Qatar’s legal system is shaped by a unique blend of Islamic principles, civil law traditions, and modern legislative reforms that support economic growth and aligning with international norms. The legal foundation of Qatar is established by the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar, which affirms the supremacy of the constitution as the highest source of law. Article 1 designates sharia as the principal source of legislation, and while sharia influences all areas of law, its application is most directly seen in family and criminal law. For example, Islamic prohibitions on riba (interest) remain a significant feature of financial and lending practices. At the same time, the structure and content of Qatar’s legal codes – particularly the Civil Code and Commercial Code – reflect strong influences from French and Egyptian civil law systems, offering familiarity to investors accustomed to codified legal frameworks.
Defining Features
Legislation is enacted through a multi-step process involving the Council of Ministers, the Shura Council – Qatar’s consultative legislative body – and the Amir, who issues final approval in the form of Amiri decrees. Ministerial decisions and regulatory instruments are also used to implement and interpret primary legislation. All laws must be published in the official gazette and are enforceable 30 days after publication unless otherwise specified. Having a clear and defined system for enforceability of laws helps to offer certainty and transparency to businesses and individuals who need to understand the laws that govern them.
One of the defining features of the legal system is its dual structure, which integrates civil law and common law traditions. National courts operate on civil law principles and are organised into civil, criminal and administrative circuits. These courts interpret and apply codified legislation rather than relying on judicial precedent. Parallel to the national court system, however, is Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) – a special jurisdiction established by Qatar Law No. 7 of 2005 to attract international businesses. QFC operates under common law, with its own Companies Regulations, contract regulations, and procedural rules based on English law.
The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC), also established by Qatar Law No. 7 of 2005, serves as the independent judicial authority for QFC. It hears civil and commercial disputes involving QFC-licensed entities and provides proceedings in English, making it accessible to international parties. With judges drawn from leading common law jurisdictions, the court offers predictable, internationally familiar adjudication, and is recognised for its commitment to upholding contractual rights and enforcing arbitral awards in line with international standards.
Recent years have seen a trend towards legal modernisation to support economic development and foreign investment. A notable reform in this context is Law No. 1 of 2019 on the Regulation of Non-Qatari Capital Investment, which allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. This has encouraged an increase in international participation, especially in priority sectors such as technology, logistics, energy and construction, and is a cornerstone of the country’s liberalisation strategy.
Enforcement Procedures
Complementing this is the Judicial Enforcement Law, Qatar Law No. 2 of 2024, which streamlines execution procedures and enhances the enforceability of judgments and commercial instruments. The law enables creditors to enforce cheques, lease agreements and notarise settlement agreements directly through enforcement courts, without initiating a full lawsuit. It also sets out procedures for the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards, which is a significant step towards aligning with international dispute resolution standards and promoting confidence among foreign investors.
In addition to local courts, investors may now also resolve disputes through international arbitration, mediation or the QICDRC, upholding commitments outlined via the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards.
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