Qatar Overtime Rules
Qatar Labour Law sets a standard 48-hour work week and requires overtime to be compensated at a minimum of 125% of the basic hourly rate. Qatar also has some of the region's strongest heat stress protections for outdoor workers. Here is the complete guide.
Standard Working Hours
Under Article 73 of Qatar Labour Law No. 14 of 2004, maximum working hours are 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. Working hours are reduced to 6 hours per day or 36 hours per week during Ramadan for Muslim employees.
Workers must receive a minimum rest break of 1 hour after 5 consecutive hours of work. This break is not counted as working time. Workers are entitled to at least one full rest day per week, typically Friday.
Overtime Calculation
Hourly rate = (Monthly basic salary / 30) / daily working hours
Overtime rate = Hourly rate x 1.25 (minimum)
Friday work rate = Hourly rate x 1.50 (if no compensatory day off)
Example: QAR 4,000 basic / 30 / 8 = QAR 16.67/hour. Overtime = QAR 20.83/hour
Heat Stress Regulations
Qatar's heat stress regulations are among the most comprehensive in the Gulf. From June 15 to September 15, outdoor work is prohibited between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM. Since 2021, an additional requirement mandates heat stress assessment regardless of time — if WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) exceeds safe limits, outdoor work must stop.
Employers must provide shaded rest areas and cold drinking water
Workers must receive heat stress training and acclimatization
Violations carry fines up to QAR 10,000 per incident
Overtime limit: Total hours (regular + overtime) cannot exceed 10 in a single day. Overtime cannot exceed 2 extra hours per day on a regular basis. Some sectors (oil and gas, hospitality) have specific regulations that may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is overtime calculated?
125% of basic hourly rate for regular overtime. 150% for Friday work without compensatory day off.
What are maximum working hours?
48 hours/week or 8 hours/day. Ramadan: 36 hours/week for Muslim workers.
Can my employer force overtime?
Max 10 hours total per day. Overtime limited to 2 extra hours/day regularly. Force majeure exceptions apply.
What are heat stress rules?
No outdoor work 10AM-3:30PM from June 15-September 15. Additional WBGT-based assessment required year-round since 2021.
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