WT/TPR/S/296/Rev.1  
 
18 June 2014  
(14-3537) Page: 1/87 
Trade Policy Review Body   
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
REPORT BY THE SECRET ARIAT  
QATAR 
Revision  
This r eport, prepared for the second Trade Policy Review of Qatar, has been drawn up by the WTO 
Secreta riat on its own responsibility.  The Secretariat has, as required by the Agreement 
establishi ng the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (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/Rev.1  contains the policy statement submitted by Qatar.  
 
 
Note: This report was drafted in English.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  CONTENTS  
SUMMARY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  8 
1   ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  ................................ ................................ ........................  10 
1.1   Introduction  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  10 
1.2   Recen t economic developments  ................................ ................................ ..................  10 
1.3   Planning and strategy  ................................ ................................ ...............................  11 
1.3.1   Qatar National Vision 2030  ................................ ................................ ......................  11 
1.3.2   Qatar National Development Strategy, 2011 -16 ................................ .........................  11 
1.4   Macroeconomic policies  ................................ ................................ .............................  11 
1.4.1   Inflation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  11 
1.4.2   Labour, employment, and the expatriate workforce ................................ .....................  11 
1.4.3   Exchange rate policy  ................................ ................................ ..............................  12 
1.4.4   Treasury bills  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  12 
1.5   Fiscal situation  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  12 
1.6   Developments in trade  ................................ ................................ ..............................  13 
1.6.1   Trade in goods  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 13 
1.6.1.1    Exports  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  13 
1.6.1.2    Imports  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  14 
1.6.2   Trade in services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 14 
1.7   Foreign direct investment trends  ................................ ................................ .................  17 
1.8   Outlook  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  17 
2   TRADE POLICY REGIME:  FRAMEWORK AND OBJECT IVES  ................................ ..........  19 
2.1   Introduction  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  19 
2.2   General constitutional and legal framework  ................................ ................................ .. 19 
2.2.1   Constitution and legal overview  ................................ ................................ ...............  19 
2.2.2   Recent developments  ................................ ................................ .............................  19 
2.3   Development and administration of trade policy  ................................ ............................  20 
2.3.1   Main trade laws  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 20 
2.3.2   Agencies involved in trade policy implementation  ................................ .......................  20 
2.4   Trade policy objectives  ................................ ................................ ..............................  21 
2.5   Qatar and the WTO  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 21 
2.6   Trade agreements and arrangements  ................................ ................................ ..........  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 agreements  ................................ ................................ ..................  23 
2.6.1.3    Pan-Arab Free Trade Area (PAFTA or GAFTA)  ................................ ..........................  23 
2.6.2   Preferential trade  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 24 
2.7   Trade disputes  and consultations  ................................ ................................ ................  24 
2.7.1   Dispute settlement in the WTO  ................................ ................................ ................  24 
2.7.2   GCC and PAFTA dispute settlement mechanisms  ................................ .........................  24 WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  2.8   Foreign investment regime  ................................ ................................ ........................  25 
2.8.1   Legal framework  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 25 
2.8.1.1    Incentives  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  26 
2.8.1.2    Bilateral investment agreements  ................................ ................................ ...........  26 
3   TRADE POLICIES AND P RACTICES BY MEASURE  ................................ ........................  27 
3.1   Measures directly affecting 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 cooperation on customs  ................................ ................................ ...........  29 
3.1.1.4    Single -window clearance  ................................ ................................ ......................  29 
3.1.1.5    Import procedures and trading rights  ................................ ................................ ..... 29 
3.1.1.6    Customs brokers  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 30 
3.1.1.7    Free trade zones  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 30 
3.1.1.8    The 2013 -16 Customs Strategic Plan  ................................ ................................ ..... 30 
3.1.2   Tariff schedule  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 30 
3.1.2.1    Applied rates  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 30 
3.1.2.2    WTO b indings  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 32 
3.1.2.3    Applied rates exceeding bound rates  ................................ ................................ ...... 32 
3.1.2.4    Preferential tariffs  ................................ ................................ ...............................  32 
3.1.2.5    Exemptions from customs duties  ................................ ................................ ...........  32 
3.1.3   Other charges affecting imports  ................................ ................................ ...............  33 
3.1.4   Customs valuation  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 33 
3.1.5   Preferential and non -preferential rules of origin  ................................ ..........................  33 
3.1.6   Import prohibitions, restrictions, and li censing  ................................ ...........................  33 
3.1.6.1    Prohibitions and restrictions  ................................ ................................ ..................  33 
3.1.6.2    Licensing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  34 
3.1.7   Contingency measures  ................................ ................................ ...........................  34 
3.1.8   Standards  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  35 
3.1.8.1    Standards and other technical requirements  ................................ ...........................  35 
3.1.8.2    SPS ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  35 
3.1.8.3    Marking and labelling rules  ................................ ................................ ...................  35 
3.1.9   Other measures  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 35 
3.2   Measures directly affecting exports  ................................ ................................ .............  36 
3.2.1   Procedures  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  36 
3.2.2   Export taxes, charges, and 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 marketing assistance, insurance and guarantees  .............  36 
3.3   Measures affecting production and trade  ................................ ................................ ...... 37 WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  3.3.1   Legal framework for businesses  ................................ ................................ ...............  37 
3.3.1.1    Types of business entities, registration, and foreign company ownership 
restrictions  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  37 
3.3.1.2    Industrial projects  ................................ ................................ ...............................  38 
3.3.1.3   Business climate for foreign companies  ................................ ................................ .. 38 
3.3.1.4    Business dispute resolution  ................................ ................................ ..................  38 
3.3.1.5    Enterprise Qatar  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 38 
3.3.2   State trading enterprises  ................................ ................................ ........................  39 
3.3.3   Incentives  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  39 
3.3.3.1    Tax regime  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  39 
3.3.3.2    Subsidies  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  39 
3.3.3.3    Strategic food reserves  ................................ ................................ ........................  40 
3.3.3.4    Special free zones  ................................ ................................ ...............................  40 
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 Indications and Industr ial Designs  ................................ ......................  42 
3.3.5   Government procurement  ................................ ................................ .......................  42 
3.3.5.1    Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 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 enterprises, and privatization  ................................ ......................  44 
3.3.7   Competition policy and price controls  ................................ ................................ ........  45 
3.3.7.1    Competition law and framework  ................................ ................................ ............  45 
3.3.7.2    Consumer protection laws and price controls  ................................ ...........................  46 
4   TRADE POLICIE S BY SECTOR  ................................ ................................ .....................  48 
4.1   Energy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  48 
4.1.1   Policy objectives for the sector  ................................ ................................ .................  48 
4.1.2   Natural gas  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  49 
4.1.2.1    Production, consumption, and trade  ................................ ................................ ....... 49 
4.1.2.2    Dolphin project  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 49 
4.1.2.3    Gas exporting countries forum  ................................ ................................ ..............  50 
4.1.3   Crude petroleum  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 50 
4.1.4   Downstream petrochemical industries  ................................ ................................ ....... 50 
4.2   Services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  52 
4.2.1   Financial services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 53 
4.2.1.1    Banking  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  53 
4.2.1.2    Qatar Investment Authority  ................................ ................................ ..................  55 
4.2.1.3    Qatar financial centre  ................................ ................................ ..........................  55 WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  4.2.1.4    Insurance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  56 
4.2.1.5    Capital markets  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 57 
4.2.1.6    Regulation of  banking, finance, insurance, and capital markets  ................................ .. 58 
4.2.2   Education services  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 58 
4.2.2.1    Primary, secondary, and tertiary ed ucation structure  ................................ ................  58 
4.2.2.2    Regulation, accreditation, and quality assurance  ................................ ......................  60 
4.2.2.3    Qatar Foundation – Education City  ................................ ................................ .........  61 
4.2.2.4    Distance learning or online education  ................................ ................................ ..... 62 
4.2.2.5    Foreign faculty movement  ................................ ................................ ....................  62 
4.2.2.6    Students studying abroad  ................................ ................................ .....................  62 
4.2.3   Telecommunications and postal services  ................................ ................................ ... 62 
4.2.3.1    Telecommunications  ................................ ................................ ............................  62 
4.2.3.2    Regulatory framework  ................................ ................................ .........................  64 
4.2.3.3    Postal services  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 64 
4.2.4   Tourism  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  65 
4.2.4.1    Legal and regulatory framework  ................................ ................................ ............  66 
4.2.4.2    Qatar Tourism Authority  ................................ ................................ .......................  66 
4.2.4.3    Licensing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  66 
4.2.4.4    Classification of hotels and tourist establishments  ................................ ....................  67 
4.2.4.5    Tourist guides and tour operators  ................................ ................................ ..........  67 
4.2.4.6    Travel agents  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 67 
4.2.5   Construction and infrastructure projects  ................................ ................................ .... 67 
4.2.5.1    Market structure  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 68 
4.2.5.2    Regulatory measures  ................................ ................................ ...........................  69 
4.2.5.3    Codes and standards  ................................ ................................ ...........................  70 
4.2.5.4    Movement of labour  ................................ ................................ ............................  70 
4.2.5.5    Temporary importation of machinery  ................................ ................................ ..... 70 
4.2.6   Transportation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 70 
4.2.6.1    International maritime transport  ................................ ................................ ...........  71 
4.2.6.2    Air transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 72 
4.2.6.3    Pipeline transmission  ................................ ................................ ...........................  73 
4.2.6.4    Rail transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 73 
REFERENCES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  74 
5   APPENDIX TABLES  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 75 
 
CHARTS  
 
Chart 1.1 Balance of paymen ts, 2006 -12 ................................ ................................ .............  10 
Chart 1.2 Economically active population (15 years and above) by nationality, 2007 -12 .............  12 
Chart 1.3 Composition of  exports, including 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 /Rev.1  • 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 Over view of reciprocal trade, 2006 and 2012  ................................ .........................  22 
Chart 3.1 Imports and exports by type of entry port, 2012  ................................ ....................  27 
Chart 3.2 Average applie d MFN tariff rates and bound rates, by HS section, 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 petrol eum production and exports, 2007 -12 ................................ .................  51 
Chart 4.5 Petrochemicals - production and exports, 2007 -12 ................................ ..................  51 
Chart 4.6 Qatar Financial C entre  ................................ ................................ ........................  55 
Chart 4.7 Qatar insurance market by type (value of policies), 2011  ................................ .........  56 
Chart 4.8 Supreme Education Council  ................................ ................................ .................  60 
Chart 4.9 Hotel occupancy and tourist nights, 2007 -11 ................................ ..........................  65 
Chart 4.10 Building and construction projects by sector, 2011  ................................ ................  68 
 
TABLES  
 
Table.1.1 Qatar services export statistics, 2006 -12 ................................ ...............................  16 
Table 1.2 Qatar services import statistics, 2006 -12 ................................ ...............................  16 
Table 2.1 Main trade laws  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 20 
Table 2.2 Investment legal framework  ................................ ................................ ................  25 
Table 2.3 Bilateral investment agreements  ................................ ................................ ..........  26 
Table 3.1 Overview of the Customs Law  ................................ ................................ ..............  28 
Table 3.2 Bilateral agreements on cus toms matters  ................................ ..............................  29 
Table 3.3 Structure of applied MFN tariffs in Qatar, 2007 and 2013  ................................ .........  31 
Table 3.4 Customs duty exemptions  ................................ ................................ ...................  32 
Table 3.5 Main business laws  ................................ ................................ .............................  37 
Table 3.6 Types of business establishments  ................................ ................................ .........  37 
Table 3.7 IP treaties and conventions  ................................ ................................ .................  40 
Table 3.8 Main Intellectual Property 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 -owned 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 downstream operations  ................................ ................................ ..............  52 
Table 4.2 Qatar GATS Commitments  ................................ ................................ ...................  53 
Table 4.3 Registered banks in Qatar, September 2013  ................................ ..........................  54 
Table 4.4 Legal framework for the financial sector  ................................ ................................  54 WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  Table 4.5 Insurance and re -insurance companies  ................................ ................................ .. 56 
Table 4.6 Capital markets overview, 2008 -12 ................................ ................................ ...... 57 
Table 4.7 Education statistics  ................................ ................................ ............................  59 
Table 4.8 SEC requirements for schools  ................................ ................................ ..............  60 
Table 4.9 Establishments in Education City  ................................ ................................ ..........  61 
Table 4.10 Telecommunications indicators, 2007 -12 ................................ .............................  63 
Table 4.11 Telecommu nications legal framework  ................................ ................................ .. 63 
Table 4.12 Main tourism indicators, 2008 -13 ................................ ................................ ........  65 
Table 4.13 Tourism legal framework  ................................ ................................ ...................  66 
Table 4.14 Tourism licence obligations  ................................ ................................ ................  66 
Table 4.15 Building and construction statistics, 2007 -11 ................................ ........................  69 
Table 4.16 Transport statistics, 2008 -12 ................................ ................................ .............  70 
Table 4.17 Transport laws and regulations  ................................ ................................ ...........  71 
Table 4.18 Mari time transport, 2008 -11 ................................ ................................ ..............  71 
 
BOX 
 
Box 4.1 Major planned construction projects  ................................ ................................ ........  68 
 
APPENDIX TABLES  
 
Table A1.1 Selected macroeconomic indicators, 2006 to 2nd quarter 2013  ................................  75 
Table A1.2 Balance of payments, 2006 to 2nd quarter 2013  ................................ ....................  78 
Table A1.3 Merchandise exports by product group, including re -exports, 2006 -12 .....................  79 
Table A1.4 Merchandise exports by destination, including re -exports, 2006 -12 .........................  80 
Table A1.5 Merchandise imports by product group, 2006 -12 ................................ ..................  81 
Table A1.6 Merchandise imports by origin, 2006 -12 ................................ ..............................  82 
 
Table A2.1 Selected notifications to the WTO, 1 January 2007 -31 December 2013  .....................  83 
 
Table A3.1 Prohibited goods, 2012  ................................ ................................ .....................  84 
Table A3.2 Restricted goods, 2012  ................................ ................................ .....................  85 
Table A3.3 Qatar tariff summary, 2013  ................................ ................................ ...............  86 
 
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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 t he 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 d uring 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 201 2. Exports have nearly tripled since 2007 due 
to strong oil and gas exports, including relative ly 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 ex ports, and are generally more diversified. Imports of machinery and 
transportation equipment dominate, reflecting capital investments and supporting infrastructure 
development.  
4. A new Government was formed in 2013 when the new Emir took over, however no maj or 
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 S trategy 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 present, 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 dom inates 
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 f oreign investment laws, foreign investors are generally limited to a 
minority ownership of 49%, although 100% foreign ownership is allowed in certain sectors after 
authorization (agriculture; industry; health; education; tourism; developing and exploitatio n of 
natural resources, energy and mining; consulting services; technical services; IT services; cultural 
services; sport services; leisure  services; and distribution services). Certain rights are also 
guaranteed to foreign investors such as unrestricted t ransfer of funds and assurances against 
expropriation. Qatar uses bilateral investment agreements to encourage investment; currently 
there are 22 of such agreements.  
7. Developments in customs during the period of review were concentrated on the 
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 trader s. 
More than 90% of registered importers and exporters 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 tariff lines of tobacco products and 6 tariff lines of 
steel products; the steel tariffs cur rently 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 /Rev.1  • 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 export development strategy was created under its 
stewardship in 2012; it i ncludes provisions to evaluate 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 restricti ons 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 f oreign 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 iss uing 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, trademarks, geographical indications, and 
integrated circ uits, 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 largest res erves, 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 gro wth and development during the 
review period, especially with respect to the establishment 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 o rder 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 large -scale construction infrastructure projects. 
Investment in education and healthcare sectors, as part of the Qatar National Vision 2030, i s 
expected to devel op Qatar 's knowledge -based economy.  
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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 ea rly 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 sec tors, such as banking and other service s, 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 i n the second quarter of 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 monetary 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 gr ew considerably over the period , with a rising positive trade balance 
driven by strong, mostly hydrocarbon, exports  (Chart 1.1  and Table A1.2). The balance of services 
trade remained slightly negative. The capital and financial account were larg e 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 BalanceChart 1.[BoP]
Balance of Payments, 2006 -12
Billion QR
National Accounts Bulletin  2012 (3rd edition), Statistics Authority; and Qatar Central Bank. Source: 
 
 
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 /Rev.1  • 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 national 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 QNV, the ma in 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 enviro nmental . 
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 sustained rates of econ omic 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 Ara b or other regional organizations.  
1.7.  Qatar is committed to maintaining its strategic 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 obtained from e nergy 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 Co operation. It 
is also cognizant o f 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 (NDS), 2011 -16, builds upon the QNV and is a plan of 
action towards achieving its goals. Wi th respect to sustaining economic prosperity, the NDS 
highlights the importance of expanding the country's domestic productive base, enhancing 
economic stability and efficiency, safeguarding market efficiency, and building a diversified 
economy. Furthermor e, certain targets are set in the NDS in order to take concrete steps, 
including the establishment of a forward -looking and coordinated budget process, a public 
investment programme, the introduction of policy instruments to manage domestic liquidity, and 
pursuing foreign investment liberalization. A t end 2013, some of these targets had been met.  
1.4  Macroeconomic policies  
1.4.1   Inflation  
1.10.  With a rapid ly growing economy, Qatar's  inflation rates were high during 2006 -08 (as 
measured by the CPI), most ly driven by housin g rents , 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 t his 
higher level in 2012 . 
1.11.  Temporary price controls were applied on housing and co nstruction 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 sup ported by public subsidies ( section 3.3.7.2 ). 
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 GDP, it expanded  significant ly (76%) over 2006-12, 
and the unemployment rate remained very low (averag ing less than 0.5% ). Furthermore, the 
                                               
2 Qatar National Vision 2030.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  share of expatriates far outnumbers that of Qataris, 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 QatarisChart 4.[Labour stat]
Economically active population (15 years & above) by nationality, 2007 -12 
Source: Bulletin labour force statistics, 2012.Number (in thousands )
 
 
Source:  Bulleti n 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 t he support and mentorship to fill their 
roles.3 There i s 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 recogni zes 
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 duration 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 Qat ar, 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 i n 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 . The 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 incre ased, mostly due to increases in salaries and wages and the initiation 
                                               
3 Qatar National Development Strategy, 2011 -16. 
4 Qatar Minist ry of Development and Planning Statistics ( 2013). WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  of significant publically  financed infrastructure projects. In 201 2/13, hydrocarbon revenues 
accounted for 62% of total revenues , and the fiscal surplus amounted to 12% of GDP.5 
1.6  Develop ments 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 export s 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 th e 
world's 23rd 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 exported increase d over the period, but the growth 
was also a result of relativel y high energy prices. Export levels generally mirrored the price of 
crude petroleum over the period (Chart 1.3).  
Chart 1.3 Composition of exports, including 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 2012Chart 1.3
Composition of exports, including re -exports (f.o.b.), 2006 -2012
Oil and gas exportsCrude oil priceNon-oil and gas 
exports(QR billion for exports; QR per barrel for crude oil)
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.Source: 
 
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 exports , respectively  in 2012 . Exports to these two 
countries are dominated by liquefied natural gas (LNG). India and the EU are also s ignificant 
markets for Qatari exports, also mostly energy products. Since 2006, the export share s 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 th e 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 a t: http://ftp.qsa.gov.qa:8088/  [23/08/2013] . 
8 WTO (2013).  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  Chart 1.4 Direction of merchandise exports including re -exports (f.o.b.) , 2006 and 2012  
(%)
Chart 1.4
20062012Direction of merchandise exports including re -exports (f.o.b)
2006 and 2012
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:  QR484.1 billionOther
20.1EU (27) 3.6
India
4.9
Korea, Rep. of
13.9Japan
41.5Gulf countries
5.5
China
1.2
Singapore
9.5
WTO calculations based on data provided by Foreign merchandise trade system.  Viewed at 
http://ftp.qsa.gov.qa:8088/.Source: 
 
Source:  WTO calculations based on data provided by Foreign merchandise Tr ade 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 v ehicles, while machinery comprise s 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 countries, and the United States has increased, while 
that of Japan and the EU has dec reased (Chart 1.5).  
1.6.2   Trade in services  
1.23.  Services exports grew significant ly in the last two years  of the review period , largely as a 
result of increase d exports of transportation and travel services (Table 1.1). However, the services 
trade balance remained l argely 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 licen se fees, trade -related services, research and development, 
advertising and market research, personal, cultura l, and recreational services, security and investigative 
services, translation and interpretation, photographic services, and building cleaning services.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  Chart 1.5 Imports by composition and origin, 2006 and 2012  
(%) 
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
9.9
WTO calculations based on data provided by Foreign merchandise trade system.  
Viewed at http://ftp.qsa.gov.qa:8088/.Source: Machinery 
(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 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  Table. 1.1 Qatar services  export statistics , 2006 -12 
(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 and 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 (e xcl. travel and 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 recreationa l 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 Trade in Services Database . 
Table 1.2 Qatar services import statistics , 2006 -12 
 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 services ( excl. Travel  
   and 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  
Governm ent 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 (e xcl. Travel  
   and 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 /Rev.1  • 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 Trade in Services Database . 
1.7  Foreign d irect 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 Un ited States and the Netherlands  each 
account ed 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 main industry s ectors. Just over half of the 2009 
inflows were in the oil and gas sector , and another  quarter were i n 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  
(%) 
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 billion%
United States
26.4Other
0.2Transport & 
communications
2.2
Manufacturing
25.8Mining and 
Quarrying 
(oil and ags)
50.7Trade, 
restaurants & 
hotels
3.2
Construction
6.5
Foreign investment survey 2010, Economic Statistics Department, 
Qatar Statistics Authority, February 2010.Source: Finance, 
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 Qatar, especially as exports of its main products 
are expected to continue  at current levels with persiste nt high world energy prices. GDP expanded 
at an estimated 6% in Q2 2013.10 The ongoing construction, centred ar ound large infrastructure 
projects , and the lead -up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is expected to drive the economy over the 
                                               
10 Qatar Statistical Authority (2013). National Accounts. Viewed at: 
http://www.qsa.gov.qa/eng/index.htm . WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  next decade. Imports are expected to remain strong 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 Devel opment Planning and Statistics.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  2  TRADE POLICY REGIME:  FRAMEWORK AND OBJECT IVES  
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 spec ial 
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 b y its main law, or Constitution. 
For much of its history, it was guided by the Amended Provisional Constitution which was replaced 
in 2005 by i ts first Permanent Constitution . The Permanent Constitution  consolidated the basic 
foundations of society and ali gned them with the requirements of contemporary society. It s 
150 Articles contain provisions on the State and the bases of rule, guiding principles of the society, 
public rights and duti es, and organization of powers . The constitution grants legislative au thority to 
the Al -Shoura Council, executive authority to the Emir, and judicial authority to the courts. 
According to the provisions of Article 143, the enforcement of the constitution shall not affect the 
provisions of treaties and international agreement s to which Qatar is a party.  
2.3.  The State of Qatar, as a constitutional mona rchy, 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 f orces , and his functions include ratification and 
promulgation of laws, summoning and presiding over the Council of Ministers, dr awing up general 
policy of the S tate, appointing civil servants and military personnel, accrediting heads of diplomatic 
and con sular missions, conferring civilian and military 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 o n 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 , establishe d the Supreme 
Constitution al 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 p lace; 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 new appointments to decision -making positions.  
2.7.  The new constitution empowers the Al -Shoura Cou ncil to supervise and make decision s 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; t wo thirds are to be elected by universal suffrage and one  third appointed 
by the Emir. Elections were scheduled to take place in 2007, 2010, and 2013 but w ere postponed , 
again , to 2016. To date, as these elections have not taken place, t he majority of Coun cil members 
remain appointed officials.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • 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, Qa tar’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 services sectors. After approval at the level o f the 
GCC, matter s are incorporated into Qatar i law. The main Qatari laws impacting trade are on 
business, investment, and services (Table 2.1). As GCC decisions and agreements require prior 
ratificati on by all member countries, GCC -level ratification , undertaken by the Emir , in effect 
ratifies the de cision in Qatar. Under t he constitution (Art icle 68), a decree is required for it to be 
implemented in Qatar. GCC decisions take precedence in the absence of, or  conflict with, Qatar i 
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 polici es and outcomes.1 The Ministry 
of Business and Trade was given responsibilities for developing program mes necessary to execute 
policies on the development of  business and trade , including supporting and developing exports, 
proposing and implementing polici es 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 includes many of the same functions of the old 
Ministry of Eco nomy 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 trade policy. The Ministry of Environment contains a 
Department on Agriculture Affairs  that is concerned with a gricultural policy , and the Ministry of 
Energy and Industry is responsible for policies on energy product  export s. 
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 Q atar 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 Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of 
Environment, Cabinet of Ministers, Mi nistry of Energy and Industry, Ministry of Development 
Planning and Statistics, Ministry of Information and Communication s Technology , Qatar Chamber 
of Commerce and Industry, Qatar Ce ntral Bank, and Qatar Petroleum. B y 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 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  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 a nd 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 ba sed on  proportional representation of 
sectors , deter mined by the Ministry of Economy  and Commerce . All private sector entities must be 
registered with the Chamber of Commerce 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 poli cy objectives  
2.13.  Qatar has promote d 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, an d 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 liberalizati on of foreign investme nt 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 improving 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 en courage 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 Govern ment 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, dispute 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 updating or renewal,  for example on quantitative 
restrictions and state trading  (Chapter 3). 
2.6  Trade agreements and arrangements  
2.17.  While MFN trade continues to dominate Qatari 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 -intensiv e 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, t he 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 PAFT A were 2.2% of total  imports in 2012 (Chart  2.1). 
                                               
4 WTO documents L/7441 and L/3588.  
5 WTO documents TN/TE/W/27 and  TN/MA/W/33 , 25 April 2003; TN/TE/W/19 and  TN/MA/ W/24 , 
28 January 2003;  TN/TE/W/19 /Corr.1 and  TN/MA/W/24/Corr. 1 , 21 February 2003;  and TN/TE/W/14 , 
9 October 2002 . 
6 WTO d ocument TN/S/O/QAT , 7 July 2005 . WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  Chart 2.1 Overview of reciprocal trade, 2006 and 2012  
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.
WTO calculations based on data provided by Foreign merchandise trade system.  
Viewed at http://ftp.qsa.gov.qa:8088/.Source: 
 
Note:   PAFTA excluding GCC countries.  
 
Source:  WTO calculations , based on data provided by Fo reign 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 custom s union was designed to establish a common 
external tariff (CET), common customs regulations and procedures, single -entry point, elimination WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  of all tariff and non -tariff barriers, and national treatment provisions.7 The Economic Agreement 
also contains pro visions for the establishment of a GCC Common Market and Economic and 
Monetary Union. I n addition to Qatar, the GCC comprise s 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 achievi ng full 
integration is still on going. 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. Ho wever, 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 re ached US $9 trillion in 2010. As a whole, the GCC ranks 8th 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 tariff 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 o n tobacco produc ts 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 "prohibited" and "special goods" depending on the country 
concerned, mostly concerning pork and alcoh ol 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, t he 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 sec tors. 
Furthermore, t here 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 agreements between its members and third parties. 
The first FTA, negotiated with Singapore,  recently 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 E FTA but has not be en 
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 ne gotiation. Customs duties have been gradually reduced sinc e 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 fr om 
                                               
7 Article (1) of the GCC Economic Agreement.  
8 Total trade exchange ranks the United States first, fo llowed 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 WTO document WT/REG222/N/1 , 20 November 2006 .  
10 WTO documents WT/REG222/N/1 /Corr.1 and WT/COMTD/N/25 , 31 March 2008 . 
11 WTO document WT/REG276/N/1/Rev.1. , 17 November 2009  
12 The Agreement was conclude d 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 and Social Council’s Resolution No. 1317-O.S. 59 of 
19 February 1997.  
15 Extended liberalization until 2010 for Sud an and Yemen.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  other taxes and no n-tariff restrictions (Article VI). H owever 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 co ncessional terms. A transitional mechanism 
for rules of origin is in place pending final a doption 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 and cable, furniture, and 
worked building stone on the import side; and polyethylene, light oils, and natural gas for exports . 
2.27.  There are currently 17 members, including GCC member States, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, 
Lebanon, Libya, Mor occo, 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 Pr eferential Tariff Scheme 
(PRETAS) for the Trade Preferential System among members of the Organization of the Islamic 
Cooperation  (TPS-OIC). This agreement provides for reciprocal preferential tariff access, i.e. 
providing a margin of preference on current MFN rates 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, 
establishm ent of rules of origin, and provisions related to trade remedies. As of January 2014, 
PRETAS is  not yet operational pending on going procedural work.  
2.29.  Qatar does not  grant unilateral preferences to any country.  
2.30.  Qatar has receive d 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. T hus 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 Ec onomic Agreement between GCC States provides a mechanism for the 
settlement of disputes. In the first instance, the Secretariat General shall hear and seek settlement 
of the dispute. If the matter is not settled  by the Secretariat General, it may be referr ed 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 th e GCC Cooperation Council Chart er 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 i ts 
recommendation or opinion on the m atter to the Supreme Council for action.  
2.34.  Article XIII of PAFTA provides for a dispute 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 m atter to the dispute settlement provisions of the United Agreement for 
the Investment of Arab Capital in Arab States.  
                                               
16 Online i nformation . Viewed at: xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/23355551/846958677/name/ PAFTA .doc. 
17 WTO document WT/REG223/N/1 , 20 November 2006 . 
18 Qatar was a GSP eligible country under the EU scheme up until 1 January 2014.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • 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, 
includi ng 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 o wnership in a business, i.e. 
a maximum of 49% for most sectors ; except  commercial agencies, banking, insurance, and real 
estate, in which non-Qataris may not invest . 
Table 2.2 Investment legal f ramework  
Law Reference  Summary  
Law Regulating the Investment of 
Foreign Capital in Economic 
Activities (Foreign 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 l ist. 
Authorization is dependent on the project being aligned 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, t he 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 b anks 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 regul ations 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 natu ral 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 entities ( section 3.3.1.1 ). In practice, the limited 
liability company and single person compan y 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 against expropriation. While expropriation may be 
possible if it is in the public interest, it must not be discriminator y 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 compensation may be freely repatriated without currency 
exchange controls. The law also pro vides for the settlement of investment disputes through 
                                               
19 Latham & Watkins (2012 ),"Doing Business in Qatar ", Second Edition. Viewed at:  
www.lw.com/thoughtLeadership/doing -business -in-qatar  . WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  domestic or international arbitration panels. The dispute settlement process has not been used 
thus far, as disputes have been resolved through consultations with the parties concerned . 
2.40.  At the level o f the GCC, there is no provision for coordinating investment policies and laws, 
thus it remains a matter of domestic policy. However, GCC nationals are given certain advantages 
with respect to investing in Qatar, in comparison to other nationals . Where the  foreign ownership 
component comprise s a GCC national or GCC entity, the owne rship 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 dependen ce on the 
energy sector, it has pursued various  initiatives to promote and encourage for eign 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, equ ipment, and spare parts for industrial projects.  
2.8.1.2   Bilateral investment agreements  
2.42.  Qatar has 22 bilateral investment agreements 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 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  3  TRADE POLICIES AND P RACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1  Measures directly affecting i mports  
3.1.1   Customs procedures  
3.1.1.1   Main laws and organization  
3.1.  The General Administration of Customs of Qatar 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, w hich 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 pr esent. Customs 
posts also still operate at the internal borders, in this case between Qatar and the Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia at Abu Samra. Co operation 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 significant increa se in growth  of trade and the economy  
has started to strain the existing infrastructure, in particular port ca pacity. 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 contr acted out to private companies.  
Chart 3.1 Imports and exports by type of entry port, 2012  
(%) 
Chart 4.[Port]
ImportsExportsImports and exports by type of entry port, 2012
Land 1%
Sea 
98%Air
0.01%Pipeline
0.6%
Sea
54%Land 
23%
Air
23%
Qatar Statistics Authority. Source: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding. Note: 
 
Note:  Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding.  
 
Source:  Qatar Statistics 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 the se entered into force. The Customs Law has 16 main elements  
cover ing a range of customs matters (Table 3.1).  
                                               
1 Amiri Decree No. 31 of 2009 incorporated it into the 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 Ministry of Finance, with other economic functions being transferred to the 
Ministry of Economy 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 a nd Ministers Council Decree No . (21) for the year 2004; GCC Customs 
Law adopted by the Supreme Council at the 20th Session.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  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 concer n the timing 
of entry  
 
Part 3: Prohibition and Restriction  Restricts the entry/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 Exportation  Import  and export  procedures by mode of transport  
 
Part 6:  Custo ms Clearance Stages  Process of clearance including declaration, examination, 
passengers, adjustment to value, payment, and withdrawal  
 
Part 7:  Cases Pending Customs Duties & 
Cases of Refund  Provisions for goods in transit, warehousing, duty -free shops 
and 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 char ges for warehousing including storage, handling, 
insurance, and other charges  
 
Part 10:  Customs Agents  Requirements and responsibilities for customs agents or 
brokers  
 
Part 11: Rights & Duties 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, 
precau tionary measures, customs offenc es and penalties, 
smuggling and penalties, pursuance, liabilit y, 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 -operati on Council.  
4 International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System.  
5 International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  3.1.1.3   Bilateral cooperation on customs  
3.5.  During the past few years, Qatar Customs has negotiated a number of bilateral customs 
agreements with a view to aiding enforcement a nd combatting customs fraud. Most of the 
agreements are based on a WCO model and cover 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 optimal application of the customs law and to 
control irregularities  
Pakistan  Mutual administrative 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 administrative assistance for the proper ap plication of the customs law and 
for the prevention, investigation and combating of customs offences  
Sudan  Mutual administrative assistance to enable the proper application of the customs 
law and for the preve ntion, investigation, and comba ting of customs  offenses  
Cuba Joint cooperation for the optimum application of the customs law an d to prevent 
violations of the customs legislation  
Singapore  Joint cooperation for the optimum application of the customs law and to prevent 
violations of the customs legis lation  
Burkin a 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 co operation to combat violations of the customs legislation  
Japan  Joint cooperation to combat violations of the customs legislation  
Source:  Customs website . Viewed at:  http://www.customs.gov.qa . 
3.1.1.4   Single -window  clear ance  
3.6.  The customs clearance sin gle 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 streng thening Qatar’s c ommitments 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 va lue-added 
services to traders. The single window design phas e 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 s uccess and now has more than 90% of registered importer s 
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 business es or enterprise s are permitted to import go ods. A copy of 
the commercial register and the form of business activity issued by the Ministry of Economy and 
Commerce  is required to be approved on the importers ' registry (the same ap plies 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 
companies would have to meet commercial registration procedures to be able to i mport  
(section  3.3.1). 
3.9.  A customs d eclaration must be accompanied by a detailed original inv oice 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 depend s on the mode of tr ansport. For example, WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  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 product s. 
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  companies and public brokers. Public b rokers 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  inspe ction 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 cu stoms duties; exceptions include flammable goods, radioact ive materials, 
arms, ammunition , explosives, narcotic drugs, goods originating in a boycotted country, and good s 
prohibited from entering the S tate. 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 Development Strategy. Particular objectives include plans 
to develop electronic and paperless services, implement and expand customs agreements, develop 
customs legislati on 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 country -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, a pplicable to each 
tariff l ine, whether supplied by WTO Member  countrie s 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 approximatel y 1.5% of total government re venues.  
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 period. Agricultural tariffs averaged approximately 
three  percentage point s 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 f ive differing rate categories: 
duty-free, 5%, 20%, 100%, and non -ad valorem  duties. In addition, a number of products are 
treated as p rohibited or special goods ( section 3.1.6 and Tables A3.1 and A3.2). These products 
face special provisions for importatio n, 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 tarif f lines at 20%, one at 100%, 
19 with non -ad valorem  duties, and several hundred duty -free lines. The tariff peaks are wit h 
respect to six tariff lines of steel products and 20 tariff lines of tobacco products. Duty -free 
products are mainly ITA products, pharmaceuticals, seeds, and some agricultural products.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
- 31 - 
 
  Chart 3.2 Average ap plied 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 21
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.Per centChart 3.1
Average applied MFN tariff rates and bound rates, by HS section, 2013
01   Live animals & products  
02   Vegetable products
03   Fats & oils      
04   Prepared food, etc.
05   Mineral products
06   Chemicals & products07   Plastic & rubber
08   Hides & skins
09   Wood & articles
10   Pulp, paper, etc.
11   Textiles & articles
12   Footwear, headgear13   Articles of stones
14   Precious stones, etc.
15   Base metals & products
16   Machinery
17   Transport equipment
18   Precision instrument19   Arms & ammunition
20   Miscellaneous manufacturing
21   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. 
 
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 applied MFN tariffs in Qatar, 2007 and 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 peaks (% 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 u sed for alternate rates.  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on tariff information provided by the authorities , and WTO CTS 
 database.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
- 32 - 
 
  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 simp le average is 16%, due to a number of rates 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, Qatar 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 sta mp 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 th e 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 fo r customs duties 
exemptions for specified items or certain individuals (Table 3.4). I n addition, exceptions may apply  
for import s of machinery and raw materials ; owners of industrial projects may apply to the 
Ministry of Energy and Industry.9 Duty-free imp orts 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 diplo matic 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 security forces , such as 
ammuni tions, arms, equipment, 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 Exemption on Imported s hipment. Online i nformation . Viewed at :  
http://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/services/inviduallandin gpages/!ut/p/c5/rZDBlmtAAES_JR8g3TQiS0YLoWV
Ck7BxBEmQFsFE -PqXd2Y9s5qqZS1uVYEYvN2kz_KSDuW9SW_gCGI5We -
UD15R4GbnYAQtX7U0lxg8pAgcwBGKiV9NrTXXs1fNezTomkNO -5HoBiEBN1HdsKnu2n7wmCnuZ_ekWWTOHZ6s -
dDYY9U4f14_xgXYgvhyu5_e1MP_HnICf5AKv3MZrgWVKGLgOZoCLduUJHcjILiRgGveWQH8 ogERiFc_LkAI0D9c8Ct
rK_wp6_1WeWLLMWNLuESiuIJIEqEkCqKAkAwObjRJem -
NGHtJ7DdZNBRQ3eP8crcrkmDf2djPPs_qREfONoAvVuUy9yg_Qy6CAUzjyCtZcp2Ysw9vr0E37_VsS1vvdSthgqeOB
swnHebOpLO4bvdwbbOKxBdLHf7I3Okxj8k8OlHbmjGfFEY -
6CshNKvBGpov2l5TFmDtIBgaY6dY7PhL5LT0WnFF2KzUiPhUMPBm0uvm S8Z6lvVtgXBfhoieqR89XVIx -
7JYgJY96_qs8gqvjP8AzOEqIA!!/dl3/d3/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • 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 R egulation, Articles 22 -25 
Returned goods  Goods of national origin previously 
exported; returned foreign goods proven 
to have been re -exported if returned 
within one year; and goods temporarily 
exported for completion or repai r 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 provide s 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 applic ation 
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 Customs Valuation Agreem ent, 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, including 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 -preferential  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 and 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 i mportation of flammable goods, radioactive materials, ammunition and 
explosives, narcotic drugs, goods from economically boycotted countries, generally prohibited 
                                               
10 WTO document G/VAL/N/1/QAT/1 , 1 June 2005 . 
11 WTO document G/VAL/N/2/QAT/1 , 24 May 2005 . 
12 WTO document G/PSI/N/1/Add.8 , 28 September 1999 . 
13 WTO document G/RO/N/25 , 13 Apr il 1999 . WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
- 34 - 
 
  goods, and goods that infringe rules relating to commercial, industrial, artistic, or intelle ctual 
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, u sed 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, and hides and other items o f 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 import s 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% la nding 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 m ember 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 -dumpin g, 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 investigati ons 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 regulation s on these 
matters.18 There have been no new notifications or updates notified since that time.  
                                               
14 Online information. Viewed at: 
http://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/topics/!ut/p/c5/rc7LmYIwAIXRWihAE4giLsNLRUAlASIbPgiID 
0AdlCjVj1OAu7l_Afe ABHxqs_5UZY_Ttc1qwECipiqcK9jTJmHg6hpcrZfTqb9QEFxAEAMGJyk5v2 -
r4TIE5yFYd_DokcESnmlBj -4EOZMXNfeQhjfXD7WB0MAnQ7SSu7kc2TsLO2_YFVwCDkiq -pp_XuM_h5rCL8MQ -
MtrUwJStmAPktlXoaEC -r_CU96MBW_GcIzkiQbnUJ4pMwUhJIN4u3 -_jG4lLEtPnUB -
5vFUeRh4Y1aq8RM9Mx1DpVBt5BxY7wY5Xz5TvZt4Bbv _1Bgf95mCaGP32wUzfUvUVUMvWL8Xm -07NMpT5t -2-
auSo4eJjiXqxLRhHaf5AfWCaDysR5sXZCQI7PPar -
j1wkclYm625gVq65hHnLmMdkoz2sx2D0dIErg1_aUV_sHDkvQLXIBLuA!!/dl3/d3/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/.  
15 WTO document G/MA/NTM/QR/1/Add.11 , 11 April 2008;  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 WTO documents G/LIC/N/1/QAT/1 and G/LIC/N/3/QAT/1, 2 April 1998; G/LIC/N/3/QAT/4, 
8 October  2007; G/LIC/N/3/QAT/5 , 20 March 2008; G/LIC/N/3/QAT/6, 17 April 2009; G/LIC/N/3/QAT/7, 
6 October 2010; G/LIC/N/3/QAT/8, 24 June 2011; and G/LIC/N/3/QAT/9, 19 October 2012 . 
17 Law No. (4) of 2006.  
18 WTO documents G/SG/N/1/QAT/1 , 30 March 1998;  G/ADP/N/1/QAT/1  and G/SCM/N/1/QAT/1 , 
31 March 1998 . WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  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 base d on international standards . The WTO enquiry point , also under the 
Standards and Metrology Department , regularly notifies Qatar’s technical regulations to the WTO 
TBT Committee. The Standards and Metrology Department is also involved in developing Qatar’s  
TBT policy.  
3.38.  Qatar is a member of the GCC’s Gulf Standardization and Metrology Organization (GSMO) , 
which helps to harmonize and promote coherence among members for standardi zation and related 
matters such as co nformity assessment procedures.  As such, Qata r adopts all GSMO standards 
and technical regulations. In addition, Qatar may initiate its own pr ocesses for national standards.  
It has adopted approximately 11,000 standards and technical regulations at the international or 
regional level, and about 30 na tional standards . 
3.39.  Qatar adopted the WTO Code of Good Practice in 2006. It is a member of ISO, Codex, and 
the IEC, and utili zes the ir international standards. Qatar has approximately 15 ISO accredited 
laboratories.  
3.40.  Qatar's legal framework for standards and technical regulations inc ludes: 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 laborato ry 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 rol e in the field of SPS in Qatar.  It is involved in developing food and related stand ards 
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 coordinat e and develop fo od safety and control policy.  
3.42.  Law No. (8) of 1990 is the main law on food safety. It contain s provisions to prohibit t he 
circulat ion of foodstuffs if they are not in line with standard specifications, if unsuitable for human 
consu mption, 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 r egulations 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 cou ntry of expor t. 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 secu rity 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.  
                                               
19 Documents QS/GSO 9/2007 and QS/GSO 9/2013.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
- 36 - 
 
  3.2  Measures directly affecting exports  
3.2.1   Procedures  
3.45.  Customs procedures for export s include the filing  of a bill of export and submi ssion of a bill 
of lading if transport is by air, or shipping permit 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 certificates  of origin for export from Qatar . 
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, res trictions , 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, EPZs, export performance requirements  
3.49.  Qatar does not maintain any tax concessions, export processing zones, or export 
performance requirements except as provided for in the free zones (section 3.3.3. 4) and as 
incentives for investment (section 2.8.1.1 ). 
3.2.5   Export finance, promotion and marketing 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 r egional 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 potenti al 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 
developme nt and promotion of non -hydrocarbon exports. 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 studies, an exporter s' directory, workshops and 
seminars, and trade reports. As a result, a number of new market opportunities have been 
identified  to increase Qatari exports . 
                                               
20 Oil and Gas Regulation Qatar 2013, online information. Viewed at: http://www.iclg.co.uk/practice -
areas/oil -and-gas-regulation/oil -and-gas-regulation -2013/qatar . 
21 ITC and Qatar Development Ban k (2013).  
22 These include plastic products, c ertain medical products, electric wires and cables, valves, parts of 
heat and cooling machinery, flour, and soap products.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
- 37 - 
 
  3.3  Measures affecting production and trade  
3.3.1   Legal framework for businesses  
3.3.1.1   Types of business entities, registration, 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 and 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 proprietor ship or 
an LLC is possible with a foreign owner in certain sectors, but subject to approval by the Ministry 
of Economy and Commerce.  
3.54.  Registration of a business entity in the commercial register requires articles of association; 
notarized, legalized, and au thenticated 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 contr acts, 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 fo r com panies that work with the S tate of Qatar for the duration of 
their contract. Approval by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.  
General partnership company  Minimum 51% Qatari  Joint and several  
Holding company  Dependent on company  Limited  
Limited liabilit y 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 
                                               
23 Law No. (28) of 2006 . WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
- 38 - 
 
  Type  Ownership  Liability  
several liability, and limited partners 
have limited liability  
Particular partnership  Minimum 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 li mited 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 busi ness framework, additional provisions are in place for the 
establi shment of an industrial project , i.e. involving manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and 
similar processes, pursuant to the GCC Common Industrial Law.24 Special exemptions in the 
implementing regulations for Qatar exempt projects for oil exploration and extraction, a nd metal 
ore extraction. A l icence is required i n order to establish an industrial project or change the terms 
of an existing project. Licensing requires the submission of the pro posal for the project  to the 
Department of Industrial Development of the Ministry of Energy and Industry, which has 30 days 
to decide on the matter. In the case of a rejection, the applicant may appeal to the Ministry within 
60 days.  
3.56.  In order to encourage th e development of certain industrial projects, Article 16 pr ioritizes  
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,  includ ing 
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 ut ilities at 
advantageous prices.  
3.3.1.3   Business climate for foreign companies  
3.57.  Commercial registrations of main offices and branches of businesses ha ve 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 go vernment 
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 grow n the fastest  followed by sole propr ietorships. 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 busi ness 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 
                                               
24 Law No. (20) of 2006  and its implementing rules, Decision of t he Minister of Energy and Industry 
No. (4) of 2009.  
25 Qatar Ministry of Economy and Commerce (2012).  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  Strategy  including to support the creation and expansion 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 include s business skills development, 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 marke ts.26 As at April 2013, it was reported ly responsible for almost 69% of 
Qatar’s total chemical and petrochemical exports.  
3.62.  A law from 2003 provides exclusive rights to WOQOD , a joint stock company formed in 
2002, for the marketing, s ales, transportation , and distribution of gas and petrochemicals within 
Qatar for a period of 15 years.27 
3.63.  Alcohol and pork products are imported and 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 sub ject to differential rates based 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 gro ss amount of payments is withheld for  non-resident companies delivering services 
in Qatar. QFC and QTSP companies are not subject to the withhold ing 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 supported by the State, or the State subsidi zes 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 subsidi zing 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 subsidi zed 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 different rate than the one used for residences . 
3.69.  In 2011 , Qatar notified the  WTO that it did not maintain or grant any subsidy within the 
meaning of Article 1.1 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures , which is 
                                               
26 Decree Law No. (11) of the Year 2012  and information viewed at:  
http://muntajat.qa/inde x.php?page=company -profile . 
27 Law No. (4) of 2003.  
28 WTO documents G/STR/N/11/QAT/Rev.1 , 6 August 2007;  G/STR/N/12/QAT  and G/STR/N/13/QAT , 
11 June 2010 . 
29 Law No. (21) of 2009.  
30 National Develop ment Strategy, 2011 -16. WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  specific in terms of Article 2, or operates directly or indirectly to increase exports or reduce 
import s 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 for wheat, rice, sugar, oil, milk, and barley , to 
ensure there are no supply shortages. The production of some  of these products is support ed 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 Pa rk (QSTP) and Qatar Financial 
Centre (QFC. (section 4.2.1.3 ). The zones provide certain advantages to attract businesses and 
technology institutes, and are supported by the State.33 
3.72.  The QSTP was established in 2009 to execute applied research and deliver co mmercial 
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 commerciali ze 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 ho sted 50 companies with approximately 1,000 employees. 
Companie s located in the QTSP have access to the New Enterprise Fund,  which has US$30 million 
in assets , support ing 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 Intellectual Property Centre, is currently responsible for 
intellectual property matters in Qatar.  It develops policy as well as ca rries 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 Treat y (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 2 011 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 Protection of Literary and 
Artistic Works  5 April 2000  5 July 2000  
Paris Convention for t he 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.  
                                               
31 WTO document G/SCM/N/220/QAT . 
32 Law No. (34) of 2005.  
33 Qatar Development Bank, online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.qdb.qa/english/investing/pages/qatartax.aspx . WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  3.76.  Qatar has a number of laws on the protection of intellectual property (Table  3.8). 
Table 3.8 Main Intellectual Property Laws  
Laws or Decrees  Reference  
Border Measures for the Protection 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 Indications, Industrial Models 
and Designs  Law No. (9) of 20 02 
Trade Secrets Law  Law No. (5) of 2005  
Integrated Circuits Law  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 Secret ariat.  
3.3.4.1   Trade  marks  
3.77.  The trade  mark law , established in 2002 , provides 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 foreigners  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 issue d. Thus, the operation 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 r egulations 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 i ssuing  
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 prog rams, 
plant and animal research , diagnostic or surgical m ethods.  Foreign persons who have an activity 
centre in a WTO m ember state may apply for a patent and receive the rights accorded in the law. 
Patent protection is granted for 20 years from t he filing date. The law recognize s the compulsory 
licensing principle but several conditions must be met  before the third party c an 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 regulations. The law foresees the establishment of an 
Office of the Protection of Copyrights and Ne ighbouring Rights under the Ministry of Economy and 
Commerce, however copyright activities are currently u nder the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of 
Justice allows the submission of copyright work s to the Copyright Protection Office, but no filing 
certificate s are issued , and the office will keep application s 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; photographic works; works of applied art; works of 
drawing and painting; and com puter programs. Economic rights are protected during the life of the 
author plus 50 years . The law also has provis ions for economic and moral rights; restrictions on 
copyright and neighbo uring rights; and enforcement provisions through preventative measure s 
and sanctions.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  3.3.4.4   Geographical indications and industrial designs  
3.82.  The 2002 law on trademarks also covers provis ions on geographical indications  (GIs). It 
includes the protection of GIs even if not registered, 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) , the government agency under the Ministry of 
Finance , coordinates and carries out public procurement in Qatar. It provides procurement services 
for public works, serv ices, and supplies for many ministries, government services, and public 
institutions ; exclusio ns 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 res pective 
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 t he 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 tender s, 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 the Central Tenders Committee and Local Tenders 
Committee. They do not include tenders 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 an d sellers and ensures fairness. 
The CTC overs ees: 
 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, an d 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 competition, 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 /Rev.1  • 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 (Industrial Development Department, small and medium 
Industrial areas Department)  
Ministry of Culture , Arts and Heritage  
Advisory Council  
Supreme Judiciary Council  
Municipal Council  
Public Persecution  
Qatar New s 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 procur ement 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 par ticipate in the tendering process , 
bids must be submitt ed in Qatari riyals and includ e 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 includ e 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 Regulatory Law, forms the basis of procurement 
in Qatar. Two ame ndments, 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 original 2005 law significantly . The amendments of 
2010 were concerned with changing threshold levels, i.e. changing  the leve l 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 excess of QR 50 million be approved by the Prime 
Minister.  
3.3.5.3   E-procurement  
3.89.  The CTC has been working towa rds electro nic means to conduct its work. For example a ll 
tenders are announced electronically and the company awarded the contract is also announced 
through t he CTC website ; full electronic bidding and tendering processes are not in place. WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  However, ictQat ar 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 19 87 cover  preference s for n ational products a nd 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 national Qatari Nav igation 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 -owne d enterprises , and privatization  
3.94.  State -owned enterprises (SOEs) are very prevalent in majo r 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 pub lic 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 Distr ibution  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 S ecretariat from various sources , and information provided by the authorities.  
                                               
34 Qatar Statistics Authority (2012).  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • 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 framework for protecting competition and preventing 
monopolistic pr actices.35 The law applies to both goods and services, 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 competi tion 
and are forbidden (Table 3.1 2); identifies unlawful practices for persons who exercise control or 
domination (Table 3.1 3); and covers the notification of mergers or acquisitions that control or 
dominate the marketplace. Upon receipt of a merger or acquisition  notification , the re 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 o n 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 handled, either by raising, loweri ng 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 witho ut justification.  
3. Deliberately provoking a sudden glut of products which causes them to circulate at a price that 
affects the economic performance of other competitors.  
4. Preventing or hindering any person from practicing economic or commercial acti vity 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 
distributi on, volume or kind of services, or placing conditions or restrictions on their supply.  
7. Dividing or allocating product markets on the basis of geographical area, distribution centres, type 
of customers, seasons or time periods, or goods.  
8. Coordinatio n or agreement among competitors with regard to presenting, or failing to present, 
bids in public tenders, negotiations and calls for procurement. This 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 information 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 importan ce of develop ing competition for the future of Qatar. During 
2012-14 it plans to design a n 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 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  Table 3.13 Competition Law, Article 4  
 Unlawful practices  
1. Refraining from, limiting or hindering the handling of products, either for sale or purchase, in such 
a way  as leads to the imposition 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 p urchase 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 that 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 time, among persons with a 
vertical relationship.  
 
6. Making the conclusion of a sale or purchase contract 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 opportunity among competitors, 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 a llow 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 implementation of this law and related regulations , 
as they pertain to consumer pro tection . It also collects statistics, monitors prices, and addresses 
violations.  
3.101.   The Consumer Protection Law specifies certain rights for the consumer , includ ing rights to 
health and safety, accurate information and data, freedom of choice, respect religio us values, 
protection of legal rights, consumer protection activities, and legal proceedings.  
3.102.   Suppliers also have certain obligations under the law, includ ing the obligation to refund or 
replace faulty goods, announce the price, disclose information about the product, notify hazards, 
provide an invoice, provide details and maintenance 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 warran ties, and provide spare parts.  
3.103.   In addition to the main Consumer Protection 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. P ursuant 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 t o the Ministry for examination.  
                                               
36 Law No. (8) of 2008.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  Table 3.14 Consumer protection legal framework  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 Aus tralian 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 m aximum 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  Ministeri al Order No (90) of 2009  
Delegating some pre -defined 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 Commerce, Consumer Protection Departments. Online i nformation . Viewed 
at: http://www.mbt.gov .qa/English/Departments/Consumerprotection/Pages/ default.aspx . 
 WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  4  TRADE POLICIES BY SE CTOR  
4.1.  Qatar continues to pursue diversification and encourage development of non -energy sectors, 
including many services sectors. In recent years, development of downstrea m 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 account ing for 58% of 
output, followed by finance, insurance and re al 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, 8.3Chart 4.1
Services sector by GDP at current prices, 2012
Per cent of GDP
Qatar Central Bank, (2013) Quarterly Statistical Bulletin, March. Source: Preliminary figures. a. a
 
a  Preliminary figures.  
 
Source:  Qatar Central Bank  (2013) , Quarterly Statistical Bulletin , March. 
4.1  Energy  
4.2.  State -owned Qatar Petroleum (QP) and its subsidiaries are involved in all aspects of 
up-stream and down -stream energy development, including transport and trade. Major operations 
generally have involvement of QP but most of its subsidiaries invo lve 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 o ften partners with foreign oil and gas companies for exploration 
and production, especially off -shore fields, where production -sharing agreements are the norm. 
Downstream industries also have a foreign partner with equity interest.  
4.1.1   Policy objectives for th e 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 downstre am value -added petrochemical and 
industrial sector. While non -energy sectors have grown, 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 signifi cant 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 expected to be lifted before 2015.  
4.5.  According to Qatar National Vision 2030, Qatar intends to pursue responsible exploitation of 
oil and gas. To this end, it plans to establish a balance between reserves and producti on, and 
between economic diversification and the degree of depletion. It also intends to pursue 
technological innovations and fully develop the gas industry to provide clean energy. Long -term 
maintenance of its reserves is important for national security a nd sustainable development.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • 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 
companies  
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 natura l 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 pi peline 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 contract s, 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 phenomenal growth over the period, more than doubl ing 
between 2007 and 20 12 (Chart 4.3) . In 2012, production grew approximately 8% from 2011 
levels. Exports have also gr own 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 difficult global market. Exports of LNG from Qatar go 
to all regions of the world ; the Asia Pacific region account s for about two  thirds of total exports; 
Japan, India, and the Republic of Korea are the 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 natur al gas pipeline project was launched in 2001 to connect neighbouring 
markets for Qatar’s gas. The Dolphin project connects 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 /Rev.1  • 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 
headqua rters 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 inform ation with the view to 
bringing stability and security to the supply and demand of natural gas in global markets. 
Membership of the Forum comprises Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, 
Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, and th e Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela . 
Chart 4.3 Natural gas production and exports, 2007 -12 
020406080100120140160
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012Production ExportsChart 4.[Natural Gas]
Natural gas -production and exports, 2007 -12
Billion cubic metres
Source:  BP Statiscal Review of World Energy, 2008 -2013.a.  Excluding gas flared or recycled.a
 
 
a Excluding gas flared or recycled.  
Source:  British Petroleum (2013), Statist ical 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 petr oleum  
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 13th in the world.2 Exports are from three terminals; Mesa ieed, 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 levelle d, consumption has increased a nd 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 continue s to 
move further dow nstream 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 competitiv eness.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 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  Chart 4.4 Crude petroleum production and exports, 2007 -12 
01002003004005006007008009001,000
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012Production ExportsChart 4.[ Crude petroleum ]
Crude petroleum -production and exports, 2007 -12
Source:    Qatar Petroleum.Thousand barrels per day 
 
Source:  Information provided by Qatar Petroleum  authorities . 
4.15.  Major downstream op erations 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 developmen t 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 cap acity brought on -line, in particular 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 4th largest producer and the world's largest e xporter of urea 
(Chart 4.5).4 
Chart 4.5 Petrochemicals - production and exports, 2007 -12 
02,0004,0006,0008,00010,00012,00014,000
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012Production ExportsChart 4.5
Petrochemicals -production and exports, 2007 -12
Source:    Qatar Petroleum.In 1,000 metric tons
 
Source:  Information provided by Qatar P etroleum  authorities . 
                                               
4 Qatar Petroleum, Annual Report 2012.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • 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 Company  68.2% QP  n.a. 
Olefins  Qatar Chemical Company, 
Qatar Chemical Company II, 
Ras Laffan Olef ins 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 S teel 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 ton nes per annum.  
mt/a Metric ton nes per annum.  
mt/d Metric ton nes per day.  
kt/a/ktpa  Kilo ton ne per annum.  
Source:  Information provided by Qatar Petroleum and Qatar Petroleum Annual Reports  2011 and 2012 . 
4.2  Services  
4.17.  The growth and development of many service s 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 /Rev.1  • 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 development  services  Partial  
D. Real  estate services  No commitments  
E. Rental/ leasing  services  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. Audi ovisual services  No commitments  
E. Other  No commitments  
3. Construction a nd related engineering services   
A. General  construction  work for buildings  Partial  
B. General  construction  work 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 commitment s 
6. Environmental services  Partial  
7. Financial services   
A. All insurance  and insurance -related  services  Partial  
B. Banking  and other  financial  services  Partial  
C. Other  No commitments  
8. Health related and social services  No commitments  
9. Touris m 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 cultural and sporti ng 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 un certainty 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 tro ubled markets and to the Qatar G overnment’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 stead ily. 
4.20.  There is a small but growing Islamic finance sector  in Qatar. This sector underwent 
signifi cant 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 a ssets were divested from 
traditional banks. Islamic financial products are Sharia compliant and have a separate regulatory 
framework, i.e. a different set of regulations overseen by the Islamic Financial Services Board. 
Islamic products are also offered fo r 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 representative office. There are also approximately 
20 foreign banks operating mostly as foreign subsidiaries in the Qatar Financial Centre WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  (section  4.2.1.3). In terms of total assets, Q atari banks account  for approximately 72%, followed 
by Islamic bank s (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 a nd 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 putt ing 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 Sa derat 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. 
Table 4.4 Legal framework for the financia l sector  
Law Reference  
Anti-money Laundering Law  Law No. (4) of 2010  
Qatar Central Bank Law  Law No. (13) of 2012  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  Law Reference  
Doha Securities Market Law  Law No. (14) of 1995  
Amendments to the Doha Securities Market Law  Law No. (26) of 2003  
Law establishing Qatar C entral 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 2 007 
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 b uild 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 loca l 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 Q atar. 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 . 
4.25.  In addition to allowing 100% foreign ownership and investment in the financial sector, QF C 
offers  certain incentives to busines ses that establish in the QFC. S pecial tax rules apply and the 
QFC has its own immigration and employment laws, as well as free movement of currencies.  
Further more,  Qatar allows retail services from the zone to the dom estic market. The QFC 's current WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  focus is the development of three key subsectors : asset managemen t; captive insurance ; and 
re-insurance.  
4.26.  In order to establish in the zone, enterprises must be licensed by the  QFC Authority, receive 
authoriz ation from the QF C Regulatory Authority, and must register as a legal entity at the QFC 
Registration Office. The QFC legal 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   Insuranc e 
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 tha t 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 representative offi ce, 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 insura nce subsector  is 
expanding. Insuring against fire and theft is the 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 E xchange (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
30.6Chart 4.[Insurance]
Qatar insurance market by type (value of policies), 2011
The Annual Bulletin of Banks and Insurance, 2011. Source: (Per cent)
 
 
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 . 
 
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  Subsi diary of Qatar 
General Insurance and 
Reinsurance Company  Private joint -stock 
company  
Al Khaleej Insurance Company  Qatari   Public joint -stock 
company  
                                               
5 Law (13) of 2012 . WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  Company  Nationality  Ownership  Public/Private  
Qatar Takaful Company  Qatari  Subsid iary of Al 
Khaleej Insurance 
Company  Private joint -stock 
company  
Qatar Islamic Insurance Company  Qatari   Public joint -stock 
company  
Doha Insurance Company  Qatari   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 Insura nce 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 Qat ar 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 compani es are listed 
on the exchange, including 13 banking and insurance 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 c apitalization  279,038  320,081  450,203  457,3 52 459,884  
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  218,017,36 9 260,387,473  
  Value of shares  26,655  15,411  12,222  13,821  12,173  
Services sector:       
  Number of shares  1,711,767,58 5 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  
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 sha res 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/Engli sh/Publications/Statistics/Pages/Statisticalbulletins.aspx . WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  4.30.  New regulations were instituted in 2009 for brokerage activities. Prior to this date, one  
investment holding company operat ed and conduct ed all brokerage activities in Qatar. Regulations 
by the Q atar Financial Markets Authority have classified brokerage services as part of financial 
services , and now allow banks to establish their own brokerage services if they obtain a licence. 
Brokerage activities, while linked to banks, require an independent c apital 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 sta rted 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 exch ange 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, finance, insurance, and capital markets  
4.32.   Various bodies have regulatory responsibility 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 Nation al Development Strategy place high importance on education 
for the development of Qatar. The first pillar, human developme nt, outlines that Qatar should 
create a world -class educational system that equips citizens to achieve their aspirations an d the 
needs o f Qatar's society; have a national network of formal and non -formal educational 
program mes that equip Qatari children with the skills and motivation  to contribute to society; and 
have well-developed, independent, self -managing and accountable educational i nstitutions 
operating under centrally  determined guidelines.6 
4.35.  Qatar has continued to support its education sector with increasing budget allocations and 
by promoting reforms. Qatar has updated the curriculum, created a long -term vision, implemented 
new reg ulations, 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, and 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 
                                               
6 Qatar Vision 2030, page 16.  
7 The Global Competitiveness Report, 2012 -13. Viewed at: http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF -
Global/CompeitivenessR eport -2012-13.pdf . WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  Supreme Education Council (SEC) to oversee the reform  process. The independent schools now 
dominate the primary and secondary school sect or, and are comple mented 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 p rivate schools require p ayment 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 comp etition; it was subsequently 
expanded to cover private schools in addition to independent s chools. Qatar University is 
Government run and has been supplemented in recent years by a number of well -known foreign 
universities that opened campuses  in Qatar. Hi gher 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 esta blishments, 
which grew 91% (Table 4.7). Significant growth also occurred in the private primary sector, up 
48%.  
Table 4.7 Education statistics  
 2006/ 07 2007/ 08 2008/ 09 2009/10  2010/11  
Pre-primary, Primary, an d Preparatory:  
Public  
Establishments  
Students  
Teachers   
 
61,543   
.. 
  
.. 
  
.. 
  
185 
68,321  
7,394  
Privat e 
Establishments  
Students  
Teachers   
 
64,268   
 
74,076   
 
83,197   
 
.. 
  
370 
94,802  
7,433  
Secondary:       
Public  
Establishments  
Students  
Teachers   
 
19,24 7 
  
 
19,610   
 
20,054   
 
21,205   
49 
22,350  
2,050  
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 a vailable. 
Source:  Qatar Statistics Authority o nline information. Viewed at : 
http://www.qsa.gov.qa/eng/publication/annabs/2012/4_Education.xlsx . 
                                               
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 Qataris. A full scholarship is provided by the Supreme Education Council to 
Qataris if proper verification of acceptance to Education City based universities is provided. Other private 
universities charge enrolment fees.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  4.2.2.2   Regulation, accreditation,  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 (Cha rt 4.8). It also oversees job training, provides 
information to parents and students, and regulat es pre-schools/nursery facilities.  
Chart 4.8 Supreme Education Council  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Source:  Online inform ation. 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 deta iled list of 
specifications is available from the SEC.10 It 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) initiativ e to elevate standards of education through regular assessment and benchmarking 
of academic, educational, and administrative standards. It applies to public and private schools. 
Schools are subject to periodic internal and external reviews in order to rece ive 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.  
4.42.  Private education establishments operate as commercial entities, and are subject to 
operation and registration pursu ant 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, Qat ari 
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 rig ht to inspection and 
evaluation visits  
                                               
10 Ministerial Decision No. (8) of 2009.  Overseas a nd 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 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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   Independent schools  Private schools  
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 
program mes for students with special 
needs  
Teaching staf f n.e.r.  Registration and  a professional 
teaching licen ce  
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 o f 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 th e 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 su pport the Qatari 
people in three main areas: education, science 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, t he 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 recei ves government support and funding.  
4.44.  Education City was established by QF to provide a common education facility fo r the 
establishment of world re nown ed universities in Qatar and to facilitate interaction with research 
institutions and industries also locat ed on the campus. I t 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 
automat ic right to establish in Education City , it is b y invitation only.  
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 
opera te under the Qatar Foundation, most of which have a phys ical presenc e in Education City  
(Table 4.9) . 
Table 4.9 Establishments in Education City 
Branch  Source  Information/speciality  
Virginia Commonwealth Unive rsity 
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  
                                               
11 http://www.qf.org.qa/about.  
12 Lawton and Katsomitros (2012).  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  Branch  Source  Information/speciality  
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 suppo rt. 
4.47.  Qatar is also ho st to over on e hundred  private schools at the primary and secondary levels. 
Many of these schools follow  non-Qatari country -specific language s, curricula, and accreditation s 
while others are international schools that cater to a variety of nationalities. Private primar y 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 Qatar, a number of foreign schools offer schooling to 
persons in Qatar through distance learning. However, the state of Qatar does not recogni ze 
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 th e normal procedures for working in Qatar,  like expatriates in other 
industries.  
4.2.2.6   Students studying abroad  
4.50.  The SEC, through the H igher Education Institute (HEI) , helps students to pursue higher 
education in Qatar or around the world. It oversees the scholars hip 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 develop ed 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 ma rket, and now accounts 
for an estimated 20 -30% of the ma rket. Mobile penetration in Qatar remains very high , at 142% , 
and other sub sectors 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 WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  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 licen ces. It also sets the terms of 
interconnection, promot es universal service, encourages competition, and promotes advanced and 
innovative technologies.  
Table 4.10 Telecommunications indicators , 2007 -12 
 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 a vailable . 
Source:  Information provided by the Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology.  
4.53.  New developments in the legal framework i nclude 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  telecommunication consumer protection has been 
released for public comment, but as of January 2014 had not been approved in its final form  
(Table 4.11) . 
Table 4.11 Telecommunicatio ns 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 Ex ecutive 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 availa ble. 
Source:  Compiled by the WTO Secretariat.  
4.54.  A national ICT plan was developed in 2011 in order to creat e a knowledge -based economy 
to drive sustainable development and societal benefits in five years. It s main elements  are: 
                                               
13 Law No. (16) of 2010 . WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  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 wide accessibility of key government services.  
4.2.3.2   Regulatory framewor k 
4.55.  In a 2004 decree ictQatar was established as the G overnment 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 Qtel14 (now rebranded as Ooredoo) 
and Vodaphone, established an agreement to allow customers to  apply  to retain their mobile 
number when switching service providers.  
4.57.  Qatar' s first com prehensive 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 established,  guided by the ITU Radio Regulations and 
interna tional technical standards. The policy has provisions on frequency assignment, licensing 
requirements, spectrum fees, and monitoring and enforcement.  
4.58.  In 2009, i ctQatar issued its Type Approval Policy  for radio equipment and 
telecommunications terminal equi pment.15 A number of developments have followed in order to 
improve the efficiency and transparency of the type approval process for manufacturers and 
importers , and to promote competition. In particular, the new procedures change the previous 
policy that a llowed 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.  
4.59.  Article 112 of the Teleco mmunication Law provides 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 t aken to the dispute resolution mechanism of ictQatar for a decision. In 2012, 
ictQatar ruled that an amended site sharing agreement 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 a n 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 ins ide 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 membe r of 
the Universal Postal Union. Government Decree No. (1) of 2007 regulates Qatar’s postal services . 
No special rules apply to express mail couriers.  
                                               
14 Former national telecom service provider.  
15 ICTRA 08/09 -TA-Policy.  
16 ictQatar Decision of 10 May 2012.  
17 Law No. (16) of 2009.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  4.2.4   Tourism  
4.62.  The tourism sector has develop ed significant ly in recent years. Companies servicing the 
tourism industry have grow n by over 10% annually 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 tour ist attractions in the last 
ten years , such as museums, art galleries, and festivals.  
Table 4.12 Main tourism indicators, 200 8-13 
 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 a gencies, 
tour operators, and 
tour guides        
Number of 
establishments  90 115 130 157 165 141 
Foreign owned  0 0 1 1 1 1 
.. Not a vailable. 
Source:  QTA Annual Report 2011/12 and Qatar Statistics, Bulletin of Restaurant and Hotel Statistics, 2011  
and info rmation provided by the authorities.  
4.63.  The s ubsector of business tourists, i.e. meetings, 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 
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 ho tel rooms in 2013 to 
an expected 90,000 by 2022.  
Chart 4.9 Hotel occupan cy and tourist  nights, 2007 -11 
('000)  
05001,0001,5002,0002,5003,000
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011(In '000)Chart 4.[tourism]
Hotels occupants and touristic nights, 2007 -2011
Information provided by authorities; and World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism 
Statistics, Data 2006 -2010, 2012 Edition.Source: 
 
 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities; and World Tourism Organization  (2012) , Yearbook of 
Tourism  Statistics , Data 2006 -2010.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  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 . The y 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 exhibitions; travel agents, inbo und/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 forei gners is generally 
allowed up to 100% ownership, except in travel agen ts 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 N o. (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 provi de the main strategic objectives 
for the sector, including marketing and destination branding, corporate and industry development 
programme, and tourism developments. QTA is financed by the Ministry of Economy and 
Commerce.  
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 company18 and comply with various provisions , such 
as meeting professional standards, insurance standards, safety and civil defence standards, and 
submitting a bank guarantee. The applica tion is submitted to the QTA which  will decide on the 
matter within 30 days. Licen ces are issued for three years f or 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 per sons 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 Licensee s 
1. Observe the regulations and terms of the licen ces, spec ified 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  
                                               
18 Except for tour guides.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  Obligations of Tourism Licensee s 
5. Provide the client with an invoice listing the services rendered and the value of it  
6. Take necessary precauti ons to preserve the environment  
7. Obtain necessary licen ces and approvals from the concerned authorities before holding 
any events in hotels or tourism establishments, and not ify the authority of such licenc es 
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 agencies in the state, regarding work 
regulations in tourism activities and establishments  
Source:  Tourism Law.  
4.2.4.4   Classification of hot els 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 are not yet publically available . The guidelines are 
based on international standar ds for tourism establishments , and provide for minimum building 
requirements for hotels and hotel apartments. The classification 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 re quire a licen ce, 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 registry maintained by QTA . The Executive Regulations 
define the terms for obtaining a licen ce, but the official regulations will only be made available in 
2014.  
4.2.4.6   Travel agents  
4.69.  Travel agents in Qatar are regulated either by the QTA or by the Civil Aviation Authority i f 
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 requirement s to qualif y 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, and pay a warrant of QR 200,000. The licen ce to 
operate a travel agency is valid for one year upon pay ment of an annual fee.  
4.70.  Travel agencies that provide other  tourism services, separately or in addition to selling air 
tickets, must als o be licensed by the QTA.  They are 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 prices. High prices of raw materials and decli ning 
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 Govern ment expects to spend QR 130 billion through 2016 on construction 
                                               
19 Law No. (26) of 2006.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  projects. The purchases of construction services in Qatar is dominated by government main 
infrastructure projects (Chart 4.10) . 
Chart 4.10 Building and construction projectsa by sector, 2011  
Government
61.6%Private
31.6%Mixed
6.8%Chart 4.[Construction]
Building and construction projects by beneficiary sector, 2011a
By enterprises with 50 or more employees.
Source: Statistics Authority, The Annual Bulletin of Building and Construction Statistics 2011, 25th 
issue.a.
 
 
a By enterprises with 50 or more employees.  
 
Source:  Statistics Authority, the Annual Bulletin of Building and Construction Statistics 2011, 25th 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. D ue 
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 invest ment and procurement also 
heavily affect the construction sector  (sections 2. 8 and 3.3.5 ). 
Box 4.1 Major planned construction projects  
Lusail City          Pearl-Qatar  
Qatar Integrated Rail Project       Ras Laffa n 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 Intelligence, o nline 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 employ ees or more,  accounted for 95% of the construction 
industry's revenues in 2011. Employment in the sector is heavily dominated b y non -Qatari 
workers, as Qatari s account for less than 1% of employees. In recent years, the building and non -
building constructi on subsectors each account ed for about 44% of the market, in terms of value, 
and partial constructions accounted for the remaining 12%. Non -building construction was WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  dominated by electricity and water works followed 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 construction sta tistics, 2007 -2011. Viewed at:  
http://www.qix.gov.qa /portal/page/p ortal/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 maintains  the Engineers and Consulting Offices 
Accrediting Committee.  
4.77.  Regulations for registration as an engineer, either Qatari or foreign, require the applicant to : 
be a Qatari  national or resident in Qatar; h old a bachelor of engineering or equivalent degree fro m 
a recogn ized university or institution; have full capacity; b e of good reputation and character, and 
not have been convicted of a crime or punished for a crime re lated to morals or honesty; and p ass 
the technical skills test.  
4.78.  Engineering consultancy firm s 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, 
enginee rs in the firm must be in the engineer registry, and the office must designate one or more 
engineers to have supervisory responsibility of the regulations. For foreign entit ies, the following is 
required: e stablishment as a branch office of a main office e stablished and licensed abroad; m ain 
office to have branch offices operating in four other countries outside the home country; m ain 
office to have been licensed for at least ten years in the home country and remain active in the 
engineering consultancy bus iness; t he 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 ar ising from practicing in Qatar; t he ente rprise is to 
provide all documents demonstrating its activities, financial ability, and w ork performed outside of 
Qatar; t he engineer responsible for managing the branch office must be in the engineer registry, 
possess a certificate from an internally reco gnized i nstitution, and have more than ten  years of 
work experience in the field;  and o ther engineers in the office must meet the conditions outlined in 
the Engineer Law.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  4.2.5.3   Codes and standards  
4.79.  Building codes or rules in Qatar are specified in the Qatar Natio nal 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 pr ojects. 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 c onstruction 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 th em. Sponsorship 
requirements require the worker to have an appropriate professional qualification, pass a medical 
check -up, submit fingerprint s, 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 im portation 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 equi pment 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 i mportation of such equipment.  
4.2.6   Transportation  
4.82.  With the growth of the economy, population, and trade , the Government has been 
vigorously investing in Qatar' s transportation infrastructure , and the sector grew significant ly 
during 2007 -12 (Table 4.16) . Currently, four main ports 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 expansion , which will be ongoing for a number of 
years . 
4.83.  Infrastructure for air transport is also undergoing significant expansion with the creation of 
the New Doha International Airport/Hamad International Ai rport. This project has been on going for 
many years and is in its final stages. The Government has an ambi tious plan for rail transport , and 
a number of projects are in the planning stage.  
Table 4.16 Transport statistics , 2008 -12 
 2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  
Vessels:       
Arrivals  5,035  4,869  5,037  .. .. 
Departure s 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 a vailable. 
Source:  The Annual Bulletin of Transport & Communications Statistics, Qatar Statistics Authority, and 
information provided by authorities.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  4.84.  A number of laws or regulations form the legal framework for transportation (Tab le 4.1 7). 
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. Con tainer 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  
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 a vailable. 
Source:  Qatar Statistics Authority (2011), Annual Bulletin of Maritime Navigation Statistics . 
4.86.  Qatar's ports are quite specialized in the vessels and shipments they handle. Ras La ffan 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 WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
- 72 - 
 
  total vessels in 2011.20 The large amou nt of Qatar Petroleum gas shipments through Nakilat 
accounts for this high perce ntage of Qatar flagged vessels.  With the diversification of the economy 
and increased demand for transport services, the percentage of Qatari flagged vessels is expected 
to dec line. 
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 t he obliga tion to pay annual fees to the G overnment 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 provides 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 par ticular it gives authority 
for most of the oversight and requirements to the 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 a nd 
freight. Its expansion is on going 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 us e Doha International  Airport. Passenger traffic 
increased by 123% over 2007 -12, rising from 9.5 million to 21.2 millio n 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 invest ment 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, an d mutual recognition of licen ces. 
4.96.  All ground services in Qatar are under Qatar Airways Ground Services , which oversee s 
terminal staff fo r all airlines flying to Qatar as we ll as 120 passenger outstations across the world 
that provide services for Qatar Air ways. 
4.97.  The New Doha International Airport is expected to have the largest free span hangar with 
the capacity to accomm odate 13 aircraft. Thus, Qatar is  investing in the infrastructure for aircraft 
maintenance and repair services. Foreign companies are not allowed to perform these services.  
                                               
20 Qatar Statistics Authority (2011).  
21 Law No. (17) of 2009.  
22 Law No. (15) of 2002 on Civil Aviation.  
23 Law No. (21) of 2008 and Law No. (3) of 2011.  
24 Statistics provided by Doha International Airport.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
- 73 - 
 
  4.2.6.3   Pipeline transmission  
4.98.  There is currentl y one international natural gas pipeline that connects Qatar with the UAE ; 
current capacity is 2 billion standard cubic feet per day. A number of domestic pipelines connect 
offshore o il 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 curre ntly 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 Railway s, 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 i s underway on 20 of the envisioned 
25 metro stations and the Gove rnment has contracted US$30 billion to the project.  
                                               
25 Qatar Petroleum (2011).  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  REFERENCES  
British Petroleum (2013), BP Statistical Review of World Energy, June 2013 . Viewed at: 
http://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/about -bp/energy -economics/statistical -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 sm all and medium -sized enterprises . Viewed at: 
http://www.qdb.qa/ELibrary/Trade%20Secrets%20ENG.pdf . 
 
Latham & Watkins (2012), Doing Business in Qatar , Second Edition . Viewed at:  
http://w ww.lw.com/thoughtLeadership/doing -business -in-qatar. 
 
Lawton, W., & Katsomitros, A. (2012),  International branch campuses: Data and developments. 
The Observatory on Borderless Highe r Education, Redhill.  
 
Oxford Business Group (2012), The Report, Qatar 2012 . Viewed at: 
http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/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/Statistics/Pages/Statisticalbulletins.aspx . 
 
Qatar Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics (2013), Qatar Economic Outlook, 2013 -14. 
Viewed at: 
http://www.gsdp.gov.qa/port al/page/portal/gsdp_en/knowledge_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/QatarBusinessandTrade2012Report.aspx . 
 
Qatar Petroleum (2011), Annual Report 2011 . Viewed at: 
http://www.qp.com.qa/en/hom epage/mediacentre/publications/10 -2015054360.aspx . 
 
Qatar Petroleum (2012), Annual Report 2012 . Viewed at: 
http://www.qp.com.qa/en/homepage/mediacentre/publication s/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 Glanc e, 25 April 2012 , Economic 
Statistics and National A ccounts 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 /Rev.1  • 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 (Q R 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 expo rts 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 water  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 
  Transpo rt 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 qu arrying  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 (in cluding 
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 water  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 
  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 WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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    2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  
Q1-Q2a 
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 p rices  (% 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 water  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 
  Financ e, 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 e xpenditures  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 a vailable. 
a Preliminary estimates . 
b Includes stati stical discrepancy.  
c Next 12 months.  
 
Source:  Qatar Information Exchange online information . Viewed at: 
 http://www.qix.gov.qa/portal/page/portal/qix/subj ect_area/Statistics?subject_area=190 ; 
 Statistics Authority (2013), National Accounts Bulletin 2012 (3rd edition) . Viewed at: 
 http://www.qsa.gov.qa/Eng/publicati on/economic_publications/2013/NAB_2012.pdf ; 
 Qatar Central Bank  online information . Viewed at: 
 http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/PolicyFramework/Ex changeRatePolicy/Pages/ExchangeRatePolicy.as
 px; Qatar Central Bank  online information . Viewed at: 
 http://www.qcb.gov.qa /English/Publications/Statistics/BalanceofPayments/Documents/Q1 -
 2013_Balance%20of%20payments.pdf  and WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
- 77 - 
 
   http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/Publications/ Statistics/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 Int ernational Financial Statistics . Viewed at : http://elibrary -
 data.imf.org/ [23 July 2013 ]; and World Bank  World Dev elopment Indicators. Viewed at 
 http://databank.worldbank.org/data/databases.aspx  [23 July  2013]. WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  Table A1. 2 Balance of payments, 2006  to 2nd quarter 2013  
(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 
   Investme nt 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. Ov erall 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 a vailable.  
a Preliminary estimates.  
b Breakdown of this head ing available from 201 1 onwards.  
Source:  Statistics Authority  (2013), National Accounts Bulletin 2012 (3rd edition) . Viewed at:  
 http://www.qsa.gov.qa/Eng/publication/economic_publicati on/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 , and 
 http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/Publications/Statistics/BalanceofPay ments/Documents/Q2 -2013.pdf . 
 WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  Table A1. 3 Merchandise exports by product 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 rubber  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 Mach inery, 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 Development Planning and Statistics online information, " Foreign merchandise 
trade system ". Viewed at : http://ftp .qsa.gov.qa:8088/  [23/08/2013 ]. WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  Table A1. 4 Merchandise exports by destination, 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 Development Planning and Statistics online in formation,  "Foreign merchan dise 
 trade system ". Viewed at: http://ftp.qsa.gov.qa:8088/  [23/08/2013] . WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  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 rubber  2.2 2.2 2.3 2.8 2.8 3.1 3.0 
08 Raw hides and skins; leather  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, plaster  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, electrica l 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. Ve hicles  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 Development Planning and Statistics online information,  "Foreign merchandise 
trade system ". Viewed at: http://ftp.qsa.gov.qa:8088/  [23/08/ 2013] . WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  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 
        Bahrain  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 
  Other  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
 
Source:  Qatar Ministry of Development Plan ning and Statistics online information,  "Foreign Merchandise 
 Trade System". Viewed a t: http://ftp.qsa.gov.qa:8088/  [23/08/2013] . WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
- 83 - 
 
  Table A2. 1 Selected notifications to the WTO, 1 Janua ry 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, 05/01/2011  
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  Annual  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 1 994 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 Su bsidies 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,  24/11/2011  
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, A nnex 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  Techni cal 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 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
- 84 - 
 
  Table A3. 1 Prohibited g oods , 2012  
HS Description  
01031000  - Pure-bred breeding an imals  
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 crocid olite 
68129300  - - Compressed asbestos fibre jointing, in sheets or rolls  
68132000  - Containing asbestos  
Source:  Qatar Tariff, 2012.  WT/TPR/S/296 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  Table A3. 2 Restricted goods , 2012  
HS Description  
02031100   - - carcasses and half -carcasse s 
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, fres h 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 hai r 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 exampl e, 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 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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  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, vegetables 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 
  Textile s 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 produc ts 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 
  Chemical s & prod ucts 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 
  Textile s & 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 /Rev.1  • Qatar  
 
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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 & prod ucts 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 7,3 00 tariff lines (at 8 -digit tariff line level).  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.  
 
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