In an effort to promote a healthy labour force in Qatar, Mall of Qatar, Carrefour Qatar and Al Rayyan Water have partnered with Qatar Charity for the launch of phase one of “Suqia” – a powerful initiative designed to help workers involved in outdoor projects ‘Beat the Heat’. The campaign aims to encourage healthy lifestyles among Qatar’s large construction workforce – whose members play a pivotal role in building the nation’s word-class infrastructure.

Qatar Charity organised cool water trucks to distribute more than 11,000 water bottles provided by Carrefour to Mall of Qatar workers, and delivered compelling lectures about the importance of hydration in a variety of languages. “We would like to extend our gratitude to our valued partners, Mall of Qatar, Carrefour and Al Rayyan Water for their cooperation in this initiative, and, more specifically, for the inherent care, respect and warmth that they continue to display towards Qatar’s valued workers,” said Ali Al Gharib, Director of Programs and Centers at Qatar Charity. “We are also thankful for the workers’ participation in this initiative. We hope that this project will serve as a token of our appreciation and a testament to our gratitude for their vast contribution to our magnificent country.”

Rony Mourani, General Manager at Mall of Qatar said: “For us to join forces with Qatar Charity and Carrefour to raise awareness about heat stress, and to educate workers on how they can combat its effects by staying hydrated and healthy through the 'BEAT THE HEAT’ awareness campaign, is paramount to our core values for the health and welfare of our workforce. All the people working on this remarkable project play a pivotal role in its success, and it is our responsibility to ensure that the highest safety standards are maintained during these hot summer months. We would like to extend our gratitude to both Qatar Charity and Carrefour for being a part of this refreshing initiative.”

Laurent Hausknecht, Country Manager Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain at Carrefour, Majid Al Futtaim Retail commented: “We are proud to be participating in the ‘Beat the Heat’ campaign. This initiative marks our first collaboration with Mall of Qatar and we are delighted to create great moments, for everyone, everyday to the – workers – most of whom spend long hours under the sun – after all, educating them about the dangers of heat stress is critical to their health. The fact that we have already managed to distribute over 11,000 bottles is a first step in the right direction and moving ahead, we look forward to many more.”

Workers, who were the direct benefactors of Beat the Heat campaign, expressed their delight with the fact that such initiatives are being undertaken. They also valued the different types of interactions carried out by various charitable organisations and corporations in Qatar.