including Moses and Jesus.
Despite these two cities being off-limits to non-Muslims, they are a must-see for believers of the faith. The spirituality, history, and the sense of unity you get from this visit can be overwhelmingly emotional if not empowering.
This is even more emphasized during Hajj, when as many as 3 million Muslims gather for a deeply personal – yet collective – experience, a journey in which all become equal before Allah.
Credits: ActiveSteve/Flickr
It Offers a Rare Glimpse of Pre-Islamic Arabia
Saudi has astonishing pre-Islamic sites, including three recent discoveries that changed how we understand history: Al-Magar in the south, estimated to be around 9,000 years old; an 85,000 year-old human footprint; and the mind-boggling Phironic inscription of Ramses III found in the north.
Alternatively, you can also explore an array of pre-Islamic rock art in Hail province covering 10,000 years of history, or see the astonishing 111 monumental tombs of Mada’in Saleh, an all-time favourite for travellers. The sheer size of the tombs and the level of craft work is enough to create inspiration from the Kingdom’s immensely rich culture and history.
Credits: Wajahat Mahmood/Flickr
There’s Much Diversity to Enjoy
Let’s take a look at the figures: around one-third of the population in the Kingdom is composed of a multitude of nationalities from around the globe, as local citizens are diverse, coming from very different backgrounds, as well. This can be observed as you travel across the Kingdom.
Saudi also has a diverse history: from sites related to local rulers, such as the Barzan area in Hail, Shubra palace in Taif, and the very popular Masmak Fort in Riyadh, to sites related to Islam’s grand empires, including a dam from the Umayyad Empire, the Abbasid Darb Zubayada, and the Ottoman castle of Tabuk.
Credits: prilfish/Flickr
Scuba-Diving is a Specialty in the Kingdom
Looking onto the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia offers an endless array of beaches, many of which are still hidden and untouched. Local guides now offer boat trips from cities such as Jeddah, Yanbu and Al-lith, with a number of sites having shipwrecks, some even dating to ancient times.
Unbeknownst to many, the Red Sea offers top diving experiences, warm temperatures and great visibility. Out in the sea, you can encounter sharks, barracudas, rays, turtles, morays and a plethora of colourful reef-dwelling fish. Dolphins can also be commonly spotted while sailing.
With a mega project on the Red Sea coast already in the pipeline, Saudi Arabia is looking to give competitors a serious run for their money.
Tip: While you’re out frolicking in the beaches, it’s also a great idea to go bird watching as the both the Red Sea and the Gulf coasts are home to some exquisite avian species located in the region.
Credits: marviikad/Flickr
There’s Much Greenery than Meets the Eye.
It’s a well-known fact that Saudi Arabia is a famous Kingdom in the desert, but there’s more to it than meets the eye, including a variety of landscapes and environments where there’re actually plenty of greeneries! If you’re cynical about it, be sure to check out the mountains in in the west and south where you’ll discover amazing locations for lovers of nature, history, heritage and photography.
Commune with nature when you visit mountain cities such as Taif, Baha and Tabuk (where it snows!) – a stark contrast with the common images of the Saudi desert.
However, if you’re all about the most stunning sceneries Saudi nature has to offer, then it would be great for you to visit the city of Abha in the south, with its breathtaking over-the-clouds views in Saudi’s highest peak, Jabal Sawda. Furthermore, Abha has been chosen as the capital of Arab tourism in 2017, and offers a number of parks, historic sites and festivals, which makes it a trip not to be missed!
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as ancient and enchanting as it may sound, has been known for many things – most of which have something to do with the Kingdom’s unique culture and traditions. Other than being the holy destination for hajj, an obligation among Muslims at least once in their lifetime, the Kingdom is also known for its beautiful architecture as seen in their masjids (mosques) and ancient palaces, where the people of the Kingdom’s high society used to dwell.
Most of what remained of these buildings though have either been converted into museums or preserved as places for national heritage. In this post, we will take a look at one of the Kingdom’s preserved heritage sites, the King Abdul Aziz Palace in the province of Makkah.
Credits: Saudi Tourism Authority
King Abdul Aziz Palace: A Feat of Great Design & Rich History
Perhaps one of the oldest and most significant locations in terms of history and architectural value throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the King Abdul Aziz Palace in Al-Muwayh in Makkah province, which was built in as early as 1357 — a structure of stone in an ancient Islamic architectural style amid the ruins of mud houses.
The palace had been the residence of the founder of Saudi Arabia, King Abdul Aziz. According to historical records, King Abdul Aziz used to rest in it during his trips between Riyadh and Makkah on his way to Hajj, Umrah or summer vacation.
Furthermore, according to the King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), the palace occupied an area of 14,850 square meters and played a significant role in turning the arid desert into a modern city with decent living standards that it is today.
Al-Muwayh, a name derived from the Arabic word “Ma’a” which means water, is 180 kilometres east of Taif. As per records, King Abdul Aziz rested in this village several times during his quest to unite the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Whenever King Abdul Aziz arrived in Al-Muwayh, he was received by its governor, judge and the governorate’s officials. In addition to meeting them and urging them to look into the citizens’ issues, the king would also meet the locals, discuss their concerns, and explore their needs, most of which had been hosted in the palace.
Darha pointed out that the palace was designed in different forms to serve as a stronghold and defensive fort in the area, requiring a structure with outstanding architectural specifications, surrounded on all sides by walls built of black stone 4.5 meters high and 90 centimetres thick. The complex houses the royal palace, which is a rectangular building located on the western side of the citadel. The palace has two entrances, the first of which is the main entrance from the south. It contains several building blocks with 19 benches to the left after entering through the main north gate, the official “Al-Mokhtasar” assembly hall, a dining room, a bedroom and a toilet.
The complex also has a guest palace, which is a rectangular building adjacent to the royal palace to the east and is composed of a range of rooms overlooking the open courtyard with a 3.4-meter-wide main entrance from the north.
Additionally, the palace has several towers; two coffee-making rooms; toilets; lodgings for guests, guards, and servants; a gas station outside the southern side of the citadel; lodging for the gas station’s workers; and the residential palace, which is a rectangular building located at the centre of the citadel on the southern side.
Credits: Saudi Tourism Authority
The residential palace has six rooms, four of which are bedrooms and one is a living room, in addition to a kitchen, a storage room, and a toilet. The palace also has lodging for workers, while the towers and attached buildings accommodate the palace’s staff and their families. In some cases, these were used to accommodate non-official guests. Sheep sheds and warehouses for feed and firewood are located in the eastern part of the residential palace’s courtyard.
During the recent Eid celebrations, a great number of visitors trooped to the palace, where many enjoyed guided tours of the 80-year-old palace, which is currently being restored to preserve its ancient Islamic architectural style.
Other than national benefits offered by the government to residents and citizens, there are also perks granted to citizens based on the homeland’s bilateral connections.
Other than its diplomatic relevance, citizens can also take advantage of immigration and travel opportunities offered by friendly nations, which would also contribute to economic and business growth in the long run. This just supports the fact that strong diplomatic ties can help boost a country’s economy, as well as its sub-sectors.
Credits: IHMA
Omani Passport Eligible for e-Visa on Arrival in Pakistan
In relation to this, the Pakistan Embassy in Muscat has started giving Omani citizens visa on arrival as part of its e-visa initiative, as shared in a report by Muscat Daily.
Regarding this development, the Pakistan Embassy in Muscat has also revealed visa charges for their visa on arrival scheme.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan had announced the details of the e-visa initiative to 175 nations in a meeting with the Pakistani community presided by Ambassador Ali Javed at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex last January 30, 2019.
As per Qureshi, the Pakistani government, wisely led by PM Imran Khan has included Oman among 50 friendly nations eligible for the Visa on Arrival scheme, alluding to the depth of relations between the two nations.
Of note, the qualitative change in visa process, which has been put into effect since May of this year, can be viewed by accessing the official website of Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior. On this regard, travellers shall be expected to print, or save on their handheld devices, the ‘Electronic Travel Authorization’ (ETA), prior to departure. For any queries or concerns, applicants may reach out to the Ministry of Affairs by email.
The simplified fee structure is as follows:
Visit/Tourist:
Single Entry: OMR 10
Multiple Entry (one year): N/A
Multiple Entry (2 to 5 years): N/A
Family:
Single Entry: OMR 10
Multiple Entry (one year): OMR 15
Multiple Entry (2 to 5 years): OMR 20
Work/Business:
Single Entry: OMR 39
Multiple Entry (one year): OMR 58
Multiple Entry (2 to 5 years): OMR 77
Transit:
Single Entry: OMR 5
Multiple Entry (one year): N/A
Multiple Entry (2 to 5 years): N/A
Being the closest Gulf country to Pakistan, Oman shares warm and cooperative ties with the former. Aside from economic relations, the two also share militarily ties, with joint exercises and defence procurement on their agenda.
Part of what expats need to understand about moving into the Middle East is that much of the traditions and customs observed in countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are heavily defined by its laws based on their religion, Islam – from the food and work practices, to public decency, which deals with dressing up and behaviour in public, among others.
In this article, we will discuss the things which expats need to be reminded of in terms of dressing up, especially in public. Do note, however, that some places tend to be stricter than others when it comes to enforcing these rules. Nevertheless, it pays to know what are allowed and what are not, regardless of where you may be in the country.
What You Need to Know About the Dress Code in Saudi Arabia
Of course, there are separate restrictions for men and women, as with everything else here in Saudi Arabia. So we will take a look at the items allowed for men versus those that are not, as we will do the same for the women.
Men are allowed to wear the following in public:
Decent and smart clothing that does not reveal the shoulders and legs.
Office attire typically includes suits and ties (despite the heat!)
Men are NOT allowed to wear these in public:
Shorts and sleeveless tops, and those with obscene language or messages
Skinny jeans
Jewellery other than your wedding ring (if married) and a wrist watch
Wearing traditional Saudi outfit is not advisable as this may seem bizarre or even offensive behaviour to local Saudis.
Now for the women…
Women are allowed to wear the following in public:
Decent and smart clothing that covers the wrists, ankles, and chest
An abaya – a long cloak (usually black) that is put on top of your “regular” clothes; or
A hijab – which is similar to a headscarf for covering
Women are NOT allowed to wear these in public:
Tight and ill-fitting (body-hugging) clothing
See-through or very light fabric
Heavy make-up; remember… simplicity is the best.
Over the years, there have been many reforms regarding women’s rights and functions in society. Among these include allowing women to drive, to join the army, and assume roles that were traditionally designated only to men. Even the Saudi Crown Prince remarked that abayas “are not necessary” for women. Nevertheless, we want to be as respectful and decent as we can be in society, and to avoid offending others, especially the traditional Saudis.
In summary, the general rule when it comes to dressing up in public (as logic would tell us) is to be as smart and modest as you can when in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, or anywhere in the Middle East, for that matter.
Also, note that the correct observance of dress code is monitored by the Matawain (religious police) who are responsible for the enforcement of modest dress code in accordance with Islamic law in the Kingdom.
As a number of GCC member states have already announced the dates for the Eid holidays, movement is expected among nationals and residents within the Gulf Region for their holiday vacations.
Out of the few countries in the GCC, there’s one that continues to aspire and raise its tourism efforts, and to make a mark among travellers coming from all parts of the world. For the uninitiated, Qatar is a small country in the Arabian Gulf, which has a rich cultural roots as well as modern-day services, luxuries and amenities.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Tourism Council Offers Discounts During Eid, Summer Period
In order to strengthen its bid, the Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) in collaboration with over 30 partners has announced to hold an array of tourist attractions, offering discounts on flight tickets and hotels, shopping promotions, attractive entertainment programmes for Eid Al Fitr and during the summer for families and individuals under Summer in Qatar 2019 (SiQ) to boost tourism, as shared in a report by MENAFN.
Acccording to Mashal Shahbik from the QNTC, “SiQ forms part of QNTC’s strategy to enrich and diversify the country’s tourism offering, particularly in the area of family and urban entertainment.”
Shahbik added that this year marks greater collaboration among QNTC’s partners in the public and private sectors, who have taken the initiative to create more tourism offerings. SiQ is part of QNTC’s focus on developing sustainable, year-round tourism, boosting a traditionally slower season in Qatar, she explained.
In line with this, a wide selection of unbeatable discounts on travel and hospitality, combined with dazzling shopping deals, promotions and packages offer a complete summer experience in the country. Of note, Qatar Airways’ deals include 25 percent discount on flights to Doha from May 30 to August 15, as well as a 25 percent discount on Al Maha Airport’s Meet and Assist / Lounge Services.
Under the hospitality sector, 12 hotels from Katara Hospitality, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, Al Najada Hotel and Souq al Wakra Hotel from Al Rayyan Project Management, and nine hotels from Marriott International hotels are participating in this year’s program offering 25 percent discount on best available rates on accommodation from June 4 to August 16.
Participating establishments including Fraser Suites West Bay, The Curve Hotel, Wyndham Grand, Regency Doha, La Cigale Hotel, Oryx Rotana, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Torch, Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel and Amari Doha are also participating in the summer programme by offering up to 25 percent off in services and amenities. Meanwhile, Katara Hospitality is offering an exclusive 40 percent discount for the residents of Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait.
For its part, Qatar Museums offer Culture Pass discounts on SiQ activities, retail, and access to cultural and community classes. Members can avail of special discounts at select locations including Trimoo Parks, QSports, KidzMondo Doha, Megapolis, Minipolis, Go Fun, Circusland, Power Loads, Bounce, Kidzania, live shows, concerts, and others.
Meanwhile, up to 70% shopping discount along with other promotions are offered across nine participating Malls: Doha Festival City, Mall of Qatar, Lagoona Mall, Landmark Mall, Gulf Mall, Tawar Mall, AlKhor Mall, Hyatt Plaza, and Al Mirqab Mall. For a minimum purchase worth QAR 200, guests can qualify for one of the three raffle draws with a total worth over QAR 2 million in cash & car prizes, with a MacLaren as the grand prize.
For your entertainment pleasure, Katara Cultural Village will have cultural performances, family shows, and fireworks during the 4 days of Eid Al Fitr & Eid Al Adha. Meanwhile, Souq Waqif and Souq Al Wakrah Eid Festival will feature cultural performances, musical acts and family shows for guets of all ages.
These are just a few of the many promotions and discounts to be offered to guests and residents of Qatar starting the Eid period continuing into the rest of the summer. Be sure to check with your favourite shopping places for amazing deals and prices on your retail and dining choices.
Much of what the UAE government is doing is aimed at becoming one of the world’s global nations. Through its efforts to set Dubai as one of the Best Cities in the world, the national government is also looking to lead the world in terms of innovation, technology, and national policies.
This is not at all surprising, because much of the world can be experienced by visiting the UAE already. This is the inspiration behind the country’s hosting and preparation for the upcoming Expo 2020 in Dubai. With the UAE’s thrusts centred on innovation, equality, and responsible leadership, the recognition is some sort of a resounding confirmation of what the country’s leadership is doing and where it is taking the UAE in years to come.
UAE Leads Region in Global Competitiveness, Ranks 5th Worldwide
The UAE has once again been hailed as the top country in the region, and fifth in the world in terms of competitiveness, according to the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2019, published by the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD).
In 2016, the UAE ranked 15th, and barges into the top 5 this year for the first time, as it claims the first spot in business efficiency, outshining other economies in areas such as productivity, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, the report has shown that the UAE has outperformed advanced economies such as the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden, rising 23 positions from last year’s rankings.
Globally, the UAE climbed two spots up to settle on the 5th position in the 2019 rankings while maintaining its lead in the Arabian Gulf and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Of note, the UAE’s strongest performance is in the following indicators: Business Efficiency (1st), Government Efficiency (2nd), and held the first five ranks globally in other sub-indicators.
Furthermore, the UAE came first globally in Management Practices, second in International Trade, Productivity and Efficiency, Basic Infrastructure, Attitudes and Values, and third globally in Public Finance and Tax policy.
Commenting on the UAE’s landmark achievements, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said: “We entered the competitiveness race ten years ago and the UAE is now leading the region and taking the fifth ranks globally.”
According to Sheikh Mohammed, the competitiveness race has “no finish line and dominance will be for those working hard, toiling and giving tirelessly.”
The Dubai ruler added that they will continue to develop the UAE’s national competencies, government services, and basic infrastructure.
The UAE took the lead in three factors: Government Efficiency, Business Efficiency, and Infrastructure.
In a small island such as Bahrain, with a total population of around 1.5 million, one would think that social services including healthcare delivery has always been well taken care of.
Throughout history, Bahrain has managed to provide universal healthcare dating back to as early as 1960s. By this standard, government-provided health care has always been free to Bahraini citizens and heavily subsidised for non-Bahrainis. As such, the quality of health care in Bahrain is generally high and equal to that in Western Europe and the USA, except for highly specialised treatment.
Credits: MOFA.gov.bh
Bahrain PM Recognized with Global Leader Healthcare Award
Because of such standards, Bahraini Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has been recognized by the World Health Organization for his leadership in advancing global healthcare, as shared in a report by Arabian Business.
Prince Khalifa was awarded the first-ever WHO Director-General’s Health Leaders Honour by the health organisation’s leader Dr. Tedros Adhanom.
The award has been given to the Bahraini leader for his commitment to creating access to affordable healthcare for the kingdom’s citizens.
His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the #Bahrain ?? received WHO Director-General’s Health Leaders recognition to celebrate his outstanding political leadership in advancing health #WHA72
The Kingdom of Bahrain, for the longest time, has taken steps to provide nationals with free and heavily subsidised healthcare. Expats can also access this service, but will tend to receive subsidised services requiring a small co-payment.
Despite the country’s rapid development, Bahrain’s relatively small population means that long queues or delayed appointment times are uncommon, even in public healthcare facilities.
And while expats have access to the public system in Bahrain, many opt to get private medical insurance and to use private facilities instead of public ones. Expats will also find that the standard of care throughout the country is excellent as a large portion of healthcare workers come from the expat community, as well – however, it is important to be aware that specialist treatment centres may be limited and it may be necessary to seek such treatment outside of the country.
Overall, Bahrain as a country is continuously evolving, and with the current number of expats residing in the Kingdom, changes regarding healthcare costs, delivery, and accessibility, are expected to improve still.
With the recent announcement of the UAE government to grant permanent residency status to its residents who have significantly contributed to the country’s economy and fields of specialization, a new project now follows the government’s footsteps, but it offers a different kind of incentive. Dubai, in particular, has set its sights to become one of the top global cities, advancing its cause across various sectors and initiatives.
There are a number of construction projects going on in the UAE at the moment, as the economy expects immense growth through various sectors including tourism, agriculture, real estate, and construction among others.
Dubai Project Investors to be Granted Moldovan Citizenship
In line with this, individuals who have invested in a property worth more than AED 5 million in UAE developer Kleindienst Group’s Heart of Europe project this summer will automatically qualify for Moldovan citizenship, the company announced on Wednesday (June 5), as shared in a report by Arabian Business.
Those who would be granted Moldovan citizenship would be able to travel visa-free across the Schengen area and 121 countries around the world.
As per group founder and chairman Josef Kleindienst, surpassing client expectations through every element of their group’s offering is an essential part of their strategy. Kleindienst also acknowledged the need for creating outstanding value that surpasses high-quality structures and innovative builds.
He added that as the demand for nationality by investment continues to grow globally, especially among residents in the Middle East and Asia who are looking for more stability and security than their current passports offer, the additional perk will prove to be of great value to the investors.
In April, Kleindienst Group announced a record sales quarter of over AED 345 million ($93.9 million) for its freehold second homes. This shows a 69% year on year increase compared to its Q1 sales record from last year, the developer pointed out.
By late December of 2018, Kleindienst said it has sold 100 percent of phase one including Sweden Island, Germany Island, St Petersburg Island, and over 80 Floating Seahorse Villas.
With over 2,000 people working on the islands, Kleindienst projected to hand over phase 1 by the end of of this year, as per the announcement.
Having this kind of incentive will provide Dubai residents opportunities to travel across Europe, as a Moldovan passport gives them access to over 100 Schengen-member countries. This is most suitable for investors with much business activities across a wide network of clients all over the world.
The summer season is upon us, and for countries where temperatures can exceed past 40 degrees during the day, such as those in the Middle East, there is more harm than benefits in sending labourers to work outside in the sun.
This is especially true for workers who are involved in construction, mining, and maintenance work, who are typically exposed under the heat of the sun. On the part of employers, having sick workers can mean more expenses and loss of man hours at work, as well.
Oman Imposes Mid-day Work Ban for Workers for Health Risks
Given the nature of these types of work as well as the environmental factors in the region, the Ministry of Manpower in Oman announced that workers on construction sites and those engaged in manual labour in open areas will not be allowed to work for three hours from 12:30 pm until 3:30 pm during summer months, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.
The decision comes in consideration of workers’ safety who are needlessly exposed to the intense summer heat starting in the month of June until August.
“The Ministry of Manpower announces a ban on work on construction sites or open areas from 12:30 pm until 3:30 pm during June, July and August, to protect the health and safety of workers in these sites,” a ministry official was quoted.
As per Article 16-3 of the Labour Law, “workers cannot work in construction or open sites with high degrees of heat from 12:30 pm until 3:30 pm during June, July, and August of each year.”
The ministry official also explained, “Because of the high heat during these hours, it becomes important to protect workers from harming themselves in these high temperatures.”
Those who will be found to be in violation of this law will face fines ranging from OMR 100 to OMR 500, or, in some cases, a jail term of up to one month. The penalties can be doubled for repeat violations.
Moreover, the ministry also reaffirmed that it would intensify inspection campaigns at work sites as over 750 companies were found violating Oman’s mid-day break regulations in 2018, according to ministry figures.
Out of the 2,665 companies that faced inspection between June and August of last year, 771 were found to have committed violations. In August, 158 companies were found violating the rule, compared to 362 in July and 251 in June.
Given the climate conditions in desert countries such as Oman, it’s good to know that there are labour policies that protect workers against this crucial factor that could pose severe health issues in the long term.
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