Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Gulf Cooperation Council members of failing to protect migrant workers from exposure to heat-related health and safety risks.

Outdoor workers interviewed by HRW across Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE frequently reported symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such fever, headaches, nausea, nosebleeds, vomiting, and feelings of being “suffocated”. 

In the most extreme cases, lasting health impacts such as end-stage kidney failure and death of co-workers were observed.