In January 2025, Qatar issued Emiri Decree No. (6) of 2025 approving the State’s accession to the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes, concluded in The Hague on 18 October 1907. Pursuant to Article (1) of the Decree, the Convention has been accorded the force of law in Qatar in accordance with Article (68) of the Constitution.
The accession reaffirms Qatar’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of international disputes through recognized diplomatic and legal mechanisms. By formally adopting this Convention into its domestic legal order, Qatar strengthens its alignment with established principles of international law governing dispute settlement between states and underscores its continued engagement with multilateral frameworks for conflict resolution.
Issuance of the Executive Regulations of the Social Insurance Law
In January 2025, the Council of Ministers issued Decision No. (3) of 2025 promulgating the Executive Regulations of the Social Insurance Law issued by Law No. (1) of 2022 and set out the detailed rules governing registration, contribution calculation, payment mechanisms, and compliance obligations for employers and insured persons under the social insurance system administered by the General Authority for Retirement and Social Insurance.
The Executive Regulations provide the necessary operational framework for the implementation of the Social Insurance Law, clarifying procedural requirements, timelines, and documentation obligations, and addressing matters such as contribution ceilings, service aggregation, payment schedules, and enforcement measures. This regulatory development enhances legal certainty, facilitates consistent application of the law across sectors, and strengthens the institutional administration of social insurance in Qatar.
Cabinet Decision No. (1) of 2025 Regulating the Ownership of Real Estate by GCC Nationals
In January 2025, the Council of Ministers issued Cabinet Decision No. (1) of 2025 regulating the conditions and controls governing the ownership of real estate by nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The Decision replaces Cabinet Decision No. (5) of 2006 and operates within the framework of Law No. (16) of 2018 regulating the ownership and usufruct of real estate by non-Qataris. It permits GCC nationals, as natural persons, to own up to three residential properties in designated areas, subject to an aggregate area cap of 3,000 square metres, with limited exceptions subject to approval by the Prime Minister.
The Decision further restricts ownership to residential use by the owner or their family, regulates the development of vacant land within prescribed timeframes, and imposes limitations on disposal prior to the lapse of specified periods. It also addresses ownership for professional and commercial purposes by licensed GCC persons, subject to use-based conditions, and provides mechanisms for administrative oversight, extension of deadlines, and grievance review. Collectively, the Decision updates and consolidates the regulatory framework governing GCC real estate ownership in Qatar, aligning it with current land-use policies and investment controls.
Issuance of Procedural Rules Before the Civil and Commercial Court of the Qatar Financial Centre
In May 2025, the Minister of Commerce and Industry issued Decision No. (39) of 2025 promulgating the Rules and Procedures Applicable before the Civil and Commercial Court of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC Court). The Decision formally adopts a comprehensive procedural framework governing the conduct of civil and commercial proceedings before the QFC Court, including matters of jurisdiction, filings, pleadings, hearings, and applicable procedural standards
Issuance of Procedural Rules before the Regulatory Tribunal of the Qatar Financial Centre
In May 2025, the Minister of Commerce and Industry issued Decision No. (40) of 2025 promulgating the Rules and Procedures applicable before the Regulatory Tribunal of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC). The Decision replaces the previous procedural framework and sets out a comprehensive regime governing jurisdiction, filing requirements, service of documents, hearings, appeals, evidence, costs, and enforcement before the Regulatory Tribunal.
The new Rules regulate the conduct of proceedings in regulatory disputes arising under QFC laws and regulations, including challenges to decisions issued by QFC authorities. They also clarify procedural matters relating to pleadings, interim measures and appeals, thereby providing an updated procedural framework tailored to the nature of regulatory adjudication within the QFC.
Amendment to the Cybercrime Law – Privacy Protection in Public Spaces
In July 2025, Qatar enacted Law No. (11) of 2025 amending certain provisions of the Cybercrime Law promulgated by Law No. (14) of 2014. The amendment introduced a new Article (8 bis), which criminalises the publication or circulation, through information networks or information technology means, of photographs, audio recordings, or video recordings of individuals taken in public places without their knowledge or consent, where such conduct constitutes an infringement of privacy.
Under the new provision, the offence is punishable by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year and/or a fine not exceeding QAR 100,000.
This amendment represents a targeted legislative response to the misuse of digital technologies and online platforms, affirming that the protection of privacy may extend to conduct occurring in public places where the act of publication or circulation itself infringes personal privacy. It enhances legal certainty and reinforces individual safeguards within Qatar’s cybercrime framework in light of evolving technological practices.
Issuance of the New Corporate Governance Framework for Listed Companies
In August 2025, the Board of Directors of the Qatar Financial Markets Authority (“QFMA”) issued Resolution No. (5) of 2025 approving a new Corporate Governance Framework for Listed Companies, replacing the previous governance regime issued in 2016. The new framework applies to companies listed on the main and secondary markets and sets out updated rules governing board composition, independence criteria, executive management oversight, risk management, internal control systems, and disclosure obligations, in line with the Commercial Companies Law and the QFMA’s regulatory mandate.
The updated governance framework introduces more detailed requirements on board committees, nomination and remuneration processes, conflict-of-interest management, and periodic governance disclosures, supported by annexes covering governance reporting and board nomination procedures. The framework reflects a shift toward more structured oversight and clearer allocation of responsibilities between the board and executive management, reinforcing accountability mechanisms for listed companies within Qatar’s capital markets regulatory environment .
Establishment of Real Estate Development Dispute Resolution Committees
In August 2025, the Council of Ministers issued Decision No. (26) of 2025 establishing specialised committees for the resolution of real estate development disputes, pursuant to Law No. (6) of 2014 regulating real estate development, as amended, and in coordination with the General Authority for Regulating the Real Estate Sector.
The Decision provides for the formation of three dispute resolution committees within the Ministry of Municipality the committees are mandated to examine and resolve disputes arising from real estate development activities, submit annual reports to the Minister of Municipality, and operate in accordance with the rules governing specialised committees, including provisions on tenure and remuneration.
Amendments to the Civil Human Resources Law
In September 2025, Qatar issued Law No. (25) of 2025 amending selected provisions of the Civil Human Resources Law No. (15) of 2016. The amendments introduce targeted adjustments to the public sector employment framework, with particular emphasis on reinforcing Qatarization and replacement policies, strengthening workforce planning requirements, and regulating public employment.
The law further revises aspects of employment benefits and incentive structures, including linking certain allowances to performance evaluations, expanding specific leave entitlements, and reorganising rewards and grievance procedures. It also establishes a unified grievance review committee and introduces an end-of-service savings system for non-Qatari employees, reflecting a more structured and consolidated approach to human resources governance within the civil service.
Amendments to the Advocacy Law– Regulation of Legal Practice and Professional Governance
In September 2025, Qatar enacted Law No. (19) of 2025, amending selected provisions of the Advocacy Law promulgated by Law No. (23) of 2006. The amendments introduce a number of revisions to the regulatory framework governing the legal profession, including the role and scope of State Lawyers, the conditions for practising legal work within government-related entities, and the organisational structure of the Lawyers Admission Committee.
he law also revises key rules relating to incompatibilities with legal practice, professional conduct, advertising and publicity, legal fees, disciplinary accountability, and judicial legal aid. In particular, it redefines restrictions on combining advocacy with other activities, regulates permissible forms of professional visibility, caps contingency-based legal fees, and updates disciplinary sanctions and procedures. Collectively, these amendments reflect a legislative recalibration of professional standards, institutional oversight, and ethical obligations within the Qatari legal profession.
Establishment of the Qatar Private Sector LocalizationAward
In September 2025, Qatar issued Emiri Decision No. (27) of 2025 establishing the Qatar Private Sector Localization Award. The Decision creates a formal incentive framework aimed at encouraging positive competition among private-sector entities in achieving localization targets, by recognizing establishments that contribute effectively to national employment objectives and align with Qatar’s development vision. The Award is administered under the Ministry of Labour, with its financial allocations included in the Ministry’s budget.
The Decision further establishes a Board of Trustees chaired by the Minister of Labour, with representatives from relevant governmental bodies, and entrusts it with setting award criteria, categories, evaluation mechanisms, and oversight procedures. Award-winning entities are permitted to use the localization logo for a defined period, while individual Qatari employees and innovators may receive financial or in-kind recognition. Through this structure, the Decision institutionalizes localization as a measurable performance objective within the private sector, supported by defined governance and evaluation mechanisms.