Gulf States: Protecting Workers from Extreme Heat

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Gulf Countries Face Criticism Over Migrant Worker Heat Protection As Extreme Heat Threatens Migrant Workers

Beirut – Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are under increasing scrutiny for their failure to adequately protect migrant workers from extreme heat,a recurring and deadly summer hazard. Despite existing calendar-based midday work bans, evidence suggests that these measures are insufficient, leaving millions of vulnerable workers at serious risk of heat-related illnesses and death.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a new report highlighting the urgent need for more effective heat protection measures. “Every summer, the climate crisis exacerbates the occupational health and safety risks for migrant workers in the Gulf states,” said Michael Page, Deputy Middle East Director at Human Rights Watch. “Gulf states are lagging on evidence-based labor protections, leading to unnecessary deaths and chronic illnesses among migrant workers.”

The Shortcomings Of Current Heat Bans

Current midday work bans, while a step in the right direction, are based on fixed calendar dates and fail to account for the fluctuating intensity of heat. Studies show that the highest heat exposure often occurs outside the restricted hours. For instance, research in Saudi Arabia found peak heat intensity between 9:00 a.m. and noon,while the work ban is in effect from noon to 3:00 p.m.

Similarly, A Kuwait study revealed a significant increase in occupational injuries during extremely hot temperatures, despite the ban. These findings underscore the limitations of calendar-based bans and the need for more dynamic, risk-based approaches to heat protection.

Rising Temperatures And Increased Risks

Extreme heat conditions are becoming more frequent and occurring earlier in the year. In May 2025, Dubai recorded a temperature of 51.6 degrees Celsius (124.88 Fahrenheit), breaking its 2009 record. Similar reports emerged from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, indicating a widespread and escalating threat.

A Former construction worker in Saudi Arabia recounted adjusting work schedules to start at 4:00 a.m. to avoid the worst of the heat. Though, even wiht these adjustments, conditions became unbearable by 10:00 a.m. Wage deductions for resting during work hours further exacerbated the situation,forcing workers to endure dangerous conditions to avoid financial penalties.

Health Hazards And Worker Testimonials

Extreme heat exposure poses severe health risks, including heat rash, cramps, exhaustion, heatstroke, and perhaps fatal conditions like renal failure.Workers in the gulf states have reported experiencing nosebleeds, dizziness, vomiting, blurred vision, and fainting due to the heat.

“I Feel dizziness, vomiting, head pain, and blurry vision many times,” said a Kuwait-based electrician. “Many people fall down because of heat. Not only people, but you can also see birds dropping dead while flying because of heat … In construction sites, workers sometimes fall or faint. I too fainted several times two years ago when I worked in an airport runway line.”

The Need For Risk-Based Measures

Experts advocate for risk-based measures, such as the Wet Bulb Globe temperature (WBGT) index, which assesses heat stress based on temperature and humidity. This index allows for dynamic work-rest schedules tailored to real-time conditions. Qatar is the only Gulf state to have implemented the WBGT index, setting an upper threshold of 32.1 degrees celsius (89.78 degrees Fahrenheit) for outdoor work. however, this threshold is considered too high, and enforcement remains a challenge.

A Recent academic study indicated that even wet bulb temperatures between 30 to 32 degrees Celsius can lead to severe heat strain.

Did You Know? The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index is a more accurate measure of heat stress than air temperature alone, as it considers humidity, wind speed, and radiant heat.

Adequate Rest And Accommodation

Access to shaded rest areas, cold water, proper nutrition, air-conditioned accommodations, and transportation are crucial for workers to recover from heat exposure. Though, problems in worker accommodations, such as long wait times for kitchens and bathrooms, lack of cold water for showers, and delayed repairs of broken air conditioning, undermine these efforts.

“It Feels like we are waking up tired and taking an exhausted body to work,” said a Saudi-based worker, highlighting the impact of inadequate living conditions on their ability to cope with the heat.

Occupation-Specific Challenges

Certain occupations, such as delivery drivers, face unique challenges. Bike riders and car drivers in Kuwait reported difficulty meeting monthly delivery targets, leading to salary reductions.The extreme heat causes phones to shut down, creates heat mirages, and melts tires, making the work particularly dangerous for bike riders.

Pro Tip: Employers can mitigate risks by providing lighter-colored uniforms, frequent breaks, and adjusting work schedules to avoid peak heat hours.

“In The last month, I fell down twice,” a bike rider said.”When 49-degree hot air hits your face how do you feel? I compare my job … with a desert camel. We don’t have any option. We have to drink water and run.”

Government Responses And Future Steps

Human Rights Watch has contacted all six Gulf states regarding

What specific regulations regarding worker protection from heat stress exist in the different Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, adn how do these compare to international best practices?

Gulf States: protecting Workers from Extreme Heat – A Guide to Workplace Safety

Understanding the Extreme Heat Challenges in the Gulf Region

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, encompassing countries like the United arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain, faces notable challenges due to extreme heat. This intense heat poses serious risks to the health and safety of outdoor workers, especially those in construction, agriculture, and other labor-intensive industries. Heatstroke prevention is paramount. Understanding the context of climate change impacts and their effects on workers is a crucial starting point.

Heat stress can lead to a range of health issues, from heat exhaustion to life-threatening heatstroke. The long working hours, often combined with physically demanding tasks, exacerbate the risks. Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to protect their workers.

Impacts of High Temperatures

• Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating,weakness,and headache.
• Heatstroke: A medical emergency requiring immediate treatment, potentially leading to organ failure.
• Increased Risk of accidents: Heat can impair concentration and cause fatigue, leading to workplace accidents.

Key Regulations and Guidelines for Heat Stress Management

workplace safety regulations in the Gulf States are evolving to address the growing concerns surrounding heat stress prevention. These regulations frequently enough mandate specific measures to protect workers during the hottest months. Each country has its specific legislation. Key examples mentioned in most laws are:

Country	Key Regulations & Focus	key requirements
United Arab Emirates (UAE)	Protection against heat stress in construction	Mandatory rest breaks during peak temperature hours (between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM)
Saudi Arabia	Heat stress control in the workplace	Provision for adequate water, rest and shaded areas.
Qatar	Workplace safety and heat acclimatization program	Specific health, safety and evacuation programs.
Kuwait	Worker protection from heat stress	Implementing comprehensive risk assessment and health monitoring programs.

It’s crucial for businesses to consistently review and update their safety procedures in order to align with current and updated legislation. This is essential for compliance reasons and to protect workers from different types of heat-related illnesses.

Staying informed about specific regulations within each country is critical for legal compliance. Consult official government websites (e.g., Ministry of Labor) for the most up-to-date details.

Best Practices for Heat Stress mitigation

Beyond complying with regulations, employers should implement proactive heat stress mitigation strategies. Effective heat management requires a multi-faceted approach. Some best practices include:

• Work Schedule Adjustments: Scheduling the most strenuous work for cooler parts of the day. Implement flexible work hours to minimize heat exposure.
• Providing Shade: ensuring shaded areas are available throughout worksites, especially during rest periods. Provide shelter for all workers.
• Adequate Hydration: Ensuring access to sufficient drinking water. Encourage frequent water breaks.
• Rest Breaks: Mandating frequent rest breaks in cool or shaded areas.
• Acclimatization Programs: Gradually acclimatizing workers to higher temperatures.
• Proper Clothing: Providing lightweight, breathable clothing.
• Worker Training: Educating workers about heat stress symptoms, prevention, and first aid.
• Regular Monitoring: Monitoring heat index and environmental monitoring in the workplace.

Real-World Example: Dubai Construction Sites

In Dubai, construction companies have adopted various strategies to protect workers. These include:

• Implementing mandatory midday breaks, as mandated by law.
• Providing free water coolers at every site, a basic human right that is often disregarded.
• Offering training programs on heat stress awareness in multiple languages.

Health and Safety Considerations: Worker Training and Awareness

Employee training is a essential pillar of heat stress protection. Workers must understand the risks associated with heat exposure and the symptoms of heat-related illnesses.Training should cover topics such as:

• Identifying early signs of heat stress.
• Proper hydration techniques.
• emergency procedures, including first aid for heatstroke.
• The importance of reporting symptoms.

Create awareness campaigns to disseminate safety protocols and share up-to-date information with workers. Consider conducting regular drills to simulate emergency situations.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Measuring the Effectiveness of Heat Protection Measures

Regular monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure the effectiveness of heat protection measures. By doing so, different types of data such as heat index and air quality level can be observed on a regular basis. This also allows businesses to identify any potential issues with existing policies and makes it easier for them to create long-term and effective betterment solutions. Consider conducting regular health and safety audits, and gather feedback from employees for better engagement.

Resources and Further Information

• International Labour Organization (ILO) – Guidance on Heat Stress
• OSHA Heat Illness Prevention – United States Department of Labor (While not directly applicable,offers valuable insights)