388 Businesses Shut Down in Qatar Over Heat Safety Violations
Qatar has taken aggressive steps to protect its workforce, resulting in the closure of 388 establishments during the 2026 Heat Stress Prevention Campaign. The Ministry of Labour’s crackdown followed a series of intensive inspections aimed at ensuring companies comply with essential safety protocols during extreme weather conditions.
Massive Enforcement Drive Yields Hundreds of Closures
Running from June 1 to September 15, the 2026 campaign saw authorities conducting 1,638 inspections across the country. This rigorous monitoring process identified 644 distinct violations of safety regulations. As a direct consequence of these failures to protect employees, 388 work sites and businesses were ordered to shut down.
The physical impact of the summer heat was significant, with the Qatar Red Crescent reporting that they managed 1,168 cases of heat stress throughout the campaign period. The enforcement efforts specifically targeted high-risk sectors, including:
- Construction and infrastructure projects
- Delivery services
- Maintenance operations
- Logistics and warehousing
- Workspaces with inadequate ventilation
Strict Midday Bans and Year-Round Safety Mandates
To mitigate the dangers of extreme temperatures, Ministerial Decision No. 17 of 2021 mandated a work prohibition for outdoor or poorly ventilated shaded sites between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM. While this specific midday ban concluded on September 15, the Ministry has made it clear that employer obligations do not expire with the summer heat.
Hamad Faraj Dalmouk, Assistant Undersecretary for Expatriate Labour Affairs, highlighted that ensuring worker safety is a year-round responsibility. Under current frameworks, employers must adhere to the following safety standards:
- Work must be halted immediately if the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 32.1°C.
- Employers are required to perform regular risk assessments.
- Workplaces must be maintained to provide adequate cooling and rest areas.
- Mandatory provision of personal protective equipment (PPE