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Qatar: Government

Key Figures

Chief of State:
Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
Head of Government:
Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad bin Abd Al-Rahman Al Thani

Overview

Government Name:
State of Qatar
Constitution:
Adopted: 2004; Divided into parts which discuss the state and bases of rule, the guiding principles of the society, public rights and duties, and organization of powers.
Government Type:
Emirate
State of Qatar Flag
Coat of Arms of State of Qatar

Index of Economic Freedom

Grades each country on a scale of 0 to 100, based on ten freedoms, with 100 representing the greatest amount of economic autonomy from government intervention. Source: Heritage Foundation (2023)

Country Risk Rating

A4
A somewhat shaky political and economic outlook and a relatively volatile business environment can affect corporate payment behavior. Corporate default probability is still acceptable on average. Source: Coface (2023)

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

Emir cannot violate Islamic Law, or Sharia, and has preeminent power. Prime minister heads the government of Qatar.

Emir is hereditary and prime minister is appointed by monarch.

Prime minister's office openings are subjected to the monarch's decision.
Judicial

Court of Cassation is a high instance court that verifies the interpretation of law. Supreme Constitutional Court resolves disputes that arise from implementation of final judgments that are made by lower courts and judicial bodies.

Court of Cassation judges are nominated by the Judicial Supreme Council, while the Supreme Constitutional Court is nominated by the Judicial Supreme Council and appointed by the monarch.

Court of Cassation: 3 years; Supreme Court: No specific office cycle
Legislative

Majlis al-Shura are constitutionally responsible for approving the national budget, monitoring the performance of ministers through no-confidence votes, and to draft, discuss, and vote on proposed legislation.

Advisory Council members are appointed by the monarch and 30 members are elected by popular vote.

3 years

Regional Trade Blocs
Arab League
GCC

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
Information not available
Tax Name:
Information not available

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/