RESTRICTED  
  
WT/TPR/S/296  
 
18 March 2014  
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Trade Policy Review Body   
 
 TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
REPORT BY THE SECRETARIAT 
QATAR 
This report, prepared for the second Trade Policy Review of Qatar, has been drawn up by the WTO 
Secretariat on its own responsibility. The Secr etariat has, as required by the Agreement 
establishing the Trade Policy Review Mech anism (Annex 3 of the Marrakesh Agreement 
Establishing the World Trade Organization), sought clarification from Qatar on its trade policies and 
practices.  Any technical questions arising from this report may be addressed to Ms Denby Probst 
(tel.: 022 739 5847). 
 Document WT/TPR/G/296 contains the policy statement submitted by Qatar. 
 
 
Note: This report is subject to restricted circulation and press embargo until the end of the first 
session of the meeting of the Trade Policy Review  Body on Qatar. This report was drafted in 
English. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  CONTENTS 
SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... . 8 
1   ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................ 10  
1.1   Introduction ............................................................................................................. 10 
1.2   Recent econom ic developments .................................................................................. 10 
1.3   Planning and strategy ............................................................................................... 11 
1.3.1   Qatar National Vision 2030 ...................................................................................... 11 
1.3.2   Qatar National De velopment Stra tegy, 2011 -16 ......................................................... 11 
1.4   Macroecono mic policies ............................................................................................. 11 
1.4.1   In flation ............................................................................................................. .. 11 
1.4.2   Labour, employment, an d the expatriate  workforce..................................................... 11 
1.4.3   Exchange  rate policy .............................................................................................. 12 
1.4.4   Trea sury b ills ........................................................................................................  12 
1.5   Fiscal situation ........................................................................................................ . 12 
1.6   Developmen ts in trade .............................................................................................. 13 
1.6.1   Trad e in goods ...................................................................................................... 13 
1.6.1.1   Exports .............................................................................................................. 13 
1.6.1.2   Import s .............................................................................................................  14 
1.6.2   Trade in services ................................................................................................... 14 
1.7   Foreign direct investment trends ................................................................................. 17 
1.8   Outlook ................................................................................................................... 17 
2   TRADE POLICY REGIME: FR AMEWORK AND OB JECTIVES .......................................... 19  
2.1   Introduction ............................................................................................................. 19 
2.2   General constitution al and legal framework .................................................................. 19 
2.2.1   Constitution and legal overview ............................................................................... 19 
2.2.2   Recent developments ............................................................................................. 19 
2.3   Development and admini stration of trade policy ............................................................ 20 
2.3.1   Main trade laws ..................................................................................................... 20 
2.3.2   Agencies involved in  trade policy implementation ....................................................... 20 
2.4   Trade poli cy objectives .............................................................................................. 21 
2.5   Qatar and the WTO ................................................................................................... 21 
2.6   Trade agreements  and arrang ements .......................................................................... 21 
2.6.1   Regional agreements .............................................................................................. 22 
2.6.1.1   Gulf-Cooperation Council (GCC) Customs Union ....................................................... 22 
2.6.1.2   GCC free- trade agr eements .................................................................................. 23 
2.6.1.3   Pan-Arab Free Trad e Area (PAFTA or GAFT A) .......................................................... 23 
2.6.2   Preferential trade ................................................................................................... 24 
2.7   Trade disputes  and consul tations ................................................................................ 24 
2.7.1   Dispute settl ement in the WTO ................................................................................ 24 
2.7.2   GCC and PAFTA dispute settlement mechanisms ......................................................... 24 WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  2.8   Foreign inve stment regime ........................................................................................ 25 
2.8.1   Legal framework .................................................................................................... 25 
2.8.1.1   Incentives .......................................................................................................... 26 
2.8.1.2   Bilateral in vestment ag reements ........................................................................... 26 
3   TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE ........................................................ 27  
3.1   Measures direct ly affectin g imports ............................................................................. 27 
3.1.1   Customs procedures ............................................................................................... 27 
3.1.1.1   Main laws and organization ................................................................................... 27 
3.1.1.2   Multilateral Agreements on customs ....................................................................... 28 
3.1.1.3   Bilateral c ooperation on  customs ........................................................................... 29 
3.1.1.4   Single-window clearance ...................................................................................... 29 
3.1.1.5   Import procedur es and tradin g rights ..................................................................... 29 
3.1.1.6   Customs brokers ................................................................................................. 30 
3.1.1.7   Free trade zones ................................................................................................. 30 
3.1.1.8   The 2013-16 Cust oms Strategi c Plan  ..................................................................... 30 
3.1.2   Tariff schedule ....................................................................................................... 30 
3.1.2.1   Applied rates ...................................................................................................... 30 
3.1.2.2   WT O bindings ..................................................................................................... 32 
3.1.2.3   Applied rates exceeding bo und ra tes ...................................................................... 32 
3.1.2.4   Preferential tariffs ............................................................................................... 32 
3.1.2.5   Exemptions from custom s duties ........................................................................... 32 
3.1.3   Other charge s affecting imports ............................................................................... 33 
3.1.4   Custom s valuation ................................................................................................. 33 
3.1.5   Preferential and non-preferential rules of origin .......................................................... 33 
3.1.6   Import prohibitions, restrictions, an d licensing ........................................................... 33 
3.1.6.1   Prohibitions and restrictions .................................................................................. 33 
3.1.6.2   Licensing ...........................................................................................................  34 
3.1.7   Continge ncy measures ........................................................................................... 34 
3.1.8   Standards ............................................................................................................. 34 
3.1.8.1   Standards and othe r technical re quirements ........................................................... 34 
3.1.8.2   SPS ................................................................................................................... 35 
3.1.8.3   Marking and labelling rules ................................................................................... 35 
3.1.9   Other measures ..................................................................................................... 35 
3.2   Measures direct ly affectin g exports ............................................................................. 35 
3.2.1   Procedures ........................................................................................................... 35 
3.2.2   Export taxes, charges, an d levies ............................................................................. 36 
3.2.3   Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing ............................................................ 36 
3.2.4   Duty and tax concessions, EPZs, export performance requirements ............................... 36 
3.2.5   Export finance, promotion and mark eting assistance, insura nce and guarantees ............. 36 
3.3   Measures affectin g production and trade ...................................................................... 36 WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  3.3.1   Legal framew ork for bu sinesse s ............................................................................... 36 
3.3.1.1   Types of business entities, registration, and foreign company ownership 
restrict ions .................................................................................................................. ... 36 
3.3.1.2   Indust rial projects ............................................................................................... 37 
3.3.1.3   Business climat e for foreign compan ies .................................................................. 38 
3.3.1.4   Business di spute reso lution .................................................................................. 38 
3.3.1.5   Enterprise Qatar ................................................................................................. 38 
3.3.2   State trad ing enterprises ........................................................................................ 38 
3.3.3   In centives ............................................................................................................  39 
3.3.3.1   Tax regime ........................................................................................................ 39 
3.3.3.2   Subsidies ...........................................................................................................  39 
3.3.3.3   Strategi c food re serves ........................................................................................ 39 
3.3.3.4   Spec ial free zones ............................................................................................... 39 
3.3.4   Intellectual property rights ...................................................................................... 40 
3.3.4.1   Trade marks ....................................................................................................... 41 
3.3.4.2   Patents .............................................................................................................. 41 
3.3.4.3   Copyright ........................................................................................................... 41 
3.3.4.4   Geographical Indica tions and Indust rial Designs ...................................................... 42 
3.3.5   Governme nt procurement ....................................................................................... 42 
3.3.5.1   Re quirements ..................................................................................................... 43 
3.3.5.2   Legal framework ................................................................................................. 43 
3.3.5.3   E-procurement ................................................................................................... 43 
3.3.5.4   Preferences ........................................................................................................ 44 
3.3.6   Role of state-owned en terprises, and privatization ...................................................... 44 
3.3.7   Competition policy and price controls ........................................................................ 45 
3.3.7.1   Competitio n law and fr amework ............................................................................ 45 
3.3.7.2   Consumer protection laws and price controls ........................................................... 46 
4   TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR ..................................................................................... 48  
4.1   Energy .................................................................................................................. .. 48 
4.1.1   Policy objectives for the sector ................................................................................. 48 
4.1.2   Na tural gas ...........................................................................................................  49 
4.1.2.1   Production, consumption, and trade ....................................................................... 49 
4.1.2.2   Dolphin project ................................................................................................... 49 
4.1.2.3   Gas export ing countries  forum .............................................................................. 50 
4.1.3   Crude petroleum .................................................................................................... 50 
4.1.4   Downstream petr ochemical industries ....................................................................... 50 
4.2   Services ................................................................................................................ .. 52 
4.2.1   Financial services ................................................................................................... 53 
4.2.1.1   Banking .............................................................................................................  53 
4.2.1.2   Qatar Inve stment Au thority .................................................................................. 55 
4.2.1.3   Qatar financial centre .......................................................................................... 55 WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  4.2.1.4   Insura nce .......................................................................................................... 56 
4.2.1.5   Capi tal mark ets .................................................................................................. 57 
4.2.1.6   Regulation of banking, fina nce, insurance, an d capital markets .................................. 58 
4.2.2   Educat ion services ................................................................................................. 58 
4.2.2.1   Primary, secondary, and tertiary education structure ................................................ 59 
4.2.2.2   Regulation, accredit ation, and qua lity assurance ...................................................... 60 
4.2.2.3   Qatar Foundation – Education City ......................................................................... 61 
4.2.2.4   Distance learni ng or online  education ..................................................................... 62 
4.2.2.5   Foreign faculty mo vement .................................................................................... 62 
4.2.2.6   Students studying abroad ..................................................................................... 63 
4.2.3   Telecommunication s and postal services ................................................................... 63 
4.2.3.1   Tele communica tions ............................................................................................ 63 
4.2.3.2   Regula tory fram ework ......................................................................................... 64 
4.2.3.3   Postal services .................................................................................................... 65 
4.2.4   Tourism ................................................................................................................ 65 
4.2.4.1   Legal and re gulatory fr amework ............................................................................ 66 
4.2.4.2   Qatar Tourism Authority ....................................................................................... 66 
4.2.4.3   Licensing ...........................................................................................................  67 
4.2.4.4   Classification of hote ls and tourist es tablishments .................................................... 67 
4.2.4.5   Tourist guides  and tour operat ors .......................................................................... 67 
4.2.4.6   Trav el agents ..................................................................................................... 68 
4.2.5   Construction and infrastructure projects .................................................................... 68 
4.2.5.1   Mark et structure ................................................................................................. 69 
4.2.5.2   Regula tory meas ures ........................................................................................... 69 
4.2.5.3   Codes and standards ........................................................................................... 70 
4.2.5.4   Moveme nt of labour ............................................................................................ 70 
4.2.5.5   Temporary impo rtation of machinery ..................................................................... 70 
4.2.6   Transportation ....................................................................................................... 70 
4.2.6.1   Internationa l maritime transp ort ........................................................................... 71 
4.2.6.2   Air transport ....................................................................................................... 72 
4.2.6.3   Pipeline  transmission ........................................................................................... 73 
4.2.6.4   Ra il transp ort ..................................................................................................... 73 
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 7 4 
5   APPENDIX  TABLES .................................................................................................... 75  
 
CHARTS 
 
Chart 1.1 Balance of payments, 2006-12 ............................................................................. 10 
Chart 1.2 Economically active population ( 15 years and above) by nationality,  2007-12 ............. 12 
Chart 1.3 Composition of exports, in cluding re-exports (f.o.b.), 2006-12  ................................. 13 
Chart 1.4 Direction of merchandise exports including re-exports (f.o.b.) 2006 and 2012 ............ 14 WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  Chart 1.5 Imports by composition and origin, 2006 and 2012 ................................................. 15 
Chart 1.6 Inward FDI stocks , 2009  ..................................................................................... 17 
Chart 2.1 Overview of recipr ocal trade, 2006 and 20 12 ......................................................... 22 
Chart 3.1 Imports and exports by  type of entr y port, 2012 .................................................... 27 
Chart 3.2 Average applied MFN tariff rates and bound rates, by HS sectio n, 2013 ..................... 31 
Chart 4.1 Services sector by GDP at current prices, 2012 ...................................................... 48 
Chart 4.2 Overview of Qatar Petroleum major operations ....................................................... 49 
Chart 4.3 Natural gas production and exports, 2007-12 ......................................................... 50 
Chart 4.4 Crude petroleum prod uction and expo rts, 2007- 12 ................................................. 51 
Chart 4.5 Petrochemicals - production and exports, 2007-12 .................................................. 51 
Chart 4.6 Qatar Fi nancial Ce ntre ........................................................................................ 55 
Chart 4.7 Qatar insurance market by type (value of policies), 2011 ......................................... 56 
Chart 4.8 Supreme Education Counc il ................................................................................. 60 
Chart 4.9 Hotel occupancy and tourist nights, 2007-11 .......................................................... 66 
Chart 4.10 Building and constructi on projects by  sector , 2011 ................................................ 68 
 
TABLES 
 
Table.1.1 Qatar services  export st atistics ............................................................................ 16 
Table 1.2 Qatar services  import st atistics ............................................................................ 16 
Table 2.1 Main trade laws ................................................................................................. 20 
Table 2.2 Investment  legal framework ................................................................................ 25 
Table 2.3 Bilateral inve stment agr eements .......................................................................... 26 
Table 3.1 Overview of  the Cust oms Law .............................................................................. 28 
Table 3.2 Bilateral agreemen ts on custom s matters .............................................................. 29 
Table 3.3 Structure of applied MFN tariffs in Qatar, 2013 ....................................................... 31 
Table 3.4 Customs du ty exemptions ................................................................................... 32 
Table 3.5 Main business laws ............................................................................................. 37 
Table 3.6 Types of busi ness establis hments ......................................................................... 37 
Table 3.7 IP treaties  and conv entions ................................................................................. 40 
Table 3.8 Main Intellec tual Proper ty Laws ............................................................................ 41 
Table 3.9 Overview of Government procurement, 2012/13 ..................................................... 42 
Table 3.10 Government entities procuring through the CTC .................................................... 43 
Table 3.11 State-ow ned enterprises ................................................................................... 44 
Table 3.12 Competition provisions, Article 3 ......................................................................... 45 
Table 3.13 Competition Law, Article 4 ................................................................................. 46 
Table 3.14 Consumer protection legal framework and orders on maximum prices ...................... 47 
Table 4.1 Major downst ream oper ations .............................................................................. 52 
Table 4.2 Qatar GATS Commitments ................................................................................... 53 
Table 4.3 Registered banks in  Qatar, September 2013 .......................................................... 54 
Table 4.4 Legal framework fo r the financia l sector ................................................................ 55 WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  Table 4.5 Insurance and re-insurance companies .................................................................. 57 
Table 4.6 Capital mark ets overview , 2008-12  ...................................................................... 57 
Table 4.7 Educat ion stat istics ............................................................................................ 59 
Table 4.8 SEC requir ements fo r school s .............................................................................. 61 
Table 4.9 Establishments  in Educat ion City .......................................................................... 62 
Table 4.10 Telecommunica tions indi cators ........................................................................... 63 
Table 4.11 Telecommunicati ons legal framework .................................................................. 64 
Table 4.12 Main tourism indicators, 2008-13 ........................................................................ 65 
Table 4.13 Tourism legal framework ................................................................................... 66 
Table 4.14 Tourism li cence oblig ations ................................................................................ 67 
Table 4.15 Building and constr uction statisti cs, 2007-11 ........................................................ 69 
Table 4.16 Transp ort stat istics ........................................................................................... 71 
Table 4.17 Transport laws and regulations ........................................................................... 71 
Table 4.18 Maritime transport,  2008-11  .............................................................................. 71 
 
BOX 
 
Box 4.1 Major planned co nstruction projects ........................................................................ 69 
 
APPENDIX TABLES 
 
Table A1.1 Selected macroeconomic indicators, 2006 to 2nd quarter 2013 ................................ 75 
Table A1.2 Balance of  payments , 2006-1 2 ........................................................................... 78 
Table A1.3 Merchandise exports by produc t group, including re-exports , 2006-12 ..................... 79 
Table A1.4 Merchandise exports by dest ination, including re-exports , 2006-12  ......................... 80 
Table A1.5 Merchandise import s by product gr oup, 2006 -12 .................................................. 81 
Table A1.6 Merchandise im ports by orig in, 2006- 12 .............................................................. 82 
 
Table A2.1 Selected notifications to the WTO, 1 January 2007-31 December 2013 ..................... 83 
 
Table A3.1 Prohibited goods .............................................................................................. 84 
Table A3.2 Restricted goods .............................................................................................. 85 
Table A3.3 Qatar tariff summa ry, 2013 ............................................................................... 86 
 
 WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  SUMMARY 
1. Since the last review of Qatar, its economy has exhibited significant economic growth and 
development. GDP growth remained in double-digits, in real terms, ranging from 12% to 26% during most of the period. Qatar ranks second in the world in terms of GDP per capita. With 
emphasis on diversification of its economy, Qatar has invested in a knowledge-based infrastructure 
including improvements in education, infrastructure, and healthcare.  
2. A strong and growing trade surplus in goods during the review period drove the current 
account increasingly upward, to a peak of QR 224 billion in 2012. The services trade balance 
remained slightly negative. The capital and financial account were generally large and negative in recent years owing to Qatar’s growing investments abroad, but the balance of payments remained positive during the period except for 2011. 
3. Developments in trade have been dominated by  significant export growth, reaching their 
highest level on record at QR 484,065 million in 2012. Exports have nearly tripled since 2007 due to strong oil and gas exports, including relatively  strong energy prices. Non-energy exports also 
expanded during the period, reaching 12% of exports in 2012. Imports have grown, albeit at a 
slower pace than exports, and are generally more diversified. Imports of machinery and transportation equipment dominate, reflecting ca pital investments and supporting infrastructure 
development. 
4. A new government was formed in 2013 when the new Emir took over, however no major 
policy shifts or changes have occurred. Qatar continues to encourage an open trade and investment climate. It also plans to create a more competitive economy by reducing entry barriers 
and strengthening competition. As part of its National Development Strategy it plans to further 
liberalize trade in services under the GATS. 
5. Since the 2001 GCC Economic Agreement, Qatar and other GCC members have been 
working towards a level of higher integration,  most notably through the establishment of a 
customs union, which commenced in 2003. At presen t, there is a common external tariff (CET) 
among GCC members but internal border posts are still in operation, and each GCC member 
maintains autonomy through its individual customs administration. While MFN trade still dominates 
for Qatari imports and exports, GCC trade increased during the period and now accounts for approximately 15% of Qatar's imports and 7% of exports. Main trading partners among the GCC 
are the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 
6. Pursuant to Qatar's foreign investment laws, foreign investors are generally limited to a 
minority ownership of 49%, although 100% foreig n ownership is allowed in certain sectors after 
authorization (agriculture; industry; health; education; tourism; developing and exploitation of 
natural resources, energy and mining; consulting se rvices; technical services; IT services; cultural 
services; sport services; leisure services; and di stribution services). Certain rights are also 
guaranteed to foreign investors such as unrestricted transfer of funds and assurances against 
expropriation. Qatar uses bilateral investment agreements to encourage investment; currently 
there are 22 such agreements. 
7. Developments in customs during the period  o f  r e v i e w  w e r e  c o n c e n t r a t e d  o n  t h e  
establishment of the customs clearance single window project, Al Nadeeb . Since gradual 
introduction began in 2011, the single window  has reduced customs clearance to 15 minutes, 
lowered the inspection rate to 5%, and provided high-quality value-added services to traders. More than 90% of registered importers and export ers use the system to facilitate trade. It is 
expected to be integrated into a wider GCC level single window system in the future. 
8. In terms of import protection, tariffs remain low and Qatar maintains few non-tariff barriers. 
As of 2013, the simple average applied tariff rate was 4.7% with few peaks; most tariffs are at 5% 
under the GCC CET. Peak tariffs occur on 20 tari ff lines of tobacco products and 6 tariff lines of 
steel products; the steel tariffs currently exceed the WTO bindings. There are also 27 tariff lines of prohibited goods and 50 tariff lines requiring special import procedures. Qatar does not maintain any legislation on import licensing, pre-shipment inspection, or contingency measures (anti-
dumping, countervailing measures, and safeguards). WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  9. During the review period, Qatar created its first export development agency in order to 
promote and diversify its export base. An expo rt development strategy was created under its 
stewardship in 2012; it includes provisions to ev aluate companies’ export readiness and setting 
target goals for Qatari exports. There are few rules or measures imposed on exports; Qatar does 
not impose taxes, levies, or licensing upon exportation. Further, there are few restrictions or 
prohibitions, but the prohibitions imposed on imports are also imposed on exports.  
10. The Qatari economy is still heavily reliant on  state-owned enterprises despite significant 
efforts to encourage private sector investment and business establishment. According to a 2009 
study, the public and mixed sector accounted for approximately 60% of GDP. The establishment of 
businesses in Qatar is regulated by several laws, including investment laws, which determine the type of business entity and the share of foreign ownership, thus many businesses must be 
established with a Qatari partner. Changes to the laws in 2010 relaxed certain provisions for sole 
proprietorships and LLCs. The establishment of an  industrial project requires submission of a 
proposal and issuing of a licence by the respective authorities. 
11. In terms of intellectual property protection , Qatar enacted several laws during 2002-06 to 
put in place the necessary rules for, inter alia,  patents, trade marks, geographical indications, and 
integrated circuits, but many of these laws remain non-operational as the necessary implementing 
regulations have not been issued. 
12. The energy sector, in particular natural gas,  remains the backbone of Qatari industrial 
output and trade. With the world's third larges t reserves, Qatar increased production output 
consistently during the review period, and exports reached their highest level in 2012. As the 
majority of natural gas is exported as LNG, there are capacity limitations and investment in 
infrastructure necessary to keep export levels  rising. Furthermore a 2005 moratorium on further 
development of Qatar's largest gas field, which has been continually extended, has the potential to 
limit future production growth. 
13. Qatar's banking and insurance sector underwent some growth and development during the 
review period, especially with respect to the es tablishment of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), 
commencing in 2005, and the development of the Islamic finance subsector. The QFC operates 
under free-trade-zone provisions in order to attract international banking companies, insurance business, and related financial services to Qatar. Reforms were initiated in 2012 to create one regulatory authority for financial services in Qatar, but there are still several authorities, and 
separate rules and regulations for those operating in the QFC. 
14. Diversification and investment in several service sectors such as transportation, 
construction, and tourism has helped boost the economy in recent years and is expected to 
continue in the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as Qatar is expected to expand hotel 
capacity, develop a rail network, and invest in la rge-scale construction infrastructure projects. 
Investment in education and healthcare sectors, as part of the Qatar National Vision 2030, is 
expected to develop Qatar's knowledge-based economy. 
 WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  1  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 
1.1  Introduction 1.1.  Qatar, a strategically located peninsula along one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, has 
relied on trade for much of its history. The trade in  pearls in the early days, the discovery of oil, 
and the commercialization of liquefied natural gas during the past 20 years has allowed Qatar to 
prosper and experience significant structural economic change. More recently, with development and investment in non-energy sectors, such as banking and other services, Qatar is pursuing new 
pathways that have not yet reached their full potential. 
1.2.  Qatar exhibited significant economic grow th over the review period. GDP increased from 
QR 220 billion at end 2006 to QR 724.3 billion in second quarter 2013. In real terms, GDP growth remained in double digits, ranging from 12% to 26.2%, during the period, with the exception of 
2012 when it fell to 6.2%. (Table A1.1) According to the IMF, Qatar ranks second in the world in 
terms of GDP per capita.
1 With one of the highest standards of living, and substantial economic 
growth, Qatar is keen to use its growing energy wealth to invest in its future and diversify its 
economy away from hydrocarbons towards a knowledge-based economy. It is investing in its 
people by improving education, infrastructure, and healthcare, promoting innovation and sustainable development, and continuing its policy toward international cooperation and openness. 
1.2  Recent economic developments 
1.3.  Strong fiscal surpluses, accommodative mo netary policy, and low inflation have supported 
Qatar’s strong growth in recent years. Development and investment in the non-hydrocarbon sector has contributed towards diversification and fuelled alternative sources of growth. 
1.4.  The current account grew considerably over the period, with a rising positive trade balance 
driven by strong, mostly hydrocarbon, exports (C hart 1.1, Table A1.2). The balance of services 
trade remained slightly negative. The capital and financial account were large and negative in 
recent years owing to Qatar’s growing investments abroad. Nevertheless, the balance of payments 
remained positive during the period, except in 2011. 
Chart 1.1 Balance of payments, 2006-12 
-100-50050100150200250300350400
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012Current Account
Goods
Overall BalanceBillion QR
 
Source: National Accounts Bulletin 2012  (3rd edition). Viewed at: http://www.qsa.gov.qa/eng/index.htm , 
Statistics Authority (2012); and Qatar Central Bank. 
                                               
1 IMF, 2012 rankings. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  1.3  Planning and strategy 
1.3.1  Qatar National Vision 2030 1.5.  In 2008 the Government created its first nati onal strategic document for future development, 
the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV). It defines trends that reflect the aspirations, objectives, and 
culture of the people of Qatar. According to the QN V, the main goal is to transform Qatar into an 
advanced country by 2030, capable of sustaining  its own development and providing for a high 
standard of living for future generations.
2 Four main developmental pillars are analysed: human, 
social, economic, and environmental. 
1.6.  The economic development dimension builds on sound economic management, responsible 
exploitation of oil and gas, and suitable economic  diversification. As part of Qatar’s economic 
strategy, it plans to pursue reasonable and sust ained rates of economic growth supported by a 
sound financial policy. Maintaining open and flexible economic structures is an important part of its 
strategy along with coordination of trade, investment, and financial ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and other Arab or other regional organizations. 
1.7.  Qatar is committed to maintaining its strate gic reserves of crude petroleum and natural gas 
and intends to keep a balance between reserves and production. Further expansion of downstream 
industry where a competitive edge is obtain ed from energy production is envisioned. 
1.8.  Other aspects of the QNV include Qatar’s desire to play a larger role in the economics, 
politics, and culture of the GCC, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. It 
is also cognizant of maintaining a balance between development needs and protecting the environment. 
1.3.2  Qatar National Development Strategy, 2011-16 
1.9.  Qatar’s National Development Strategy (N DS), 2011-16 builds upon the QNV and is a plan of 
action towards achieving its goals. With respect to sustaining economic prosperity, the NDS 
highlights the importance of expanding the co untry's domestic productive base, enhancing 
economic stability and efficiency, safeguarding market efficiency, and building a diversified 
economy. Furthermore, certain targets are set in the NDS in order to take concrete steps, 
including, the establishment of a forward-look ing and coordinated budget process, a public 
investment programme, the introduction of policy instruments to manage domestic liquidity, and 
pursuing foreign investment liberalization. At end 2013, some of these targets had been met. 
1.4  Macroeconomic policies 
1.4.1  Inflation 
1.10.  With a rapidly growing economy, Qatar's inflation rates were high during 2006-08 (as 
measured by the CPI), mostly driven by housing rent s, followed by low or negative inflation during 
2009-11. Inflation varied between 12% and 15% during 2006-08 and -5 to 2% during 2009-11 
(Table A1.1). High housing and food costs fuelled inflation in the early period, followed by a cooling off period due to softening of the real estate sector. Inflation rose slightly to 1.9% in 2011 
due to high transport and communication prices driven by high oil prices; it remained at this 
higher level in 2012. 
1.11.  Temporary price controls were applied on housing and construction material during the 
period under review. As at late 2013, these controls are no longer in place. However, product 
specific price controls are still in place for goods supported by public subsidies (section 3.3.7.2 for 
information on specific product price controls). 
1.4.2  Labour, employment, and the expatriate workforce 
1.12.  Qatar has relied heavily on the growth of  its workforce to support its economic growth. 
While the population is small relative to its GD P, it expanded significantly (76%) over 2006-12, 
                                               
2 Qatar National Vision 2030. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 12 - 
 
  and the unemployment rate remained very low (a veraging less than 0.5%). Furthermore, the 
share of expatriates far outnumbers that of Qatari s, and has been growing at a faster pace (65% 
growth rate for expatriates versus 33% for Qataris) (Chart 1.2). This phenomenon has had far-reaching consequences also affecting the current  account transfers, as workers send more and 
more remittances back home. 
Chart 1.2 Economically active population ( 15 years and above) by nationality, 2007-12 
Number ('000) 
 - 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1,000 1,100 1,200 1,300 1,400
2007 2008 2009 2011 2012Non-Qataris Qataris
 
Source: Bulletin Labour Force statistics, 2012. 
1.13.  Qatar has a programme, known as Qatarization, to support the hiring and career 
development of Qataris in the workforce. According to the National Development Strategy, 
Qatarization should be pursued with Qataris receiving the support and mentorship to fill their 
roles.3 There is a general target of 50% Qatarization across the economy. Furthermore the QNV 
acknowledges the need to increase the labour force participation of its citizens but also recognizes that Qatar will not have the necessary labour force among its citizens to manage the requirements 
of a rapidly growing society. 
1.4.3  Exchange rate policy 1.14.  Qatar’s exchange rate policy has resulted in the Qatari riyal being pegged to the dollar at a 
fixed exchange of QR 3.64 per US$ for the durati on of the period under review. This policy has 
been in place for more than a decade, to provide stability to the riyal and to reduce price volatility. It has also provided relatively stable rates of interest. 
1.15.  The GCC countries, including Qatar, have been working towards a single monetary union 
and common currency. As envisioned, a single currency would be put in place among the six GCC countries.  Work continues towards this goal. 
1.4.4  Treasury bills 
1.16.  Qatar issued sovereign debt for the first time in 2000. Since then it has put out other bond 
issues, most recently in 2013. Qatar is pursuing this to support the development of a domestic 
capital market, not to service any government debts.
4 
1.5  Fiscal situation 
1.17.  Qatar has consistently produced significant fiscal surpluses as high global energy prices 
have produced higher than expected revenues. Th e latest figures available show a surplus of QR 
54 billion for fiscal year 2011/12 up from QR 32 billion in 2007/08. At the same time, expenditures 
have also increased, mostly due to increases in salaries and wages and the initiation of significant 
                                               
3 Qatar National Development Strategy, 2011-16. 
4 Qatar Ministry of Development and Planning Statistics (2013). WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 13 - 
 
  publically financed infrastructure projects. In 2012/13, hydrocarbon revenues accounted for 62% 
of total revenues, and the fiscal surplus amounted to 12% of GDP.5 
1.6  Developments in trade 1.6.1  Trade in goods 
1.6.1.1  Exports 
1.18.  Since 2007, exports have nearly tripled, reaching QR 484,065 million in 2012, their highest 
level on record.
6 Year-to-year export growth was steady and consistent over the period, with the 
exception of 2009 when exports dipped slightly as a result of weak world demand at the time of 
the financial crisis. In 2012, the mineral product sector accounted for over 88% of total exports.7 
Of this, natural gas accounted for 62% and crude petroleum, 20%. (Table A1.3) Qatar was the world's 23
rd largest exporter in 2012.8 
1.19.  Exports started to diversify slightly over 2006-12, as non-energy product exports rose from 
10% to 12%. The quantity of energy goods expo rted increased over the period, but the growth 
was also a result of relatively high energy prices. Export levels generally mirrored the price of 
crude petroleum over the period. (Chart 1.3). 
Chart 1.3 Composition of exports, in cluding re-exports (f.o.b.), 2006-12 
(QR billion for exports; QR per barrel for crude oil) 
0.050.0100.0150.0200.0250.0300.0350.0400.0450.0500.0
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012Oil and gas exportsCrude oil priceNon-oil and gas 
exports
 
Source: WTO calculations, based on data provided by Foreign Merchandise Trade System. Viewed at: 
http://ftp.qsa.gov.qa:8088/ ; and World Bank Commodity price Data. 
1.20.  The majority of exports are destined to Asia. Japan and the Republic of Korea are the major 
markets, accounting for 28% and 19% of total expo rts, respectively in 2012. Exports to these two 
countries are dominated by liquefied natural gas (LNG). India and the EU are also significant markets for Qatari exports, also mostly energy products. Since 2006, the export shares to the EU, 
India, and China have more than doubled, whereas Japan’s share has declined. (Chart 1.4) Among 
Gulf countries, the UAE accounts for more than half of the exports to the region (Table A1.4). 
                                               
5 Qatar Central Bank (2013). 
6 Foreign merchandise trade system. Viewed at: http://ftp.qsa.gov.qa:8088/ [23/08/2013]. 
7 Foreign merchandise trade system. Viewed at: http://ftp.qsa.gov.qa:8088/ [23/08/2013]. 
8 WTO (2013). WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 14 - 
 
  Chart 1.4 Direction of merchandise exports including re-exports (f.o.b.) 2006 and 2012 
(%)
20062012
EU (27) 9.8
Japan
27.7
Korea, Rep. of
18.6India
11.0Singapore
5.3China
5.1Gulf 
countries
6.5Other
15.9
Total:   QR123.9 billionTotal:  QR 484.1 b illionOther
20.1EU (27) 3.6
India
4.9
Korea, Rep. of
13.9Japan
41.5Gulf countries
5.5
China
1.2
Singapore
9.5
 
Source: WTO calculations based on data provided by Foreign merchandise Trade System. Viewed at: 
http://ftp.qsa.gov.qa:8088/ . 
1.6.1.2  Imports 
1.21.  Merchandise imports are more diversified than exports, and they have generally increased 
over the period although not at the same pace as exports; they increased 59% between 2006 and 
2012. (Table A1.5) Machinery and transport equipment account for about half of imported products, and base metal and chemicals also account for significant shares (Chart 1.5). The 
majority of transport equipment imported is vehi cles, while machinery comprises both mechanical 
and electrical machinery (HS chapters 84 and 85). 
1.22.  Imported products come primarily from the EU, Gulf countries, and the United States, which 
together accounted for over half of the total in 2012 (Chart 1.5). Germany, Italy, and the U.K. 
were the main sources of EU goods, and the UAE among Gulf countries (Table A1.6). Since 2006, 
the share of imports from China, EFTA, Gulf count ries, and the United States has increased, while 
that of Japan and the EU has decreased (Chart 1.5). 
1.6.2  Trade in services 
1.23.  Services exports grew significantly in the last two years of the review period, largely as a 
result of increased exports of transportation and tr avel services (Table 1.1). However, the services 
trade balance remained largely negative due to higher growth in services imports. (Table 1.2) 
During the period, exports more than doubled, but imports more than tripled, from a larger base, 
hence the growing services deficit. Imports of services were dominated by transportation and other commercial services, in particular other business services.
9 Travel services were the third 
largest category, accounting for 24% of imports.  
 
 
 
  
 
 
                                               
9 These services include royalties and license fees, trade-related services, re search and development, 
advertising and market research, personal, cultural, and recreational services, security and investigative services, translation and interpretation, photographic services, and building cleaning services. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  Chart 1.5 Imports by composition and origin, 2006 and 2012 
(%) 
2006 2012
(a)    By composition
Machinery 
(XVI)
25.7
Transport 
equip. (XVII)
19.1
Base metals & 
prod. (XV)
11.0Chemicals 
(VI)
8.1Minerals (V)
5.0Live 
animals & 
prod. (I)
4.1Other
27.0
(b)    By origin
EU(27)  
34.8Gulf 
countries
13.1
Japan
12.0Other 
22.6
China 5.8EFTA 1.7United States
11.0
EU(27)  
26.8
EFTA 4.7
China 9.8Japan
8.2Gulf 
countries
15.6Other 
24.0
Total:   QR 59.8 billion Total:   QR 94.9 billion%
United States
9.9Machinery 
(XVI)
36.1
Transport 
equip. (XVII)
15.8Base metals & 
prd. (XV)
19.7Chemicals 
(VI)
4.2Minerals 
(V)
2.9Live 
animals & 
prod. (I)
1.8Other
19.6
Note:            Data in parenthesis  refer to the HS Section number.
 
 
Source: WTO calculations based on data provided by Foreign Merchandise Trade System. Viewed at: 
http://ftp.qsa.gov.qa:8088/ . WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  Table.1.1 Qatar services  export statistics 
(QR million and %) 
 Exports  
 (Qatari riyal million) 
 2006  2007  2008  2009  2010 2011 2012  
Services 15,263  13,075  12,468  7,288  10,961 26,913 36,117  
Commercial services (services excl. government services)  12,681  11,389  8,286  7,073  10,287 20,312 32,219  
   Transportation 9,233  10,293  7,259  5,765  6,378 14,300 17,004  
   Travel 3,181  101 529 650 2,124 4,257 10,400  
   Other commercial services (commercial services minus  
   travel & transport) 267 995 498 658 1,785 1,755 4,815  
     Communications services 193 238 239 209 653 415 1,495  
Insurance services 74  757 259 449 1,132 1,340 2,243  
Other business services .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Personal, cultural and recreational services ..  .. .. .. .. .. 1,077  
Government services, n.i.e. 2,582  1,686  4,182  215 674 6,601 3,898  
 (% of total) 
Services 100.0  100.0  100.0  100.0  100.0 100.0 100.0  
Commercial services (excl. government services) 83.1  87.1 66.5 97.0 93.9 75.5 89.2  
   Transportation 60.5 78.7 58.2 79.1 58.2 53.1 47.1 
   Travel 20.8  0.8 4.2 8.9 19.4 15.8 28.8  
   Other commercial services (excl. travel & transport)  1.7 7.6 4.0 9.0 16.3 6.5 13.3 
Communications services  1.3 1.8 1.9 2.9 6.0 1.5 4.1  
Insurance services 0.5 5.8 2.1 6.2 10.3 5.0 6.2 
Other business services ..  .. .. .. .. .. ..  
Personal, cultural and recreational services .. .. .. .. .. .. 3.0 
Government services, n.i.e. 16.9  12.9 33.5 3.0 6.1 24.5 10.8  
.. Not available. 
 Source: UNCTAD-ITC-WTO Trad e in Services Database. 
Table 1.2 Qatar services import statistics 
 Imports  
 (Qatari riyal million) 
 2006  2007  2008  2009  2010 2011 2012  
Services 25,322  27,149  26,287  21,543  31,961 61,395 87,019  
Commercial services (excl. government 
services) 24,986  26,748  25,725  20,608  27,906 56,596 80,540  
   Transportation 5,391  18,345  12,281  14,195  20,960 35,837 35,991  
   Travel 13,652  4,594  5,288  1,752  1,959 6,579 20,560  
   Other commercial se rvices (excl. travel & 
   transport) 5,943  3,809  8,156  4,661  4,987 14,180 23,989  
Communications services  889 1,041  1,041  2,117  1,327 922 5,044  
Insurance services 54  768 915 1,381  1,529 4,031 3,691  
Other business services .. .. .. .. .. 4,029 10,164  
Personal, cultural and recreational 
      services .. .. .. .. .. 5,198 5,090  
Government services, n.i.e. 336 401 562 935 4,055 4,799 6,479  
 (% of total)  
Services 100.0  100.0  100.0  100.0  100.0 100.0 100.0  
Commercial services (excl. government 
services) 98.7 98.5 97.9 95.7 87.3 92.2 92.6  
   Transportation 21.3 67.6 46.7 65.9 65.6 58.4 41.4 
   Travel 53.9  16.9 20.1 8.1 6.1 10.7 23.6  
   Other commercial services (excl. travel & 
   transport) 23.5 14.0 31.0 21.6 15.6 23.1 27.6 
     Communications services 3.5  3.8 4.0 9.8 4.2 1.5 5.8  WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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   Imports  
 (Qatari riyal million) 
 2006  2007  2008  2009  2010 2011 2012  
Insurance services 0.2 2.8 3.5 6.4 4.8 6.6 4.2 
Other business services ..  .. .. .. .. 6.6 11.7  
Personal, cultural and recreational 
     services .. .. .. .. .. 8.5 5.8 
Government services, n.i.e. 1.3  1.5 2.1 4.3 12.7 7.8 7.4  
.. Not available. 
 Source: UNCTAD-ITC-WTO Trad e in Services Database. 
1.7  Foreign direct investment trends 
1.24.  According to preliminary estimates by the authorities, Qatar inward foreign direct 
investment increased during 2010-12 compared to the baseline survey results of 2009. However, there are no official comparable figures after 2009. 
1.25.  In terms of source of inflows for 2009, the United States and the Netherlands each 
accounted for over one quarter of FDI inflows. The United Kingdom was the next largest source, 
with 11.3% (Chart 1.6). 
1.26.  Inflows were heavily concentrated in two ma in industry sectors. Just over half of the 2009 
inflows were in the oil and gas sector, and another quarter were in manufacturing (25.8%). The 
remainder accounted for less than 24.3% and included finance, insurance, real estate, and other business; construction; trade, restaurants, and hotels; and transport and communications sectors. 
Chart 1.6 Inward FDI stocks, 2009 
(%) 
(a)    By economic activity (b)    By country of origin
United 
Kingdom
11.3UAE
7.8Japan
7.0Other 
12.3
Netherlands 
26.1Korea, Rep. of 
3.6Saudi 
Arabia
2.9US Virgin 
Islands
2.7
Total:   QR 94.3 billionUnited States
26.4Other
0.2Transport & 
communications
2.2
Manufacturing
25.8Mining and 
Quarrying 
(oil and ags)
50.7Trade, 
restaurants & 
hotels
3.2
Construction
6.5Finance, 
insurance, real 
estate&business 
service
11.4
 
 
Source: Foreign investment survey 2010, Economic Statistics Department, Qatar Statistics Authority, 
February 2010. 
1.8  Outlook 
1.27.  The immediate future looks promising for Qata r, especially as exports of its main products 
are expected to continue at current levels with persistent high world energy prices. GDP expanded 
at an estimated 6.0% in Q2 2013.10 The ongoing construction, centred around large infrastructure 
projects, and the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cu p, is expected to drive the economy over the 
                                               
10 Qatar Statistical Authority (2013). National Accounts. Available from 
http://www.qsa.gov.qa/eng/index.htm . WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  next decade. Imports are expected to remain stro ng but significant exports should still provide a 
significant but smaller trade surplus.11 
1.28.  Qatar is working towards a public-private partnership initiative that will allow the private 
sector to participate in key infrastructure projects. 
                                               
11 Qatar Economic Outlook, 2013-14, Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  2  TRADE POLICY REGIME: FRAMEWORK AND OBJECTIVES 
2.1  Introduction 2.1.  Since its first review, conducted in 2005, Qatar has amended a number of its laws relating to 
trade and investment and introduced a few new instruments, but the basic framework on customs 
and investment remains intact. Some changes have been implemented to make doing business 
more attractive, for example on simplifying the corporate tax system and establishing special 
zones for their operations. 
2.2  General constitutional and legal framework 
2.2.1  Constitution and legal overview 2.2.  Since gaining independence in 1971, Qatar has been guided by its main law, or constitution. 
For much of its history, it was guided by the Amended Provisional Constitution which was replaced 
in 2005 by its first Permanent Constitution. The Permanent Constitution consolidated the basic 
foundations of society and aligned them with the requirements of contemporary society. Its 150 
Articles contain provisions on the State and the bases of rule, guiding principles of the society, 
public rights and duties, and organization of powers . The constitution grants legislative authority to 
the Al-Shoura Council, executive authority to the Emir, and judicial authority to the courts. According to the provisions of Article 143, the enfo rcement of the constitution shall not affect the 
provisions of treaties and international agreements to which Qatar is a party. 
2.3.  The State of Qatar, as a constitutional monarchy, headed by the Emir of Qatar, is 
represented internally and externally in all international relations by the Emir. The Emir is head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and his functions include ratification and 
promulgation of laws, summoning and presiding over the Council of Ministers, drawing up general 
policy of the State, appointing civil servants and military personnel, accrediting heads of diplomatic and consular missions, conferring civilian and m ilitary orders, granting pardons, and overseeing 
functions of the consultative bodies.  
2.4.  Qatar’s legal system is a combination of civil law and Islamic sharia law. Two separate court 
systems and rules are in place, for sharia law on the one hand, and for civil, commercial, and 
criminal law on the other. Trade and commercial matters are covered by civil law, whereas the 
sharia system administers matters mostly relating to family law. 
2.5.  In 2004 a new law on the judicial system unified the courts and changed significantly the 
judicial process by establishing three levels of litigation: the courts, the appeals courts, and the 
court of cassation. Further changes in the judiciary, in 2008, established the Supreme 
Constitutional Court to hear constitutional matters referred from other courts. 
2.2.2  Recent developments 
2.6.  In June 2013, a new government was formed when the Emir abdicated in favour of the Heir 
Apparent after 18 years as Emir. Since then, no major policy shifts have taken place; the new Emir indicated that his top priority is to promote the development of Qatar. However, there have been a 
number of organizational changes as well as ne w appointments to decision-making positions. 
2.7.  The new constitution empowers the Al-Sho ura Council to supervise and make decisions in 
three major areas: the national budget, ministers’ performance, and to draft and vote on proposed 
legislation. Furthermore, an important change was introduced in that the Council be partially 
elected by the people; two thirds are to be elec ted by universal suffrage and one third appointed 
by the Emir. Elections were scheduled to take place in 2007, 2010, and 2013 but were postponed, again, to 2016. To date, as these elections have not taken place, the majority of Council members 
remain appointed officials. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  2.3  Development and administration of trade policy 
2.3.1  Main trade laws 2.8.  As a member of the GCC and its customs union, a part of Qatar’s trade policy and legal 
structure is now influenced by this regional body. For example, Qatar’s customs law is the 
Common GCC Customs Law. Cooperation and harmonization also occur in other areas such as 
intellectual property, and in transport and other serv ices sectors. After approval at the level of the 
GCC, matters are incorporated into Qatari law. The main Qatari laws impacting trade are on 
business, investment, and services (Table 2.1). As GCC decisions and agreements require prior 
ratification by all member countries, GCC-level ratification, undertaken by the Emir, in effect ratifies the decision in Qatar. Under the constitution  (Article 68), a decree is required for it to be 
implemented in Qatar. GCC decisions take precedence in the absence of, or conflict with, Qatari 
laws (GCC Decree No. 81, 2008 Article 33). 
Table 2.1 Main trade laws 
Main trade laws Reference 
Foreign Investment Law Law No. (13) of 2000 
Customs Law Law No. (40) of 2002 
Proxy Law Law No. (25) of 2004 
Commercial Companies Law Law No. (5) of 2002 
Commercial Agencies Law Law No. (8) of 2002 
Tax Law Law No. (21) of 2009 
Trademarks Law Law No. (9) of 2002 
TBT Law No. (4) of 1990 
SPS Law No. (12) of 1991 
E-Commerce Law Law No. (16) of 2010 
Competition Law Law No. (19) of 2006 
Contingency Measures Law No. (4) of 2006 
Source: Compiled by WTO Secretariat from various sources. 
2.3.2  Agencies involved in trade policy implementation 2.9.  The Qatar Government undertook reforms in 2008-09 to create a ministry portfolio-based 
approach whereby ministries were held accountable for their policies and outcomes.
1 The Ministry 
of Business and Trade was given responsibilities for developing programmes necessary to execute 
policies on the development of business and trade,  including supporting and developing exports, 
proposing and implementing policies on attracting investment, protecting consumers, and preventing monopolistic practices.
2 Changes were initiated in 2013 and the Ministry became the 
Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC), and incl udes many of the same functions of the old 
Ministry of Economy and Finance. 
2.10.  In addition to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, there are a number of other 
Ministries responsible for certain aspects of trad e policy. The Ministry of  Environment contains a 
Department on Agriculture Affairs that is concerned with agricultural policy, and the Ministry of Energy and Industry is responsible for policies on energy product exports. 
2.11.  A National Committee on WTO Affairs was established in 2001 to coordinate and liaise on 
WTO policy matters.
3 Its main purpose was to enable Qatar to optimize its membership in the WTO 
by providing a forum for the public and private sectors to communicate. This body has representatives of the MEC, Ministry of Foreig n Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of 
Environment, Cabinet of Ministers, Ministry of  Energy and Industry, Mi nistry of Development 
Planning and Statistics, Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Qatar Central Bank, and Qatar Petroleum. By law it meets at least 
twice a month. 
                                               
1 Qatar Legal Portal. Online  information. Viewed at: 
http://www.almeezan.qa/CustomPage.aspx?id=3&language=en . 
2 Decree No. (16) of 2009, Article 12. 
3 Cabinet Resolution No. (4) of 2001. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 21 - 
 
  2.12.  In addition to the National Committee on WTO Affairs, a number of other Committees have 
been established with respect to various ministries to consult on other policy matters. The private sector's main representative body is the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Prior to 1990, when it acquired private status, the Chamber operated as part of the Government. Since 1996, 
Members freely elect the Chamber’s Board members based on proportional representation of 
sectors, determined by the Ministry of Economy an d Commerce. All private sector entities must be 
registered with the Chamber of Co mmerce to perform commercial and industrial activities in Qatar. 
The Chamber is financed through contributions from its members and through events that it hosts. 
2.4  Trade policy objectives 2.13.  Qatar has promoted an open investment and trade policy in recent years, in part to help 
diversify its economy from being heavily dependent on energy-sector exports. One aspect of Qatar 
National Vision 2030 is to promote competition, trade, and investment. Through the National 
Development Strategy (NDS) 2011-16, Qatar aims to create a more competitive economy by reducing barriers to entry and strengthening competition. One aspect is to continue the 
progressive liberalization of foreign investment restrictions by opening up more sectors that 
currently have restrictions. The Government also intends to expand services liberalization under the auspices of the GATS. The NDS envisions im proving or streamlining regulations to create 
better efficiencies, in particular with respect to improving burdensome customs regulations and 
inefficiencies in the business licensing processes. 
2.14.  There are no specific trade policies that target sectors of the economy although the 
Government has indicated broad plans to encourage investment and development of industry 
outside the oil and gas sectors through the NDS and Qatar National Vision 2030. 
2.5  Qatar and the WTO 2.15.  Qatar became a contracting party to the GATT 1994 at the end of the Uruguay Round 
pursuant to the procedures of Article XXVI:5(c), prior to which it applied the GATT on a de facto 
basis.
4 Qatar established its commitments on goods and services as part of the Uruguay Round, in 
which it bound all tariffs on goods and made specific commitments in six services sectors. Decree 
No. 24 of 1995 ratified Qatar’s acceptance of the WTO Agreements. Qatar has not joined the 
plurilateral Civil Aircraft Agreement or Governme nt Procurement Agreement, but recently became 
a participant in the Information Technology Agreement in 2013. 
2.16.  During the Doha Round, Qatar has made proposals in the non-agricultural market access 
and environmental goods negotiations on gas-related goods.5 It has also made an initial offer in 
the services negotiations covering five subsectors.6 Qatar has not been active in other areas of 
WTO work such as the monitoring exercise, disput e settlement, and Aid for Trade. Since its last 
review, Qatar has made notifications in a number of WTO areas, but mainly on standards 
(Table A2.1). A number of notifications require up dating or renewal, for example on quantitative 
restrictions and state trading (section 3). 
2.6  Trade agreements and arrangements 
2.17.  While MFN trade continues to dominate Qata ri imports and exports, trade with GCC partners 
increased from 13.1% to 15.6% of total imports, and from 5.5% to 6.5% of total exports during 
2006-12. The relatively small amount of intra-GCC trade reflects the relatively narrow and similar 
production base in most GCC countries, which is concentrated in energy and some light capital-
intensive manufacturing. Trade is expected to increase with the diversification of the industrial base. The UAE, and to a lesser degree the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, are Qatar's most significant 
trading partners among GCC countries. The other main trading block in which Qatar participates, 
the Pan-Arab Free Trade Area (PAFTA), accounts for a very small share of trade for Qatar. Qatar's exports to PAFTA members amounted to less than 1% of total exports, and imports from PAFTA 
were 2.2% of total imports in 2012 (Chart 2.1). 
                                               
4 L/7441 and L/3588. 
5 TN/TE/W/27, TN/MA/W/33, TN/TE/W/19, TN/MA/W/24, TN/TE/W/19/Corr.1, TN/MA/W/24/Corr. 1 and 
TN/TE/W/14. 
6 TN/S/O/QAT. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 22 - 
 
  Chart 2.1 Overview of reciprocal trade, 2006 and 2012 
2006 2012
Imports
Exports
GCC
5.5%GCC
6.5%PAFTA
2.2%
UAE
4.5%
MFN
92.8%GCC
15.6%UAE
7.8%
Other GCC
0.4%Other GCC
1.0%Bahrain
1.7%
PAFTA
0.6%PAFTA
0.6%
UAE
4.3%MFN
82.2%Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia
5.1%
Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia
1.0%UAE
6.0%
Kingdom of 
Saudi 
Arabia
4.7%
MFN
93.9%PAFTA
1.6%
Other GCC
1.4%MFN
85.3%
Bahrain
0.7%
Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia
0.8%Other GCC  
1.3%GCC
13.1%
 
Note:  PAFTA excluding GCC countries. 
 Source: WTO calculations, based on data provided by Foreign Merchandise Trade System. Viewed at: 
  http://ftp.qsa.gov.qa:8088/ . 
2.6.1  Regional agreements 
2.6.1.1  Gulf-Cooperation Council (GCC) Customs Union 
2.18.  The GCC set out to create a customs union through its adoption of the GCC Economic 
Agreement in 2001. At a minimum, the customs union was designed to establish a common external tariff (CET), common customs regulation s and procedures, single-entry point, elimination WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 23 - 
 
  of all tariff and non-tariff barriers, and national treatment provisions.7 The Economic Agreement 
also contains provisions for the establishment of a GCC Common Market and Economic and Monetary Union. In addition to Qatar, the GCC co mprises the neighbouring gulf states of Bahrain, 
Kuwait, Oman, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. 
2.19.  The GCC began implementation towards a customs union in 2003; work on achieving full 
integration is still ongoing. The major elements of the union include a CET, and common model laws on customs and trade remedies. There is also increasing cooperation and information 
exchange. However, uniform policy on how to share customs revenues, uniform tax rates such as 
VAT, licensing, and regulatory matters are still outstanding. 
2.20.  Intra-GCC trade has been growing rapidly since the inception of the customs union. GCC 
external trade reached US$9 trillion in 2010. As a whole, the GCC ranks 8
th in total global trade 
flows, just behind the United Kingdom.8 Qatar ranks 3rd among GCC countries in terms of trade, 
behind the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. 
2.21.  The GCC CET is generally set at four tari ff levels, 0%, 5%, 100%, and 100% or a specific 
duty, whichever is higher; plus a number of tariff lines are designated as "prohibited" or "special 
goods". There are 810 duty-free tariff lines and 20 tariff lines on tobacco products with tariffs of 100% or 100%/specific duty, whichever is higher; however the vast majority are at 5%. Different 
provisions are in place for a number of "prohibite d" and "special goods" depending on the country 
concerned, mostly concerning pork and alcohol products. 
2.22.  The agreement establishing the customs union , of which Qatar is a signatory, was notified 
by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the WTO in 2006 pursuant to the provisions of Article XXIV of 
GATT 1994 and its Understanding.
9 Thereafter, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified it under 
paragraph 4 (a) of the Enabling Clause in 200810; and notified the GCC Agreement under 
Article XXIV:7(a) of the GATT 1994 on 6 October 2009.11 
2.23.  Qatar allows the free movement of GCC nationals, allowing them to work in all sectors. 
Furthermore, there are no restrictions for investment by GCC nationals except in a small number of sectors currently being negotiated. 
2.6.1.2  GCC free-trade agreements 
2.24.  The GCC has negotiated two free-trade agr eements between its members and third parties. 
The first FTA, negotiated with Singapore, recent ly entered into force and, is a comprehensive 
agreement covering trade in goods and services, government procurement, rules of origin, and 
customs procedures among others.
12 A FTA has also been negotiated with EFTA but has not been 
ratified by all the parties.13 GCC leaders have temporarily halted negotiations on further FTAs 
pending the outcome of an impact study on the matter. 
2.6.1.3  Pan-Arab Free Trade Area (PAFTA or GAFTA) 
2.25.  The Pan-Arab Free Trade area was established in 1997 and entered into force in 1998.14 It 
provides for the facilitation and development of inter-Arab trade in goods with a view to 
establishing a Pan-Arab trade area. A separate framework on the liberalization of trade in services 
is currently under negotiation. Customs duties have been gradually reduced since 1997 with final 
elimination in 2009 for all agricultural and industrial products with a temporary exemption accorded to Sudan and Yemen.
15 The agreement also provides for the products to be free from 
                                               
7 Article (1) of the GCC Economic Agreement. 
8 Total trade exchange ranks the United States fi rst, followed by China, Germany, Japan, France, 
Netherlands, United Kingdom, and GCC (8th). The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of Gulf Secretariat 
General, "Statistical Bulletin, 2012". Viewed at: http://sites.gcc-sg.org/DLibrary/index-eng.php . 
9 WT/REG222/N/1.  
10 WT/REG222/N/1/Corr.1 and WT/COMTD/N/25. 
11 WT/REG276/N/1/Rev.1. 
12 The Agreement was concluded in 2008 and entered into force on 1 September 2013. 
13 Qatar has not ratified the agreement. 
14 Declaration Pan-Arab Free Trade Area Economic an d Social Council’s Resolution No. 1317-O.S. 59 of 
19 February 1997. 
15 Extended liberalization until 2010 for Sudan and Yemen. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 24 - 
 
  other taxes and non-tariff restrictions (Article VI). However tariff-rate quotas and seasonal duties 
on agricultural products remain for certain members. Article X provides for the facilitation of financing and funding for trade with preferential and concessional terms. A transitional mechanism for rules of origin is in place pending final adoption of rules of origin (section 3.1.5). 
2.26.  Trade among PAFTA members has increased steadily.
16 The main products that benefited 
from PAFTA duty-free trade with Qatar in 2012 were insulated wire & cable, furniture, and worked 
building stone on the import side; and polyethy lene, light oils, and natural gas for exports. 
2.27.  There are currently 17 members, including GCC member states, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, 
Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestinian Authority, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen. In 2006 the agreement was notified, pursuant to Article XXIV of GATT 1994, by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
17 
2.6.2  Preferential trade 
2.28.  In 2010, Qatar passed legislation to adopt the Protocol on the Preferential Tariff Scheme 
(PRETAS) for the Trade Preferential System amon g members of the Organization of the Islamic 
Cooperation (TPS-OIC). This agreement provides fo r reciprocal preferential tariff access, i.e. 
providing a margin of preference on current MFN rate s of duty for a certain per cent of tariff lines. 
Each party will have its specific tariff reduction programme. There are also provisions for the removal of para-tariffs (i.e. border charges and fees), elimination of non-tariff barriers, 
establishment of rules of origin, and provisions  related to trade remedies. As of January 2014, 
PRETAS is not yet operational pending ongoing procedural work. 
2.29.  Qatar does not grant unilateral preferences to any country. 2.30.  Qatar has received preferential access for its exports under the GSP schemes of Canada, the 
EU, Turkey, and the Customs Union comprising of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia during the 
period under review.
18 
2.7  Trade disputes and consultations 
2.7.1  Dispute settlement in the WTO 
2.31.  Qatar has not been involved in WTO dispute settlement procedures in any capacity to date; 
neither as a complainant, respondent, nor third party. Thus far it has not encountered any 
significant trade problems requiring its use. 
2.7.2  GCC and PAFTA dispute settlement mechanisms 2.32.  Article 27 of the Economic Agreement between GCC States provides a mechanism for the 
settlement of disputes. In the first instance, the Se cretariat General shall hear and seek settlement 
of the dispute. If the matter is not settled by the Secretariat General, it may be referred to the 
GCC Commercial Arbitration Center; failing agreement, in referring the matter to arbitration, a specialized judicial commission may be formed to settle the dispute. This mechanism has not been 
used. 
2.33.  Article 10 of the GCC Cooperation Council Charter provides for the establishment of a 
Commission for the settlement of disputes among GCC members. The Commission is established 
by the Supreme Council on an ad hoc basis when a dispute arises. The Commission submits its 
recommendation or opinion on the matter to the Supreme Council for action. 
2.34.  Article XIII of PAFTA provides for a disput e settlement mechanism. Disputes are reported to 
the Council, whereby they may be referred to a committee or sub-committee for examination. The 
Council may also refer the matter to the dispute se ttlement provisions of the United Agreement for 
the Investment of Arab Capital in Arab States. 
                                               
16 Online information. Viewed at: xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/23355551/846958677/name/PAFTA.doc. 
17 WT/REG223/N/1. 
18 Qatar was a GSP eligible country under the EU scheme up until 1 January 2014. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  2.8  Foreign investment regime 
2.8.1  Legal framework 2.35.  Qatar’s foreign investment regime is provided for in its Foreign Investment Law of 2000, 
including amendments and related laws (Table 2.2). The Law's two main elements determine the 
percentage of foreign ownership allowed in a given sector, and provide other rules or exceptions 
for investments. Generally, foreign investors are limited to a minority ownership in a business, i.e. a maximum of 49% for most sectors; except comme rcial agencies, banking, insurance, and real 
estate, in which non-Qataris may not invest. 
Table 2.2 Investment legal framework 
Law Reference Summary 
Law Regulating the Investment of 
Foreign Capital in Economic Activities (Forei gn Investment 
Law) Law No. (13) of 2000 Main foreign investment law 
Amendments to the Foreign 
Investment Law Law No. (2) of 2005 Amends the terms “Qatari” and 
“non-Qatari”, and reference to the 
relevant Ministry 
Amendments to the Foreign 
Investment Law Law No. (1) of 2010 Amends the law to allow 100% 
ownership in a larger number of sectors 
Organization of the Business of 
Commercial Agents Law No. (8) of 2002 Regulations pertaining to 
commercial agents 
The Proxy Law Law No. (25) of 2004 Prohibits a natural or legal person 
from “harbouring” a non-Qatari 
Source: Compiled by the WTO Secretariat. 
2.36.  In particular, Law No. 1 of 2010 allows up to 100% foreign ownership in agriculture, 
industry, health, education, tourism, developing and exploitation of natural resources, energy and mining, consulting services, technical services, IT services, cultural services, sport services, leisure 
services, and distribution services, upon the authorization of the Ministry of Economy and 
Commerce. The law also states that the Council of Ministries may expand upon this list. Authorization is dependent on the project being al igned with the development plans of the State, 
in particular if they utilize local raw materials, introduce new technologies, promote exports, set up 
well-known companies, or train and promote Qatari nationals. Reportedly, the authorization for 100% ownership is seldom given.
19 The number of joint Qatari-foreign-owned companies rose 
steadily between 2000 and 2012 from 10% of all registered companies to 31%. Foreign ownership 
in some of these companies exceeds 49%. Moreover, majority foreign-owned companies have a significant presence in consultancy services, QFC-based banks as well as QSTP-based companies. 
2.37.  Other exceptions to the 49% ownership rule may be granted on a case-by-case basis to 
businesses involved in contracts with the State, if this would facilitate the performance of a public 
service or utility. These regulations are currently being reviewed for possible changes to the guidelines and criterion. Exceptions to the foreign investment law are made for companies 
incorporated by the Government and companies assigned by the State to extract, exploit, or 
manage natural resources. 
2.38.  The type of business entity a foreign investor may establish depends on the ownership 
share and related laws on types of business entiti es (section 3.3.1.1). In practice, the limited 
liability company and single person company are often used. 
2.39.  The law also gives certain rights or guarantees to foreign investors, allowing for the 
unrestricted transfer of funds, and assurances ag ainst expropriation. While expropriation may be 
possible if it is in the public interest, it must not be discriminatory and compensation shall be 
equivalent to the real economic value. Monetary transfers related to the investment do not face any obstacles, as proceeds, returns, and compen sation may be freely repatriated without currency 
exchange controls. The law also provides for the settlement of investment disputes through 
                                               
19 Latham & Watkins (2012)," Doing Business in Qatar ", Second Edition. Viewed at:  
www.lw.com/thoughtLeadership /doing-busin ess-in-qatar  . WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 26 - 
 
  domestic or international arbitration panels. Th e dispute settlement process has not been used 
thus far, as disputes have been resolved th rough consultations with the parties concerned. 
2.40.  At the level of the GCC, there is no provision for coordinating investment policies and laws, 
thus it remains a matter of domestic policy. Howe ver, GCC nationals are given certain advantages 
with respect to investing in Qatar, in comparison to other nationals. Where the foreign ownership 
component comprises a GCC national or GCC entity, the ownership share may be raised to 50%. 
2.8.1.1  Incentives 
2.41.  Pursuant to Qatar's goal to diversify its economy away from heavy dependence on the 
energy sector, it has pursued various initiatives to promote and encourage foreign direct investment. These include subsidized gas prices; tax holidays; land at non-market rents; favourable electricity rates; exemption of taxes on exports; loans at competitive rates; and no 
import duties on machinery, equipment, and spare parts for industrial projects. 
2.8.1.2  Bilateral investment agreements 2.42.  Qatar has 22 bilateral investment agreemen ts with a number of trading partners, some of 
which have not been ratified in order to provide a framework and facilitate investment (Table 2.3). 
Additional agreements are being negotiated. The agreements are based on different negotiating 
models for developing and developed countries. The specific content remains confidential to the 
parties concerned. 
Table 2.3 Bilateral investment agreements 
Partner Date of signature Entry into force 
Belarus 17 February 2001 6 August 2004 
Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 June 1998 5 February 2009 
China 9 April 1999 1 April 2000 
Croatia 12 November 2001 .. 
Cuba 6 November 2001 .. 
Egypt 12 February 1999 1 April 2000 
Finland 12 November 2001 8 May 2003 
France 8 July 1996 27 July 2000 
Germany 14 June 1996 19 January 1999 
India 7 April 1999 15 December 1999 
Iran 20 May 1999 5 November 2001 
Italy 22 March 2000 8 January 2004 
Former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia 20 May 2011 13 February 2012 
Morocco 20 February 1999 21 May 2001 
Pakistan 6 April 1999 .. 
Romania 6 June 1996 27 April 1997 
Russian Federation 12 February 2007 4 June 2009 
Senegal 10 June 1998 .. 
Republic of Korea 16 April 1999 16 May 1999 
Sudan 3 June 1998 .. 
Switzerland 12 November 2001 15 July 2004 
Turkey 25 December 2001 12 February 2008 
.. Not available. 
Source: UNCTAD. 
 WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  3  TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE 
3.1  Measures directly affecting imports 3.1.1  Customs procedures 3.1.1.1  Main laws and organization 
3.1.  The General Administration of Customs of Qa tar is responsible for the control and entry/exit 
of goods. Since 2009, it has been incorporated into  the organizational structure of the Ministry of 
Finance, which became the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
1 Although the GCC has been notified 
as a customs union to the WTO, the respective customs administrations of GCC members, 
including Qatar, retain their autonomy and there is  no integration of functions at present. Customs 
posts also still operate at the internal borders, in this case between Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Abu Samra. Cooperation among the customs authorities of the GCC is mainly in 
the form of sharing information and processes. 
3.2.  Qatar operates 23 customs posts for the entry or exit of goods over land, sea, air, and by 
pipeline. Nearly all exports are by sea; and nearly  half of imports are by  sea, about one quarter 
arriving by air and land. (Chart 3.1) The signific ant increase in growth of trade and the economy 
has started to strain the existing infrastructure, in particular port capacity. Thus, Qatar has invested in its ports infrastructure to create the New Doha Port, with estimated completion in 
2025, and to increase operations at Al Ruwais Port, estimated to be completed in 2014. Qatar’s 
port operations are managed by the Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani), but operations are contracted out to private companies. 
Chart 3.1 Imports and exports by type of entry port, 2012 
(%) 
Imports Exports
Land 1%
Sea 
98%Air
0.01%Pipeline
0.6%
Sea
54%Land 
23%
Air
23%
 
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding. 
 Source: Qatar Statis tics Authority. 
3.3.  The overall customs framework for Qatar is contained in the Customs Law and its Executive 
Regulations; both are modeled on or essentially reproduce the GCC Common Customs Law.2 There 
have been no changes since these entered into force. The Customs Law has 16 main elements 
covering a range of customs matters (Table 3.1). 
                                               
1 Amiri Decree No. 31 of 2009 incorporated it into th e Ministry of Economy and Finance. In late 2013, a 
new decree was expected to transform it into the Ministry  of Finance. The Ministry of Economy and Finance is 
being separated into a single Minist ry of Finance, with other economic  functions being transferred to the 
Ministry of Econ omy and Commerce. 
2 A notable exception is that the Qatar Customs Law does not include Section XII of the GCC Customs 
Law. Law No: (40) for the year 2002 and Ministers Council Decree No: (21) for the year 2004; GCC Customs Law adopted by the Supreme Council at the 20
th Session. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 28 - 
 
  Table 3.1 Overview of the Customs Law 
Customs provision  Summary 
Part 1: Definitions and General Provisions Definition of terms 
 
Part 2: Customs Tariff Goods are subject to the respective tariff in the unified 
customs tariff of the GCC; other provisions conc ern the timing 
of entry 
 
Part 3: Prohibition and Restriction Restricts the en try/exit of goods, or certain goods, to certain 
sea ports, air ports, and land border points; prohibited goods 
may not enter, exit, or transit 
 
Part 4: Distinguishing Elements of the Goods Proof of origin rules; customs valuation for import and export; 
proof of valuation by submission of original invoice; 
classification of goods 
 
Part 5: Importation and Export ation Import and export proced ures by mode of transport 
 
Part 6:  Customs Clearance Stages Process of clearance including declaration, examination, 
passengers, adjustment to valu e, payment, and withdrawal 
 
Part 7: Cases Pending Customs Duties & 
Cases of Refund Provisions for goods in transit, warehousing, duty-free shops 
& free zones, temporary admission, re-exportation, and drawback  
Part 8: Exemptions Goods exempt from customs, including diplomatic provisions, 
military, personal effects, charitable organizations, and 
returned goods  
 
Part 9: Service Charges Service charges fo r warehousing including storage, handling, 
insurance, and other charges  
Part 10:  Customs Agents Requirements and responsibili ties for customs agents or 
brokers 
 
Part 11: Rights & Duti es of the Authority 
Officers Appointment of officers and other authorities to assist 
customs officers, and the provision of weapons  
Part 12:  Customs Legal Actions Includes investigation of smuggling, seizure report, 
precautionary measures, custom s offences and penalties, 
smuggling and penalties, purs uance, liability, and trials 
procedures 
 
Part 13: Sale of the Goods Authority to sell defective, seized, or warehoused goods, and 
how to distribute the proceeds  
Part 14: Privilege of the Customs 
Administration Privilege of the duties, fines, compensations, and refunds over 
movable or unmovable property 
 
Part 15: Prescription No refund of  customs duties after three years 
 
Part 16: Final Provisions Final provisions 
Source: Customs Law and Executive Regulations. 
3.1.1.2  Multilateral Agreements on customs 
3.4.  Qatar became a member of the World Customs Organization (WCO)3 in 1992. It became a 
contracting party to the WCO Harmonized System (HS) Convention4 in 2004, which entered into 
force on 1 January 2006 for Qatar, and joined the Revised Kyoto Convention on Customs 
Procedures in 2009.5 It is not a contracting party to any of the other WCO conventions on customs 
matters. 
                                               
3 Formally known as the Customs Co-operation Council. 
4 International Convention on the Harmonized  Commodity Description and Coding System. 
5 International Convention on the Simplificati on and Harmonization of Customs Procedures. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  3.1.1.3  Bilateral cooperation on customs 
3.5.  During the past few years, Qatar Custom s has negotiated a number of bilateral customs 
agreements with a view to aiding enforcement and combatting customs fraud. Most of the agreements are based on a WCO model and cove r exchange of information, procedures, and 
customs fraud. The agreements are bilateral and are not negotiated at the GCC level. 
Table 3.2 Bilateral agreements on customs matters 
Partner Agreement 
Iran Cooperation agreement for the optima l application of the customs law and to 
control irregularities 
Pakistan Mutual administra tive assistance for the proper application of the customs law, 
including investigation and enforcement 
Morocco Mutual administrative assistance for the proper application of the customs law and 
to prevent, investigate, and combat crimes and offenses 
Congo Mutual administra tive assistance for the proper a pplication of the customs law and 
for the prevention, investigation an d combating of customs offences 
Sudan Mutual administra tive assistance to enable the proper application of the customs 
law and for the prevention, investigatio n, and combating of customs offenses 
Cuba Joint cooperation for the optimum applicat ion of the customs law and to prevent 
violations of the customs legislation 
Singapore Joint cooperation for the optimum a pplication of the custom s law and to prevent 
violations of the customs legislation 
Burkina Faso Joint cooperation to combat violations of the customs legislation 
Kazakhstan Joint cooperation to combat violations of  the customs legislation 
Armenia Joint cooperation to combat violations of the customs legislation 
Greece Joint cooperation to combat violations of the customs legislation 
Japan Joint cooperation to combat violations of the customs legislation 
Source: Customs website, http://www.customs.gov.qa . 
3.1.1.4  Single-window clearance 
3.6.  The customs clearance single window programme, known as Al Nadeeb, was designed to 
obtain several objectives, including enhancing the role of customs, meeting objectives of Qatar 
Vision 2030, and strengthening Qatar’s commitmen ts to the WCO and WTO. In addition to 
facilitating trade and enhancing customer satisfaction, the single window has reduced customs clearance to 15 minutes, lowered the inspection rate to 5%, and provided high quality value-added 
services to traders. The single window desi gn phase was launched in 2008 and has gradually 
become functional for the different types of trade since 2011, when sea port trade was included in 
the system; air cargo trade was added in late 2012, followed by land ports in 2013. 
3.7.  The single window has achieved success and now has more than 90% of registered importers 
and exporters. Seventeen government authorities are integrated in the automated system to control goods. The single window includes an analytical risk management component and has replaced all paper-based trade processes. The system is operating domestically in Qatar currently, 
but has been built to integrate into a future GCC-wide system. 
3.1.1.5  Import procedures and trading rights 3.8.  Only established Qatari businesses or enterp rises are permitted to import goods. A copy of 
the commercial register and the form of business ac tivity issued by the Ministry of Economy and 
Commerce is required to be approved on the importers' registry (the same applies for exports). A certificate of membership in the Qatari Chamber of Commerce and Industry is also required. Thus, 
due to the rules of the commercial registration law and investment law, foreigners or foreign 
c o m p a n i e s  w o u l d  h a v e  t o  m e e t  c o m m e r c i a l  r e g i s t r a t i o n  p r o c e d u r e s  t o  b e  a b l e  t o  i m p o r t  (section 3.3.1). 
3.9.  A customs declaration must be accompanied by a detailed original invoice and certificate of 
origin. The original invoice and certificate of origin must be certified in the country of export by the 
appropriate authorities. Other documentation depe nds on the mode of transport. For example, WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 30 - 
 
  shipment by sea requires that goods be registered in the manifest. A bill of lading, proof of 
payment, or packing list may also be required. Pre-approval by specific ministries is required for certain products. 
3.1.1.6  Customs brokers 
3.10.  Part (10) of the Customs Law allows for licensed customs brokers or agents to perform 
customs clearance procedures on behalf of an importer or exporter. There are essentially two 
types of brokers, those that work privately in co mpanies and public brokers. Public brokers must 
be listed on the commercial register, have a Qatari or GCC manager, and speak English and 
Arabic. Both types of brokers must pass an exam  and are responsible for keeping records of the 
transactions for five years, and these are subject to inspection by the authorities. 
3.1.1.7  Free trade zones 
3.11.  Articles 76-87 of the Customs Law provide the legal framework for the establishment of free 
trade zones. Most foreign goods may be taken in or out of a free zone to locations outside the State without incurring customs duties; exceptions include flammable goods, radioactive materials, 
arms, ammunition, explosives, narcotic drugs, goods originating in a boycotted country, and goods 
prohibited from entering the State. Goods may be imported into Qatar from a free zone following normal import procedures. Plans are underway to establish a free zone in 2014. 
3.1.1.8  The 2013-16 Customs Strategic Plan 
3.12.  The Customs Strategic plan for 2013-16 aims  to improve performance, offer better services, 
protect society and the environment, and combat fraud. Its goals are aligned with other government plans such as the National Developmen t Strategy. Particular objectives include plans 
to develop electronic and paperless services, im plement and expand customs agreements, develop 
customs legislation with a view to attracting investments, and apply appropriate legislation to prevent the violation of intellectual property rights. 
3.1.2  Tariff schedule 
3.13.  Qatar's tariff schedule, based on the unified customs tariff of the GCC, is not published or 
available to the public. Furthermore, different co untry-specific provisions or exceptions apply, 
particularly for special and prohibited goods among the GCC member states. Thus the GCC 
customs tariff is not applied uniformly. The tariff schedule has one rate of duty, applicable to each tariff line, whether supplied by WTO Member countries or not. The GCC CET includes the HS2012 nomenclature changes, and therefore Qatar applies the 2012 version of the HS. Customs revenues 
are relatively small, accounting for approximately 1.5% of total government revenues. 
3.1.2.1  Applied rates 3.14.  Qatar’s applied tariffs remained low and relatively constant over the review period. In 2007, 
tariffs averaged 5% and remained at this same average level in 2013. There was a slight increase 
in the number of duty-free lines during the peri od. Agricultural tariffs averaged approximately 
three percentage points higher than industrial goods; i.e. 7.1% versus 4.6% in 2013 (Table 3.3 
and Chart 3.2). 
3.15.  Qatar maintains a simple tariff system whereby there are only five differing rate categories: 
duty-free, 5%, 20%, 100%, and non- ad valorem  duties. In addition, a number of products are 
treated as prohibited or special goods (section 3.1.6 and Tables A3.1 and A3.2). These products 
face special provisions for importation, but the duty rate charged is either 5% or 100% depending 
on the product. 
3.16.  The vast majority of tariffs are at 5%, with only six tariff lines at 20%, one at 100%, 
19 with non- ad valorem  duties, and several hundred duty-free lines. The tariff peaks are with 
respect to six tariff lines of steel products and 20 tariff lines of tobacco products. Duty-free products are mainly ITA products, pharmaceutic als, seeds, and some agricultural products. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 31 - 
 
  Chart 3.2 Average applied MFN tariff rates and bound rates, by HS section, 2013 
(%) 
0.05.010.015.020.025.030.035.0
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2101   Live animals & products  
02   Vegetable products03   Fats & oils      
04   Prepared food, etc.
05   Mineral products06   Chemicals & products07   Plastic & rubber
08   Hides & skins09   Wood & articles
10   Pulp, paper, etc.
11   Textiles & articles12   Footwear, headgear13   Articles of stones
14   Precious stones, etc.15   Base metals & products
16   Machinery
17   Transport equipment18   Precision instrument19   Arms & ammunition
20   Miscellaneous manufacturing21   Works of art, etc.Average bound rates
(16.1%)Average applied rates
(5.0%)Applied rates Bound rates
 
Note: Calculations exclude specific rates and include the ad valorem  part of alternate and compound rates. 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities. 
Table 3.3 Structure of applie d MFN tariffs in Qatar, 2013 
(% of total) 
  2007a 2013 Final boundb 
1. Bound tariff lines (% of all tariff lines) 100.0 100.0 100.0 
2. Simple average tariff rate 5.0 5.0 16.1 
 Agricultural products (WTO definition) 7.1 7.1 24.2 
 Non-agricultural products (WTO definition) 4.6 4.6 14.5 
 Agriculture, hunting,  forestry and fishing (ISIC 1) 3.2 3.1 16.5 
 Mining and quarrying (ISIC 2) 4.9 4.9 22.0 
 Manufacturing (ISIC 3) 5.2 5.1 15.9 
3. Duty-free tariff lines (% of all tariff lines) 9.4 11.1 0.9 
4. Simple average rate of dutiable lines only 5.5 5.6 16.2 
5. Tariff quotas (% of all tariff lines) 0.0 0.0 0.0 
6. Non- ad valorem  tariffs (% of all tariff lines) 0.3 0.3 0.0 
7. Non-ad valorem  tariffs with no AVEs (% of all tariff lines) 0.3 0.3 0.0 
8. Domestic tariff peak s (% of all tariff lines)c 0.5 0.6 0.8 
9. International tariff peaks (% of all tariff lines)d 0.5 0.6 19.6 
10. Overall standard deviation of applied rates 7.0 7.2 16.8 
11. Nuisance applied rates (% of all tariff lines)e 0.0 0.0 0.0 
 
a Prohibited items are not taken into account in calculations for 2007. 
b Final bound rates are based on the 2013 tariff schedule in HS12 nomenclature. c Domestic tariff peaks are defined as those exceeding three times the overall simple average applied rate. d International tariff peaks are defined as those exceeding 15%. e Nuisance rates are those greater than zero, but less than or equal to 2%.  Note: The 2007 tariff is based on HS07 nomenclature consisting of 7,101 tariff lines (at 8-digit tariff line level).  The 2013 tariff is based on HS12 nomenclature consisting of 7,300 tariff lines (at 8-digit tariff line level).  In case of non- ad valorem  tariffs, the ad valorem  part is used for alternate rates. 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on tariff information provided by the authorities, and WTO CTS 
 database. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  3.1.2.2  WTO bindings 
3.17.  Upon joining the WTO, Qatar bound all tariffs, most of which are at a 15% ceiling binding. 
The simple average is 16%, due to a number of ra tes above the ceiling binding. On average, the 
bindings on agricultural products average 24.2% and industrial products, 14.5% (Table 3.3 and 
Chart 3.2). 
3.18.  In terms of sectoral initiatives, Qata r became a participant in the WTO Information 
Technology Agreement in July 2013.6 It did not participate in any of the other Uruguay Round 
sectoral initiatives, or in the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft. 
3.19.  As part of its schedule, Qatar bound "other duties and charges" for a stamp duty at 3%. 
Currently no stamp duty is applied on imports.  
3.1.2.3  Applied rates exceeding bound rates 
3.20.  The six tariff lines of steel products have an applied rate of 20% and a bound rate of 15%, 
thereby exceeding the bindings.7 The authorities indicate that the steel duties have been applied 
on a temporary basis, and the matter is currently under examination.8 In addition, tobacco 
products have a mixed duty that is not directly comparable with the binding of 200%, so there 
may be anomalies. 
3.1.2.4  Preferential tariffs 
3.21.  There is no separate schedule or column for preferential duties. All imports from GCC and 
PAFTA members are duty free if they meet the origin criteria. 
3.1.2.5  Exemptions from customs duties 3.22.  The Customs Law and its reference to the unified customs tariff allow for customs duties 
exemptions for specified items or certain individuals (Table 3.4). In addition, exceptions may apply 
for imports of machinery and raw materials; owners of industrial projects may apply to the Ministry of Energy and Industry.
9 Duty-free imports are also allowed for the Qatar Financial 
Centre, Qatar Science and Technology Park, and the Qatar Foundation. 
Table 3.4 Customs duty exemptions 
Exemption Details Reference 
Diplomatic Imports by the diplomatic corps, 
consulates, international organizations and 
their members accredited by the Government, on a reciprocal basis 
 Customs Law, Part 8, Chapter 2 
Military Imports for all sectors of the military 
forces and internal secu rity forces, such as 
ammunitions, arms, eq uipment, military 
transport, and any other materials 
 Customs Law, Part 8, Chapter 3 
                                               
6 Fax of ITA Committee Chairman, Aaron Fowler, dated 4 July 2013. 
7 HS 72141020, 72142020, 72143020, 72151020, 72155020, and 72159020. 
8 As of March 2014, a decision was taken by the Council of Ministers to lower the tariffs, however, 
changes to the law await ratification. 
9 Request for Customs Duty Exempt ion on Imported shipment. Online information. Viewed at:  
http://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/services/invidua llandingpages/!ut/p/c5/rZDBlmtAAES_JR8g3TQiS0YLoWV
Ck7BxBEmQFsFE-PqXd2Y9s5qqZS1uVYEYvN2kz_KSDuW9SW_gCGI5We-
UD15R4GbnYAQtX7U0lxg8pAgcwBGKiV9NrTXXs1fNezT omkNO-5HoBiEBN1HdsKnu2n7wmCnuZ_ekWWTOHZ6s-
dDYY9U4f14_xgXYgvhyu5_e1MP_HnICf5AKv3MZrgWVKGLg OZoCLduUJHcjILiRgGveWQH8ogERiFc_LkAI0D9c8Ct
rK_wp6_1WeWLLMWNLuESiuIJ IEqEkCqKAkAwObjRJem-
NGHtJ7DdZNBRQ3eP8crcrkmDf2djPPs_qREfONoAvVuUy9yg_Qy6CAUzjyCtZcp2Ysw9vr0E37_VsS1vvdSthgqeOB
swnHebOpLO4bvdwbbOKxBdLHf7I3Okxj8k8OlHbmjGfFEY-
6CshNKvBGpov2l5TFmDtIBgaY6dY 7PhL5LT0WnFF2KzUiPhUMPBm0uv mS8Z6lvVtgXBfhoieqR89XVIx-
7JYgJY96_qs8gqvjP8AzOEqIA!!/dl3/d3/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/  WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 33 - 
 
  Exemption Details Reference 
Personal effects and 
household items Personal effects and used household items 
of nationals residing abroad or foreigners arriving for the first time  Customs Law, Part 8, Chapter 4 
Executive Regulation, Articles 19-21 
Charitable organizations Goods needed by charitable organizations 
registered with the government authorities 
and not involved in political activity 
 Customs Law, Part 8, Chapter 5 
Executive Regulation, Articles 22-25 
Returned goods Goods of national origin previously 
exported; returned fo reign goods proven 
to have been re-exported if returned within one year; and goods temporarily exported for completion or repair Customs Law, Part 8, Chapter 6 
Source: Customs Law. 
3.1.3  Other charges affecting imports 
3.23.  No other fees or charges are imposed on imports entering Qatar. 
3.1.4  Customs valuation 3.24.  Article 1 of the Executive Regulations to the Customs Law provides the rules for the 
determination of customs value. The transaction value is set as the principle basis for appraisal of 
customs, followed by the hierarchal application of the transaction value of identical goods, 
transaction value for similar goods, deductive value, and calculated value. The reverse application 
of deductive and calculated value methods may occur upon the request of the importer. When 
value cannot be determined through one of these means, value may be determined using logical means, and based on the provisions of the Cu stoms Valuation Agreement, but with greater 
flexibility in application. In practice, transaction value is the most common method used. 
3.25.  Qatar values on the c.i.f. basis, includin g the cost of customs, insurance, and transport. 
3.26.  Qatar notified its customs valuation legislation to the WTO Committee on Customs Valuation 
in 2005.
10 It also responded to the checklist of issues in 2005.11 Qatar does not require pre-
shipment inspection. In 1999 a notification to the WTO stated that Qatar did not maintain any laws 
or regulations relating to pre-shipment inspection.12 
3.1.5  Preferential and non-pr eferential rules of origin 
3.27.  Article 23 of the Customs Law provides for origin determination by reference to agreements 
concluded within the framework of international or regional economic organizations. For Qatar, the WCO and the Arab League provide guidance for origin determination. For both preferential and non-preferential trade, the origin rule is a 40%  value added rule. Furthermore, importation also 
requires the submission of a certificate of origin from the exporting or producing country. 
3.28.  In 1999 Qatar notified its preferential an d non-preferential rules of origin to the WTO 
Committee on Rules of Origin.
13 
3.1.6  Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing 
3.1.6.1  Prohibitions and restrictions 3.29.  Qatar prohibits the importation of flammabl e goods, radioactive materials, ammunition and 
explosives, narcotic drugs, goods from economically boycotted countries, generally prohibited 
                                               
10 G/VAL/N/1/QAT/1. 
11 G/VAL/N/2/QAT/1. 
12 G/PSI/N/1/Add.8. 
13 G/RO/N/25. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 34 - 
 
  goods, and goods that infringe rules relating to commercial, industrial, artistic, or intellectual 
property rights.14 
3.30.  According to the customs tariff, a number of other items are prohibited or require special 
import procedures. The 27 tariff lines of prohibited goods include coca leaf, poppy straw, poppy 
seeds, ivory, swine, mace, opium, cocaine, us ed and re-treaded tyres, asbestos, and certain 
articles containing asbestos (Table A3.1). 
3.31.  Special import procedures are applicable to 50 tariff lines; these include meat and lard of 
swine, alcohol, chocolate containing alcohol, an d hides and other items of swine (Table A3.2). 
There is a general import prohibition on pork products and alcohol, but one state entity, the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC), a subsidiary of the Qatar Airways Group, has exclusive rights with respect to imports and distribution in Qatar. Purchase of alcohol is allowed, by permit, for 
individuals or by licence for businesses and restaurants. Distribution to individuals is also regulated 
through a monthly quota system based on income. The QDC sells through one shop in Qatar. A 100% landing tax is added to the sales price of the product. From 2012, the QDC began selling a 
number of pork products to expatriate customers under the same procedures. 
3.32.  In 2008, 2010, and 2012 Qatar notified the WTO that it did not maintain any quantitative 
restrictions on imports.
15 
3.1.6.2  Licensing 
3.33.  Qatar has notified the WTO Import Licensing Committee that it has no laws or procedures 
for import licensing, nor does it require import licences upon importation.16 
3.1.7  Contingency measures 
3.34.  The GCC has developed a Common Anti-dumping, Countervailing Measures, and Safeguards 
Law, which some GCC member states have implemented. However, Qatar has not adopted these rules nor does it have domestic legal instruments to implement them. 
3.35.  However, the GCC Law establishes that anti-dumping, countervailing measures, and 
safeguards investigations be carried out at the level of the GCC customs union and not at the level of individual states.
17 Thus, despite having no legal framework, Qatar has indicated it would 
participate in such investigations and cooperate in the process for investigations initiated in other 
GCC member states. 
3.36.  Qatar notified the Committees on Safeguards, Anti-dumping Practices, and Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures in 1998 that it did not maintain any laws or regulations on these 
matters.18 There have been no new notifications or updates notified since that time. 
3.1.8  Standards 3.1.8.1  Standards and other technical requirements 
3.37.  Qatar’s Standards and Metrology Department, part of the Ministry of the Environment, 
prepares standards based on international standards. The WTO enquiry point, also under the 
                                               
14 http://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/por tal/topics/!ut/p/c5/rc7LmYIwAI XRWihAE4giLsNLRUAlASIbPgiID 
0AdlCjVj1OAu7l_AfeABHxqs_5UZY_Ttc1qwECi piqcK9jTJmHg6hpcrZfTqb9QEFxAEAMGJyk5v2-
r4TIE5yFYd_DokcESnmlBj-4EOZMXNfeQhjfXD7WB0MA nQ7SSu7kc2TsLO2_YFVwCDkiq-pp_XuM_h5rCL8MQ-
MtrUwJStmAPktlXoaEC-r_CU96MBW_GcIz kiQbnUJ4pMwUhJIN4u3-_jG4lLEtPnUB-
5vFUeRh4Y1aq8RM9Mx1DpVBt5BxY7wY5Xz5TvZt4Bb v_1Bgf95mCaGP32wUzfUvUVUMvWL8Xm-07NMpT5t-2-
auSo4eJjiXqxLRhHaf5AfWCaDysR5sXZCQI7PPar-
j1wkclYm625gVq65hHnLmMdkoz2sx2D0dIErg1_aUV_sHD kvQLXIBLuA!!/dl3/d3/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/.  
15 G/MA/NTM/QR/1/Add.11, Letter of 16 June 2011 from the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to 
the WTO, and Letter of 14 June 2012 from the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the WTO. 
16 G/LIC/N/1/QAT/1, G/LIC/N/3/QAT/1, G/LIC/N/3/QAT/4, G/LIC/N/3/QAT/5, G/LIC/N/3/QAT/6, 
G/LIC/N/3/QAT/7, G/LIC/N/3/QAT/8, and G/LIC/N/3/QAT/9. 
17 Law No. (4) of 2006. 
18 G/SG/N/1/QAT/1, G/ADP/N/1/QAT/1, G/SCM/N/1/QAT/1. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 35 - 
 
  Standards and Metrology Department, regularly notifies Qatar’s technical regulations to the WTO 
TBT Committee. The Standards and Metrology Departme nt is also involved in developing Qatar’s 
TBT policy. 
3.38.  Qatar is a member of the GCC’s Gulf St andardization and Metrology Organization (GSMO), 
which helps to harmonize and promote coherence among members for standardization and related 
matters such as conformity assessment procedures. As such, Qatar adopts all GSMO standards and technical regulations. In addition, Qatar may initiate its own processes for national standards. 
It has adopted approximately 11,000 standards and technical regulations at the international or 
regional level, and about 30 national standards. 
3.39.  Qatar adopted the WTO Code of Good Practice in 2006. It is a member of ISO, Codex, and 
the IEC, and utilizes their international standa rds. Qatar has approximately 15 ISO accredited 
laboratories. 
3.40.  Qatar's legal framework for standards and technical regulations includes: Law No. (4) of 
1990, which provides the basis for technical regulation for all products in Qatar, including imports; 
Law No. (16) of 2002, which provides the basis for standards and its institutional framework; and 
Law No. (39) of 2009, which provides for laboratory standards and accreditation. Conformity assessment procedures are also in place. 
3.1.8.2  SPS 
3.41.  Similar to the framework on standards and technical regulations, the GSMO plays an 
important role in the field of SPS in Qatar. It is involved in developing food and related standards for the GCC member states. Qatar's, Supreme Council of Health Food Safety Department performs 
most functions related to food safety and importation. A national food safety committee was 
established to coordinate and develop food safety and control policy. 
3.42.  Law No. (8) of 1990 is the main law on food safety. It contains provisions to prohibit the 
circulation of foodstuffs if they are not in line with standard specifications, if unsuitable for human 
consumption, or if tampered with or contaminated. It also provides for the regulation of food control, trade, and preservation of food, and provisions for seizure and penalties. The importation 
of live animals and plants is governed by more than 300 technical regulations and standards. 
3.1.8.3  Marking and labelling rules 3.43.  Marking and labelling is required on all products imported into Qatar. In addition, special 
rules apply for food products. Meat requires a health certificate and a halal slaughter certificate in 
the country of export. Labelling is required in Arabic, and where another language is used, an 
accompanying Arabic translation must also be available. The relevant regulations are set by the General Standards Organization of Qatar.
19 
3.1.9  Other measures 
3.44.  National security exceptions on imports may be granted by the Ministry of Defence or 
Ministry of the Interior through a formal process coordinated with the Customs Authority. 
3.2  Measures directly affecting exports 
3.2.1  Procedures 3.45.  Customs procedures for exports include the filin g of a bill of export and submission of a bill 
of lading if transport is by air, or shipping perm it for transport by ship. The single window system 
is used to facilitate the export process (section 3.1.1.4). 
3.46.  Depending on the destination, exports may require a certificate of origin. The Qatar 
Chamber of Commerce and Industry issues these ce rtificates of origin for export from Qatar. 
                                               
19 QS/GSO 9/2007 and QS/GSO 9/2013. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 36 - 
 
  3.2.2  Export taxes, charges, and levies 
3.47.  There are no taxes, charges, or levies charged on exports from Qatar. 3.2.3  Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing 3.48.  Products that are prohibited from importation are also prohibited for exportation 
(section 3.1.6.1). Export controls, i.e. permits, may be required for certain products for 
environmental, security, or safety reasons.
20 There are no export licensing requirements. 
3.2.4  Duty and tax concessions, EP Zs, export performance requirements 
3.49.  Qatar does not maintain any tax concessions, export processing zones, or export 
performance requirements except as provided fo r in the free zones (section 3.3.3.4) and as 
incentives for investment (section 2.7.3.2). 
3.2.5  Export finance, promotion and mark eting assistance, insurance and guarantees 
3.50.  TASDEER, Qatar's export development agency under the Qatar Development Bank (QDB), a 
government agency, was launched in 2011. It provides export finance, insurance, development, and promotion services. As part of its export  development and promotion activities, TASDEER 
introduces companies to prospective buyers in foreign markets and supports participants in 
international and regional trade fairs. As for insurance, TASDEER provides export credit guarantees in the form of risk cover before consignment and after consignment. TASDEER also provides trade 
information to potential exporters through the ITC’s Trade Map and has recently produced an 
export guide in conjunction with the ITC to aid small and medium size businesses export.
21 
TASDEER’s activities are financed through the QDB budget. 
3.51.  In 2012, TASDEER prepared an export development strategy for Qatar; it focuses on the 
development and promotion of non-hydrocarbon expo rts. As part of the strategy, companies are 
being evaluated for their export readiness, and major export product categories have been identified to increase exports.
22 Target goals are being set for Qatari exports, especially for SMEs. 
TASDEER has also commenced work on market stud ies, an exporters' directory, workshops and 
seminars, and trade reports. As a result, a number of new market opportunities have been identified to increase Qatari exports. 
3.3  Measures affecting production and trade 
3.3.1  Legal framework for businesses 3.3.1.1  Types of business entities, regi stration, and foreign company ownership 
restrictions 
3.52.  The Commercial Companies Law is the main law governing the operation and registration of 
businesses in Qatar (Table 3.5).
23 It regulates the type of company ownership or structure, and 
registration in the business registry. The number an d type of business establishment is determined 
by the law; there are currently 11 different possibilities (Table 3.6). 
3.53.  The Investment Law, in combination with the Commercial Companies Law, essentially limits 
foreign business operations in Qatar unless they take on a Qatari partner with a majority stake. 
Following revisions to the Investment Law in 2010, the option of using the sole proprietorship or 
an LLC is possible with a foreign owner in certain sectors, but subject to approval by the Ministry 
of Economy and Commerce. 
                                               
20 Oil and Gas Regulation Qatar 2013, online informat ion. Viewed at: http://www.iclg.co.uk/practice-
areas/oil-and-gas-regulation/oil-and-gas-regulation-2013/qatar. 
21 ITC and Qatar Development Bank, (2013). 
22 These include plastic products, certain medical prod ucts, electric wires and cables, valves, parts of 
heat and cooling machinery, flour, and soap products. 
23 Law No. (28) of 2006. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 37 - 
 
  3.54.  Registration of a business entity in the comme rcial register requires articles of association; 
notarized, legalized, and authenticated copies of non-Qatari company documents; notarized, legalized, and authenticated power of attorney from the non-Qatari company to its incorporation representative in Qatar; confirmation letter from bank indicating deposit of share capital; and 
registration with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 
Table 3.5 Main business laws 
Law Reference Overview 
Commercial Companies Law Law No. (28) of 2006 Regulates commercial activities, 
commercial contracts, and the rights 
and obligations of buyers and sellers 
GCC Common Industrial Law Law No. (20) of 2006 Law governing industrial project 
establishment 
E-Commerce Law Law No. (16) of 2010 Regulates all e-commerce activities 
Commercial Companies Law Law No. (5) of 2002 Regulates the structure and operation 
of companies in Qatar 
Regulations on GCC Nationals 
Practicing Free Professions Law No. (7) of 1998 Allows GCC nationals to have 
businesses in certain sectors 
Law Regulating Control of Accounts Law No. (30) of 2004  
The Proxy Law Law No. (25) of 2004 Prohibits a natural or legal person from 
“harbouring” a non-Qatari 
Organization of the Business of 
Commercial Agents Law No. (8) of 2002 Governs commercial agent activities 
Trading Regulation Law Law No. (27) of 2006  
Source: Compiled by the WTO Secretariat. 
Table 3.6 Types of business establishments 
Type Ownership Liability 
Establishment 100% Qatari or GCC nationals Unlimited 
Foreign company Only for companies that work with the State of Qatar for the duration of 
their contract. Approval by the Mi nistry of Economy and Commerce. 
General partnership company Minimu m 51% Qatari Joint and several 
Holding company Dependent on company Limited 
Limited liability company 100% Qatari in all sectors 
100% GCC in many sectors 
100% foreigners in limited 
sectors Limited 
Limited partnership with shares Minimum 51% Qatari General partners have joint and 
several liability, and limited partners 
have limited liability 
Particular partnership Mi nimum 51% Qatari Limited 
Private shareholding company Minimum 51% Qatari Limited 
Public shareholding Minimum 75% Qatari Limited 
Simple partnership company Minimum 51% Qatari General partners have joint and 
several liability, and limited partners 
have limited liability 
Sole proprietorship company 100% Qatari in all sectors 
100% GCC in many sectors 
100% foreigners in limited 
sectors Limited 
Source: Ministry of Economy and Commerce. 
3.3.1.2  Industrial projects 
3.55.  In addition to the general business framew ork, additional provisions are in place for the 
establishment of an industrial project, i.e. involving manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 38 - 
 
  similar processes, pursuant to the GCC Common Industrial Law.24 Special exemptions in the 
implementing regulations for Qatar exempt projec ts for oil exploration and extraction, and metal 
ore extraction. A licence is required in order to es tablish an industrial project or change the terms 
of an existing project. Licensing requires the su bmission of the proposal for the project to the 
Department of Industrial Development of the Mini stry of Energy and Industry, which has 30 days 
to decide on the matter. In the case of a rejectio n, the applicant may appeal to the Ministry within 
60 days. 
3.56.  In order to encourage the development of certain industrial projects, Article 16 prioritizes 
projects producing domestic consumer goods that compete with foreign goods, and projects producing export goods. Articles 17 and 18 provide for special privileges or exemptions, including full or partial exemption of customs duties; full or partial exemption of all taxes; allocation of an 
appropriate lot for the project; and the supply of electricity, water, and other utilities at 
advantageous prices. 
3.3.1.3  Business climate for foreign companies 
3.57.  Commercial registrations of main offi ces and branches of businesses have grown 
significantly in recent years, and the share of  foreign companies increased from 14% of total 
registrations in 2005 to 31% in 2012. This can be attributed to the increase in government 
expenditure on infrastructure projects and to strong  growth in projects associated with the energy 
sector, as well as a significant rise in the resident population. The limited liability form of company has grown the fastest followed by sole proprietorsh ips. Particular partnerships and establishments 
have been in decline in recent years.
25 
3.3.1.4  Business dispute resolution 
3.58.  As part of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Qatar Centre for International 
Arbitration (QCIA) is the main body for business dispute resolution through arbitration. Foreign 
and Qatari companies may use this arbitration process.  
3.59.  In addition, the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre, established under 
the QFC, may also settle disputes in Qatar, outside the QFC, if the parties to the dispute agree. 
3.3.1.5  Enterprise Qatar 
3.60.  Enterprise Qatar, a government agency, was created in 2009 to help develop SME 
businesses and diversify the economy. It has several objectives under the National Development Strategy including to support the creation and expa nsion of small and medium size enterprises. It 
carries out most of its work through targeted grants and vouchers, and equity financing and 
guarantees. Its work includes business skills de velopment, incubation, and marketing and other 
services. It is financed through allocations from the Ministry of Finance. 
3.3.2  State trading enterprises 
3.61.  Certain laws or decrees appear to grant exclusive privileges to a number of state-owned or 
controlled enterprises for importation or exportation. Qatar Chemical and Petrochemical Marketing 
and Distribution Company (Muntajat) was established in 2012, and given exclusive rights with 
respect to the purchase, marketing, distribution, and sales of certain chemical and petrochemical 
products to global markets.
26 As at April 2013, it was reportedly responsible for almost 69% of 
Qatar’s total chemical and petrochemical exports. 
                                               
24 Law No. (20) of 2006 and its implementing rules, De cision of the Minister of Energy and Industry 
No. (4) of 2009. 
25 Qatar Ministry of Economy and Commerce (2012). 
26 Decree Law No. (11) of the Year 2012  and information viewed at:  
http://muntajat.qa/index.php?page=company-profile . WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 39 - 
 
  3.62.  A law from 2003 provides exclusive rights to WOQOD, a joint stock company formed in 
2002, for the marketing, sales, transportation, and distribution of gas and petrochemicals within 
Qatar for a period of 15 years.27 
3.63.  Alcohol and pork products are imported an d distributed exclusively through the state-owned 
Qatar Distribution Company (section 3.1.6). 
3.64.  During the review period, Qatar has twice notified the WTO that it does not maintain any 
state enterprises that meet the definition in paragraph 1 of the Understanding on the 
Interpretation of Article XVII of GATT 1994.28 
3.3.3  Incentives 3.3.3.1  Tax regime 3.65.  The tax law was revised and simplified as a result of the 2009 Tax Law, which entered into 
force in 2010.
29 The law generally applies a 10% flat rate of tax on net income of businesses, but 
oil and gas operations are subject to a rate of 35 %. Prior to its entry into force, foreign-owned 
resident firms were subject to differential rates ba sed on tax brackets, generally at higher rates. 
There is no tax on dividends, interest on bonds, or on personal income. 
3.66.  The 2009 law also introduced a new withholding tax regime: a withholding rate of either 5% 
or 7% of the gross amount of payments is withheld for non-resident companies delivering services 
in Qatar. QFC and QTSP companies are not subject to the withholding tax. Special tax exemptions 
may be granted to industrial projects (section 3.3.1.2). 
3.3.3.2  Subsidies 3.67.  A number of industries or services are suppo rted by the State, or the State subsidizes them 
to allow for more affordability. Water is subsidized for residential use. Land is subsidized for 
agriculture and many commercial ventures. The State is also involved in subsidizing credit for some commercial firms.
30 These subsidies are available only to locally owned companies. 
3.68.  In the energy sector, fuel and power are subsidized below production costs or true market 
conditions. In particular, the Government pays the electricity bill of all Qatari households. Where a citizen owns more than one house, the provision applies to only one. Electricity is subsidized for 
commercial and productive activities at a diffe rent rate than the one used for residences. 
3.69.  In 2011, Qatar notified the WTO that it di d not maintain or grant any subsidy within the 
meaning of Article 1.1 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, which is specific in terms of Article 2, or operates direct ly or indirectly to increase exports or reduce 
imports within the meaning of Article XVI:1 of GATT 1994.
31 
3.3.3.3  Strategic food reserves 3.70.  Qatar maintains strategic food reserves fo r wheat, rice, sugar, oil, milk, and barley, to 
ensure there are no supply shortages. The producti on of some of these products is supported by 
public subsidies. Products are distributed through standard market channels. 
3.3.3.4  Special free zones 
3.71.  Qatar's 2005 law on free zones regulates the establishment of zones for special purposes.
32 
Two zones are in operation, the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) and Qatar Financial 
                                               
27 Law No. (4) of 2003. 
28 G/STR/N/11/QAT/Rev.1, G/STR/N/12/QAT, and G/STR/N/13/QAT. 
29 Law No. (21) of 2009. 
30 National Development Strategy, 2011-16. 
31 G/SCM/N/220/QAT. 
32 Law No. (34) of 2005. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 40 - 
 
  Centre (QFC). (See discussion on QFC in section 4.3.1.3.) The zones provide certain advantages to 
attract businesses and technology instit utes, and are supported by the State.33 
3.72.  The QSTP was established in 2009 to execute applied research and deliver commercial 
technologies in energy, environment, health  sciences, and information and communication 
technologies. It plans to diversify Qatar's economy by encouraging companies and research 
institutes to develop and commercialize their technology in Qatar. The QSTP offers: 100% foreign ownership; no taxes; duty-free imports of goods, equipment, and tools into the zone; ability to 
hire expatriate workers; unrestricted movement of capital and profits; and the possibility to 
operate as a local or as a branch of a foreign company. 
3.73.  As of 2012, the QSTP hosted 50 companies with approximately 1,000 employees. 
Companies located in the QTSP have access to the New Enterprise Fund, which has US$30 million 
in assets, supporting start-up companies through equity investments. These investments range 
from US$500,000 to US$3 million. 
3.3.4  Intellectual property rights 
3.74.  The Ministry of Justice, through its Intelle ctual Property Centre, is currently responsible for 
intellectual property matters in Qatar. It develops policy as well as carries out work on the various IP issues of copyright, patents, trade secrets, etc. Work is under way to restructure the intellectual 
property portfolio in the Government, but no decree has been issued to date. 
3.75.  As a member of the GCC, Qatar adheres to the GCC Patent Law and Regulations; patents 
granted by the GCC Patent Office apply to all GCC members including Qatar. A member of WIPO 
since 1976, Qatar adheres to the main intellectual property treaties, and has recently acceded to 
the Patent Convention Treaty (Table 3.7). 
Table 3.7 IP treaties and conventions 
Treaty or Convention Signature Entry into force 
Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances 24 June 2013 Not yet in force 
Patent Cooperation Treaty 3 May 2011 3 August 2011 
WIPO Copyright Treaty 28 July 2005 28 October 2005 
WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty 28 July 2005 28 October 2005 
Berne Convention for the Pr otection of Literary and 
Artistic Works 5 April 2000 5 July 2000 
Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial 
Property 5 April 2000 5 July 2000 
Nairobi Treaty on the Protection of the Olympic 
Symbol 23 June 1983 23 July 1983 
Convention Establishing the World Intellectual 
Property Organization 3 June 1976 3 September 1976 
Source: Information provided by the authorities. 
3.76.  Qatar has a number of laws on the protection of intellectual property (Table 3.8). 
                                               
33 Qatar Development Bank, onli ne information. Viewed at: 
http://www.qdb.qa/english/investing/pages/qatartax.aspx . WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 41 - 
 
  Table 3.8 Main Intellectual Property Laws 
Laws or Decrees Reference 
Border Measures for the Pr otection of Intellectual 
Property Rights Law No. (17) of 2011 
Law on Copyrights and Related Rights Law No. (7) of 2002 
Law on Trademarks, Commercial Indications, Trade 
Names, Geographical Indica tions, Industrial Models 
and Designs Law No. (9) of 2002 
Trade Secrets Law Law No. (5) of 2005 
Integrated Circuits La w Law No. (6) of 2005 
Patents Law Law No. (30) of 2006 
Decree on the Establishment of the Intellectual 
Property Protection Centre Decree No. (53) of 2009 
Source: Compiled by the WTO Secretariat. 
3.3.4.1  Trade marks 
3.77.  The trade mark law, established in 2002, pr ovides protection for 10 years from the date of 
filing and is renewable thereafter. In 2007, legislation was passed adopting the GCC Unified 
Trademark Regulation in Qatar. It provides foreigne rs the same rights as Qatari nationals provided 
they are nationals or residents of states granting reciprocal treatment to Qatar. 
3.3.4.2  Patents 
3.78.  A patent law was passed in 2006, but its implementation is tied to implementing regulations 
that have not yet been issued. Thus, the operatio n and structures envisioned to provide domestic 
patent are not operational per the legislation. However, the Ministry of Justice has indicated that it 
is in the process of considering approximately 300 patent applications without the regulations in 
place. 
3.79.  The 2006 patent law provides for the establishment of a patents office in the Ministry of 
Economy and Commerce, which will be the operational Ministry for patent examination and issuing 
patents. The subject matter to be patented may be in the form of material product, industrial process, or manufacturing technique, but must not include scientific theories, computer programs, 
plant and animal research, diagnostic or surgical  methods. Foreign persons who have an activity 
centre in a WTO member state may apply for a patent and receive the rights accorded in the law. Patent protection is granted for 20 years from the filing date. The law recognizes the compulsory licensing principle but several conditions must be met before the third party can proceed. 
3.3.4.3  Copyright 
3.80.  Similar to the situation with patents, copyright legislation has existed since 2002 but is not 
operational due to lack of implementing regulati ons.  The law foresees the establishment of an 
Office of the Protection of Copyrights and Neighbouring Rights under the Ministry of Economy and 
Commerce, however copyright activities are currently under the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of 
Justice allows the submission of copyright works to its the Copyright Protection Office, but no filing 
certificates are issued, and the office will keep applications until the implementing regulations are 
issued. 
3.81.  Pursuant to the law, protection is conferred on authors of original literary and artistic works, 
irrespective of the value, quality, purpose or mode  of expression of these works. Protection is for 
books and other writings; works delivered orally; dramatic musical works; musical works; 
choreographic works; audio-visual works; photog raphic works; works of applied art; works of 
drawing and painting; and computer programs. Econom ic rights are protected during the life of the 
author plus 50 years. The law also has provisions for economic and moral rights; restrictions on 
copyright and neighbouring rights; and enforcem ent provisions through preventative measures 
and sanctions. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  3.3.4.4  Geographical Indica tions and Industrial Designs 
3.82.  The 2002 law on trademarks, also covers provisions on geographical indications (GIs). It 
includes the protection of GIs even if not regist ered, a system of registration, and penalties for 
improper use or counterfeiting. 
3.83.  Industrial designs are protected under the same law, but the lack of implementing 
regulations means that no protection is in place. The law provides for initial protection of five years for industrial designs, renewable for two further periods of five years. 
3.3.5  Government procurement 
3.84.  The Central Tenders Committee (CTC), is the government agency under the Ministry of 
Finance, coordinates and carries out public procurement in Qatar. It provides procurement services for public works, services, and supplies for many  ministries, government services, and public 
institutions; exclusions exist for Qatar Petroleum, the armed forces, and the police (Table 3.9). 
Other government entities may also procure through other means, depending on their respective legislation. The CTC procures for some sub-central institutions, such as the municipal council of 
Doha and other bodies. Tenders greater than the QR 5 million are through the Central Tenders 
Committee, while those below this threshold are through the Local Tenders Committee, or local tenders. Foreign and local companies may bid for central tenders. 
Table 3.9 Overview of Government procurement, 2012/13 
Type of procurementa No. of 
tenders QR 
Total tenders, direct agreements , practices, and variation orders  386 2,160,663,551  
Total auctions  39 84,837,787  
Central Tenders Committee   
Tenders 45 1,662,701,325 
Direct agreements  61 203,724,956 
Variation orders  52 60,968,857 
Practices  5 2,171,300 
Auctions  11 82,012,947 
Local Tenders Committee   
Tenders  192 226,883,967 
Variation orders  31 4,213,143 
Auctions  28 2,824,840 
a Figures are only for procurement through th e Central Tenders Committee and Local Tenders 
Committee. They do not include te nders for government entities that  procure directly through other 
procedures. 
Source: Central Tenders Committee. 
3.85.  The main functions of the CTC are to announce, receive, and award tenders, and conduct 
auctions. It acts as a neutral middleman between the purchasers and sellers and ensures fairness. The CTC oversees: 
 Local Tenders Committee, which carries out tenders and auctions for less than QR 5 million, 
restricted to local suppliers only; 
 Auctions Committee, which inspects and values items, rental of real estate, and movable 
objects for sale and lease; and 
 Classification Contractors Committee which classifies and re-classifies contractors into 
grades and categories. 
3.86.  There are three types of tenders: general, limited, and local. General and local tenders are 
publicly announced and subject to free competitio n, whereas limited tenders are restricted to 
designated suppliers on pre-approved lists. Local tenders are for procurement of less than 
QR 5 million and for companies listed on the Commercial Register. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  Table 3.10 Government entities procuring through the CTC 
Government entity 
Ministry of Finance 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 
Ministry of Justice 
Ministry of Environment 
Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs 
Ministry of Endowment and Islamic Affairs 
General Secretariat of the Council of Ministries 
Ministry of Energy and Industry (Industria l Development Department, small and medium 
Industrial areas Department) 
Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage 
Advisory Council 
Supreme Judiciary Council 
Municipal Council  
Public Persecution 
Qatar News Agency 
General Retirement & Social Insurance Authority 
Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club 
Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation 
General Tourism Authority 
General Administration of Customs 
Qatar Financial Markets Authority 
General Authority for Minors Affairs 
Ministry of Development Planning & Statisticsa 
Ministry of Information & Communication Technologya 
Ministry of Transportationa 
Ministry of Administrative Developmenta 
Ministry of Youth & Sportsa 
a New Ministry where laws have not yet been issued, so procurement through the CTC is pending. 
 Source: Information provided by the Central Tenders Committee. 
3.3.5.1  Requirements 
3.87.  According to the General Tender Conditions, in order to participate in the tendering process, 
bids must be submitted in Qatari riyals and incl ude a fixed lump-sum price. The conditions also 
allow for bids to be discarded if the bidder is not registered in the Commercial Register. Other reasons for exclusion include not abiding by the laws and provisions of the boycott of Israel. 
3.3.5.2  Legal framework 
3.88.  Law No. 26 of 2005, the Tenders and Bids Re gulatory Law, forms the basis of procurement 
in Qatar. Two amendments, in 2008 and 2010, further defined the procedures and rules on government tendering. The 2008 amendments mainly concerned the change in name of the 
Ministry, and therefore did not change the orig inal 2005 law significantl y. The amendments of 
2010 were concerned with changing threshold levels, i.e. changing the level of QR 1 million to QR 5 million for local/central tenders, the threshold for sale or lease from QR 300,000 to 
QR 500,000, and requiring that tenders in exce ss of QR 50 million be approved by the Prime 
Minister. 
3.3.5.3  E-procurement 3.89.  The CTC has been working towards electronic means to conduct its work. For example all 
tenders are announced electronically and the company awarded the contract is also announced 
through the CTC website; full electronic bidding and tendering processes are not in place. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 44 - 
 
  However, ictQatar has initiated work on e-procurement and has established an e-procurement 
process for its tendering. 
3.3.5.4  Preferences 3.90.  The provisions of Law No. (6) of 1976 cove r preferences for national products and products 
of GCC origin. A preference of 10% is granted for national products and of 5% to GCC products.  
Small and medium-sized business also benefit from a 10% preference. 
3.91.  The General Tender Conditions provide that if a tender requires the shipment of 
commodities, priority is to be given to the nation al Qatari Navigation Companies, followed by the 
United Arab Navigation Company. 
3.92.  Qatar does not have any special set-asides for small businesses or any other group. 3.93.  Qatar is not a party, nor an observer, to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement. 
3.3.6  Role of state-owned enterprises, and privatization 
3.94.  State-owned enterprises (SOEs) are very prevalent in major sectors of the economy 
(Table 3.11). The majority of state-owned enterprises are under the Qatar Petroleum group. While 
the private sector has been growing, the public and mixed sector of Qatar contributes a higher 
share of GDP. In 2009, the public and mixed sector accounted for 60% of GDP.
34 The water, 
gasoline, and electricity distribution have been fully or partially privatized in recent years. 
Table 3.11 State-owned enterprises 
Enterprise Sector Ownership level 
Qatar Petroleum Oil and gas 100% state-ownership 
Ooredoo Telecommunications 76% state-ownership 
Qatar General Electricity and Water 
Corporation (Kahramaa) Water and electricity 90% state-ownership 
Qatar General Postal Corporation Postal services 100% 
Qatar Airways Commercial air services 100% 
Qatar Investment Authority Investment activities 100% 
Qatar Aluminium Aluminium 100% 
Qatar Primary Material Co.  Primary materials 100% 
Qatar National Broadband Co. Broadband services 100% 
Qatar Solar Technologies Solar energy 100% 
Hassad Food Foodstuffs 100% 
Qatar Chemical and Petrochemical Marketing 
and Distribu tion Co. Chemicals/petrochemicals 100% 
Qatar Steel Company Steel 100% 
Qatar Fertiliser Company Fertilizer 100% 
Qatar Petrol Global Marketing Company Petroleum products 100% 
Qatar Hospitality Hospitality services 100% 
Al Jazeera Broadcasting/media 100% 
Diar Real Estate Development Real estate 100% 
Qatar Central Deposit of Paper Money Currency 100% 
Qatar Satellite Company Satellites 100% 
Qatar Port Administration Company Port services 100% 
Qatar Metallurgy Metallurgy 100% 
Wadi Al Asil Trading Company Trading activities 100% 
Qatar Melamine Company Melamine production 100% 
Mowasalat Taxis and buses 100%  
Qatar Fuel Fuel and petroleum products 100%  
Source: Compiled by the WTO Secretariat from various so urces, and information provided by the authorities. 
                                               
34 Qatar Statistics Authority (2012). WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  3.95.  There are currently no privatization plans. Any privatization would involve a government 
decision through an Amiri decree or law. 
3.3.7  Competition policy and price controls 3.3.7.1  Competition law and framework 
3.96.  Since 2006, Qatar has instituted a framew ork for protecting competition and preventing 
monopolistic practices.
35 The law applies to both goods and se rvices, but exceptions are made for 
sovereign ventures of the State and entities subject to state control or supervision. 
3.97.  The law contains three main elements – identifies acts that violate the rules of competition 
and are forbidden (Table 3.12); identifies unlawfu l practices for persons who exercise control or 
domination (Table 3.13); and covers the notification of mergers or acquisitions that control or dominate the marketplace. Upon receipt of a me rger or acquisition notification, there is an 
examination period of 90 days to approve or deny  the request. Two merger requests have been 
processed by MEC and approved by the committee on competition protection and monopoly prevention, one in retailing and the other in taxi services. 
Table 3.12 Competition provisions, Article 3 
 Acts that violate the rules of competition and are forbidden 
1. Manipulating the prices of the products being hand led, either by raising, lowering or fixing those 
prices, or by any other means. 
2. Limiting the freedom of products to enter or exit  markets, either completely or partially, by 
concealing them, refusing to handle them despite the fact that they are available, or stockpiling 
them without justification.  
3. Deliberately provoking a sudden glut of products , which causes them to ci rculate at a price that 
affects the economic performan ce of other competitors. 
4. Preventing or hindering any person from practici ng economic or commercial activity on the 
market.  
5. Unjustifiably concealing from a particular individual, either completely or partially, the products 
available on the market. 
6. Restricting production, manufacture, distribution or marketing of products; or limiting the 
distribution, volume or kind of services, or plac ing conditions or restrictions on their supply. 
7. Dividing or allocating product markets on the basi s of geographical area, di stribution centres, type 
of customers, seasons or time periods, or goods. 
8. Coordination or agreement among competitors with regard to presenting, or failing to present, 
bids in public tenders, negotiat ions and calls for procurement. Th is does not include joint offers 
previously announced by the participating parties, as long as this is not in any way intended to 
prevent competition. 
9. Knowingly distributing false inform ation about products or their prices. 
Source: Competition Law, Article 3. 
3.98.  The law also covers enforcement. Article 7 creates the Committee for the Protection of 
Competition and Prevention of Monopolistic Practices; it is tasked, among other things, with 
receiving reports of violation and taking appropriate measures. Article 9 confers the status of law enforcement officers on members of the Committee and allows them to enter the place of business 
and perform searches and examine documents. Those found in violation of the law are subject to a 
fine of between QR 100,000 and QR 5,000,000. During 2010-2013, remedial and/or legal actions were taken in six cases where violations to Law No. 19 were proven. 
3.99.  The NDS identifies the importance of developing competition for the future of Qatar. During 
2012-14 it plans to design an implementation programme for the existing competition law, 
including providing the necessary capabilities. This initiative is currently under review. 
                                               
35 Decree No. (19) of 2006, For the Protection of Competition and the Prevention of Monopolistic 
Practices (Competition Law). WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  Table 3.13 Competitio n Law, Article 4 
 Unlawful practices 
1. Refraining from, limiting or hind ering the handling of products, either for sale or purchase, in such 
a way as leads to the imposi tion of artificial prices. 
 
2. Reducing or increasing the available quantities of a product so as to provoke an artificial lack or 
glut of the product. 
 
3. Refraining, without lawful justification, from concluding product sale or purchase agreements with 
any person, selling the products being handled for less than their effective cost, or ceasing to 
handle them altogether in such a way as limits th at person's freedom to enter or exit markets at 
any time.  
4. Imposing the obligation not to manufacture, produce or distribute a product for a set period or set 
periods of time. 
 
5. Imposing the obligation to limit the distribution or sale of a product or service, on the basis of 
geographical areas, distribution centres, clients,  seasons or periods of ti me, among persons with a 
vertical relationship.  
6. Making the conclusion of a sale or purchase cont ract or agreement for a product conditional on the 
acceptance of obligations or products unrelated by their nature or by commercial custom to the 
original transaction or agreement. 
 
7. Relinquishing the principle of equality of o pportunity among competitor s, differentiating some 
competitors from others in the conditions of sale or purchase agreements, without lawful justification.  
8. Failing to make a scarce product available when  its availability is economically viable. 
 
9. Obliging a supplier not to deal with a competitor. 
 
10. Selling products below their marginal  cost or average variable cost. 
 
11. Obliging one's associates not to allow a competitor access to utilities or services of theirs that the 
competitor may need, despite this being economically viable.  
Source: Article 4, Competition Law. 
3.3.7.2  Consumer protection laws and price controls 
3.100.  A consumer protection law was implemented in 2008 to provide rights to consumers, in 
particular to the safety and quality of products.36 The Ministry of Economy and Commerce 
Consumer Protection Department oversees the impl ementation of this law and related regulations, 
as they pertain to consumer protection. It also collects statistics, monitors prices, and addresses 
violations. 
3.101.  The Consumer Protection Law specifies certain rights for the consumer, including rights to 
health and safety, accurate information and data, freedom of choice, respect religious values, protection of legal rights, consumer prot ection activities, and legal proceedings. 
3.102.  Suppliers also have certain obligations under the law, including the obligation to refund or 
replace faulty goods, announce the price, disclose information about the product, notify hazards, provide an invoice, provide details and maintena nce in Arabic, notify the Consumer Protection 
Department in case of defect, provide after sales service, provide details on service, and honour 
terms and conditions such as warranties, and provide spare parts. 
3.103.  In addition to the main Consumer Protec tion Law, a number of ministerial orders and 
regulations also protect consumers. The Ministry of Economy and Commerce monitors prices of a 
number of consumer goods in the market place. Pursuant to the regulations, the Ministry may 
impose price controls. A number of products are already subject to maximum prices (Table 3.14). 
The public may report concerns or perceived violations to the Ministry for examination. 
                                               
36 Law No. (8) of 2008. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  Table 3.14 Consumer protection legal fr amework and orders on maximum prices 
Law Reference 
Consumer Protection Law Law No (8) of 2008 
Prescribed Pricing and Profit Calculation Law No (12) of 1972 
Selling through Sales, Promotions and Discounts Ministerial Order No (5) of 1984 
Promoting goods and services through prize draws 
and distributions Ministerial Order No (19) of 2002 
Defining the price, weight and specifications of 
Lebanese and Iranian bread Ministerial Order No (2) of 1980 
Setting the maximum allowed price for state-subsided 
flour and regulating its trade Ministerial Order No (9) of 1983 
Naming Arabic and Baladi bread instead of Lebanese 
and Iranian bread Ministerial Order No (6) of 1986 
Setting and regulating trade of Australian lamb meat 
produced by the automatic butchery Ministerial Order No (2) of 1988 
Amending certain provision of Order No (2) of 1988 
with respect to setting and regulating trade of 
Australian lamb meat Ministerial Order No (260) of 2006 
Setting the maximum allowed price for cement blocks Ministerial Order No (125) of 2004 
Regulating brokerage activities in the Central Market 
for vegetables and fruits Ministerial Order No (3) of 1922 
Setting the maximum allowed prices of certain soft 
drinks Ministerial Order No (90) of 2009 
Delegating some pre-defi ned responsibilities under 
Law No. (8) of 2008 with respect to consumer 
protection Ministerial Order No (291) of 2008 
Setting the maximum allowed prices of certain 
commodities and foodstuff during Ramadan  Ministerial Order No (191) of 2010 
Source: Ministry of Economy and Comm erce, Consumer Protection Departme nts. Online information. Viewed 
at: http://www.mbt.gov.qa/English/Departments/Consumerprotection/Pages/ default.aspx . 
 WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  4  TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
4.1.  Qatar continues to pursue diversification and encourage development of non-energy sectors, 
including many services sectors. In recent year s, development of downstream energy industries 
and in particular those that have synergies with this sector have grown, for example fertilizers, 
aluminium, and chemicals. In terms of GDP, oil and gas still dominates accounting for 58% of 
output, followed by finance, insurance and real estate, and manufacturing (Chart 4.1). 
Chart 4.1 Services sector by GDP at current prices, 2012a 
(% of GDP) 
 
Agriculture and fishing, 
0.1
Oil and gas, 57.8
Manufacturing, 9.8Electricity and water, 0.4Building and construction, 
4.4Trade, restaurants & 
hotels, 5.6Transport and 
communications, 3.3Finance,  insurance,  real 
estate & business 
services, 10.2Services, 8.3
 
a  Preliminary figures. 
 Source: Qatar Central Bank (2013), Quarterly Statistical Bulletin , March. 
4.1  Energy 
4.2.  State-owned Qatar Petroleum (QP) and its su bsidiaries are involved in all aspects of up-
stream and down-stream energy development, in cluding transport and trade. Major operations 
generally have involvement of QP but most of its subsidiaries involve private partners. About 40% 
of oil production, 5% of gas production, and 30% of refining are 100% owned by QP (Chart 4.2). 
Each partnership is governed by its own agreement; however there is still a controlling state interest in most entities. Qatar often partners with foreign oil and gas companies for exploration 
and production, especially off-shore fields, wher e production-sharing agreements are the norm. 
Downstream industries also have a fo reign partner with equity interest. 
4.1.1  Policy objectives for the sector 4.3.  Qatar has been promoting diversification to create alternative sources of economic growth 
and thus reduce over-exposure to world energy markets. Diversification has been pursued in a 
number of sectors, especially services, but also in the downstream value-added petrochemical and industrial sector. While non-energy sectors have gr own, the relatively high energy prices have so 
far maintained the prominence of energy industries  as a major source of revenue and backbone of 
the economy. 
4.4.  The most significant policy affecting the sector is Qatar’s moratorium on further development 
of its North Field, the largest single non-associated gas field in the world. The moratorium was 
instituted in 2005, and it has been continually  extended ever since. Based on the latest 
information available, it is not ex pected to be lifted before 2015. 
4.5.  According to Qatar National Vision 2030, Qa tar intends to pursue responsible exploitation of 
oil and gas. To this end, it plans to establish a balance between reserves and production, and 
between economic diversification and the degree of depletion. It also intends to pursue 
technological innovations and fully develop the ga s industry to provide clean energy. Long-term 
maintenance of its reserves is important for national security and sustainable development. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  Chart 4.2 Overview of Qatar Petroleum major operations 
Fertilizers 
Liquefied 
Natural Gas 
Other 
investments 
Metals Qatar 
Petroleum Petro-
chemicals 
Qatar Gas  
Group of 
companies RASGAS group of 
com
panies LNG  
Terminals 
 
Source: Qatar Petroleum. 
4.1.2  Natural gas 
4.6.  Unlike many of its neighbours that have  large reserves of crude petroleum, natural gas 
dominates in Qatar. Qatar has the world’s third largest reserve of natural gas, behind Russia and 
Iran. It is by far the largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Since commencing the first LNG shipment operations in 1997, it has grown tremendously in the intervening years. Qatar has 
continually invested in LNG technologies and gradually brought on new production capacity; LNG 
development correlates with natural gas exports; it has allowed Qatar to export natural gas to world markets. Trans-border pipeline transmission is very limited, with connections only to the 
UAE and Oman. 
4.7.  The strength of Qatar’s natural gas sector has been magnified by strong world energy prices. 
While most of Qatar’s exports of LNG are sold under long-term contracts, prices are adjusted per the contract at the time of shipment to take into account oil prices according to specific equations. 
4.1.2.1  Production, consumption, and trade 
4.8.  Natural gas production has seen phenomen al growth over the period, more than doubling 
between 2007 and 2012 (Chart 4.3). In 2012, production grew approximately 8% from 2011 
levels. Exports have also grown but levelled off in 2012, reflecting trends in trade of natural gas in 
world markets. World trade in natural gas was up  only 0.1% in 2012, and LNG trade fell for the 
first time, mostly in response to weak demand in Europe.
1 However, Qatar maintained growth of 
approximately 5% in LNG exports despite the difficu lt global market. Exports of LNG from Qatar go 
to all regions of the world; the Asia Pacific regi on accounts for about two thirds of total exports; 
Japan, India, and the Republic of Korea are th e largest markets. Europe is the second most 
important market, with about 30%, the U.K. accounting for the largest share. 
4.1.2.2  Dolphin project 
4.9.  The first gulf area natural gas pipeline project was launched in 2001 to connect neighbouring 
markets for Qatar’s gas. The Dolphin project conne cts the UAE, Oman, and Qatar by pipeline, and 
there are plans for expansion to other neighbouring countries. Current exports amount to 2 billion 
standard cubic feet per day. 
                                               
1 British Petroleum (2013). WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  4.1.2.3  Gas exporting countries forum 
4.10.  In 2008, a group of gas exporting countries established the Gas Exporting Countries Forum 
as an Agreement under Article 102 of the Charter of the UN. The Forum host is Qatar and its headquarters are in Doha. The main operation of  the Forum is to promote the interest of the 
world’s major gas producing countries. No controls on prices, production, or trade are imposed by 
the Forum. However, there is an exchange of experience, views, and information with the view to bringing stability and security to the supply and demand of natural gas in global markets. 
Membership of the Forum comprise s Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, 
Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. 
Chart 4.3 Natural gas production and exports, 2007-12 
020406080100120140160
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012Production ExportsBillion cubic metres
a
 
a Excluding gas flared or recycled. 
Source: British Petroleum (2013), Statistical Review of World Energy, 2008-2013 . Viewed at: 
http://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/about-bp/ energy-economics/statistical-review-of-world-
energy-2013.html . 
4.1.3  Crude petroleum 
4.11.  While the crude petroleum sector is not insignificant to Qatar, it accounts for only 2% of 
world production, and Qatar is OPEC’s third smallest producer. In terms of proven reserves, it ranks 13
th in the world.2 Exports are from three terminals; Mesaieed, Halul Island, and Ras Laffan. 
4.12.  As a member of OPEC, Qatar's production levels are determined by the organization's 
production allocations. Crude production levels have increased each year, with a record production 
in 2012. While production has levelled, consumption has increased and slightly outpaced production. Qatar remains a significant exporter of  crude petroleum, but exports slightly declined 
over 2007-12 (Chart 4.4). 
4.1.4  Downstream petrochemical industries 4.13.  Qatar has encouraged the development of the downstream petrochemicals and related 
industries in recent years. It is now a leading supplier of petrochemicals, plastics, and fertilizers. 
Moving into these industries is expected to develop Qatar’s industrial capacity as it continues to move further downstream into more finished products. However, its competitiveness in these sectors relies on land availability to develop, low power costs, and most importantly feedstock 
costs and availability. As Qatar brought many new and expanded petrochemical projects online in 
recent years, it is the availability of feedstocks  that is crucial and will likely determine further 
development. Furthermore, as Qatar subsidizes gas for local consumption, the cost of these 
feedstocks will also be critical to global competitiveness.
3 
4.14.  Foreign companies are allowed 100% ownership in this sector. 
                                               
2 British Petroleum (2013). 
3 Oxford Business Group (2012). WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  Chart 4.4 Crude petroleum production and exports, 2007-12  
01002003004005006007008009001,000
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012Production ExportsThousand barrels per day
 
Source: Information provided by  Qatar Petroleum authorities. 
4.15.  Major downstream operations include basic petrochemicals, plastics, fuel additives, and 
fertilizers (Table 4.1). Steel and aluminium production has also been established in Qatar in order to support the development of the construction industry. In order to support development of these downstream industries, direct lending or load guarantees are provided from the Qatar 
Development Bank at rates typically below market rates. 
4.16.  Rising production and exports of downstream petrochemicals during 2007-12 reflect the 
new production capacity brought on-line, in partic ular during the last two years. Qatar is a major 
exporter of fertilizers (ammonia and urea), exporting nearly all urea production. With plant 
expansion in 2012, Qatar became the 4
th largest producer and the world's largest exporter of urea4 
(Chart 4.5). 
Chart 4.5 Petrochemicals - production and exports, 2007-12 
02,0004,0006,0008,00010,00012,00014,000
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012Production ExportsIn 1,000 metric tons
 
Source: Information provided by  Qatar Petroleum authorities. 
                                               
4 Qatar Petroleum, Annual Report 2012. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  Table 4.1 Major downstream operations 
Operation/Industry Companies Ownership Capacity 
First level 
downstream:    
Crude petroleum refining QP Refinery; Laffan Refinery 100% QP, 51% QP 80,000 bpd 
Gas-to-liquids facility Pearl GTL; Oryz GTL 51% QP 140,000 bpd 
34,000 bpd 
Second level 
downstream:    
Ammonia, urea fertilizers QAFCO 38% QP 3.8 mmt/a 
5.6 mmt/a 
Chemicals Qatar Melamine Company 63% QP  
Chemicals Qatar Vinyl Co mpany 68.2% QP n.a. 
Olefins Qatar Chemical Company, 
Qatar Chemical Company II, 
Ras Laffan Olefins Company 
 40.5% QP 700,000 mt/a ethylene 
Olefins Qatar Petrochemical 
Company  40.8% QP 800,000 kt/a ethylene 
70 kt/a sulfur 
Third level 
downstream:    
MTBE fuel additives Qatar Fuel Additives 
Company  25.5% QP 1,830 mt/d 
LDPE QAPCO 80% IQ 
 700 ktpa 
HDPE and MDPE Qatar Chemical Company, 
Qatar Chemical Company II  51% QP 350,000 mt/a 
LLDPE  64% QP and QAPCO, 
36%  
 450,000 mt/a 
 Qatofin Company 36.6% QP  
LAB Seef Limited 80% QP 100,000 mt/a 
Plastic film Qatar Plastic Products 
 13.5% QP n.a. 
Energy intensive 
industries:    
Steel Qatar Steel Company 
 70% QP 8.4 million tonne 
production 
Aluminium Qatar Aluminium Company 50% QP 600,000 tonnes 
n.a. Not applicable. 
bpd Barrels per day. 
mmt Million metric tons per annum. mt/a Metric tons per annum. mt/d Metric tons per day. kt/a/ktpa Kilo ton per annum. 
Source: Information provided by Qatar Petroleu m and Qatar Petroleum An nual Reports 2011 and 2012. 
4.2  Services 
4.17.  The growth and development of many serv ices sectors has driven the growth of Qatar's 
non-hydrocarbon sector. Investment and liberalization in telecommunications, education, 
transportation, and financial services have all played an important role. High capital spending on 
infrastructure in the coming years is expected to bring strong growth to the construction and 
transportation sectors in particular. 
4.18.  Qatar made relatively few specific service commitments upon joining the WTO, and it has 
not joined further liberalization initiatives on financial services or telecoms (Table 4.2). WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  Table 4.2 Qatar GATS Commitments  
Sectors (CPC Classification) GATS 
Sectoral commitments 
(except as indicated in the 
horizontal commitments) 
1. Business services Partial 
A. Professional services  Partial 
B. Computer and related services Partial 
C. Research and de velopment services Partial 
D. Real estate services No commitments 
E. Rental/leasing serv ices without operator No commitments 
F. Other business services Partial 
2. Communication services  
A. Postal services No commitments 
B. Courier services Partial 
C. Telecommunication services No commitments 
D. Audiovisual services No commitments 
E. Other  No commitments 
3. Construction and related engineering services  
A. General construction work for buildings Partial 
B. General construction wo rk for civil engineering Partial 
C. Installation and assembly work Partial 
D. Building completion and finishing work Partial 
E. Other No commitments 
4. Distribution services No commitments  
5. Education services No commitments  
6. Environmental services Partial 
7. Financial services  
A. All insurance and insu rance-related services Partial 
B. Banking and other financial services Partial 
C. Other No commitments 
8. Health related and social services No commitments  
9. Tourism and travel related services   
A. Hotels and restaurants (incl. catering) Partial 
B. Travel agencies and tour operators services No commitments 
C. Tourist guides services No commitments 
D. Other No commitments 
10. Recreational and cultur al and sporting services No commitments  
11. Transport services No commitments  
12. Other services not included elsewhere No commitments  
 
Source: Compiled by the Secretariat from WTO GATS schedule. 
4.2.1  Financial services 
4.2.1.1  Banking 
4.19.  Despite the financial crisis and growing uncertainty in the sector worldwide, Qatar’s banks 
have remained stable and well capitalized in recent years. This is due in part due to little exposure 
to the troubled markets and to the Qatar Government’s efforts to guarantee deposits and provide 
an inflow of capital to banks. During the crisis, the QCB and the Government were involved in increasing liquidity to banks. Since 2011 the sector has been growing steadily. 
4.20.  There is a small but growing Islamic finance sector in Qatar. This sector underwent 
significant changes during the review period as banking regulators closed the “Islamic windows”. 
Banks that dealt with traditional and Islamic products were required to separate these assets and divest or create separate institutions. By the end of 2011 Islamic assets were divested from 
traditional banks. Islamic financial products are Sharia compliant and have a separate regulatory 
framework, i.e. a different set of regulations ov erseen by the Islamic Financial Services Board. 
Islamic products are also offered for insurance through the takaful sector and for financial products 
through non-banking finance companies. 
4.21.  Qatar’s banking sector is quite diverse with seven Qatari banks, seven foreign bank 
branches, four Islamic banks, and one represen tative office. There are also approximately 
20 foreign banks operating mostly as foreign subsidiaries in the Qatar Financial Centre (section WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  4.3.1.3). In terms of total assets, Qatari ba nks account for approximately 72%, followed by 
Islamic banks (22%), and foreign banks (about 5%) (Table 4.3). 
4.22.  Legislative developments in the banking sector include the new money-laundering 
legislation in 2010 and the Qatar Central Bank Law of 2012. The Central Bank Law covers three 
broad areas: the organization of the QCB; the use of currency and the role of the QCB in monetary 
and exchange rate policies; and the regulation of financial institutions. The money-laundering legislation follows international practice on this matter. New regulations were also introduced to 
limit credit growth by putting limits on consumer loans (Table 4.4). 
Table 4.3 Registered banks in Qatar, September 2013 
 Total assets 
(million QR) Ownership Branches or subsidiaries 
In Qatar/Outside Qatar 
Traditional banks 636,805    
Qatar National Bank 393,622 .. 76 17 
Commercial Bank 93,295 .. 28 3 
Doha Bank 59,834 .. 62 4 
Al Ahli Bank 23,172 .. 18 n.a. 
Qatar International Bank 30,716 30% foreign 7 n.a. 
Qatar Development Bank 4,443 100% state 1 n.a. 
Khaliji Bank 31,722 .. 2 2 
Foreign banks 41,149    
Arab Bank 5,772 100% foreign 3 n.a. 
Mashreq Bank 4,327 100% foreign 4 n.a. 
Standard Chartered Bank 7,769 100% foreign 2 n.a. 
HSBC Bank Middle East 19,165 100% foreign 7 n.a. 
United Bank Limited 990 100% foreign 2 n.a. 
Bank Saderat Iran 768 100% foreign 1 n.a. 
Banque Paribas 2,357 100% foreign 1 n.a. 
Islamic National banks 205,813    
Qatar Islamic Bank 75,052 .. 36 1 
Qatar International Islamic 
Bank 32,936 .. 15 n.a. 
Masraf AL Rayan 68,640 .. 12 n.a. 
Barwa Bank 29,184 .. 8 n.a. 
Representative offices     
Ithmaar Bank .. 100% foreign n.a. n.a. 
.. Not available. 
n.a. Not applicable. Source: Information provided by Qatar Central Bank. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  Table 4.4 Legal framework for the financial sector 
Law Reference 
Anti-money Laundering Law Law No. (4) of 2010 
Qatar Central Bank Law Law No. (13) of 2012 
Doha Securities Market Law Law No. (14) of 1995 
Amendments to the Doha Securities Market Law Law No. (26) of 2003 
Law establishing Qatar Central Bank Law No. (15) of 1993 
Qatar Financial Markets Authority and the Securities 
Market Law No. (33) of 2006 
Establishing the Qatar Financial Centre Law No. (7) of 2005 
Qatar Financial Markets Authority and Qatar 
Securities Market Law No. (14) of 2007 
Regulating Control of Accounts Law No. (30) of 2004 
Source: Compiled by the WTO Secretariat. 
4.2.1.2  Qatar Investment Authority 
4.23.  The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is the Government's sovereign wealth fund 
established in 2005 to strengthen the economy and build long-term strategic investments for the State. It invests in a variety of assets, both domestically and abroad, and is considered a global 
investor for the State of Qatar. During the financial crisis it intervened to provide capital injections 
to local banks and strengthen confidence in the financial sector. 
4.2.1.3  Qatar financial centre 4.24.  The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) was established by the Government in 2005 to attract 
international banking companies, insurance business, and related financial services to Qatar. It 
operates under free trade zone provisions, and thus is not subject to normal Qatari rules or laws of the financial sector. Furthermore it has its own regulatory arm and judiciary system (Chart 4.6). 
Chart 4.6 Qatar Financial Centre 
 
Source: Qatar Financial Centre Authority online information. Viewed at: http://www.qfc.com.qa . WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  4.25.  In addition to allowing 100% foreign ownership and investment in the financial sector, QFC 
offers certain incentives to businesses that establish in the QFC. Special tax rules apply and the QFC has its own immigration and employment laws, as well as free movement of currencies. Furthermore, Qatar allows retail services from th e zone to the domestic market. The QFC's current 
focus is the development of three key subsectors:  asset management; captive insurance; and re-
insurance. 
4.26.  In order to establish in the zone, enterprises must be licensed by the QFC Authority, receive 
authorization from the QFC Regulatory Authority, and must register as a legal entity at the QFC 
Registration Office. The QFC lega l framework also includes rules and regulations on arbitration, 
contracts, data protection, insolvency, companies and partnerships, security, and trusts. Over 170 companies are registered in the QFC, including 20 banks. 
4.2.1.4  Insurance 
4.27.  There is no specific law on insurance, but the new Qatar Central Bank Law contains aspects 
relating to insurance, in particular to regulation.
5 Article 95 of the law provides that money and 
property in Qatar cannot be insured outside of Qatar, thus insurance providers should be local 
companies or foreign companies that have established a branch in Qatar. Foreign insurers may provide services through a branch or represen tative office, and domestic firms are to be 
established through a joint-stock company. The QCB law also requires prior approval of the types 
of insurance policies to be sold on the market. 
4.28.  Non-life subsector of insurance is dominant in Qatar, although the life insurance subsector is 
expanding. Insuring against fire and theft is th e largest subsector market segment in terms of 
value of policies (Chart 4.7). Both Qatari and foreign insurance companies are active, with some of 
the larger Qatari firms listed on the Qatar Exchange (Table 4.5). 
Chart 4.7 Qatar insurance market by  type (value of policies), 2011 
(%) 
Cargo and transport
22.0
Fire and theft
46.1Cars
1.3Other, including life
30.6
 
Source: The Qatar Statistics Authority (2011). The Annual Bulletin of Banks and Insurance, 2011 . Viewed at: 
http://www.qix.gov.qa/portal/page/portal/qix /subjectarea/publications?Subject_area=190 . 
 
                                               
5 Law (13) of 2012. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  Table 4.5 Insurance and re-insurance companies 
Company Nationality Ownership  Public/Private 
Qatar Insurance Company (QIC) Qatari  Public joint-stock 
company 
Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance 
Company Qatari  Public joint-stock 
company 
General Takaful Company Qatari Subsidiary of Qatar 
General Insurance and 
Reinsurance Company Private joint-stock 
company 
Al Khaleej Insurance Company Qatari  Public joint-stock 
company 
Qatar Takaful Company Qatari Subsidiary of Al 
Khaleej Insurance 
Company Private joint-stock 
company 
Qatar Islamic Insurance Company Qatari  Public joint-stock 
company 
Doha Insurance Company Qata ri  Public joint-stock 
company 
Arabia Insurance Company Ltd.  Arab  Branch of private 
joint-stock company 
Libano-Swiss Insurance Company Arab  Branch of private 
joint-stock company 
Misr Insurance Company  Arab  Branch of private 
joint-stock company 
The American Life Insurance Company 
(MetLife Alico) U.S.  Branch of public 
joint-stock company 
Qatar Unified Company Qatari  Private joint-stock 
company 
Al Koot Insurance and Reinsurance Company Qatari Subsidiary of Gulf 
International Services Private joint-stock 
company 
Damaan Islamic Insurance Company 
(Beema) Qatari  Private joint-stock 
company 
Source: Information provided by the authorities. 
4.2.1.5  Capital markets 
4.29.  The Qatar capital market has undergone a number of changes and developments in recent 
years. In 2009, the Qatar Exchange (QE) replaced  the Doha Securities Market as the principle 
securities exchange in Qatar; QIA is the majority shareholder. Currently, 42 companies are listed 
on the exchange, including 13 banking and insu rance companies. Market capitalization was at 
QR 460 billion at the end of 2012 (Table 4.6). Foreign participation on the QE is limited to 25% of the outstanding stock of a company. 
Table 4.6 Capital markets overview, 2008-12 
(QR million) 
 2008 2009  2010  2011 2012  
Number of listed 
companies 43 44 43 42 42 
General index 6,886 6,959 8,681 8,779 8,359 
Market capitalization 279,038 320,081 450,203 457,352 459,884 
Total:      
Number of shares 3,893,519,719 3,450,086,784 2,094,391,542 2,302,769,616 2,428,190,041 
Value of shares 175,552 92,165 67,185 83,419 70,674 
Industrial sector:      
  Number of shares 374,438,768 312,332,172 257,454,729 218,017,369 260,387,473 
  Value of shares 26,655 15,411 12,222 13,821 12,173 
Services sector:      
  Number of shares 1,711,767,585 1,715,908,258 1,192,498,405 1,286,900,627 1,556,042,826 
  Value of shares 65,823 40,185 29,383 34,824 34,875 WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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   2008 2009  2010  2011 2012  
Insurance sector:      
  Number of shares 50,774,453 33,849,232 24,087,667 22,537,602 15,889,724 
  Value of shares 4,427 1,470 1,281 1,259 836 
Banking & finance 
sector:      
  Number of shares 1,756,538,910 1,387,997,122 620,350,741 775,314,018 595,870,018 
  Value of shares 78,647 35,099 24,299 33,515 22,790 
Source: Qatar Central Bank (2012), Quarterly Statistical Bulletin,  December. Viewed at: 
http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/Publications/S tatistics/Pages/Statisticalbulletins.aspx . 
4.30.  New regulations were instituted in 2009 for brokerage activities. Prior to this date, one 
investment holding company operated and conducted all brokerage activities in Qatar. Regulations by the Qatar Financial Markets Authority have classified brokerage services as part of financial 
services, and now allow banks to establish their ow n brokerage services if they obtain a licence. 
Brokerage activities, while linked to banks, requir e an independent capital base, separate board of 
directors, independent compliance, and independent seats on the exchange. 
4.31.  In late 2011, the QE expanded beyond securities to trade government and corporate bonds. 
Qatar is planning to develop a fixed income market and has started to issue local currency T-bills. 
Work on incorporating ETFs and REITs into the capital markets is also under way but remains pending. Furthermore a new exchange, or junior  market, for SMEs known as the QE Venture 
Market was announced in 2012. The exchange will reportedly have less stringent criteria than the 
QE and will be open to foreign and domestic companies for listing. The exchange is not yet operational but work continues on processes and infrastructure for implementation. 
4.2.1.6  Regulation of banking, fina nce, insurance, and capital markets 
4.32.   Various bodies have regulatory responsib ility in the sector, depending on the service and 
where it is located: 
 QFC Regulatory Authority and QFC Authority, for banks and insurance companies operating 
in the QFC; 
 Ministry of Economy and Commerce and the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) have roles in 
regulating insurance and re-insurance for those established in Qatar, but outside the QFC; 
 QCB regulates banks in Qatar, but outside the QFC; 
 Qatar Credit Bureau was established in 2011 to oversee credit records; and 
 Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) supervises capital market regulations. 
4.33.  As regulatory authority is spread around  a number of regulators, Qatar took steps in 2012 
towards creating one regulatory authority for the future. It intends to merge the functions of the QFC Regulatory Authority, QFMA, and the QCB to create one national authority with harmonized regulations. This process has been initiated but not finalized. 
4.2.2  Education services 
4.34.  Qatar Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy place high importance on education 
for the development of Qatar. The first pillar, human development, outlines that Qatar should: 
create a world-class educational system that equi ps citizens to achieve their aspirations and the 
needs of Qatar's society; have a national network of formal and non-formal educational programmes that equip Qatari children with the skills and motivation to contribute to society; and 
have well-developed, independent, self-managing and accountable educational institutions 
operating under centrally determined guidelines.
6 
                                               
6 Qatar Vision 2030, page 16. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  4.35.  Qatar has continued to support its education sector with increasing budget allocations and 
by promoting reforms. Qatar has updated the curri culum, created a long-term vision, implemented 
new regulations, and improved teacher training. According to the WEF, Qatar now ranks 10th out of 
144 countries for its primary education system.7 
4.2.2.1  Primary, secondary, an d tertiary education structure 
4.36.  During the last 10 years Qatar has been reforming its education system, starting at the 
primary level – a process that continues today. Two significant changes have been the 
replacement of the Government-run schools with independent schools, and the creation of the 
Supreme Education Council (SEC) to oversee th e reform process. The independent schools now 
dominate the primary and secondary school sect or, and are complemented by semi-independent 
schools, and private schools. Semi-independent schools are former government schools still 
transitioning to independent schools. Private schools comprise private Arabic schools and 
international schools.  
4.37.  Education is obligatory up to the end of middle school (9th school year) and free for 
residents (Qatari and non-Qataris), through the public and semi-public education systems. 
Education costs for private schools require payment of  fees that vary by establishment but may be 
paid for Qatari nationals by the Government.8 In 2004, a voucher system was put in place to allow 
the movement of students across schools, and to encourage competition; it was subsequently 
expanded to cover private schools in addition to independent schools. Qatar University is Government run and has been supplemented in re cent years by a number of well-known foreign 
universities that opened campuses in Qatar. Higher education is also free for Qataris and others 
eligible for public education.
9 
4.38.  While there has been growth across all sectors of education, the most significant growth 
during 2006-11 was in the number of students attending private higher education establishments, 
which grew 91% (Table 4.7). Significant growth also occurred in the private primary sector, up 
48%. 
Table 4.7 Education statistics 
 2006/7 2007/8  2008/9  2009/10 2010/11  
Pre-primary, Primary, and Preparatory:  
Public 
Establishments 
Students 
Teachers  
 
61,543  
.. 
  
.. 
  
.. 
  
185 
68,321  
7,394  
Private 
Establishments Students 
Teachers  
 
64,268  
 
74,076   
 
83,197    
.. 
  
370 
94,802  
7,433  
Secondary:      
Public Establishments 
Students Teachers  
 
19,247 
  
 
19,610   
 
20,054   
 
21,205  
49 
22,350  
2,050  
                                               
7 The Global Competitiveness Report, 2012-13. Viewed at: http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF-
Global/CompeitivenessReport-2012-13.pdf . 
8 The Government pays QR 28,000 for each student for private schools or full expenses for semi-public 
schools. 
9 Qatar University is free for Qatari s. A full scholarship is provided by the Supreme Education Council to 
Qataris if proper verification of acceptance to Educat ion City based universities is provided. Other private 
universities charge enrolment fees. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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   2006/7 2007/8  2008/9  2009/10 2010/11  
Private 
Establishments 
Students 
Teachers  
.. 
9,029 
.. 
  
.. 
10,652  
.. 
  
.. 
10,524  
.. 
  
.. 
10,906 
.. 
  
65 
11,782  
742 
Universities:      
Public 
Establishments 
Students 
Teachers  
2 
8,184 
608  
2 
8,529  
641 
  
2 
8,687  
616  
2 
8,706 
657  
2 
9,793  
721 
Private 
Students  
2,917  
3,951   
4,446   
5,233  
5,559  
.. Not available. 
Source: Qatar Statistics Authorit y online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.qsa.gov.qa/eng/publication/annabs/2012/4_Education.xlsx . 
4.2.2.2  Regulation, accredit ation, and quality assurance 
4.39.  The SEC provides oversight, regulation, and guidelines for the education sector. It has three 
main pillars, each with specific mandates (Chart 4.8). It also oversees job training, provides information to parents and students, and regulates pre-schools/nursery facilities. 
Chart 4.8 Supreme Education Council 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
Source: Online information. Viewed at: http://www.sec.gov.ga . 
4.40.  On the regulatory side, the SEC oversees a number of provisions or requirements for both 
public and private schools. The main elements are outlined in Table 4.8, however a detailed list of 
specifications is available from the SEC.10 The SEC enforces the regulations, which are only 
applicable for primary and secondary schooling. 
4.41.  In terms of accreditation, the SEC has established the Qatar National Schools Accreditation 
(QNSA) initiative to elevate standards of education through regular assessment and benchmarking 
of academic, educational, and administrative stan dards. It applies to public and private schools. 
Schools are subject to periodic internal and exte rnal reviews in order to receive accreditation, 
which is given for a 3-or 5-year term. The SEC has also established the National Professional 
Standards for Teachers and School Leaders, which aims to improve the quality of teachers and 
school leaders. The Qatar Office of Registration, Licensing and Accreditation is involved in the accreditation aspect in order for teachers to receive a permanent licence to teach in Qatar. 
                                               
10 Ministerial Decision No. (8) of 2009. Overseas and supports 
independent schools 
 
Issues licences  Develops curriculum 
standards Manages student 
examinations 
 
Monitors learning  Evaluates school 
performance  Advises on career options 
and opportunities for 
higher education in Qatar 
and abroad  Administers scholarships 
and grants Education Institute  Evaluation Institute  Higher Education Institute  WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  4.42.  Private education establishments operate as commercial entities, and are subject to 
operation and registration pursuant to the Commercial Companies Code. The same applies to schools established in Education City. 
Table 4.8 SEC requirements for schools 
 Independent schools Private schools 
To establish Initial contract of 5 years Licence to be obtained from SEC 
Curriculum Established standards in 
English, Arabic, mathematics, 
and science Qatari curriculum standards or 
international curriculum standards. 
If international curriculum, weekly 
hours allocated to teach Arabic, Qatari 
history, and Islamic studies. 
Financial audits Periodically performed n.e.r. 
Facilities n.e.r. Compliance with school building 
specifications and security, safety, and 
health requirements 
Compliance 
assessment reviews Performed regularly SEC has right to inspection and 
evaluation visits 
School organizational 
structure n.e.r. A principal and administrative structure 
to be in place 
Students with special needs n.e.r. Need to provide support and 
programmes for students with special 
needs 
Teaching staff n.e.r. Registration and a professional 
teaching licence  
Assessment Qatari assessment criteria to be 
adhered to (QNSA) Qatari assessment criteria to be 
adhered to (QNSA) 
Oversight SEC maintains an information 
centre to review complaints Elected board of trustees to be 
established and have accountability 
Student conduct policy Adherence to Ministerial 
Decision No. 32 n.e.r. 
Voucher system Participation allowed Participation allowed 
School calendar Commitment to the calendar of 
the SEC Commitment to the calendar of the 
SEC 
n.e.r. No equivalent requirement. 
Source: SEC documents. Viewed at: http://www.sec.gov.qa . 
4.2.2.3  Qatar Foundation – Education City 
4.43.  Qatar Foundation (QF) was established in 1995 by the former Emir to support the Qatari 
people in three main areas: education, sci ence and research, and community development.11 It 
supports an innovative and open society that aspires to develop sustainable human capacity, social and economic prosperity for a knowledge-based ec onomy. Furthermore, the Qatar National Vision 
2030 provides that the QF is to be the "engine" driving the development of the Qatari people, with 
the aim of unlocking human potential. The Foundation is a non-profit organization under Qatari law but it receives government support and funding. 
4.44.  Education City was established by QF to provide a common education facility for the 
establishment of world renowned universities in Qatar and to facilitate interaction with research institutions and industries also located on the campus. It also hosts primary and secondary 
schools, research institutes, specialized academies,  and other learning institutes. Education City 
University was created recently to unite a number of higher education institutions. There is no automatic right to establish in Education City, it is by invitation only. 
                                               
11 http://www.qf.org.qa/about. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  4.45.  According to a study on the establishment of international branch campuses, Qatar ranks 
fourth in the world as a host for international branch campuses.12 Currently nine branch offices 
operate under the Qatar Foundation, most of which have a physical presence in Education City (Table 4.9). 
Table 4.9 Establishments in Education City 
Branch Source Information/speciality 
Virginia Commonwealth University 
School of the Arts in Qatar United States Bachelor and master programmes 
specializing in design 
Weill Cornell Medical College in 
Qatar United States Health and medicine 
Texas A&M University in Qatar United States Bachelor and master programmes in 
engineering 
Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar United States Bachelor programmes in business, 
computer science, and information 
systems 
Georgetown University-School of Foreign Service in Qatar United States Bachelor programme in foreign 
service 
North Western University in Qatar United States Bachelor programmes in journalism 
and communications 
HEC Paris in Qatar France Executive management training and 
MBA programmes 
University College London in Qatar United Kingdom Postgraduate studies in archaeology 
and museum studies 
Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies Qatar Masters programmes in Islamic 
studies 
Source: http://www.qf.org.qa . 
4.46.  A number of other universities have established in Qatar, in addition to those part of 
Education City. The University of Calgary operates a nursing school, the College of the North Atlantic a technical college, and Stenden University, a school of applied sciences. Such schools 
may be eligible for government support. 
4.47.  Qatar is also host to over one hundred  private schools at the primary and secondary levels. 
Many of these schools follow non-Qatari country-specific languages, curricula, and accreditations 
while others are international schools that cater to a variety of nationalities. Private primary and 
secondary schools need to follow the licensing and other standards outlined above in order to operate a school in Qatar. 
4.2.2.4  Distance learning or online education 
4.48.  In addition to establishing a school in Qa tar, a number of foreign schools offer schooling to 
persons in Qatar through distance learning.  However, the state of Qatar does not recognise distance learning. 
4.2.2.5  Foreign faculty movement 
4.49.  There are no special provisions to allow for the transfer and work of foreign teachers or 
faculty. They must follow the normal procedures for working in Qatar, like expatriates in other 
industries. 
                                               
12 Lawton and Katsomitros (2012). WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  4.2.2.6  Students studying abroad 
4.50.  The SEC, through the Higher Education Inst itute (HEI), helps students to pursue higher 
education in Qatar or around the world. It oversees the scholarship programme. HEI maintains a list of best universities around the world that Qatari students can attend with scholarship support 
from the Government. 
4.2.3  Telecommunications and postal services 4.2.3.1  Telecommunications 
4.51.  During 2007-12, Qatar’s telecom sector developed significantly, with the ending of the 
Government monopoly on telecommunications and a number of important legal and regulatory changes. In 2009, Vodafone Qatar commenced operations in the mobile market, and now accounts for an estimated 20-30% of the market. Mobile penetration in Qatar remains very high, at 142%, 
and other subsectors exhibit strong growth (Table 4.10). Furthermore, in 2010, the telecom 
regulator, ictQATAR, proceeded with its second licence to a foreign operator in the fixed-line market. Vodaphone was awarded this fixed-line network licence for exclusive operations for the 
Pearl residential development complex, which also included fixed broadband and fixed voice 
services. In 2012, Qatar National Broadband Network Company received a 25-year licence to provide fibre-optic broadband throughout Qatar. 
4.52.  The 2006 Telecommunications Law provides the basic legal framework for the 
telecommunications sector, including the mandate to issue new licences. It also sets the terms of interconnection, promotes universal service, encourages competition, and promotes advanced and innovative technologies. 
Table 4.10 Telecommunications indicators 
 2007 2008  2009  2010  2011 2012  
Fixed telephone lines 237,368 265,865  287,942  270,000  309,000 394,407  
Mobile cellular lines:       
  Number 1,264,206 1,429,486  1,948,770  2,186,447  2,302,225 2,601,210  
 (%) 
  Penetration rate .. 92  119 134 135 142  
Internet users per 100 
population .. 67.5 74.6 81.6 86.2 88.1 
Households with 
computers .. 71.0  80.2 87.0 90.2 91.5  
Households with TVs .. 90.3 92.6 94.9 95.2 95.3 
.. Not available. 
Source: Information provided by the Supreme Council of Information & Communication Technology. 
4.53.  New developments in the legal framewor k include Qatar’s first e-commerce law, which 
provides Qatar with its first rules for electronic transactions, electronic signatures, e-documents, 
and authentication.13 It also contains provisions on consumer protection, enforcement, and crimes 
and penalties. A draft policy regulation on te lecommunication consumer protection has been 
released for public comment, but as of January 2014 had not been approved in its final form 
(Table 4.11). 
                                               
13 Law No. (16) of 2010. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  Table 4.11 Telecommunications legal framework 
Law Reference 
ICT Qatar Law No. (36) of 2004 
ICT Qatar, Dispute Resolution Rules .. 
Telecommunications Law Of 2006 
General Postal Authority Law No. (16) of 2009 
Regulating Postal Services Decree No. (1) of 2007 
Telecommunication Executive By-law Law No. (1) of 2009 
Promulgation of the Telecommunications Law Law No. (34) of 2006 
E-commerce law Law No. (16) of 2010 
.. Not available. 
Source: Compiled by the WTO Secretariat. 
4.54.  A national ICT plan was developed in 2011 in order to create a knowledge-based economy 
to drive sustainable development and societal benefits in five years. Its main elements are: 
improving connectivity, boosting capacity, fostering economic development, enhancing public 
services, and advancing benefits to society. The plan aims to double the ICT sector's contribution to GDP, double the ICT workforce, achieve high-speed broadband access, achieve mass ICT and internet adoption by society, and achieve wi de accessibility of key government services. 
4.2.3.2  Regulatory framework 
4.55.  In a 2004 decree ictQatar was established as the Government regulator and policymaker for 
telecommunication services. It also has roles relating to broadcasting and cyber security. One of 
its primary goals is to create the core engine of the information-based economy. It is involved in 
regulatory policy and planning, licensing, tariffs, spectrum management, interconnection management, consumer protection, and dispute resolution. 
4.56.  Qatar made further steps to promote competition in 2013 when it approved its first mobile 
number portability policy. The ictQatar, in cooperation with Qtel
14 (now rebranded as Ooredoo) 
and Vodaphone, established an agreement to allo w customers to apply to retain their mobile 
number when switching service providers. 
4.57.  Qatar's first comprehensive radio spectrum policy was issued in 2012 to provide a 
transparent and non-discriminatory approach to spectrum management. It indicates that a national frequency allocation plan will be esta blished, guided by the ITU Radio Regulations and 
international technical standards. The policy has provisions on frequency assignment, licensing 
requirements, spectrum fees, and monitoring and enforcement. 
4.58.  In 2009, ictQatar issued its Type  Approval Policy for radio equipment and 
telecommunications terminal equipment.
15 A number of developments have followed in order to 
improve the efficiency and transparency of th e type approval process for manufacturers and 
importers, and to promote competition. In particular, the new procedures change the previous policy that allowed only the importer submitting the application to exclusively import that product 
to a policy that de-links the type approval application and the importer, thus any approved 
importer may import once a type approval is issued. 
                                               
14 Former national telecom service provider. 
15 ICTRA 08/09-TA-Policy. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  4.59.  Article 112 of the Telecommunication Law pr ovides for site sharing and co-location of the 
telecommunications network in Qatar. In 2009, the two mobile operators, Ooredoo (then Qtel) and Vodaphone reached agreement on a site sharing framework agreement. However, the matter was subsequently taken to the dispute resolution mechanism of ictQatar for a decision. In 2012, 
ictQatar ruled that an amended site sharing agr eement was necessary and would need to include a 
number of provisions and amendments.
16 The regulatory strategy provides a policy framework for 
site sharing, although the specific regulations have not yet been formulated. 
4.2.3.3  Postal services 
4.60.  For many years, Qatar's postal services were operated by the General Postal Corporation, 
which was a government agency and had an exclusive monopoly  on postal services in Qatar. From 
2009, the General Postal Corporation was transformed into a shareholding company, Qatar Postal 
Services Company, which was given exclusive concession rights for 15 years as the only provider 
of postal services inside and outside Qatar.17 The concession was given with the obligation to pay 
the Government annual fees of 25% of net profits; the fee was waived for three years from 2010. 
4.61.  The General Postal Corporation, and now the Qatar Postal Service Company, is a member of 
the Universal Postal Union. Government Decree No. (1) of 2007 regulates Qatar’s postal services . 
No special rules apply to express mail couriers.  
4.2.4  Tourism 
4.62.  The tourism sector has developed signific antly in recent years. Companies servicing the 
tourism industry have grown by over 10% annua lly since 2000. The growth has been buoyed by 
international sports events, cultural events, and conferences and exhibitions (Table 4.12). Qatar 
has invested in the tourism industry by adding a number of significant tourist attractions in the last 
ten years, such as museums, art galleries, and festivals. 
Table 4.12 Main tourism indicators, 2008-13 
 2008 2009  2010  2011  2012 2013  
Tourists       
GCC .. .. .. 845,633  952,856 1,090,239  
Rest of world .. ..  .. 197,301  217,540 237,329  
Hotels       
Number of hotels 48 58  66 74  81 83  
Number of rooms 5,783 9,310  7,826  11,341  13,407 13,577  
Number of occupants 
or % occupancy 1,404,850 1,658,569  1,866,471  2,905,300  60% 65%  
Travel agencies, 
tour operators, and 
tour guides       
Number of 
establishments 90 115  130 157 165 141  
Foreign owned 0 0 1 1 1 1 
.. Not available. 
Source: QTA Annual Report 2011/12 and Qatar Statistics, Bulletin of Restaurant and Hotel Statistics, 2011 
and information provided by the authorities. 
4.63.  The subsector of business tourists, i.e. m eetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions is 
the strongest segment of Qatar's tourism industry. The opening of the Doha Exhibition Centre in 
2007, and the Qatar National Convention Centre in late 2011, have been important for continuing 
the growth of business tourism, and a new convention centre is to open soon. Hotel demand remains strong and occupancy levels remain high. Some fluctuations have occurred in occupancy rates as Qatar consistently added hotel supply during the period. (Chart 4.9) This trend is 
                                               
16 ictQatar Decision of 10 May 2012. 
17 Law No. (16) of 2009. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  expected to continue as Qatar boosts capacity gradually in the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World 
Cup. Qatar is expected to boost hotel capacity from approximately 32,000 hotel rooms in 2013 to an expected 90,000 by 2022. 
Chart 4.9 Hotel occupancy and tourist nights, 2007-11 
('000) 
05001,0001,5002,0002,5003,000
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 
Source: Information provided by the authorities; and World Tourism Organization (2012), Yearbook of 
Tourism  Statistics , Data 2006-2010. 
4.2.4.1  Legal and regulatory framework 
4.64.  Qatar has a number of laws on tourism (Table 4.13). Pursuant to the recent Tourism 
Organizing Law of 2012, a number of implementing regulations are under preparation but not yet 
in force. They will cover all aspects of tourism, including hotel and accommodation providers; desert activities, safaris, and camps; marine activities including boat and yacht cruise industry; 
events, conferences, conventions, and exhibi tions; travel agents, inbound/outbound tour 
operators, and excursion operators; tour guides; entertainment centres, theme parks, and circuses; and social and night clubs. Investment in the tourism sector by foreigners is generally allowed up to 100% ownership, except in travel agents conducting air ticketing business. 
Table 4.13 Tourism legal framework 
Law Reference 
Tourism Organizing Law Law (6) of 2012 
Exhibitions Law  Law (17) of 2013 
Qatar Tourism Authority Amiri Decree No. (46) of 2009 
Source: Compiled by the WTO Secretariat. 
4.2.4.2  Qatar Tourism Authority 
4.65.  The Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) was created in 2009 through a decree of the Emir in 
order to organize, promote, and provide a common structure for tourism. It provides information 
and conducts promotional activities. The QTA has identified five pillars for the promotion and growth of Qatari tourism: meetings, culture, education, sports, and leisure. A tourism strategic plan is expected to be implemented in early 2014, and will provide the main strategic objectives 
for the sector, including marketing and destinatio n branding, corporate and industry development 
programme, and tourism developments. QTA is financed by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  4.2.4.3  Licensing 
4.66.  Tourism activities, including the operation of hotels, tourism establishment, and practicing 
any tourism activity requires a licence from the appropriate government body, the QTA Licensing Department. An applicant must generally be a company
18 and comply with various provisions, such 
as meeting professional standards, insurance stan dards, safety and civil defence standards, and 
submitting a bank guarantee. The application is submitted to the QTA which will decide on the 
matter within 30 days. Licences are issued for three years for hotels and for one year for tourism 
establishments and tourism activities. These may be renewed for similar periods subject to the 
terms and conditions. There are a number of obligations for persons obtaining a licence (Table 4.14). At present there are no fees for obtaining a licence, although the matter is under consideration. 
Table 4.14 Tourism licence obligations  
Obligations of Tourism Licensees 
1. Observe the regulations and terms of the licences, specified in this law and its executive 
regulation and the implementing decrees 
2. Bring the establishment or the licensed activity under a unified department 
3. Not make any amendments to the facilities and constructions without consent from the 
department 
4. Not change the trade name of the establishment nor its ownership or management 
unless notifying such change to the authority in writing 
5. Provide the client with an invoice listing  the services rendered and the value of it 
6. Take necessary precautions to preserve the environment 
7. Obtain necessary licences and approvals from the concerned authorities before holding 
any events in hotels or tourism establishments, and notify the authority of such licences 
and approval before holding any events 
8. Observe the instructions issued by the authority, based on the mutual coordination 
between the authority and the concerned ag encies in the state, regarding work 
regulations in tourism activities and establishments 
Source: Tourism Law. 
4.2.4.4  Classification of hotels and tourist establishments 
4.67.  All hotels and tourism establishments are to be classified according to rules and provisions 
outlined in the classification guidelines; these ar e not yet publically available. The guidelines are 
based on international standards for tourism establishments, and provide for minimum building 
requirements for hotels and hotel apartments. The clas sification of hotels is one to five stars, or 
boutique hotels. QTA is responsible for classification, and in the case of disagreement, the matter can be further discussed with the QTA. There are no QTA classification guidelines for restaurants 
which are under the regulatory authority of municipal authorities. 
4.2.4.5  Tourist guides and tour operators 4.68.  Under the 2012 tourism law, all tourist guides require a licence, like all tourism activities, 
but this has not yet been implemented; it is expected in early 2014 when an accreditation, 
qualification, and licensing programme is instituted through the regulations. In addition, guides need to be registered in the tourist guide regist ry maintained by QTA. The Executive Regulations 
define the terms for obtaining a licence, but the offi cial regulations will only be made available in 
2014. 
                                               
18 Except for tour guides. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  4.2.4.6  Travel agents 
4.69.  Travel agents in Qatar are regulated either by the QTA or by the Civil Aviation Authority if 
they issue air tickets. Pursuant to the Law on Organizing Air Travel Agencies, all travel agency businesses are prohibited unless they receive prior authority from the Civil Aviation Authority.
19 
The requirements to qualify to operate a travel agency are to be a Qatari or GCC national, not 
have been sentenced by a court, have the ability and experience to run a travel agency, present a 
design by an authorized engineering firm, an d pay a warrant of QR 200,000. The licence to 
operate a travel agency is valid for one year upon payment of an annual fee. 
4.70.  Travel agencies that provide other tourism services, separately or in addition to selling air 
tickets, must also be licensed by the QTA. They ar e classified as retail travel and tour agents if 
they provide hotel booking, transfer, car-hire, or associated services. 
4.2.5  Construction and infrastructure projects 
4.71.  The building and construction sector is a significant non-energy sector for Qatar, but during 
the period under review growth was weak, and there were several years of decline. It has been 
negatively affected by the financial crisis and the resulting impact on the real estate sector, which 
has been plagued by excess capacity and falling pr ices. High prices of raw materials and declining 
margins have also had an impact on the sector. 
4.72.  However, the sector is expected to improve in the near term as many infrastructure projects 
are anticipated, and in the gradual build-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup games projects will commence. The Government expects to spend QR 130 billion through 2016 on construction projects. The purchases of construction services in Qatar is dominated by government main 
infrastructure projects (Chart 4.10). 
Chart 4.10 Building and construction projects
a by sector, 2011 
Government
61.6%Private
31.6%Mixed
6.8%
 
a By enterprises with 50 or more employees. 
 Source: Statistics Authority, the Annual Bulletin of Building and Construction Statistics 2011, 25
th issue. 
4.73.  A number of large infrastructure projects are planned and the outlook for the coming years 
looks positive (Box 4.1). 
4.74.  A commercial presence in Qatar is generally required to perform construction services. Due 
to laws on investment and commercial activities, this would generally require establishment with a Qatari partner and maximum ownership of 49%. The majority of construction firms in Qatar are 
established as limited liability companies with a Qatari partner. Furthermore, restrictions are in 
place on land ownership by foreigners. Policies relating to investment and procurement also heavily affect the construction sector, (sections 2.8 and 3.3.5, respectively). 
                                               
19 Law No. (26) of 2006. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  Box 4.1 Major planned construction projects 
Lusail City         Pearl-Qatar 
Qatar Integrated Rail Project      Ras Laffan Complex 
Hamad International Airport      Msheireb 
Local Roads and Drainage Scheme     Transmission Project 
Barzan Gas Development      World Cup stadiums 
Barwa City Development       Inner Doha Re-sewerage 
Implementation Strategy      Al-Waab City 
Doha, Lusail and Dukhan Highways     Doha Festival City 
Education City        Al-Jawhara City 
New Doha Port        Barwa al-Baraha 
Ras Laffan Olefins Project  
Source: MEEP, Middle East Business Intellig ence, online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.meed.com/countries/qatar/ambitious-qatar-megaprojects-surge-ahead/3163797.article  
Issues and considerations. 
4.2.5.1  Market structure 
4.75.  Large firms, i.e. with 50 employees or more, accounted for 95% of the construction 
industry's revenues in 2011. Employment in the sector is heavily dominated by non-Qatari workers, as Qataris account for less than 1% of employees. In recent years, the building and non-
building construction subsectors each accounted for about 44% of the market, in terms of value, 
and partial constructions accounted for the remaining 12%. Non-building construction was dominated by electricity and water works follow ed by roads and bridges. While the sector 
contracted in 2011-12, it has seen substantial growth overall since 2007 (Table 4.15). 
Table 4.15 Building and construction statistics, 2007-11 
 2007  2008  2009  2010 2011  
Value of all works (QR 000) 41,628,840 66,810,580 67,336,970 80,297,309 72,093,580 
Number of projectsa n.a. 4,181 4,822 6,815 6,753 
General construction for 
buildings      
Establishments 571 601 639 740 798 
Employment 120,103 117,550 150,476 167,958 159,068 
General construction for 
non-buildings      
Establishments 174 210 207 247 225 
Employment 117,194 139,173 163,480 132,842 155,513 
Partial construction      
Establishments 855 1,034 1,071 1,122 1,211 
Employment 40,842 50,241 52,154 82,357 78,874 
n.a. Not applicable. 
a Only for firms with 50 or more employees. 
 Source: Annual bulletins of  building and construc tion statis tics, 2007-2011 
http://www.qix.gov.qa/portal/page/portal/qix/subject-area/Publications?subject_area=1q0 . 
4.2.5.2  Regulatory measures 
4.76.  Engineering activities in Qatar, including architectural, civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, 
mines and mining, and other engineering services  are regulated by the Engineering Law of 2005, 
and its related regulations. All engineers must be registered and accredited to work in Qatar, and 
engineering enterprises must be registered. The Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning 
oversees the registration of engineers and ma intains the Engineers and Consulting Offices 
Accrediting Committee. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  4.77.  Regulations for registration as an engineer, either Qatari or foreign, require the applicant to: 
be a Qatari national or resident in Qatar; hold a bachelor of engineering or equivalent degree from a recognized university or institution; have full ca pacity; be of good reputation and character, and 
not have been convicted of a crime or punished for a crime related to morals or honesty; and pass 
the technical skills test. 
4.78.  Engineering consultancy firms must be registered on the Register of International 
Engineering Consultancy Office or the Register of Local Engineering Consultancy Office, depending 
on the enterprise. Local companies must be of Qatari origin, i.e. at least 51% Qatari ownership, 
engineers in the firm must be in the engineer re gistry, and the office must designate one or more 
engineers to have supervisory responsibility of the regulations. For foreign entities, the following is 
required: establishment as a branch office of a main office established and licensed abroad; main 
office to have branch offices operating in four other countries outside the home country; main 
office to have been licensed for at least ten years in the home country and remain active in the engineering consultancy business; the enterprise needs to have a certified document by the Qatari 
embassy in the home country providing an obligation to support the office applying for the licence 
and be held responsible for all obligations arising from practicing in Qatar; the enterprise is to provide all documents demonstrating its activities, financial ability, and work performed outside of 
Qatar; the engineer responsible for managing the br anch office must be in the engineer registry, 
possess a certificate from an internally recognized institution, and have more than ten years of work experience in the field; and other engineers in  the office must meet the conditions outlined in 
the Engineer Law. 
4.2.5.3  Codes and standards 
4.79.  Building codes or rules in Qatar are specified in the Qatar National Building Specification, 
which provides rules on plot size, density, distance  from boundaries, and height limits. In addition, 
the Qatar Construction Specifications provide standards for building materials and regulate the 
procedures for construction projects. It is not uncommon to have the incorporation of foreign building code provisions in the approved building permits of Qatar. Qatar is also in the process of 
adopting a number of provisions towards green building regulations. 
4.2.5.4  Movement of labour 4.80.  The construction industry is heavily dependent on the movement of its labour force in order 
to carry out construction projects. Enterprises are allowed to bring foreign workers to Qatar 
through a quota system if they provide a valid work contract and sponsor them. Sponsorship 
requirements require the worker to have an appr opriate professional qualification, pass a medical 
check-up, submit fingerprints, submit a birth certificate, submit a marriage certificate; a fee is 
payable by both the employee and employer. The same requirements apply to Qatari and foreign 
construction companies. In 2009, Qatar introduced its new Immigration Law, which sets out rules for expatriates to enter, exit, reside, and work in Qatar. 
4.2.5.5  Temporary importation of machinery 
4.81.  Chapter 5 of the Qatari Customs Law provides rules for the temporary admission of goods 
without the collection of import duties under certain conditions. Article 89 provides a list of eligible items for temporary import under licence and includes "heavy machinery and equipment for 
projects", which would allow for the special importation of most construction-related equipment. 
This provision is subject to government approval and there must be no local supplier in Qatar. The Law does not impose time-limits on the temporary importation of such equipment. 
4.2.6  Transportation 
4.82.  With the growth of the economy, popu lation, and trade, the Government has been 
vigorously investing in Qatar's transportation infrastructure, and the sector grew significantly 
during 2007-12 (Table 4.16). Currently, four main po rts are in operation for maritime transport, 
and one small one mainly for fishing. Two of the four main ports, Doha and Ras Laffan, are undergoing significant, lengthy upgrades and expa nsion, which will be ongoing for a number of 
years. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  4.83.  Infrastructure for air transport is also und ergoing significant expansion with the creation of 
the New Doha International Airport/Hamad International Airport. This project has been ongoing for many years and is in its final stages. The Governme nt has an ambitious plan for rail transport, and 
a number of projects are in the planning stage. 
Table 4.16 Transport statistics 
 2008  2009  2010  2011 2012  
Vessels:      
Arrivals 5,035  4,869  5,037  .. .. 
Departures 5,035  4,869  5,038  .. ..  
Number of establishments .. .. .. 3 .. 
Employees .. .. .. 925 .. 
Aircraft:      
Arrivals 46,354  50,603  59,088  68,734 77,846  
Departures 46,354  50,623  59,105  68,755 77,826  
Number of establishments .. .. .. 2 1  
Employees .. .. .. 12,459 17,000  
.. Not available. 
Source: The Annual Bulletin of Transport & Communicat ions Statistics, Qatar Statistics Authority, and 
information provided by authorities. 
4.84.  A number of laws or regulations form the legal framework for transportation (Table 4.17). 
Table 4.17 Transport laws and regulations 
Law or Regulation Reference 
Civil Aviation Law Law (15) of 2002 
Civil Aviation Security Control Regulations 2010 
Doha International Airport By-law 2010 
Cargo Agencies Law (6) of 2010 
Organizing Air Travel Services Law (26) of 2006 
Amending Civil Aviation Law Law (21) of 2008 
Amending Civil Aviation Law Law (3) of 2011 
Organizing Civil Aviation Authority Decree (47) of 2009 
Source: Compiled by the WTO Secretariat from information provided by the authorities. 
4.2.6.1  International maritime transport 4.85.  Freight transport is dominated by oil and gas tankers to and from Qatar (Table 4.18). The 
rise in exports of these products is mirrored in the transport figures. Container and loose material 
vessel traffic also rose over the period. 
Table 4.18 Maritime transport, 2008-11 
Arriving and departing 
vessels 2008  2009  2010 2011  
 Number of vessels/gross tonnage 
Oil tankers 640 .. 954 1,203  
 83,840,745  .. 121,766,372 100,344,480  
Gas tankers 579 .. 851 1,491  
 52,822,051  .. 97,100,631 129,745,130  WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  Arriving and departing 
vessels 2008  2009  2010 2011  
General goods 771 .. 512 281 
 18,716,229  .. 131,807,863 34,95,076  
Containers 648 .. 821 980 
 25,146,249  .. 130,471,384 7,961,484  
Loose materials 339 .. 366 799 
 6,679,262  .. 15,817,994 15,888,378  
Live sheep 10 .. 10 15 
 299,622  .. 145,205 433,729  
Vehicle vessels 312 .. 231 236 
 14,070,977  .. 11,822,772 12,322,532  
Passenger vessels 17 .. 12 5 
 334,835  .. 93,039 32,296  
Other 1,719  .. 1,399 343 
 559,134,737  .. 2,430,898,881 2,485,383  
.. Not available. 
Source: Qatar Statisti cs Authority (2011), Annual Bulletin of Maritime Navigation Statistics . 
4.86.  Qatar's ports are quite specialized in the vessels and shipments they handle. Ras Laffan port 
is the main port for oil and gas shipments. Doha port is used mainly for imported products, in 
particular non-energy goods. Halul port is a small port exclusive to oil shipments, and Mesaieed 
handles oil and gas trade as well as the trade of many downstream industrial products. 
4.87.  Vessels from over 50 countries are active in international maritime transport in Qatar, 
however Qatari registered or flagged vessels account for the largest share, approximately 18% of 
total vessels in 2011.20 The large amount of Qatar Petroleum gas shipments through Nakilat 
accounts for this high percentage of Qatar flagged vessels. With the diversification of the economy and increased demand for transport services, the pe rcentage of Qatari flagged vessels is expected 
to decline. 
4.88.  In addition to expanding its merchandise capacity, the New Doha Port project is expected to 
expand the country’s capacity for passenger vessel traffic. The number of passenger vessels 
arriving in Qatar has been falling in recent years, in part due to the substitution for air travel 
(Table 4.18). 
4.89.  Since 2009, all port services in Qatar have been provided by Qatar Ports Management 
Company, a Qatari state-owned enterprise. Established by law in 2009, the Qatar Ports 
Management Company was given exclusive concession rights for 15 years to manage the ports, docks, dry ports, and container terminals; undertake guidance work, towing, and moorings; and operate shipping, discharging, handling, and storage of goods and containers.
21 The concession 
was given with the obligation to pay annual fees to the Government of 25% of net profits, 
although the fee was waived for three years from 2010. 
4.2.6.2  Air transport 
4.90.  The Law of Qatar on Civil Aviation provid es the main framework for air transport services 
including standards and regulatory aspects.22 Its provisions include authorization and conditions 
for aircraft operations, rules of the air, issuing of licences, registration of aircraft, certificates of 
airworthiness, and provisions for crimes, liabilities, and penalties. In particular it gives authority 
                                               
20 Qatar Statistics Authority (2011). 
21 Law No. (17) of 2009. 
22 Law No. (15) of 2002 on Civil Aviation. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  for most of the oversight and requirements to th e Civil Aviation Authority. Amendments made in 
2008 and 2011 modified certain provisions, mostly with respect to crimes and punishment.23 
4.91.  Other regulations pertaining to air services are the Civil Aviation Security Quality Control 
Regulations and the Doha International Airport By-Law. The first regulation concerns security 
matters and the second covers airport rules and conduct, including penalties. 
4.92.  Doha International Airport is Qatar's only international airport, serving both passengers and 
freight. Its expansion is ongoing and final phases are to be completed in 2020, thereby doubling 
runway capacity and increasing cargo capacity by 75%. The new facilities and infrastructure are 
needed to keep up with the growing air transport sector. 
4.93.  Currently, 33 passenger and cargo airlines use Doha International Airport. Passenger traffic 
increased by 123% over 2007-12, rising from 9.5 million to 21.2 million passengers. Cargo traffic 
increased at an even faster pace, from 247 million in 2007 to 827 million in 2012 (235%).24 
4.94.  Qatar Airways is the Government owned flagship carrier. Its fleet and its route network 
have expanded significantly in recent years and continued investment in its future growth is 
expected. 
4.95.  Qatar has air transportation agreements with 131 countries. These cover issues such as 
traffic rights, designation of carrier, fair competition, safety and security, airport charges, tariffs, 
customs duty exemptions, commercial activities, and mutual recognition of licences. 
4.96.  All ground services in Qatar are under Qatar Airways Ground Services, which oversees 
terminal staff for all airlines flying to Qatar as well as 120 passenger outstations across the world that provide services for Qatar Airways. 
4.97.  The New Doha International Airport is expected to have the largest free span hangar with 
the capacity to accommodate 13 aircraft. Thus, Qatar is investing in the infrastructure for aircraft maintenance and repair services. Foreign companies are not allowed to perform these services. 
4.2.6.3  Pipeline transmission 
4.98.  There is currently one international natura l gas pipeline that connects Qatar with the UAE; 
current capacity is 2.0 billion standard cubic feet  per day. A number of domestic pipelines connect 
offshore oil and gas fields to the mainland and to export terminals. There are over 3,100 
kilometres of transmission and distribution pipelines for crude petroleum, natural gas, and liquids, also owned and operated by Qatar Petroleum.
25 
4.2.6.4  Rail transport 
4.99.  There are currently no national or international rail networks in Qatar. A major rail network 
initiative launched in 2009 contains three main elements: the Doha metro, a long distance (and trans-border) freight and passenger service, and a high speed rail south of Doha. A further rail line 
to connect with Bahrain remains pending pursuant to the outcome of the Bahrain causeway. 
4.100.  All work on the rail network is currently under construction; no lines are yet in operation, 
and no legislation is in place. However, Qatar Railways, a government entity, has been created to 
oversee the project. Phase one of  the project, concerning the Doha metro project, commenced in 
2011 and is expected to be completed in 2019. Work is underway on 20 of the envisioned 25 
metro stations and the Government has contracted US$30 billion to the project. 
                                               
23 Law No. (21) of 2008 and Law No. (3) of 2011. 
24 Statistics provided by Doha International Airport. 
25 Qatar Petroleum (2011). WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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British Petroleum (2013), BP Statistical Review of World Energy, June 2013 , Viewed at: 
http://www.bp.com/en/global/corpor ate/about-bp/energy-e conomics/statistica l-review-of-world-
energy-2013.html . 
 
Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (2001), The Economic Agreement between the 
GCC States , Viewed at:   
http://sites.gcc-sg.org/DLibrary/index- eng.php?action=ShowOne &BID =168  
  
ITC and Qatar Development Bank (2013), State of Qatar, Trade Secrets: The export answer book 
for small and medium-sized enterprises . Viewed at: 
http://www.qdb.qa/ELibrary/Tr ade%20Secrets%20ENG.pdf . 
 
Latham & Watkins (2012), Doing Business in Qatar , Second Edition, Viewed at:  
http://www.lw.com/thoughtLeader ship/doing-business-in-qatar . 
 
Lawton, W., & Katsomitros, A. (2012),  International branch campuses: Data and developments. 
The Observatory on Borderless Higher Education, Redhill. 
 Oxford Business Group (2012), The Report, Qatar 2012 , Viewed at: 
http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.c om/product/report-qatar-2012 . 
 
Qatar Central Bank (2012), Quarterly Statistical Bulletin, December, Vol. 32, No. 4. Viewed at: 
http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/Publications/Sta tistics/Pages/Statis ticalbulletins.aspx . 
 
Qatar Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics (2013), Qatar Economic Outlook, 2013-14 , 
Viewed at: 
http://www.gsdp.gov.qa/portal/pag e/portal/gsdp_en/kno wledge_center/Tab2/QatarEconomicOutlo
ok2013-2014.pdf . 
 
Qatar Ministry of Economy of Commerce (undated), Qatar Business and Trade 2012 , Viewed at:  
http://www.mec.gov.qa/English/Pages/Qa tarBusinessandTrade2012Report.aspx . 
 
Qatar Petroleum (2011), Annual Report 2011.  Viewed at: 
http://www.qp.com.qa/en/homepage/mediace ntre/publications/10-2015054360.aspx . 
 
Qatar Petroleum (2012), Annual Report 2012 , Viewed at: 
http://www.qp.com.qa/en/homepage/mediace ntre/publications/10-2015054360.aspx  
 
Qatar Statistical Authority (2013), 2013 National Accounts . Viewed at: 
http://www.qsa.gov. qa/eng/index.htm . 
 
Qatar Statistics Authority (2012), Qatar Economic Statistics at a Glance, 25 April 2012 , Economic 
Statistics and National Accounts Department. Viewed at: 
http://www.qsa.gov.qa/eng/publication/economic _publication/2012/Qatar%20Economic%20Statis
tics%20at%20Glance.pdf . 
 
Qatar Statistics Authority (2011), The Annual Bulletin of Maritime Navigation Statistics, 2011 , 
Viewed at: http://www.qsa.gov.qa . 
 
WTO (2013), World Trade Report, 2013, Geneva. 
  WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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  5  APPENDIX TABLES 
Table A1.1 Selected macroeconomic indicators, 2006 to 2nd quarter 2013 
  2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013  
Q1-Q2a 
Miscellaneous           
  Current GDP (Qatari riyal 
  billion) 221.6 290.2  419.6  356.0  455.4  624.2 700.3 364.4  
  Current GDP (US$ billion) 60.9 79.7  115.3  97.8 125.1  171.5 192.4 100.1  
  GDP growth rate at constant  
  (2004) prices 26.2 18.0 17.7 12.0 16.7 13.0 6.2 5.9 
  GDP per capita at current 
  market price (QR 1,000) 212,6 239.0  290.1  217.2  265.6  360.2 ..  .. 
  GDP per capita at current 
  market price (US$1,000) 58.4 65.7 79.7 59.7 73.0 99.0 .. .. 
  Unemployment rate (%) ..  0.5 0.3 0.3 .. 0.6 0.5 ..  
GDP by type of expenditure 
at current prices  (% of current GDP, unless otherwise indicated) 
Household consumption 
expenditure  16.3 17.1  15.4 19.3 16.2 12.8 ..  .. 
Government final consumption 
expenditure  14.7 12.4 10.2 15.6 14.0 12.3 .. .. 
Gross capital formationb 41.9 46.0  41.1 43.0 31.4 29.5 ..  .. 
Net exports 27.0 24.5 33.3 22.1 38.4 45.5 .. .. 
GDP by economic activity at 
current prices   
Agriculture and fishing 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Mining and quarrying (including 
oil & gas) 53.0 51.7  54.9 44.8 52.6 59.3 57.8 56.4  
Manufacturing 9.3 9.2 10.7 9.4 9.0 9.1 9.8 9.5 
Electricity and wate r 0.7 0.6  0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4  
Building and construction 4.9 5.5 6.5 7.2 6.0 4.5 4.4 4.9 
Services 30.7 31.5  26.5 37.1 30.9 26.0 26.9 28.2  
  Trade, restaurants & hotels 6.7 7.2 5.6 8.4 6.9 5.7 5.6 5.6 
  Transport and communications 3.1 3.0  3.5 4.6 4.0 3.4 3.3 3.4  
  Finance, insurance, real estate 
  & business services 13.3 14.5 12.3 16.3 13.2 10.5 10.2 11.1 
  Social services 0.8 1.0  0.8 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.8 0.9  
  Imputed bank services charges 
  (FISIM) -2.4 -2.3 -2.4 -2.9 -2.8 -2.1 -2.1 -2.2 
  Government services 8.8 7.6  6.3 9.0 8.2 7.4 8.7 9.2  
   Household services 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.4 
Imports duties 1.2 1.4  0.8 0.9 0.8 0.6 0.6 0.6  
GDP 100.0 100.0  100.0  100.0  100.0  100.0 100.0 100.0  
  Mining and quarrying 53.0 51.7  54.9 44.8 52.6 59.3 57.8 56.4  
  Non-mining and quarrying 47.0 48.3 45.1 55.2 47.4 40.7 42.2 43.6 
GDP by economic activity at 
2004 prices (% change)  
Agriculture and fishing 16.5 10.0 36.7 -17.0  19.7 5.4 4.5 6.1 
Mining and quarrying (including 
oil & gas) 11.7 13.8  13.2 4.5 28.9 15.7 1.7 0.3  
Manufacturing 4.7 6.8 18.9 13.7 17.6 10.4 11.8 9.4 
Electricity and wate r 10.1 3.4  12.3 -0.4 13.5 7.9 10.5 6.9  
Building and construction 64.7 40.7 79.2 6.9 9.5 10.5 10.6 11.5 
Services 54.8 22.1  11.2 24.2 5.7 11.4 9.3 10.7  
  Trade, restaurants & hotels 92.3 30.1 6.4 15.7 2.5 12.9 7.7 9.9 
  Transport and communications 28.3 29.2  51.0 22.7 10.2 12.4 12.1 9.4  
  Finance, insurance, real estate 
  & business services 60.4 24.1 8.9 25.8 7.4 6.3 6.7 12.9 
  Social services 87.4 66.0  4.5 21.5 1.9 3.0 7.9 8.0  
  Imputed bank services charges 
  (FISIM) 61.3 20.4 35.6 1.0 20.0 0.2 8.0 8.3 WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
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    2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013  
Q1-Q2a 
  Government services 43.6 7.6  8.9 23.6 8.7 13.1 11.5 9.5  
  Household services 12.7 17.9 3.8 4.3 2.2 0.8 6.0 9.1 
Imports duties 45.7 35.2  -21.4  -11.3  17.8 -1.1 13.7 -4.4  
GDP 26.2 18.0 17.7 12.0 16.7 13.0 6.2 5.9 
  Mining and quarrying 11.7 13.8  13.2 4.5 28.9 15.7 1.7 0.3  
  Non-mining and quarrying 42.1 21.6 21.3 17.6 8.6 10.8 10.0 10.4 
GDP by economic activity at 
2004 prices  (% of GDP)  
Agriculture and fishing 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Mining and quarrying (including 
oil & gas) 46.4 44.7  43.0 40.2 44.4 45.5 43.5 42.0  
Manufacturing 9.6 8.7 8.8 8.9 9.0 8.8 9.2 9.4 
Electricity and wate r 1.1 1.0  0.9 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8  
Building and construction 6.7 8.0 12.2 11.6 10.9 10.7 11.1 11.9 
Services 34.4 35.6  33.6 37.3 33.8 33.3 34.3 34.9  
  Trade, restaurants & hotels 8.4 9.3 8.4 8.7 7.6 7.6 7.7 7.5 
  Transport and communications 4.4 4.8  6.1 6.7 6.3 6.3 6.7 6.7  
  Finance, insurance, real estate 
  & business services 11.3 11.9 11.0 12.3 11.4 10.7 10.7 11.4 
  Social services 1.0 1.5  1.3 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.2  
  Imputed bank services charges 
  (FISIM) -3.2 -3.2 -3.7 -3.4 -3.5 -3.1 -3.1 -3.2 
  Government services 11.7 10.7  9.9 10.9 10.2 10.2 10.7 11.0  
  Household services 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 
Imports duties 1.6 1.8  1.2 1.0 1.0 0.8 0.9 0.8  
GDP 100.0 100.0  100.0  100.0  100.0  100.0 100.0 100.0  
  Mining and quarrying 46.4 44.7  43.0 40.2 44.4 45.5 43.5 42.0  
  Non-mining and quarrying 53.6 55.3 57.0 59.8 55.6 54.5 56.5 58.0 
Public finance (% of current GDP, unless otherwise indicated) 
Total government revenues 36.5 37.9 32.2 45.6 35.0 32.7 .. .. 
Total government expenditures  28.5 28.1  23.0 32.6 30.4 25.4 ..  .. 
Government deficit or surplus  8.1 9.8 9.2 12.9 4.6 7.2 .. .. 
Prices and exchange rate           
Inflation (CPI, %age change)  11.9 13.6 15.2 -4.9 -2.4 1.9 1.9 3.5 
QR/$ (annual average) 3.64 3.64  3.64 3.64 3.64 3.64 3.64 3.6  
Nominal exchange rate 
(2005=100) 99.6 94.9 92.0 95.3 94.6 90.9 93.9 95.1 
External sector         
Current account 15.5 14.4 23.1 6.5 19.0 30.3 32.0 35.5 
Goods balance 31.6 29.3  36.6 26.1 43.1 51.0 53.1 55.0  
  Exports (f.o.b) 55.9 55.8 58.4 49.1 58.9 66.7 69.1 70.0 
  Imports (f.o.b) -24.3 -26.5  -21.8  -23.0  -16.7  -15.7 -16.0 -15.0  
Services balance -4.5 -4.9 -3.3 -4.0 -4.6 -5.5 -7.3 -8.0 
  Exports 6.9 4.5  3.0 2.0 2.4 4.3 5.2 5.4  
  Imports -11.4 -9.4 -6.3 -6.1 -7.0 -9.8 -12.4 -13.3  
Central bank reserves, gross (in 
billion U.S. dollars) 5.4 9.8  9.8 18.4 30.7 16.3 32.7 ..  
  In months of imports and 
  servicesc 2.4 3.3 3.9 5.8 7.7 3.9 .. .. 
Total external debt (excluding 
banks, in % of GDP) 32.2 31.1  29.0 51.4 55.6 50.5 .. ..  
 
.. Not available.  a Preliminary estimates. 
b Includes statistical discrepancy. 
c Next 12 months.  Source: Qatar Information Exchange online information. Viewed at:  http://www.qix.gov.qa/portal/page/portal/q ix/subject_area/Statistics?subject_area=190 ; 
 Statistics Authority (2013), National Accounts Bulletin 2012 (3rd edition) . Viewed at: 
 http://www.qsa.gov.qa/Eng/publication/economic_publications/2013/NAB_2012.pdf ; WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 77 - 
 
   Qatar Central Bank online information. Viewed at: 
 http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/PolicyFramework/ExchangeRatePolicy/Pages/ExchangeRatePolicy.as
 px ; 
Qatar Central Bank online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/Publications/S tatistics/BalanceofPayments/Documents/Q1-
2013_Balance%20of%20payments.pdf  and 
http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/Publications/Sta tistics/BalanceofPayments/Documents/Q2-2013.pdf . 
IMF Country Report No. 10/62 (March 2010), No 11/64 (March 2011), No. 12/18 (January 2012), 
and No. 13/14 (January 2013). IMF International Financial Statistics.  Viewed at: http://elibrary-data.imf.org/ [23 July 2013]; and World Bank World Development 
Indicators. Viewed at: http://databank.worldbank .org/data/databases.aspx [23 July 2013]. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 78 - 
 
  Table A1.2 Balance of payments, 2006-12 
(QR million) 
  2006 2007  2008  2009  2010  2011 2012 2013 
Q1-Q2a 
A. Current account 34,433 41,706 96,804 23,256 87,184 189,200 224,171 129.435 
Goods  70,037 84,989 153,507 93,019 196,661 318,037 371,938 200,260 
  Exports (f.o.b.) 123,948 161,821 244,999 174,745 272,871 416,047 484,003 255,012 
  Imports (f.o.b.) -53,911 -76,832 -91,492 -81,726 -76,210 -98,010 -112,065 -54,752 
Services -10,059 -14,074 -13,819 -14,255 -21,000 -34,482 -50,902 -29,003 
  Services (credit) 15,263 13,075 12,468 7,288 10,961 26,913 36,117 19,505 
   Travel 3,181 101 529 650 2,124 4,257 10,400 5,899 
   Transportation 9,233 10,293 7,259 5,765 6,378 14,300 17,004 10,097 
   Others 2,849 2,681 4,680 873 2,459 8,356 8,713 3,509 
  Services (debit) -25,322 -27,149 -26,287 -21,543 -31,961 -61,395 -87,019 -48,508 
   Travel -13,652 -4,594 -5,288 -1,752 -1,959 -6,579 -20,560  -11,072 
   Transportation -5,391 -18,345 -12,281 -14,195 -20,960 -35,837 -35,991 -18,929 
   Others -6,279 -4,210 -8,718 -5,596 -9,042 -18,979 -30,468  -18,507 
Income -11,941 -15,430 -24,614 -34,262 -47,115 -48,306 -44,154 -18,610 
  Income (credit) 7,207 4,978 5,646 3,594 8,698 22,445 23,726 14,604 
   Compensation of 
   employees 0 21 21 44 0 0 0 0 
   Investment income 7,207 4,957 5,625 3,550 8,698 22,445 23,726 14,604 
  Income (debit) -19,148 -20,408 -30,260 -37,856 -55,813 -70,752 -67,880 -33,214 
   Compensation of 
   employees -181 -206 -247 -326 -380 -475 -493 -218 
   Investment income -18,967  -20,202 -30,013 -37,530 -55,433 -70,277 -67,387 -32,996 
Current transfers -13,604 -13,779 -18,270 -21,247 -41,362 -46,048 -52,711 -23,212 
  Credit 648 9,249 12,402 7,913 14,651 6,498 7,172 1,930 
  Debit -14,252 -23,027 -30,672 -29,160 -56,013 -52,546 -59,883 -25,142 
   of which workers' 
   remittance -14,252 -16,264 -19,546 -25,827 -29,577 -37,543 -38,971 -17,266 
B. Capital and 
financial account -37,315 -24,779 -87,308 2,197 -38,868 -227,805 -162,001 -112,758 
Capital account -3,608 -4,118 -4,949 -6,538 -7,489 -13,121 -22,631 -7,381 
Financial accountb -33,707 -20,661 -82,359 8,735 -31,379 -214,685 -139,370 -105,377 
  Direct investment .. .. .. .. .. -22,256 -5,508 -11,431 
   Abroad .. .. .. .. .. -21,940 -6,698 -11,373 
   In Qatar .. .. .. .. .. -316 1,190 -58 
  Portfolio investment .. .. .. .. .. -68,872 10,190 -30,746 
   Assets .. .. .. .. .. -62,501 -27,698 -29,812 
   Liabilities .. .. .. .. .. -6,371 37,888 -934 
  Financial derivatives, 
  net .. .. .. .. .. 5,767 -5,614 3,528 
  Other investment .. .. .. .. .. -129,323 -138,438 -66,728 
   Assets .. .. .. .. .. -150,471 -134,414 -32,468 
   Liabilities .. .. .. .. .. 21,148 -4,024 -34,260 
C. Net errors & 
omissions 5,706 -2,782 -7,873 4,806 -3,923 -13,605 -3,640 -5,500 
D. Overall balance 2,824 14,145 1,623 30,258 44,393 -52,211 58,529 11,177 
E. Change in reserves 
(Increase -) -2,824 -14,145 -1,623 -30,258 -44,393 52,211 -58,529 -11,177 
.. Not available. 
a Preliminary estimates. 
b Breakdown of this heading available from 2011 onwards. 
Source: Statistics Authority (2013), National A ccounts Bulletin 2012 (3rd edition). Viewed at: 
 http://www.qsa.gov.qa/Eng/publication/economic_publication/2013/NAB_2012.pdf ; and  
 Qatar Central Bank online information. Viewed at:  
http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/Publications/S tatistics/BalanceofPayments/Documents/Q1-
2013_Balance%20of%20payments.pdf . 
 http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/Publications/Sta tistics/BalanceofPayments/Documents/Q2-2013.pdf . 
 WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 79 - 
 
  Table A1.3 Merchandise exports by prod uct group, including re-exports, 2006-12 
(QR million, US$ million, and %) 
HS 
Section HS 
Chapter/Code 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 
Total (QR million) 123,948.4 161,821.3  244,998.2  174,746.0  272,870.7 416,591.6 484,065.1  
Total (US$ million) 34,051.8 44,456.4  67,307.2  48,007.2  74,964.5 114,448.2 132,984.9  
 (% of total)  
01 Live animals and 
products 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 
02 Vegetable products 0.0 0.0  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0  
03 Fats and oils 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
04 Prepared food, 
beverages and tobacco 0.0 0.0  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0  
05 Mineral products 89.8 90.2 91.3 89.2 90.3 92.1 88.3 
 27 Fuels of which:  89.7 90.1  90.9 89.1 90.1 91.8 88.0  
 2711 Petroleum gases 
and other gaseous 
hydrocarbons 38.2 43.3 49.9 52.9 55.7 62.3 62.1 
 2709 Petroleum oils 
(crude) 46.9 43.1  38.3 32.8 26.9 23.1 19.6  
06 Chemicals and products  
thereof 4.5 4.5 4.6 4.5 3.1 2.7 3.9 
 29 Organic chemicals 1.8 1.9  1.8 2.1 1.3 1.1 1.8  
 31 Fertilizers  2.0 2.0 2.2 1.6 1.1 1.1 1.6 
07 Plastics and rubbe r 3.3 3.1  2.2 2.4 2.0 2.1 3.3  
 39 Plastics and articles 3.3 3.1 2.2 2.4 2.0 2.1 3.3 
08 Raw hides and skins; 
leather 0.0 0.0  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0  
09 Wood, cork, straw 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
10 Pulp of wood; paper and 
paperboard 0.0 0.0  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0  
11 Textiles and textile 
articles 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
12 Footwear, headgear, etc. 0.0 0.0  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0  
13 Articles of stone, plaster, 
cement 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 
14 Precious stones and 
metals, pearls 0.0 0.1  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0  
15 Base metals and articles 
thereof 1.3 1.0 0.6 1.7 2.0 1.8 3.4 
 76 Aluminium and 
articles 0.0 0.0  0.0 0.0 0.5 1.0 2.0  
 72 Iron and steel 0.8 0.7 0.4 1.0 1.0 0.4 1.0 
16 Machinery, electrical 
machines 0.4 0.4  0.4 0.9 1.0 0.5 0.4  
17 Transport equipment 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.9 1.3 0.6 0.5 
18 Precision equipment 0.1 0.0  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0  
19 Arms & ammunition 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
20 Miscellaneous 
manufactured articles 0.0 0.0  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0  
21 Works of art, etc. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
 
Source: Qatar Ministry of Developm ent Planning and Statistics online information, "Foreign merchandise 
trade system". Viewed at: http://ftp.qsa.gov.qa:8088/ [23/08/2013]. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 80 - 
 
  Table A1.4 Merchandise exports by dest ination, including re-exports, 2006-12 
(QR million, US$ million, and %) 
 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 
Total (QR million) 123,948.4 161,821.3 244,998.2 174,746.0 272,870.7 416,591.6 484,065.1 
Total (US$ million) 34,051.8 44,456.4 67,307.2 48,007.1 74,964.5 114,448.2 132,984.9 
 (% of total) 
America 0.5 1.0 0.2 1.1 1.8 2.3 2.1 
  United States 0.4 0.7  0.1 0.8 1.1 0.9 0.9  
Other America 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.3 0.8 1.4 1.2 
  Brazil 0.0 0.1  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.7  
Europe 4.0 4.4 5.3 9.5 14.5 16.5 10.9 
  EU (27) 3.6 4.3  5.0 9.2 13.4 15.9 9.8  
    United Kingdom 0.0 0.2 0.2 2.8 4.7 7.0 3.4 
    Spain 2.5 2.1  2.1 3.0 4.3 3.8 3.3  
    Belgium 0.3 1.4 2.2 2.8 1.8 1.7 1.3 
    France 0.1 0.1  0.2 0.1 1.6 1.5 1.2  
EFTA 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.2 
Other Europe 0.3 0.0  0.1 0.3 1.0 0.6 0.9  
  Turkey 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 1.0 0.6 0.9 
Commonwealth of 
Independent States (CIS) 0.0 0.0  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0  
Africa 0.9 0.6 0.3 0.9 1.1 1.3 1.3 
  South Africa 0.4 0.3  0.1 0.4 0.3 0.7 0.8  
Middle East 5.9 5.3 6.1 7.5 8.7 6.1 6.9 
  Gulf countries 5.5 4.8  5.9 7.0 8.0 5.7 6.5  
    United Arab Emirates 4.3 3.8 5.0 5.5 5.7 3.8 4.5 
    Saudi Arabia, Kingdom 
    of 0.8 0.7  0.4 0.7 1.4 0.8 1.0  
    Kuwait 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.8 0.6 
Asia 78.9 81.2  79.0 73.6 73.5 73.6 78.1  
  China 1.2 0.8 1.1 1.9 3.0 3.9 5.1 
  Japan 41.5 38.4  34.5 32.2 28.7 26.1 27.7  
  Six East Asian Traders 27.9 32.8 36.0 26.4 30.2 31.6 30.8 
    Korea, Rep. of 13.9 16.5  20.2 14.4 16.0 17.6 18.6  
    Singapore 9.5 10.7 10.9 7.0 7.8 7.1 5.3 
    Chinese Taipei 1.6 1.1  1.6 1.9 2.5 3.2 4.0  
    Thailand 2.7 4.3 2.9 2.8 2.9 2.1 2.0 
    Malaysia 0.2 0.1  0.3 0.3 0.9 1.5 1.0  
Other Asia  8.4 9.3 7.3 13.0 11.7 12.0 14.3 
  India 4.9 6.0  4.8 8.4 8.6 9.5 11.0  
  Indonesia 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.4 0.9 0.4 1.1 
  Australia 0.6 0.4  0.1 0.7 0.6 0.4 0.6  
  Philippines 0.5 0.9 0.1 1.3 0.6 0.4 0.5 
Other 9.8 7.6  9.1 7.3 0.3 0.1 0.7  
 
Source: Qatar Ministry of Developm ent Planning and Statistics online information, "Foreign merchandise 
 trade system". Viewed at: http://ftp.qsa.gov.qa:8088/ [23/08/2013]. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 81 - 
 
  Table A1.5 Merchandise imports by product group, 2006-12 
(QR million, US$ million, and %) 
HS Section HS Chapter/Code 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 
Total (QR million) 59,845.9  85,283.6  101,556.3  90,715.9  84,593.0 81,293.5 94,940.8  
Total (US$ million) 16,441.2  23,429.6  27,900.1  24,921.9  23,239.8 22,333.4 26,082.6  
 (% of total) 
01 Live animals and products  1.8 1.7 2.1 2.5 3.2 3.9 4.1 
02 Vegetable products 1.3  1.4 2.0 2.0 2.3 2.8 2.7  
03 Fats and oils 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.3 
04 Prepared food, beverages and tobacco 2.0  1.6 1.7 2.2 2.7 3.0 3.2  
05 Mineral products 2.9 3.2 3.6 2.9 3.8 6.4 5.0 
06 Chemicals and products thereof 4.2  4.1 4.6 5.7 7.2 8.3 8.1  
07 Plastics and rubbe r 2.2 2.2 2.3 2.8 2.8 3.1 3.0 
08 Raw hides and skins; leathe r 0.2  0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.4  
09 Wood, cork, straw 1.0 1.1 1.0 0.8 1.0 1.0 1.1 
10 Pulp of wood; paper and paperboard 0.7  0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 0.9  
11 Textiles and textile articles  2.1 1.6 1.5 1.9 2.2 2.5 2.5 
12 Footwear, headgear, etc. 0.4  0.3 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5  
13 Articles of stone, plaste r cement 2.3 2.2 2.5 3.2 3.2 2.9 2.6 
14 Precious stones and metals, pearls 1.1  1.4 0.8 0.5 1.9 2.5 3.3  
15 Base metals and articles thereof 19.7 20.1 19.7 14.9 13.0 10.9 11.0 
16 Machinery, electrical machines 36.1  39.5 37.4 42.6 32.8 27.6 25.7  
17 Transport equipment 15.8 13.8 14.7 11.3 15.7 16.1 19.1 
 87. Vehicles 14.7  12.0 12.5 8.5 10.7 10.5 14.9  
18 Precision equipment 3.0 2.5 2.0 2.5 2.7 2.7 2.6 
19 Arms & ammunition 0.0  0.0 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.1  
20 Miscellaneous manufactured articles 3.0 2.2 2.2 2.3 3.0 3.3 3.6 
21 Works of art, etc. 0.0  0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.6 0.4  
 
Source: Qatar Ministry of Developm ent Planning and Statistics online information, "Foreign merchandise 
trade system". Viewed at: http://ftp.qsa.gov.qa:8088/ [23/08/2013]. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 82 - 
 
  Table A1.6 Merchandise imports by origin, 2006-12 
(QR million, US$ million, and %) 
  2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 
Total (QR million) 59,845.9 85,283.6 101,556.3 90,715.9 84,593.0 81,293.5 94,940.8 
Total (US$ million) 16,441.2 23,429.6 27,900.1 24,921.9 23,239.8 22,333.4 26,082.6 
  (% of total)  
  America 12.2 12.9 10.9 14.7 15.1 15.4 14.4 
    United States 9.9  11.2 9.0 12.3 11.8 11.5 11.0  
    Other America 2.3 1.7 1.9 2.4 3.3 4.0 3.3 
      Brazil 0.9  0.6 1.0 1.3 1.7 2.4 1.6  
      Mexico 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.8 
  Europe 38.8  38.0 39.3 37.4 34.9 34.0 33.0  
    EU (27) 34.8 34.2 33.4 32.4 31.6 29.9 26.8 
      Germany 9.3  7.8 8.4 7.5 7.2 6.9 6.6  
      Italy 9.3 10.4 7.4 7.5 6.5 5.7 4.9 
      United Kingdom 5.0  4.9 4.7 4.5 5.1 5.0 4.5  
      France 3.9 3.6 3.7 4.9 4.8 3.4 2.9 
      The Netherlands 1.3  1.6 2.2 1.5 1.6 1.5 1.4  
      Spain 1.0 1.1 1.6 1.2 1.1 1.3 1.2 
      Austria 0.6  0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.9  
    EFTA 1.7 1.4 1.7 2.7 1.9 2.7 4.7 
      Switzerland 1.5  1.4 1.6 2.2 1.6 2.4 3.9  
    Other Europe 2.2 2.4 4.2 2.2 1.5 1.4 1.5 
      Turkey 2.0  2.1 3.8 1.6 1.2 1.1 1.4  
Commonwealth of Independent  
States  (CIS) 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.5 
  Africa 1.0  0.9 1.0 1.7 1.8 1.7 1.6  
     Egypt 0.5 0.5 0.6 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 
  Middle East 14.4  15.3 15.7 16.8 17.3 18.4 16.6  
    Gulf countries 13.1 14.2 14.3 15.6 16.1 17.2 15.6 
        United Arab Emirates 6.0  7.0 6.6 7.1 6.9 8.1 7.8  
        Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  5.1 4.9 4.9 5.3 5.3 5.2 4.7 
        Bah rain 0.7  0.9 1.3 1.7 2.3 2.2 1.7  
Asia 33.5 32.7 32.7 29.2 30.5 30.0 33.9 
  China 5.8  5.8 7.2 7.9 9.1 9.6 9.8  
  Japan 12.0 10.1 9.6 7.3 7.5 5.6 8.2 
    Six East Asian Traders 10.0  10.9 9.7 7.7 7.6 7.1 7.6  
      Korea, Rep. of 5.5 6.1 5.5 3.6 3.1 2.5 3.1 
      Thailand 1.6  1.3 1.5 1.6 1.6 1.7 2.0  
      Malaysia 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.3 1.2 
    Other Asia 5.7  5.9 6.1 6.3 6.2 7.6 8.4  
      India 2.7 2.8 3.2 3.7 3.0 3.3 3.6 
      Australia 1.3  1.1 0.9 0.9 1.5 2.3 2.8  
  Othe r 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
 
Source: Qatar Ministry of Development Planning and St atistics online information, Foreign Merchandise Trade 
 System. Viewed at: http://ftp.qsa.gov.qa:8088/ [23/08/2013]. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 83 - 
 
  Table A2.1 Selected notifications to th e WTO, 1 January 2007-31 December 2013 
WTO Agreement Description of requirement Periodicity Document symbol/Date 
Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Anti-dumping Agreement)  
Article 16.4 Anti-dumping actions taken Semi-annual G/ADP/N/166/Add.1, 23/04/2008 
G/ADP/N/180, 13/01/2009 
G/ADP/N/180/Add.1/Rev.2, 23/11/2010 
G/ADP/N/188, 10/07/2009 
G/ADP/N/195, 15/01/2010 
G/ADP/N/195/Add.1/Rev.1, 20/10/2010 
G/ADP/N/202, 01/07/2010 
G/ADP/N/202/Add.1/Rev.1, 24/11/2011 
G/ADP/N/209, 5/01/2011 
G/ADP/N/209/Add.1/Rev.1, 25/10/2011 
 
Agreement on Agriculture  
Articles 10 
and 18.2 Export subsidies (outlays and 
quantities) Annual G/AG/N/QAT/6, 20/04/2010 
G/AG/N/QAT/7, 21/06/2011 
G/AG/N/QAT/9, 26/06/2012 
G/AG/N/QAT/8, 11/05/2012 
Article 18.2 Domestic support Annua l G/AG/N/QAT/5/Rev.1, 11/05/2012 
G/AG/N/QAT/8 11/05/2012 
Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures  
Article 7.3 Questionnaire; rules and 
information concerning procedures for the submission of applications Annual for 
questionnaire; rules and information, Once then changes G/LIC/N/3/QAT/4, 08/10/2007 
G/LIC/N/3/QAT/5, 20/03/2008 G/LIC/N/3/QAT/6, 17/04/2009 G/LIC/N/3/QAT/7, 06/10/2010 G/LIC/N/3/QAT/8, 26/06/2011 G/LIC/N/3/QAT/9, 26/06/2012 
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994  
Article XVII:4(a) 
of GATT 1994 and para. 1 of the Understanding on 
the Interpretation 
of Article XVII Notification of state trading 
enterprises Once, then 
changes G/STR/N/11/QAT, 31/07/2007 
G/STR/N/11/QAT/Rev.1, 06/08/2007 G/STR/N/12/QAT-G/STR/N/13/QAT, 11 June 2010 
Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures   
Article 25.11 Countervailing duty actions taken Semi-annual 
and when measure taken G/SCM/N/185/Add.1/Rev.1, 14/10/2009 
G/SCM/N/186/QAT, 15/01/2010 G/SCM/N/203/Add.1/Rev.1, 20/10/2010 G/SCM/N/212/Add.1/Rev.1, 241/11/2011
 
G/SCM/N/250/Add.1, 10/04/2013 G/SCM/N/228/Add.1/Rev.2, 26/07/2012 G/SCM//N/242/Add.1/Rev.1, 12/06/2013 
Article 25.1 Subsidies programmes Annual G/SCM/N/220/QAT, 23/06/2011 
Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  
Article 7, Annex B Notification of changes in sanitary 
and phytosanitary measures Ad hoc 43 notifications received, please see 
http://spsims.wto.org/  
Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade   
Article 2.9 Technical regulations Ad hoc 281 notifications received, please see 
http://tbtims.wto.org  
 
Articles 2.9 and 
5.6 Technical regulations Ad hoc G/ TBT/N/QAT/22, G/ TBT/N/QAT/26, 
G/TBT/N/QAT/33, G/TBT/N/QAT/34, 
G/TBT/N/QAT/175 
Article 5.6 Technical regulations Ad hoc G/TBT/N/QAT/66, G/TBT/N/QAT/67, 
G/TBT/N/QAT/68, G/TBT/N/QAT/69, 
G/TBT/N/QAT/70, G/TBT/N/QAT/71, 
G/TBT/N/QAT/72, G/TBT/N/QAT/73, 
G/TBT/N/QAT/74, G/TBT/N/QAT/75, 
G/TBT/N/QAT/55, G/TBT/N/QAT/17, 
G/TBT/N/QAT/15, G/TBT/N/QAT/16 
Article 2.10 Technical regulations Ad hoc G/TBT/N/QAT/35, G/TBT/N/QAT/37, 
G/TBT/N/QAT/38, G/TBT/N/QAT/306 
Source: WTO Central Registry of Notifications. 
 WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 84 - 
 
  Table A3.1 Prohibited goods 
HS Description 
01031000 - Pure-bred breeding animals 
01039100 - - Weighing less than 50 kg 
01039200  - - Weighing 50 kg or more 
05071000 - Ivory; ivory powder and waste 
09082100 - - Neither crushed nor ground 
09082200 - - Crushed or ground 
12079100 - - Poppy seeds 
12079910 - - - Poppy 
12079920 - - - Hemp seeds 
12113000 - Coca leaf 
12114000 - Poppy straw 
12119020 - - - Black poppy 
12119060   - - - Hemp 
13021100 - - Opium 
13021910 - - - Hashish 
25241000 - Crocidolite 
25249000   - Other 
29399110  - - - Cocaine 
40121100 - - Of kind used on motor cars (including station wagons and racing cars) 
40121200 - -  Of a kind used on buses or lorries 
40121300 - -  Of a kind used on aircraft 
40121900  - - Other 
40122000 -  Used pneumatic tyres 
68114000 - Containing asbestos 
68128000  - Of crocidolite 
68129300 - - Compressed asbestos fibre jointing, in sheets or rolls 
68132000 - Containing asbestos 
Source: Qatar Tariff, 2012. WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 85 - 
 
  Table A3.2 Restricted goods 
HS Description 
02031100  - - carcasses and half-carcasses 
02031200 - - Hams, shoulders and cuts thereof, with bone in 
02031900 - - Other 
02032100  - - Carcasses and half-carcasses 
02032200 - - Hams, shoulders and cuts thereof, with bone in 
02032900 - - Other 
02050090 - - - Other 
02063000 - Of swine, fresh or chilled 
02064100 - - Livers 
02064900 - - Other 
02091000  - of pigs 
02101100 - - Hams, shoulders and cuts thereof, with bone in 
02101200 - - Bellies (streaky) and cuts thereof 
02101900 - - Other 
05021000 - Pigs', hogs' or boars' bristles and hair and waste thereof 
15011000 - Lard 
15012000  - Other pig fat 
15030011   - - - - of pig 
15030021   - - - - of pig 
15030091   - - - - of pig 
15180011   - - - - of pig 
16010010    - - -  of swine or animal blood 
16024100 - - Hams and cuts thereof 
16024200 - - Shoulders and cuts thereof 
16024900 - - Other, including mixtures 
16029030   - - - Preparations of animal blood 
17049080  - - - White Chocolate containing alcohol 
18063110 - - - Containing alcohol 
18063210 - - - Containing alcohol 
22030000 Beer made from malt 
22041000 - Sparkling wine 
22042100 - - In containers holding 2 L or less 
22042900 - - Other 
22043000 - Other grape must 
22051000 - In containers holding 2 L or less 
22059000 - Other 
22060000 Other fermented beverages (for  example, cider, perry, mead ); mixtures of fermented 
beverages and mixtures of fermented beverages and non- alcoholic beverages, not 
elsewhere specified or included 
22072090 - - - Other 
22082000 - Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc 
22083000 - Whiskies 
22084000 - Rum and other spirits obtained by distilling fermented sugar-cane products 
22085000 - Gin and Geneva 
22086000 - Vodka 
22087000 - Liqueurs and cordials 
22089090 - - - Other 
23070010 - - - Wine lees 
41033000 - Of swine 
41063100 - -  ln the wet state (including wet-blue) 
41063200 - -  ln the dry state (crust) 
41132000 -  Of swine 
Source: Qatar Tariff, 2012. 
 WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 86 - 
 
  Table A3.3 Qatar tariff summary, 2013 
 
Number of 
lines MFN applied  Bound 
rate 
  Average 
(%) Range 
(%) Duty free 
(%)  average 
(%) 
All products 7,300 5.0 0-100 11.1   16.1 
HS 01-24 1,374 6.5 0-100 25.1   23.0 
HS 25-97 5,926 4.6 0-20 7.8   14.5 
By WTO category     
WTO Agriculture 1,195 7.1 0-100 22.3   24.2 
  Animals and products thereof 157 3.0 0-5 40.1   40.1 
  Dairy products 35 5.0 5 0.0   15.1 
  Fruit, vegeta bles and plants 358 3.7 0-5 25.4   14.7 
  Coffee and tea 38 8.7 0-100 26.3   19.8 
  Cereals and preparations 183 3.5 0-5 30.1   15.8 
  Oil seeds, fats and oils and their 
  products 101 4.8 0-5 4.0   14.7 
  Sugars and confectionary 40 5.8 0-100 32.5   20.0 
  Beverages, spirits and tobacco 84 45.7 0-100 1.2   88.3 
  Cotton 5 5.0 5 0.0   15.0 
  Other agricultural products n.e.s. 194 4.7 0-100 15.5   17.7 
WTO Non-agriculture (incl. 
petroleum) 6,105 4.6 0-20 8.9   14.5 
  Fish and fishery products 265 3.5 0-5 29.4   15.0 
  Minerals and metals 1,202 5.0 0-20 2.2   16.6 
  Chemicals and photographic 
supplies 1,257 4.5 0-5 9.1   8.1 
  Wood, pulp, paper and furniture 425 4.5 0-5 9.4   17.6 
  Textiles 718 5.0 0-5 0.6   15.0 
  Clothing 254 5.0 5 0.0   20.0 
  Leather, rubber, footwear and 
travel goods 212 5.0 5 0.0   16.6 
  Non-electric machinery 640 4.2 0-5 16.1   15.0 
  Electric machinery 313 3.4 0-5 32.9   18.6 
  Transport equipment 233 4.4 0-5 11.2   14.2 
  Non-agriculture articles n.e.s. 551 4.6 0-5 8.9   14.9 
  Petroleum 35 5.0 5 0.0   15.0 
By stage of processing     
  First stage of processing 939 3.9 0-100 30.1   16.8 
  Semi-processed products 2,165 4.8 0-20 4.5   11.5 
  Fully processed products 4,196 5.3 0-100 10.2   18.3 
By HS section     
  Live animals & product 438 3.4 0-5 32.6   24.0 
  Vegetable products 461 3.0 0-5 39.7   14.5 
  Fats & oils 63 5.0 5 0.0   15.0 
  Prepared food etc. 412 14.0 0-100 4.6   32.6 
  Minerals 211 5.0 5 0.0   19.9 
  Chemicals & products 1,198 4.5 0-5 9.9   8.0 
  Plastics & rubber 272 5.0 5 0.0   12.5 
  Hides & skins 86 5.0 5 0.0   17.1 
  Wood & articles 190 4.9 0-5 1.6   15.0 
  Pulp, paper, etc. 195 4.1 0-5 19.0   16.5 
  Textiles & articles 945 5.0 5 0.0   16.3 
  Footwear, headgear 74 5.0 5 0.0   17.2 
  Articles of stone 229 4.9 0-5 1.3   20.0 WT/TPR/S/296 • Qatar 
 
- 87 - 
 
   
Number of 
lines MFN applied  Bound 
rate 
  Average 
(%) Range 
(%) Duty free 
(%)  average 
(%) 
  Precious stones, etc. 65 3.2 0-5 35.4   14.9 
  Base metals & products 737 5.1 5-20 0.0   15.1 
  Machinery 947 3.9 0-5 22.8   16.2 
  Transport equipment 245 4.4 0-5 11.0   14.1 
  Precision equipment 286 4.3 0-5 13.3   15.0 
  Arms and ammunition 23 5.0 5 0.0   15.0 
  Miscellaneous manufacturing 212 5.0 5 0.0   18.8 
  Works of art, etc. 11 5.0 5 0.0   15.0 
 
Note: The 2013 tariff is based on HS12 nomenclature, consisting of 7,300 tariff lines (at 8-digit tariff line level). 
 Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.
 
 
__________