Qatar will need at least half a million migrant workers

08 June 2011

Dubai had same number of workers during its peak

Qatar will need more than 500,000 migrant construction workers in order for the country to execute its transport projects, says Rob Cooling, risk services manager at the US’ Parsons Brinckerhoff.

Dubai and the UAE had about 500,000 migrant construction workers at the height of the construction boom and the projects planned in Qatar are on a greater scale.

Qatar will also need to consider where all these workers will stay. The expected increase in expatriate workers will increase traffic levels and increase commuting times.

In terms of health and safety for the workers, says Cooling, Qatar will also need to take into account the dangers of working in heat and at great heights. The Qatar Railways Company will be responsible for establishing safety requirements for its massive rail programme.

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