Flat slabs have become one of the most efficient structural systems used in buildings. However, it has a very significant drawback which is the punching failure that could occur at the slab column connections. This research presents an experimental program that aims to study the effect of using simple U-stirrups to resist punching in flat slabs. In this experimental program, seven slab specimens were tested. These slabs included one control specimen with no punching shear reinforcement and six specimens with varying arrangements of shear reinforcement. The parameters considered were the bar diameter of the stirrups, their spacing and arrangement in the vicinity of the column region as well as the length of the perimeter covered. The specimens were studied in terms of initial cracking load, ultimate failure load, maximum deflection, maximum strain, load-deflection relationship, and cracking patterns. The experimental results were compared against those estimated using different design codes. The test results showed that using the U-shaped stirrups as punching shear reinforcement improved the ultimate capacity as well as the punching behaviour of flat slabs.