Political System

System of Government

Before its independence from Britain in 1971, Qatar enacted its provisional constitution. This constitution embodied Qatar’s first provisional basic law of governance. One year after Qatar’s national independence, the provisional constitution was amended to be compatible with both the requirements and responsibilities of this new era.

This constitutional amendment determined Qatar’s image. In addition, it specified objectives of Qatar’s policies. Furthermore, it underscored Qatar’s Gulf Arab and Islamic affinity. Together with this constitutional development, the expertise of Qatari authorities grew further. As those governmental entities developed their practices constructively at home and abroad.

The constitution legislative amendments addressed some provisions of the Amended Provisional Constitution, with respect to the

executive authority and the provisions relating to the succession rule in the State and an update of the constitutional situation in the country. The enactment of the Judiciary Law and other fundamental laws governing civil and commercial transactions, was a step on the road to complete the building of the state systems (Legal State) and to the establishment of the foundations of the state of institutions and law. And for this purpose, an Amiri decree was issued to form a committee to draft a permanent constitution for the country in July 1999, in line with the achievements of the State of Qatar.

It is worth mentioning that in 1999 Qatar witnessed the first elections for the Central Municipal Council. That was a historic event as those elections represented the first steps of the country towards democracy in its civil sense, and a pioneering development that encouraged women to run as candidates cast their votes and participate for the first time in public affairs and in the process of decision taking.

Constitutional Authorities

According to the permanent constitution, people are deemed to be the source of authority in Qatar. They shall exercise it in accordance with the provisions of the constitution. The system of government is based on the separation of powers. It shall be exercised in collaboration with the manner specified in this constitution. The Legislative Authority shall be vested in Al-Shoura Council as prescribed in this constitution. The Executive Authority shall be vested in the Amir and he shall be assisted by the Council of Ministers as specified in this constitution. The Judicial Authority shall be vested in courts of law as prescribed in this constitution. Court judgments shall be pronounced in the name of His Highness the Amir.

Amir of the State of Qatar

His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani

The Amir is the Head of State. His person shall be inviolable and he must be respected by all. The Amir is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. He shall supervise the same with the assistance of the Defense Council, which is set under his direct authority.

The Amir shall represent the State internally and externally and in all international relations.

HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani was born on 3rd June 1980. HH the Amir received his high school diploma from Sherborne School in the United Kingdom in 1997 and graduated from the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy in the United Kingdom in 1998. He was appointed as Qatar’s Heir Apparent on 5th August 2003, and became Amir of Qatar on 25th June 2013.

The Amir shall discharge the following functions:

Drawing up the general policy of the State with the assistance of the Council of Ministers.
Ratification and promulgation of laws; and no such law may be issued unless it is ratified by the Amir.
Summoning the Council of Ministers to convene at any time deemed necessary for public interest; and the Amir shall preside over the meetings of the Council of Ministers that he attends.
Appointment of civil servants and military personnel and terminating their service in accordance with the law.
Accrediting the heads of diplomatic and consular missions.
Granting pardon or commuting penalties in accordance with the law.

Conferring civilian and military orders and badges of honor in accordance with the law.
Establishing and regulating ministries and other governmental organs and determining its functions.
Establishing, organizing, supervising and specifying the functions of the consultative bodies that assist him in directing the high policies of the state.

The Drafting Committee of the Permanent Constitution

On 13th of July 1999, Qatar passed into a new era of its modern history. HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani issued decree no (11) in 1999. In a historic speech on this occasion, HH announced the formation of a drafting committee of the permanent constitution.

Referendum on the Constitution

After 30 years of living under the umbrella of the Amended Provisional Constitution, Qataris were ready to transfer into a new era of participatory democratic freedom on 29th April 2003. The Amended Provisional Constitution was not compatible with the increasing contemporary demands any more. This new era was marked with the establishment of the Permanent Constitution of Qatar. This constitution would guarantee personal freedom, the principle of equality in public rights and duties. In addition, this permanent constitution would confirm that no citizen shall be banished neither shall he be denied re-entry to his country.
Furthermore, this constitution would guarantee freedom of expression of opinion, and would guarantee freedom of press, printing and publication. Moreover, it would guarantee the freedom to practice religious rites. In accordance to the provisions of this constitution, people are deemed to be the source of authority in

Qatar, and an elected legislative council” Al-Shoura Council”, would function as the legislative authority in Qatar.
H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Father Amir of the State of Qatar, ratified the Constitution on June 8, 2004. Article (1), and (2) of the Qatari permanent constitution determined the identity of the State of Qatar as the following:
“Qatar is an independent sovereign Arab State. Its religion is Islam and Shari'a law shall be the main source of its legislations. Its political system is democratic. The Arabic Language shall be its official language. The people of Qatar are a part of the Arab nation.
The capital of the State is Doha City; and it may be transferred to any other place by a law. The State shall exercise its sovereignty on its territory and it may not relinquish its sovereignty neither may it cede any part of its territory.”

Council of Ministers

According to Chapter (3) “The Executive Authority “of the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar, The formation of the Council of Ministers shall be established by an Amiri Order on a proposal by the Prime Minister. The Amir may entrust the Prime Minister or any other Minister with the functions of one or more ministries. The law shall specify the powers of Ministers.

The Prime Minister shall, preside over the sessions of the Council. He shall organize its proceedings and supervise coordination of work among the various Ministries to achieve unity and harmony among the Governmental organs of the State. The Prime Minister shall sign, in the name and on behalf of the Council of Ministers, decisions made by the Council.

He shall also submit to the Amir the decisions of the Council on matters requiring an Amiri Resolution for approval and issuance in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. Article (121) of the of the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar defined The Council of Minsters as functioning as “as the highest executive organ, to administer all the internal and external affairs falling within its jurisdiction as determined in this Constitution and the provisions of the law”.
Also, it has determined the following functions of the the Council of Ministers:

Proposal of draft laws and decrees and submission of the same to Al-Shoura Council for debates. If such proposed laws are approved by the Advisory Council, they shall be referred to the Amir for ratification and promulgation in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
Approval of the regulations and decisions prepared by the Ministries.
Supervision of the implementation of laws, decrees, regulations, and resolutions.
Proposals of establishing and organizing of the Government departments, public authorities and corporate bodies according to the law.
Appointment and dismissal of civil servants in the cases where such appointment and dismissal do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Amir or the power of the Ministers as specified by the law.
Drawing up the general regulations that adequately ensure the maintenance of internal security and public order in all parts of the State in accordance with the law.

Administration of the finance of the State and preparation of its draft budget as determined by this Constitution and the provisions of the law.
Approval of economic project and methods of their implementation.
Supervision of the means for preserving the interests of the State abroad and maintenance of its international relations and foreign affairs.
Preparation of a report at the beginning of every fiscal year including a detailed survey of the tasks accomplished internally and abroad. The report shall be accompanied with a plan drawing up the most adequate ways for achieving comprehensive development of the State, providing the necessary conditions for its development and prosperity, and consolidating its security and stability in accordance with the basic guiding principles of the policy of the State as stated in this Constitution. The said report shall be submitted to the Amir for approval.
Any other functions vested upon it by this Constitution or the law.

The Advisory Council

Qatar’s Advisory Council (Shura Council) was established in 1972 following the provisions of an interim political order issued on 19 April 1972, related to the regulation of the State’s new institutions, including the Shura Council.

The current Advisory Council comprises a total of 45 members, 30 of whom are directly elected in a secret general ballot, whilst the remaining 15 are appointed by HH the Amir. The terms of service of the appointed members end either when they resign or when they are relieved from their posts.

The Shura Council has legislative powers, is responsible for determining the general budget, and it also checks the executive powers. The Council is responsible for deliberating and making suggestions on a number of issues, including:

Proposed laws and decrees referred by the Council of Ministers
State policy which concerns economic, administrative and political issues referred by the Council of Ministers
All state affairs related to social and cultural issues, through its own initiative or referred by the Council of Ministers
The general budget for public projects
The Council’s budget and its final accounts
Following up and tracking progress of previously discussed issues referred by the Cabinet and also addressing any queries
Addressing questions to ministers to get clarification on matters related to their expertise
Requesting additional detail on matters concerning government and ministerial policy
Proposing and putting forward recommendations on Council issues

The Council’s annual session lasts eight months, which commences and closes upon convocation by His Highness the Amir in October of each year. His Highness the Amir, or his deputy, opens the annual session by giving a comprehensive speech in which he addresses the affairs of the state.

His Highness the Amir may issue a decree to convoke an extraordinary session by the Council, in cases of emergency or a request by a majority of the members. In extraordinary sessions, the Council may only look into matters that it was specifically convoked for.

Central Municipal Council

Qatar’s first Municipal Council was formed in the early 1950s.

On 08/03/1999, free elections were held to choose the members of the Central Municipal Council (CMC) through direct representation. Both men and women participated in the elections.

The Council, which comprises 29 elected members representing 29 constituencies from more than 242 regions in the State of Qatar, is an independent entity that carries out its responsibilities without interference.

CMC elections are held every four years, and are counted from the date of its first meeting.

The Council operates according to the provisions of Law No. 12 of 1998 concerning the Regulations of the Central Municipal Council, and it expresses its opinions through making recommendations and issuing decisions.

The Council is headed by a Chairman who is elected directly by the members in their first assembly meeting. He has three administrative units: Office of the Chairman, Council Office and Public Relations.

According to Article 8 of Law No. 12 of 1998 concerning the Regulation of the Central Municipal, the CMC aims to use all available means to develop the country in municipal matters. In order to achieve this goal, the CMC has the following responsibilities:

Monitoring the implementation of laws, decrees and regulations that fall under the responsibilities of the Ministry and the Council, including laws, decrees and regulations related to urban and industrial planning, infrastructure and other public system
Overseeing the economic, financial and administrative management of municipal affairs and agriculture

Under the supervision of the Chairman, the Council forms a Secretariat General and recommends a Secretary General who is appointed by a decree issued by the Minister of Municipality and Environment. The Secretariat General comprises of 5 administrative units: Secretary General Office, Legal Affairs Unit, Meeting and Members Affairs, Studies and Development and Common Services.

Members determine their work programme and budget, and make recommendations to the Ministry of Municipality and Environment. Regular Council meetings with at least two thirds of its members are held in public in Doha every two weeks.

Qatar’s National Vision 2030

Qatar’s National Vision aims that – by 2030 – Qatar becomes an advanced society capable of sustaining its development and providing a high standard of living for its people. Qatar’s National Vision defines the long-term goals for the country and provides a framework in which national strategies and implementation plans can be developed.

The National Vision addresses five major challenges facing Qatar:

Modernisation and preservation of traditions
The needs of the current generation and of future generations
Managed growth and uncontrolled expansion
The size and quality of the expatriate labour force and the selected path of development
Economic growth, social development, and environmental management

Development Pillars:

- Economic Development

Development of a competitive and diversified economy capable of meeting the needs of, and securing a high standard of living for, all its people both for the present and for the future

- Social Development

Development of a just and caring society based on high moral standards, and capable of playing a significant role in global partnerships for development

- Human Development

Development of all its people to enable them to sustain a prosperous society

- Environmental Development

Management of the environment such that there is harmony between economic growth, social development and environmental protection

Ministry Of Foreign Affairs

QATAR

System of Government

Constitutional Authorities

Amir of the State of Qatar

His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani

The Amir shall discharge the following functions:

The Drafting Committee of the Permanent Constitution

Referendum on the Constitution

Council of Ministers

The Advisory Council

Central Municipal Council

Qatar’s National Vision 2030

Ministry Of Foreign Affairs

The State Of Qatar

QATAR

The Ministry

Foreign Policy

Consular Services

E-Services

More