KUWAIT CITY – In an effort to safeguard delivery workers from the intense summer heat, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has announced a temporary ban on consumer delivery motorcycles during peak daytime hours.
The new regulation, effective from June 1, 2025, until the end of August, prohibits delivery motorcycles from operating between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. across all roads and regions in Kuwait.
The Ministry of Interior made the announcement via its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, emphasizing the importance of protecting delivery personnel from the dangers posed by extreme heat exposure.
The ban covers all motorcycles operated by delivery companies during the hottest hours of the day, a period when temperatures in Kuwait regularly soar above 45 degrees Celsius.
“This measure is part of our commitment to safeguard the health and safety of delivery workers who face challenging conditions during the summer months,” the Ministry stated in its post.
It further warned that any violations of this temporary ban would be recorded under “Breach of Permit Conditions,” with strict penalties applied to offenders.
The summer months in Kuwait are notoriously harsh, with soaring temperatures combined with high humidity making outdoor work particularly hazardous.
Delivery workers, who spend long hours on the road exposed to the sun, are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
The Ministry’s decision aims to mitigate these risks by limiting motorcycle operations during the most dangerous part of the day.
Local delivery companies have expressed mixed reactions to the new rule. Some welcome the government’s efforts to prioritize worker safety, recognizing that the health risks associated with summer deliveries can be severe.
Others, however, have raised concerns about the impact on their business operations, especially during peak lunch and early afternoon hours when demand for food and goods delivery typically spikes.
A spokesperson for a major delivery firm in Kuwait commented, “We understand the importance of protecting our riders and fully support measures that ensure their well-being. At the same time, we are working on adjusting our delivery schedules to maintain service quality without compromising safety.”
Authorities have urged both delivery companies and workers to strictly adhere to the new ban. The Ministry highlighted that violations will not only harm workers’ health but could also lead to significant legal and financial consequences for companies that fail to comply.
This temporary ban aligns with similar efforts seen in other Gulf countries where extreme summer heat poses occupational hazards to outdoor workers. For example, certain sectors in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have implemented restrictions on outdoor labor during peak heat hours.
In addition to the delivery motorcycle ban, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior continues to enforce various safety regulations aimed at protecting all road users, especially during the hot season when traffic accidents tend to rise due to challenging driving conditions.
Residents and consumers are encouraged to stay informed about these changes and plan their orders accordingly to avoid inconvenience. The Ministry also advises delivery workers to stay hydrated, take necessary precautions, and report any health issues immediately.
For ongoing updates and detailed information on the regulation, the public is advised to follow the Ministry’s official channels and trusted news outlets.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members