Doha, September 14, 2026. The seasonal daytime work restriction for outdoor workers in Qatar, which prohibits work in open or unventilated areas between 10:00 am and 3:30 pm, is set to conclude on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. This mandate, established by the Ministry of Labour under Ministerial Decision No. 17 of 2021, has been in effect since June 1 to protect workers from heat stress. The regulation applies to sectors including construction, maintenance, logistics, landscaping, and delivery, impacting the significant Indian expatriate workforce in the country.
- Outdoor work ban in Qatar ends on September 15, 2026.
- Applies to construction, maintenance, logistics, landscaping, and delivery sectors.
- Workers must confirm new schedules with employers starting September 16.
While the fixed seasonal prohibition ends on September 15, employers may transition to new work schedules starting September 16.
Workers are advised not to assume automatic shift changes; they must verify updated duty rosters through official channels such as supervisors, HR departments, or site management. Companies may continue to implement early morning or evening shifts based on internal occupational safety policies or project-specific requirements. Changes to transportation rosters, bus timings, and overtime arrangements should also be confirmed to avoid attendance confusion.
Heat Safety Obligations Remain
Despite the expiration of the fixed midday ban, the Ministry of Labour and authorities like the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) maintain that heat safety obligations remain.
Contractors are still required to provide shaded rest areas, free drinking water, personal protective equipment, and access to trained first-aid personnel. High temperatures and humidity in the latter half of September continue to pose risks of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Workers are encouraged to monitor symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, excessive fatigue, or severe headaches and seek immediate medical assistance if necessary. Throughout the summer of 2026, the Ministry of Labour conducted inspections and spot checks to ensure compliance, with some delivery platforms utilizing air-conditioned vehicles to mitigate risks. As of September 14, the restriction remains fully in effect. Workers should maintain current protocols until the official end of the notified period on September 15, unless the Ministry issues new extensions or sector-specific instructions.
