Ministry of Labour Qatar Enforces Strict Summer Working Hours and Heat Safety Guidelines for 2026

As temperatures rise across the Gulf region, the Ministry of Labour (MOL) in Qatar has re-issued strict compliance guidelines regarding outdoor summer working hours and heat stress prevention. Under Ministerial Decision No. 17 of 2021, all companies and employers operating in open or exposed environments are mandated to suspend outdoor activities between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM daily through September 15.

The enforcement applies to construction sites, logistics operations, and delivery services across the country, aiming to safeguard the health of Qatar’s large expatriate workforce against extreme weather conditions.

Key Provisions of the Summer Work Ban

The Ministry has outlined clear operational parameters that all private sector businesses must strictly adhere to:

1. Mandatory Midday Ban Hours

All work performed under direct sunlight or in open-air environments without adequate cooling must cease between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM. Work schedules must be re-organized into morning and late afternoon/evening shifts.

2. The Dynamic WBGT Heat Index Rule

In addition to fixed hours, work must stop immediately if the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index reaches or exceeds 32.1°C, regardless of the time of day or shaded conditions.

3. Essential Hydration & Cooling Stations

Employers are legally obligated to provide shaded rest zones, well-ventilated break spaces, and cold drinking water within close proximity to active work stations.

Increased Inspection Visits & Enforcement Strictness

Labour inspectors from the Ministry have intensified active field visits to ensure compliance across commercial zones, project sites, and industrial districts in Doha, Lusail, and Al Wakra.

Companies found violating working hour limits face severe penalties, including:

• Partial or total site shutdowns.

• Temporary suspension of company administrative services.

• Financial fines under Qatari Labour Law.

Expatriate workers and members of the general public can report violations directly through official government reporting hotlines or mobile applications.

Guidance for Employers and Expat Employees

To ensure smooth operations during the summer period, the Ministry advises companies to implement the following checklist:

1.Display Clear Work Timetables: Shift schedules must be prominently posted at work sites in languages understood by all workers (e.g., Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu).

2.Perform Heat Stress Risk Assessments: Conduct regular checks on humidity, temperature, and worker health parameters.

3.Protect Delivery & Gig Workers: Motorcycle and bicycle delivery services must adjust delivery schedules or utilize air-conditioned vehicles during banned hours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the official outdoor summer work ban hours in Qatar?

Outdoor work under direct sunlight is banned between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM daily from June 1 to September 15.

How can residents report a violation of summer working hours?

Violations can be reported by calling the Ministry of Labour official hotline at 16505 or via the Amerni mobile application.

Do summer work restrictions apply to delivery riders in Qatar?

Yes, delivery workers operating on motorcycles or bicycles are covered under midday heat protection rules, with exceptions for air-conditioned transport.