File photo
Doha, Qatar: Construction workers, contractors, and business stakeholders have adapted to the implementation of annual summer working hours regulation, describing it as a “vital measure that protects workers from heat stress” while balancing productivity at construction sites across different sectors.
The Ministry of Labour’s Ministerial Decision No. 17 of 2021, which came into effect on June 1 and remains in force until September 15 each year, prohibits work in open outdoor areas between 10am and 3.30pm.
The Peninsula spoke to labourers and supervisors from different sectors to understand how this law affects their day-to-day work.
Mohamad Zahirul Islam, a construction worker, welcomed the regulation, saying it has significantly improved working conditions by reducing exposure to extreme midday heat.
“The summer working hours regulation is very beneficial for us. We work until 10am and then resume after 3:30pm, which means we avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day,” he said.
“Between 10am and 3.30pm, it is very difficult to work because of the heat. The regulation helps protect workers’ health and safety, and it makes our work much more comfortable.”
Contractors have also expressed strong support for the measure, noting that it contributes to a safer and more efficient work environment. Abdul Rahman Khan, Project Manager at a leading construction company, said the regulation has become an essential part of summer operations.
“The midday work ban demonstrates Qatar’s commitment to worker welfare. By avoiding the hottest hours of the day, workers are less exposed to heat stress, which ultimately improves focus, safety, and the quality of work carried out on site,” he said.
He added that companies have successfully adapted their schedules over the years, ensuring projects continue smoothly while fully complying with the regulation.
The impact appears to be more significant within the construction sector, where outdoor work fosters a much larger impact of daily operations. On the other hand, maintenance workers experience only some adjustments to their schedules.
One of the property supervisors, Ali Binni, shared how his workplace accommodates maintenance laborers during their daily routines.
“We increased the break times for the staff, provide them with cold water at all times, and provide them with hats as well. We also monitor daily interactions and any possible crises.”
He also shared more about the spaces they work in: “They have air-conditioned rest facilities in their accommodations, and we monitor temperature conditions daily.”
Abdul Hakeem shared his perspective on working hours explaining that his work is already limited outdoors, but following the guidelines makes it even more restricted.
“Usually, I don’t work outside much, so my schedule is less affected than those working in construction firms. It’s a maintenance company, so we’re rarely outside.”
Workers and employers are adapting their routines to comply with the government’s restrictions.
While the measures may require adjustments to schedules and workloads, the interviews conducted emphasized that protecting workers from the heat remains the priority, ensuring the main objective of safer working conditions during summer.
