Qatar Business Guide

Doing Business in Qatar: 2012 Country
Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies

INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT, U.S. & FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE AND U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 2012. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE OF THE
UNITED STATES.
Chapter 1: Doing Business In Qatar

Chapter 2: Political and Economic Environment
Chapter 3: Selling U.S. Products and Services
Chapter 4: Leading Sectors for U.S. Export and Investment
Chapter 5: Trade Regulations, Customs and Standards
Chapter 6: Investment Climate
Chapter 7: Trade and Project Financing
Chapter 8: Business Travel
Chapter 9: Contacts, Market Research and Trade Events
Chapter 10: Guide to Our Services
Return to table of contents
Chapter 1: Doing Business In Qatar
Market Overview
Market Challenges
Market Opportunities
Market Entry Strategy
Market Overview
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Qatars economic performance is expected to remain strong in 2012,

despite difficult global economic conditions. Gross domestic product (GDP) is
expected to moderate to 6% in 2012 on the back of government spending on
large infrastructure projects and increased production in the manufacturing
sector. Qatar recorded 19% GDP growth in 2011, rising to $181.7 billion from
approximately $153 Billion in 2010, largely attributable to sustained high oil and
gas prices and increases in LNG production as decades-long expansion plans
reached completion. From 2006 2011, Qatars nominal GDP growth averaged
25.44%.The main drivers for this growth can be attributed to general increases in
production and exports of LNG, oil, petrochemicals and related industries, barring
a slight fall of 15.2% between 2009 and 2010.
During the same period (2004-2011), the non-oil and gas sectors compound
annual growth rate was 25.7%.In 2011, the oil and gas sector accounted for over
60% of overall GDP, while the non-oil and gas sector accounted for the
remainder of 40%. According to Qatar National Bank, the Per Capita GDP in
Qatar is expected to rise to $109,000 by 2012, the highest in the world. There is
no personal income tax in Qatar.
In 2011, Qatar was the United States 56th Largest Export Market.
Commercial ties between the United States and Qatar have been expanding at a
rapid pace over the last seven years, with trade volumes growing by more than
446%, from $738 million in 2003 to $4.03 billion in 2011. Over the same period,
U.S. exports increased 580% to $2.8 billion, making the United States a major
import partner for Qatar, accounting for about 11% of total Qatari imports (2011).
Market Challenges
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Foreign Investment: With certain exceptions, Qatars foreign investment law

limits foreign ownership of local entities to 49% of the entitys capital. Foreign
investors may own 100% of an entitys capital in sectors like agriculture, industry,
health care, education, tourism and the exploitation and development of natural
resources subject to approval by the Government of Qatar (GOQ).
Foreign investors must receive permission from the government to invest in the
banking and insurance sectors. Foreign investment is not allowed in commercial
agencies and real estate, although with respect to real estate there are limited
opportunities for foreigners to own interests in select real estate projects in the
West Bay Lagoon area, Al-Khor district, Pearl of the Gulf Development project
and certain other designated zones.
Banking: A total of 19 banks operate in Qatar, including 11 Qatari institutions

and eight foreign branch banks. Out of the 11 Qatari banks, eight are commercial
institutions (Ahlibank, Al Khaliji Bank, Barwa Bank, Commercial Bank of Qatar,
Doha Bank, International Bank of Qatar, Qatar Development Bank, and Qatar
National Bank); the other three are Islamic institutions (Masraf Al Rayan, Qatar
International Islamic Bank and Qatar Islamic Bank). The eight foreign banks
include: Arab Bank, Bank Saderat Iran, BNP Paribas, HSBC, Mashreq Bank,
Standard Chartered, Barclays Bank and United Bank.
Commercial Agents: The Commercial Agents law requires all agency

agreements to be exclusive arrangements.
Corporate Income Tax: The corporate income tax rate has been cut to a flat
rate of 10%, effective January 1, 2010. Previously, foreign companies had to pay
between 5 and 35 percent.
Government Procurement: There are concerns about transparency in

government procurement, particularly regarding the following: a lack of clarity in
the conditions and criteria of tenders, improper notification or explanation to nonqualifying companies, irregularities in the awards process, and the inability to
formally challenge awards.
Import Duties: The import duty for most processed food products is a flat five
percent ad valorem. There is no import duty for live animals, fresh fruits and
vegetables, seafood, grains, flours, tea, sugar, spices and seeds for planting.
Existing import duties on tobacco products have been increased two-fold, from
100 to 200%, based on talks between the ministers of finance and health of
several GCC countries.
Import Restrictions: Qatar has no import quotas. However, non-tariff barriers

arise occasionally. For example, a ban on pork was maintained until late 2011
but has been lifted as of 2012. Sale of pork is, however, regulated heavily, with
sales being restricted to only be handled by Qatar Distribution Company.
Inflation: The booming economy in Qatar is leading to shortages of materials

and labor. This is compounded by a rapidly growing population, which is
approaching two million people, up from just 700,000 five years ago. This has an
inflationary effect on the economy, with housing prices particularly hard hit in
years up to 2010. Inflation levels hit 3.3% in 2011 and are expected to average
at 4% in 2012, with housing prices remaining depressed and the main brunt of
burden falling upon food prices. The cost of living in Qatar is high by U.S.
standards.
Standards and Labeling: As part of the GCC Customs Union, the six Member
States are working toward unifying their standards and conformity assessment
regimes. However, each Member State applies its own standards until a uniform
GCC standard has been set. Labeling and marking requirements are
compulsory for any products exported to Qatar.
Transparency: Qatar ranked 22nd on Transparency Internationals 2011

Corruption Perceptions Index, outperforming all other Middle Eastern economies.
Food Labeling and Packaging: Arabic or bilingual English and Arabic

language labels (or stickers) are required for all food products. Production and
expiry dates are required to be on all original food labels.
Travel Advisories: Americans visiting Qatar are advised to check the website
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1003.html for the latest information
on travel to Qatar.
Market Opportunities
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The Government of Qatar will continue to maintain high levels of capital spending
on education and health. The government plans to invest $9.9 billion on these
sectors in the 2012/2013 fiscal year, accounting for 15% of its 2010/2011 fiscal
budget. The Government of Qatars strong commitment to invest in economic
diversification through public spending on transportation, health care, education
and housing projects will create multiplier effects on the rest of the economy,
contributing to increased consumption and demand for better quality housing,
office and retail facilities.
Energy Sector: Qatar has attracted an estimated $100 billion in investment, with
approximately $60-70 billion coming from the U.S. It is estimated that Qatar will
invest over $120 billion in the energy sector in the next ten years. Although a
moratorium on North Field development is in place until at least 2015, Qatar is
committed to diversifying within the hydrocarbon sector and developing its
petrochemical industries in particular. Construction: It is estimated that Qatar will
invest $200 billion in roads, rail, port and other infrastructure development,
housing and real estate, health/medical and sanitation projects in the next
decade. USD 17 billion of Qatars FY 2012 budget has been allocated to public
works (25% of the total). The GOQ and private sector are actively seeking project
designers, engineers and managers, in addition to needed production inputs like
cement and heavy machinery and equipment.
Qatar imports over 90 percent of its food. Major food suppliers to Qatar include
the EU, Australia and Saudi Arabia. Most of Qatars food product imports transit
through the United Arab Emirates.
Other sectors with significant opportunities include: Education and Training

Services, Information Communication Technologies, Architecture, Construction,
Engineering Services, Air Conditioning Equipment, Safety and Security, Defense
Sales, Oil and Gas Equipment and Services, Medical Equipment and Services,
and other sectors. Please see Chapter 4: Leading Sectors for U.S. Export and
Investment.
Market Entry Strategy

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If you are a new-to-exporting company, first contact your local Export Assistance
Center for free export counseling at http://export.gov/export/index.asp.
The Commercial Section of the United States Embassy can give you a balanced
assessment of your companys chances for success in Qatar. For more
information, please visit http://export.gov/qatar/>
Come visit: Qatar is like many Middle Eastern countries in that personal contact
with potential agents and partners is key to successfully conducting business.
Get a lawyer: Many U.S. companies advise that acquiring good legal
representation is an important first step to entering the market. This helps you to
establish and maintain good business relationships with Qatari partners. Hiring a
lawyer is especially important before concluding commercial agreements.
Occasionally, American firms, once their company starts making a profit, report
difficulties with their Qatari sponsors and business partners. A good business
lawyer can help you with such problems. The U.S. Embassy can provide you
with a list of law firms currently operating in Qatar.
Feasibility study: U.S. firms we interviewed recommend that you carefully

conduct a feasibility study about your product or services chances for success in
the Qatari market. This study should be based on such factors as pre-existing
competition, market channels, and local tastes. The Commercial Service offers
various industry market research reports, as well as Customized Market
Research that can form a strong basis for a viable feasibility study. Please
contact the Commercial Section for more information.
Vet partners: The Commercial Section at the U.S. Embassy offers several
services to help you thoroughly vet prospective Qatari business partners and
determine which Qatari companies would be best to work with. These services
include the International Company Profile, the International Partner Search, and
the Gold Key Service. These services are described in more detail by visiting:
http://export.gov/qatar/.
Maintain independence: Having a reliable local partner can mean the

difference between success and failure in Qatar. However, U.S. firms advise not
to rely too much on your local partner for all market intelligence and contacts
affecting your business. We advise U.S. companies to negotiate expatriate labor
visa issues with their sponsors, agents, and partners in the early stages of
contract negotiation.
Adapt: Successful U.S., European and other foreign companies understand that
doing business internationally always creates challenges, and doing business in
Qatar is no exception. Learn to live with new procedures and laws by injecting a
healthy dose of flexibility into your business plan. The Commercial Service
suggests U.S. firms insist on payment by letter of credit to avoid costly payment
delays.
Importers and distributors are most commonly used in the retail food business.
Food processors and the hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) sector may
import directly or purchase goods locally from distributors.
Chapter 2: Political and Economic Environment

For background information on the political and economic environment of the country,
please click on the link below to the U.S. Department of State Background Notes.
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5437.htm
Chapter 3: Selling U.S. Products and Services
Using an Agent or Distributor

Establishing an Office
Franchising
Direct Marketing
Joint Ventures/Licensing
Selling to the Government
Distribution and Sales Channels
Selling Factors/Techniques
Electronic Commerce
Trade Promotion and Advertising
Pricing
Sales Service/Customer Support
Protecting Your Intellectual Property
Due Diligence
Local Professional Services
Web Resources
Using an Agent or Distributor
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In certain circumstances foreign companies doing business in Qatar may elect to have a
local commercial agent. A commercial agent generally acts as the exclusive provider of
services of the foreign principal or exclusive seller in Qatar for foreign produced goods.
U.S. firms are strongly advised to avoid appointing one regional agent for a number of
countries. U.S. companies having agency agreements or planning to have agency
agreements with Qatari firms are encouraged to review Law No. 8/2002 (the
Commercial Agents Law). The law consists of 28 articles, enshrining two basic
principles:
The business of commercial agents is exclusively restricted to Qatari nationals or

to companies wholly owned by Qatari nationals.
Any Qatari agency is to be considered as an exclusive agency.
It should be noted that the Commercial Agents Law mandates certain outcomes with
respect to the expiration or termination of agency contracts and these provisions should
be reviewed carefully when entering into an agency or distribution agreement.
When finally approved by both parties, the Arabic text of agency or representation
agreements should be registered with the Commercial Affairs Department of the Ministry
of Business & Trade (MOBT). Local agents usually follow up on the routine work
required by the MOBT registration regulations. Disputes between parties in relation to an
agency agreement are filed at the MOBT prior to referral to arbitration if appropriate. The
local civil courts are the final course of action if the dispute cannot be resolved.
The Commercial Agents Law allows the importation and sale of brand name products by
other local entities, upon payment of a commission not to exceed five percent to the
appointed local agent, unless otherwise agreed between the parties in a written agency
agreement.
To find a good agent, U.S. companies are encouraged to take advantage of services
offered by the commercial section at the U.S. Embassy in Doha. A hyperlink to a full
description of those services is provided below:
http://export.gov/qatar/servicesforu.s.companies/index.asp
Other resources for finding a local agent include international auditing firms, accounting
firms and law offices. Even in these cases a visit to the Commercial Section of the
United States Embassy in Doha is encouraged for additional information and insight.
The commercial agency law can be complex in its application and U.S. companies are
encouraged to consult counsel prior to hiring an agent or selling goods or services into
Qatar.
Establishing an Office
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In order to do business in Qatar and establish a local office, foreign and local companies
are required to obtain a commercial registration from the Ministry of Business and Trade.
Qatar enacted Law No. 25/2005 (the Commercial Registry Law) which states that no
individual person or single entity may engage in commercial activity before registering in
the Commercial Registry maintained by the MOBT. Any inquiries regarding the
registration process should be directed to the Director of Commercial Affairs at the
MOBT.
The general rule under Law No. 13/2000 (the Foreign Investment Law) is that nonQataris, whether natural or juristic persons, may invest only through the medium of a
joint venture company incorporated in Qatar in which one or more Qatari persons or
100 percent Qatari-owned entities hold no less than 51% of the share capital. Joint
venture companies with Qatari partners are allowed in all sectors of the economy
excluding commercial agencies and real estate. Establishing a joint venture in the
banking and insurance sectors is possible with an approval from the Cabinet of
Ministers.
Important exceptions to the general rule are as follows:
100 percent foreign investment: Subject to an exemption from the Ministry of

Business & Trade, the Foreign Investment Law allows foreign firms 100 percent
ownership of the share capital of companies developing projects in the fields of
agriculture, industry, health, education and tourism sectors, as well as projects
involved in the development and exploitation of natural resources or energy or
mining, pending approval from the government. The law specifically prohibits foreign
investment in banking, insurance, commercial agencies and procurement or
purchase of real estate. However, Law No. 31/2004 allows foreign investment in the
banking and insurance sectors upon approval of the Cabinet of Ministers. Each
application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and foreign firms working in sectors
not specifically mentioned in these laws may be granted a 100 percent ownership on
a case-by-case basis, upon approval of the Ministry of Business and Trade.
Although there is paperwork to be filed, approvals to be obtained and registration

fees assessed during this process, this mode of registration offers the opportunity for
foreign companies to operate independently. However, it should be noted that only a
small number of foreign companies have received the necessary Ministerial
resolution to operate as a 100% wholly owned subsidiary.
Article 68 companies: The Foreign Investment Law provides that it shall not apply to
companies and individuals whom the State entrusts with excavation, utilization or
management of natural wealth resources under a concession or agreement, nor to
companies that are established by the Government or in which the Government
participates (so called Article 68 Companies). Special rules apply in these
circumstances.
Representational office: The Decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce

No. 142/2006 provides that foreign firms may open representational offices without a
local partner. Such offices may not conduct any financial transactions related to the
companys commercial activities in Qatar and are therefore not subject to taxation.
Though the representational office may be registered in the Commercial Registry
and employ staff in its own name, it is really a shop window to source business. A
representational office could be converted into a joint venture company or 100%
foreign ownership at a later date.
Branch registration: The Foreign Investment Law contains provisions that, subject to
an exemption from the Minister of Business & Trade, allow a branch of a foreign
company to be registered in Qatar if that foreign company has a contract in Qatar
that results in facilitating the rendering of a service or implies a public benefit. This
has generally been interpreted to mean engaging in a contract with the GOQ or a
quasi-government entity. This registration does not allow the foreign company to
conduct commercial activity that is not related to the subject of its registration.
Foreign companies registered under this category do not need a sponsor or service
agent.
Service agents or sponsorship: In the past this type of agency consisted of

appointing a Qatari entity to act as a service agent for a foreign firm. Specific
services would be determined by the two parties and may include handling
administrative and business matters in Qatar, including immigration procedures,
import licenses, providing introductions to decision-makers, etc. Although the service
agent remains a common business practice in the region, it is no longer appropriate
as an option for doing business in Qatar, specifically in light of Law No. 25/2004
which is commonly known as the Proxy Law. The Proxy Law was enacted in Qatar
to address the practice of concealing non-Qataris doing business in Qatar in violation
of existing Qatari law. It prohibits natural or legal persons from concealing the
business activities of non-Qataris, for example by allowing a non-Qatari to use the
name, license or commercial registration of Qatari party. According to Law No.
25/2004, the service agent relationship is considered a form of proxy business and
fines and imprisonment penalties can be imposed on whoever infringes the law.
QFC, QSTP, and Free Zones: The State of Qatar has established the Qatar
Financial Centre (QFC) and the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP). Both
provide environments for international companies and institutions to operate under

certain free zone type conditions. The criteria and limitations to operate in these
environments are fairly stringent. The QFC is restricted to financial services and
ancillary services companies (excluding retail banking) and the QSTP is restricted to
entities engaged in research and development activities in Qatar. Applications must
be submitted by interested parties for both the QFC and the QSTP for assessment of
eligibility to establish a corporate presence. Qatar is also developing additional
investment free zones to attract investment in the industrial, agricultural, technical
and tourism fields and other fields to be decided upon by the Cabinet of Ministers.
These additional free zones are still in the developmental stage and it is not clear
what rules and regulations will apply.
Franchising
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There are many franchises in Qatar besides fast food or casual dining. Franchises such
as fitness centers, car rental, computer learning centers, apparel shops, real estate
brokerage, and language learning centers exist. The potential of growth in non-food
franchises is significant. Some Qatari entities have a strong interest in investing in this
business, given the ease of readymade business plans offered by franchises. A local
sponsor is required to establish a franchise business.
One of the keys to success in franchise operations in Qatar is to use a local

franchisee versus a regional master franchisee expanding to Qatar. Qataris are
sensitive to businesses owned or operated in Qatar by neighboring countries
companies or nationals.
U.S. fast food and casual dining restaurants are popular in Qatar, particularly with
the younger generation.
Most major U.S. fast food franchises are established in Qatar, with new ones
opening regularly. A local sponsor is required to establish a franchise business.
High per capita income, a rather young population, a high rate of unaccompanied
expatriate population and the lack of alternate entertainment venues encourage out
of home dining.
There is no specific Franchising legislation enacted in the State of Qatar, the Franchise
structuring options and any actual Franchise operations are dictated by, and need to
comply with a loose collection of laws and regulations, which regulate general issues of
commercial law and trade, commercial relationships, foreign investment, share holder
rights and obligations and so forth.
Direct Marketing
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Foreign companies are generally not allowed to market their products and services
directly. A local agent is needed to do so, unless the foreign company has an
appropriately registered entity in Qatar. However, in cases where the foreign company
is working on a major public project, direct marketing to the contractor is possible. Direct
marketing is also possible through the representational office.
Direct marketing is possible in the food processing sector, particularly in vegetable oils,
including corn oil, soybean and sunflower-seed oils, beverage bases, dried pulses and a
variety of food ingredients, particularly for the snack food and bakery industries.
Also, the growing HRI sector, particularly the hotel and the U.S. fast food and casual
dining restaurants sectors, provide opportunities for direct marketing.
Joint Ventures/Licensing
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The Commercial Companies Law, Law No. 5/2002 (replacing Law No. 11/1981) controls
the establishment of all private business concerns in Qatar. The updated law allows
corporate mergers, corporate bonds, and the conversion of corporate partnerships into
joint stock companies.
As mentioned above, joint ventures involving foreign partners primarily take the form of
limited liability companies. Generally, foreign investors may own up to 49 percent and
the Qatari partners no less than 51 percent of a limited liability concern. Foreign
partners in partnerships organized as limited liability partnerships must pay the full
amount of their contribution to authorized financial institutions in cash or in kind prior to
the start of operations. These firms are normally required to set aside 10 percent of their
profits each year in a statutory reserve, until it equals 50 percent of the venture's
authorized capital.
Selling to the Government
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The Qatari government is the biggest end-user of a wide range of products and services.
In principle, all government procurement contracts are administered under provisions of
bidding and tender regulations included in Law No. 26/2005. The Central Tenders
Committee (CTC) of the Ministry of Economy & Finance is responsible for processing
the majority of public sector tenders that are in excess of QR 1 million. The CTC applies
standard tendering procedures and adheres to established performance practices. It
also establishes the standards for rules that regulate bidding procedures.
Information on CTC tenders may be obtained from the CTC office in Doha or on the
Internet at http://www.ctc.gov.qa. In tenders valued in excess of QR 50 million (USD
13.5 million), the approval of the Emir is required. Technical bids submitted to the CTC,
or other specialized tenders committees as the case may be, are referred to the
appropriate government end-user for short-listing. The CTC then opens the commercial
bids and recommends the lowest priced technically qualified bidder to the entity
concerned, who will make the final award decision. Inquiries about specific award
decisions should be directed to the CTC.
Some governmental entities have internal tender committees. Qatar Petroleum
processes all tenders independently. Qatar Armed Forces and the Ministry of Interior
are responsible for issuing tenders for classified materials and services. Public Works
Authority and Urban Planning and Development Authority issue their tenders
independently, as well.
Bid and performance bonds are required in the form of unconditional bank guarantees
with a local bank or certified bank checks local. The standard bid bond is 5 percent and
performance bond is 10 percent of the contract. However, the above rate can be larger
for certain projects. Foreign architectural, contracting and engineering firms are not
required to have a local presence for the bid process. However, by the time a contract is
ready to be signed, participating foreign firms may need to have satisfied local
establishment requirements.
The State Purchase Office (SPO), a division of the CTC, handles all local purchase
orders (LPOs) for equipment and supplies required by various government ministries.
The SPO handles bids worth hundreds of millions of dollars every year. The period for
preparation of quotations is usually 30 days, but very often less than three weeks after
the announcement of tenders. Under these circumstances, an established local
distributor is very useful for successful bidding.
Government contracts may include arbitration clauses. Unless stated otherwise in the
contract, the standard clauses stipulate that disputes emanating from government
contracts will be subject to arbitration in Qatar. U.S. firms are advised, whenever
possible, to reserve the right to appeal local arbitration decisions abroad.
Foreign and local contractors are usually paid 20 percent of the contract awarded to
them against unconditional bank guarantees. Further payments are made according to
a standard payment schedule based on the progress of the project. It should be noted
that the payment schedule almost always authorizes the government to retain portions of
payments due until after the completion and acceptance of the project. Foreign and
local contractors may experience delayed payments, which do not accrue interest,
usually due to bureaucratic red tape.
Arabic is the official language in Qatar though English is widely used. Bids should be in
Arabic unless the tender document specifically indicates that English is required or
accepted. Specifications generally conform with British/European and, in recent years,
American standards.
Distribution and Sales Channels
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The GOQ is the biggest end user of a wide range of products and services. The
government procurement process is based on standard tender procedures. A foreign
supplier wishing to participate in government tenders may appoint a local commercial
agent; however, as noted in the beginning of this chapter, appointing a commercial
agent in Qatar raises specific legal and commercial issues that should be carefully
considered by a foreign company or supplier. An effective agent in Qatar will have
extensive contacts in both the public and private sectors, enabling the collection of
valuable information for the business.
Most Qatari trading entities represent a variety of foreign firms in the local market. To
maximize their market penetration, U.S. firms planning to appoint a Qatari agent should
ensure that the local agent does not represent any competitor.
Private supermarkets account for the vast majority of retail sales, and this sector
is expanding.
Consumer cooperative societies account for 20 percent of the food retail sales in
Qatar.
Institutional users account for 10 percent of food distributed.
Wholesalers and small convenience stores account for the balance of 5 percent
of food products marketed in Qatar.
The distribution channel is as follows: importer/agent sells to private

supermarkets (60 percent), cooperatives (20 percent), institutional users (10
percent) and wholesalers and convenience stores (5 percent).
Wholesalers sell directly to consumers, to jobbers and small supermarkets and

restaurants.
Generic and brand supermarket promotions are common in Qatar and are
commonly employed by both local and foreign companies.
Newspaper advertisements and inserts are most commonly used for food and
other products. TV advertising, while very effective, is expensive.
Food product margins typically run 20-25 percent for distributors, 5 percent for
wholesalers, when applicable, and 10-15 percent for retailers. Qatar does not
apply a VAT.
Selling Factors/Techniques
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U.S. suppliers should emphasize the competitive price, high quality, and, if applicable,
the new-to-market status of their products. Initial face-to-face contact with importers will
significantly increase a company's business prospects. Qatari companies distributing
foreign products usually request marketing and advertising assistance from the
principals to introduce a new product to the market or to improve sales of existing
products.
Electronic Commerce
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E-Commerce is still developing in Qatar since a significant number of Qataris and

businesses are still learning to fully utilize computers and information technology. The
majority of commercial banks and utility companies offer a wide range of services to their
clients on their respective web sites. Qatar Central Bank (QCB) is primarily responsible
for regulating electronic banking activities and electronic financial transactions. The
GOQ is encouraging greater use of modern technology in government transactions. In
fact, two major decisions were taken to promote and enhance E-Commerce. The first
was the creation of the E-Government Committee and the second was the creation of
the Supreme Council for Telecommunications and Information Technology. Several
government services and transactions are now possible through the Internet. The private
sector however, has taken slow steps in developing its B2B and B2C portals. ECommerce is expected to flourish given GOQ interest in enhancing this service
throughout Qatar.
Trade Promotion and Advertising
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Many advertising practices and strategies used by U.S. companies are familiar to Qatari
firms. The most common forms of advertising are media announcements, billboards, and
flyers. Local distributors generally develop advertising strategies in coordination with
their principals. Several private advertising firms are equipped to handle promotional
activities.
Most newspapers in Qatar, including three Arabic and three English dailies, have a large
readership. These include the following:
Arabic:
Al-Sharq: P.O. Box 3488, Doha, State of Qatar, Tel: (+974) 4455-7731, Fax: (+974)
4455-7760, Email: alsharq1@qatar.net.qa; Website: http://www.al-sharq.com
Al-Watan: P.O. Box 22345, Doha, State of Qatar, Tel: (+974) 4466 5933 Fax: (+974)
4664 4482, Email: alwatan3@qatar.net.qa Website: http://www.al-watan.com
Al-Raya: P.O. Box 533, Doha, State of Qatar, Office of the Editorial President Tel:
(+974) 4446 6599 or 4437 1353, Fax: (+974) 4435 0476, Email: Editor@raya.com,
Website: http://www.raya.com
Al-Arab: P.O. Box 22612, Doha, State of Qatar, Tel: (+974) 4499 7333, Email:
alarab@alarab.qa, Website: www.alarab.qa
English:
Gulf Times: P.O. Box 533, Doha, State of Qatar, Tel: (+974) 4435 0478(News) 4446
6404(Sports) 4446 6609(Advertising) 4446 6636(Home delivery), Fax: (+974) 4435
0474(Editorial) 44418811(Advertising), Email: editor@gulf-times.com, Website:
http://www.gulf-times.com
The Peninsula: P.O. Box 3488, D-Ring Road Doha, State of Qatar,
Editorial
Tel: (+974) 4455 7739/41/47/48
Fax: (+974) 4455 7746
E-mail: editor@pen.com.qa
Advertising
Tel: (+974) 4455 7837 or (+974) 4455 7852 or (+974) 4455 7780
Fax: (+974) 4455 7870 or (+974) 4455 7898
E-mail: adv@pen.com.qa
PenMag
Tel: (+974) 4455 7837 or (+974) 4455 7780
Fax: (+974) 4455 7870 or (+974) 4455 7898
E-mail: penmag@pen.com.qa
Classifieds
Tel: (+974) 4455 7857
E-mail: adv@pen.com.qa
Subscriptions / Home Delivery

Tel: (+974) 4455 7809/810
Fax: (+974) 4455 7819
E-mail: distribution@pen.com.qa / distribution@al-sharq.com
Public Relations
Tel: (+974) 4455 7728/52
Fax: (+974) 4455 7758
E-mail: pr@pen.com.qa
Website: http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com
Qatar Tribune: P.O. Box 23493, Doha, State of Qatar, Tel: (+974) 4442 2077/4466
6810/ 4455 4333, Fax: (+974) 4441 6790, Email: letters@qatar-tribune.com /
editor@qatar-tribune.com Website: http://www.qatar-tribune.com/
The state-owned Qatar Radio and Television Corporation operates Qatar Television
(QTV) and the radio station Qatar Broadcasting Service (QBS). QTV, comprising Arabic
and English channels, broadcasts pre-recorded commercials. QBS also carries
advertisements. The locally operated pan-Arab satellite channel Al-Jazeera receives
some public funding but is independently owned and operated. It also broadcasts
advertising for local and regional companies and products. There are no private radio
stations.
Qatar Broadcasting Service (QBS), P.O. Box 1414, Doha, State of Qatar, Tel: (+974)
4489 4444, Fax: (+974) 4487 0712.
Qatar Television, P.O. Box 1944, Doha, State of Qatar, Phone: (+974) 4486 4575, Fax:
(+974) 4486 5411.
Al-Jazeera Satellite Channel with seven operational channels: Al-Jazeera Live, AlJazeera, Al-Jazeera Children, Al-Jazeera Sports 1 English and Al-Jazeera
Documentary, P.O. Box 23123, Doha, Phone: (+974) 4489 7446 or 4489 7451, Fax:
(+974) 4489 7472. Website: http://www.aljazeera.net/e-marketing-eng/
Al-Jazeera is an excellent means of promotion and advertising, as millions of people in
the region watch its channels.
Pricing
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There is a large variety of local and foreign products in the Qatari market. Local
consumers are very price conscious and actively seek out sales and promotions. Local
distributors of international products often engage in promotions in order to attract
consumers and gain market share. U.S. firms should work closely with their local
distributor in order to determine appropriate pricing strategies.
There is no VAT or sales tax in Qatar. However, the matter is being discussed in the
Gulf Cooperation Council meetings and VAT could be implemented in the future.
The average importer markup on food products is about 10-15 percent. Retail food
prices are generally 25-30 percent above import prices.
Sales Service/Customer Support
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After sales service and customer support is considered to be the responsibility of the
local distributor or agent. As a Qatari entity must obtain a license for all imports, local
firms generally maintain a supply of spare parts for distributed products. Local
distributors may also establish workshops for after-sales support, as appropriate.
Foreign principals often provide regional and international training for technical support
staff.
Protecting Your Intellectual Property
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Several general principles are important for effective management of intellectual

property rights (IPR) in Qatar. It is important to have an overall strategy to protect IPR.
IPR is protected in Qatar by virtue of international treaties and agreements to which
Qatar is a member. In addition, it is also possible and recommended that IPR owners
register such rights locally for added protection against violations. Companies may wish
to seek advice from local attorneys or IP consultants. The U.S. Commercial Service can
often provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
It is vital that companies understand that intellectual property is primarily a private right
and that the U.S. Government generally cannot enforce rights for private individuals in
Qatar. It is the responsibility of the rights' holders to register, protect, and enforce their
rights where relevant, retaining their own counsel and advisors. While the U.S.
Government is willing to assist, there is little it can do if the rights holders have not taken
these fundamental steps necessary to securing and enforcing their IPR in a timely
fashion. Moreover, in many countries, rights holders who delay enforcing their rights on
a mistaken belief that the USG can provide a political resolution to a legal problem may
find that their rights have been eroded or abrogated due to doctrines such as statutes of
limitations, laches, estoppels, or unreasonable delay in prosecuting a law suit. In no
instance should USG advice be seen as a substitute for the obligation of a rights holder
to promptly pursue its case.
It is always advisable to conduct due diligence on partners. Negotiate from the position
of your partner and give your partner clear incentives to honor the contract. A good
partner is an important ally in protecting IP rights. Keep an eye on your cost structure
and reduce the margins (and the incentive) of would-be bad actors. Projects and sales
in Qatar require constant attention. Work with legal counsel familiar with Qatari laws to
create a solid contract that includes non-compete clauses, and confidentiality/nondisclosure provisions.
It is also recommended that small and medium-sized companies understand the
importance of working together with trade associations and organizations to support
efforts to protect IPR and stop counterfeiting. There are a number of these, including:
The U.S. Chamber and local American Chambers of Commerce

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA)
International Trademark Association (INTA)
The Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy

International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC)
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)
IPR Resources
A wealth of information on protecting IPR is freely available to U.S. rights holders. Some
excellent resources for companies regarding intellectual property include the following:
For information about patent, trademark, or copyright issues -- including

enforcement issues in the U.S. and other countries -- call the STOP! Hotline: 1866-999-HALT or register at www.StopFakes.gov.
For more information about registering trademarks and patents (both in the U.S.
as well as in foreign countries), contact the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
(USPTO) at: 1-800-786-9199.
For more information about registering for copyright protection in the U.S.,
contact the U.S. Copyright Office at: 1-202-707-5959.
For U.S. small and medium-size companies, the Department of Commerce offers
a "SME IPR Advisory Program" available through the American Bar Association
that provides one hour of free IPR legal advice for companies with concerns in
Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Russia, and Thailand. For details and to register,
visit: http://www.abanet.org/intlaw/intlproj/iprprogram_consultation.html
For information on obtaining and enforcing intellectual property rights and

market-specific IP Toolkits visit: www.StopFakes.gov This site is linked to the
USPTO website for registering trademarks and patents (both in the U.S. as well
as in foreign countries), the U.S. Customs & Border Protection website to record
registered trademarks and copyrighted works (to assist customs in blocking
imports of IPR-infringing products) and allows you to register for Webinars on
protecting IPR.
IPR Climate in Qatar

In addition to international treaties and agreements to which Qatar is party, intellectual
property rights in Qatar are protected by Law No. 7/2002 (Copyright and Neighboring
Rights Law), Law No. 9/2002 (Trademarks and Geographical Indicators Law), Law
No.5/2005 (Protection of Trade Secrets), and Law No. 6/2005 (Protection of Layout
Design of Integrated Circuits). Qatar has adopted the GCC Patent Law and created a
GCC Patent Office. The Ministry of Business and Trade is responsible for enforcing
these laws and other intellectual property rights matters.
The National Health Authority (NHA) requires registration of all pharmaceutical products
imported into the country and will not register unauthorized copies of products patented
in other countries.
Due Diligence
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In the absence of local credit rating companies, U.S. companies are advised to perform
due diligence checks prior to dealing with any local company. Due diligence checks on
public companies can also be useful. U.S. companies are encouraged to perform due
diligence checks on privately owned companies to assure the following:
The local company is not designated on a U.S. or United Nations watch list for
terrorist financing activities.
The local company is not involved in any bribery or corruption charges.
The local company enjoys a certain financial stability enabling it to meet its
financial obligations.
The local company and its owners enjoy a sound business and professional
reputation in Qatar.
The Embassys Commercial Section offers U.S. companies the International Company
Profile (ICP) as one due diligence tool to help the U.S. firms make assessments of
potential local business partners. A description of the ICP service is provided at the
hyperlink below:
http://export.gov/qatar/servicesforu.s.companies/index.asp
Auditing
Banking
Freight Forwarding and Courier Services
Insurance
Law Firms
Media
Telecommunications
Tenders
Auditing Firms
Deloitte & Touche
Ernst & Young
KPMG
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Banking
Qatari Banks:
Ahlibank
Al Khaliji Bank
Barwa Bank
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Commercial Bank of Qatar

Doha Bank
International Bank of Qatar
Masraf Al Rayan
Qatar Development Bank
Qatar International Islamic Bank
Qatar Islamic Bank
Qatar National Bank
Foreign Banks Branches:
Arab Bank
Bank Saderat Iran
B.N.P. Paribas
HSBC
Mashreq Bank
Standard Chartered Bank
United Bank
Freight Forwarding and Courier Services
Aramex
DHL
Federal Express
TNT Express
UPS
Skynet
Hotels
Top 10 Hotels in Qatar
The Ritz Carlton Doha
W Doha
Grand Hyatt Doha
The St Regis Doha
InterContinental Doha
Kempinski Residences and Suites Doha
Four Seasons Hotel Doha
The Torch Doha
Movenpick Tower Doha
Sharq Village & Spa Doha
Other Hotels
Al-Bustan Hotel
Al Ghariya Resorts
Al Liwan Suites
Al Muntazah Plaza Hotel
Doha Grand Hotel

Doha Seef Hotel
Doha Marriott Hotel
Doha Palace
Gulf Horizon Hotel
Gulf Paradise Hotel
Hotel Souq Waqif
La Cigale Hotel
Mercure Grand Hotel
Merweb Hotel
Millennium Hotel
New Capital Hotel
Ramada Plaza Hotel
Retaj Al Rayyan Hotel
Sealine Beach Resort
Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel
Somerset West Bay, Doha
Wyndham Grand Regency Doha
Insurance Companies
Al-Khaleej Insurance Company
Al Koot Insurance and Reinsurance Co
Allianz Takaful QFC
Arabia Insurance Co
AXA Insurance (Gulf) BSC (C)
Capital Insurance Brokers LLC
Ceylinco Insurance
Doha Bank Assurance Company LLC
Doha Insurance Co (QSC)
General Takaful
Libano-Suisse Insurance Company
Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) International
Qatar General Insurance and Re-Insurance Company
Qatar Insurance Company
Qatar Islamic Insurance Company
SEIB Insurance & Reinsurance Co LLC
Tazur Company BSC
The American Life Insurance Company
Local Attorney List
Media
Al-Jazeera Satellite TV Station
Al-Watan
Al-Rayah
AL-Sharq
Gulf Times
The Peninsula
Qatar News Agency

Telecommunications
Qatar Telecom
Vodafone
Local Business Tenders List
Web Resources
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Contact the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy at:

http://export.gov/qatar/
Chapter 4: Leading Sectors for U.S. Export and

Investment
Agriculture Sector
Commercial Sectors
Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment

Architectural/Construction/Engineering Services
Automotive
Construction Equipment and Tools
Defense Sales
Education and Training and Equipment
Information and Communication Technology
Medical Equipment and Services
Oil & Gas Equipment and Services
Security and Safety Equipment
Travel and Tourism
Agriculture Sector
Best Prospects
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In 2011, the United States agricultural and forest products exports to Qatar were valued
at $64 million. Leading U.S. exports included poultry meat ($20 million), red meatchilled and frozen ($10 million), forest products ($5 million), processed fruits and
vegetables ($4 million) and tree nuts ($3 million). By and large, Qatars food import
regimes are usually non-trade restrictive. However, U.S. exporters of poultry meat
should work to limit the amount of water in their products as a number of U.S. shipments
have been detained because of concerns regarding shipments thawing en route to
Qatar. For more information about agricultural trade prospects in Qatar and the region,
please visit www.fas.usda.gov
Contact the U.S. Agricultural Trade Office in Dubai at:
atodubai@usda.gov.
Commercial Sectors
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Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment

Overview
Total Market Size

Total Local Production
Total Exports
Total Imports
Imports from the U.S.
Exchange Rate: 1 USD
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2010
2011
190.82
0
2.35
190.82
14.14
3.64 QR
230.83
0
2.35
230.83
17.14
3.64 QR
Unit: USD thousands

2012
2013
(estimated) (estimated)
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) (Total Exports)
Sources: Trade estimates, U.S. Census Bureau, Qatar Planning Council
Given the nature of the climate that is prevailing in the Persian Gulf; the Heating AirConditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) sector is always a best prospect.
The boom in the real estate development market, the upgrade of existing infrastructure
and the increase in population and visitors are the main drive for the increasing demand
on HVAC/R equipment supplies and services.
The presence of an active chapter of The American Society for Heating, Refrigeration
and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has contributed, in a large measure, to an
increase on the demand for US HVAC/R products and services, given the standardizing
nature of ASHRAE. As Qatar seeks to reduce its carbon footprint, opportunities for
innovative cooling technologies, products, and services are eagerly sought.
Sub-Sector Best Prospects
Central Air-Conditioning Units equipment and supplies

District cooling equipment and supplies
Operations and Maintenance services
Opportunities
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All the projects mentioned in Architecture/ Construction and Engineering services

Two District cooling plants: Combined capacity 29,250 tonnes of refrigeration
(TR). , Value $ 50 million, Client: Musheireb Properties, Consultant: Drake &
Scull International.
Web Resources
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Qatar Cool
ASHRAE
District Cooling Qatar Summit 2012
Architecture Construction Engineering

Overview
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(Services statistics are not available from the GOQ.)

It is estimated that more than $200 billion will be invested in infrastructure development
over the next ten years as part of the Emirs 2030 Vision and before the landmark event
of Soccer FIFA World Cup2022. The public and private sectors rely heavily on
international expertise in the area of architectural, construction and engineering services
and there are a number of opportunities in this sector for U.S. firms.
The Public Works Authority, also known as Ashghal, has a plan to invest over $27 bn in
roads and drainage over the next five to seven years and the projects will be
implemented with a strong emphasis on quality. Work on the project is scheduled to
begin by the end of this year.
Just recently, Qatar launched its Framework Agreement Plan for its QR50bn project to
construct roads, drainage and infrastructure networks across the country, with a new
strategic approach focusing on quality and partnership between local and international
companies. The projects consists of 220 projects to be implemented throughout the
country at an estimated cost of QR50bn 40 projects in the north of Qatar, 15 in the
south, 68 in Doha North, 80 in Doha South and 18 in Doha West. The overall Program
Manager is the US based Parsons Brinckerhoff.
Under this Framework Plan, only Qatari companies can bid for projects costing up to
$55m each, which account for 163 projects (of the total 221) worth a total of $3.15bn.
Bidding for projects costing $55m to $247.2 m is open for Qatari companies or a joint
venture company with a 50 percent Qatari partnership. Total number of projects under
this category is 48 worth a total of $7.08bn. The same rule applies to projects costing
above $247.2m, which comprise 10 projects worth a total of QR4.4bn.
The Supreme Committee for Qatar 2022 appointed earlier this year U.S. firm CH2M Hill
Inc. for the program management contract and will oversee the construction of sports
facilities planned for the World Cup.
QRail has commenced a $35billion rail program that includes four metro lines and two
People Movers with High Speed and Freight Rail to follow. Ground has also been
broken on the New Port Project worth $8 billion. The New Doha International Airport
(NDIA) is scheduled to open in 2012, and additional phases are planned with
tremendous opportunities.
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Engineering and Architectural Services

Construction and Program Management Services
Opportunities
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There are numerous opportunities for U.S. companies in the infrastructure and real
estate development arenas. It is virtually impossible to list all the major opportunities,
given their high numbers. We are mentioning the major ones and refer the reader to the
website of each government body for the most up-to-date information.
Umm Slal Stadium: Umm Slal Stadium, located in the vicinity of one of Qatar's
most historically important forts, will have 45,120 seats. The design is a modern
interpretation of traditional Arab forts, like the one in nearby Umm Slal
Mohammed. After the FIFA World Cup, seating capacity will be reduced to
25,500. The stadium will be used by Umm Slal F.C.
The Amphibious 1000: Project consists of building a semi-submerged luxurious
resort on the Qatar Coast that will cost approximately $500 million. The project is
designed by the Italian firm Giancarlo Zema Design Group.
Twin Towers in West Bay: The project consists of Twin Towers are a mixed used
development that will be divided into a hotel and an office block. Both towers
consist of 46 floors that sit on a podium and have four basement levels that are
dedicated to car parking.
Al Khor Stadium: Al-Khor is a brand new 45,330-capacity stadium with a stunning
seashell motif and a flexible roof. The permanent lower tier seats 25,500 and the
modular upper tier seats 19,830. The stadium offers spectators a stunning view
of the Arabian Gulf from their seats and will be located in a sports and recreation
zone.
Urjuan Project: Urjuan project is an integrated high end city that will be
developed by BARWA Group at Al Khor City. It will cover an area of 5.5 million
square meters. The estimated construction cost is USD 35 billion on completion.
Al Rayyan Stadium: The existing Al-Rayyan Stadium with a seating capacity of
21,282 will be expanded to 44,740 seats using modular elements to form an
upper tier. The stadium is designed with a special "media membrane" facade that
acts as a screen for projecting news, updates and current matches. The stadium
will be downsized to its current capacity after the tournament.
Al Shamal Stadium: Al Shamal stadium will have a capacity of 45,120, with a
permanent lower tier of 25,500 seats and a modular upper tier of 19,620 seats.
The stadiums shape is derived from the "dhow" fishing boat used in the Gulf.
Spectators are expected to arrive from the Doha Expressway, water taxis, the
Bahrain-Qatar Friendship Bridge and the new Metrorail.
Al Wakrah Stadium: Al-Wakrah is one of Qatar's oldest cities, with a long history
of commercial fishing and pearl diving. Al-Wakrah stadium, with a capacity of
45,120, takes its cues from the sea that has played such an important role in the
city's history. After the FIFA World Cup, the stadium's capacity will be reduced to
25,500 seats.
Doha Metro Project: Doha metro is an 85-KM railway network in Qatar. The
railway will include an east coast link, a high-speed link, a freight link and a light
rail system. The railway will serve suburb of Doha and developments such as
Lusail, Education city and West Bay.
Entertainment City Qatar: This project shall be built at Lusail City covering
180,000 square meters allotted to entertainment activities. The city shall include
Aqua Park, Game Parks, Theater, Hotels, Residential Area and Snow Dome.
Al Gharafa Stadium: The existing 21,175 capacity Al-Gharafa stadium will be
expanded to 44,740 seats using modular elements forming an upper tier. The
facade will be made up of ribbons representing the nations that qualify for the
2022 FIFA World Cup and will symbolize football and the mutual friendship,
tolerance and respect that the tournament represents. The stadium will be
downscaled to its existing capacity after the tournament ends.
Education City Stadium: Education City Stadium takes the form of a jagged
diamond, glittering by day and glowing by night. The 45,350-seat stadium will be
located in the midst of several university campuses at Education City, easily
accessible for fans both in Qatar and in neighboring Bahrain, which will be only
51 minutes away from the stadium by high-speed rail. Following the FIFA World
Cup, the stadium will retain 25,000 seats for use by university athletic teams.
Doha Port Stadium: Doha Port Stadium is a proposed football stadium which will
be built in Doha, Qatar in time for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The new Doha Port
Stadium will be a completely modular stadium with 44,950 seats. The stadium,
which will sit on an artificial peninsula in the Gulf, is designed to evoke its marine
setting. Water from the Gulf will run over its outer facade, aiding in the cooling
process and adding to its visual allure. Fans will have the option of arriving on a
water taxi or ferry. After the FIFA World Cup, the whole stadium will be
disassembled and the seats sent to developing countries to further their football
development.
Khalifa International Stadium: Redesigned for Qatars successful hosting of the
2006 Asian Games, Khalifa International Stadiums current capacity of 50,000
will be expanded to 68,030 for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The stadium, which
includes sweeping arcs and partially covered stands, is the centerpiece of Aspire
Zone, a sports complex that includes the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence,
ASPETAR Sports Medicine Hospital and many other sporting venues.
Lusail Development: Lusail is a new coastal city under construction north of Doha
and will cover 35km. The project will contain 18 different districts and will include
a lagoon with two marinas, 25,000 residential units, high and low-rise buildings,
commercial districts and mixed-use areas, retail areas, two golf courses, 22
schools, and a hospital.
Lusail Iconic Stadium: The new Lusail Iconic Stadium, with a capacity of 86,250,
will host the opening and final matches of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Located in
Lusail City, the stadium takes its inspiration from the sail of a traditional show
boat and is surrounded by water. After the FIFA World Cup, the stadium will be
used to host other spectacular sporting and cultural events.
Web Resources
Qatar Petroleum
Central Tenders Committee
Public Works Authority
Hamad Medical Corporation
The Pearl of the Gulf
Projects Qatar 2012
New Doha International Airport
United Development Company
Qatar National Bank
Qatari Diar
Barwa Real Estate
Musheireb Properties
The New Doha Port
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Automotive
Overview
Total Market Size

Total Exports
Total Imports
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2010
2011
2563.65
0
9.44
2563.65
267.07
3.64 QR
3101.11
0
9.44
3101.11
294.55
3.64 QR
Unit: USD thousands

2012
2013
Given the increase of the population in Qatar, the need for means of transportation has
increased tremendously in the last few years. Economic growth has contributed to an
increase of personal wealth which leads to the purchase of additional, more expensive
vehicles. On the industrial side, the need for trucks and utility vehicles has increased
given the level of economic activity in all sectors. The demand for spare parts, car care
products and accessories has likewise increased as the number of used vehicles has
reached around 500,000 units. The number of medium and heavy duty trucks is in the
neighborhood of 100,000 units.
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Sports Utility Vehicles (Gas guzzlers)

Trucks, Vans and Buses
All Terrain Vehicles (ATV), Utility Vehicles (UTVs)
Specialized trucks and vehicles
Car care products
Aftermarket parts, accessories, and spare parts
Opportunities
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Tenders published by the different governmental institutions

Market penetration through appointment of distributors
Web Resources
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Construction Equipment and Tools

Overview
Total Market Size

Total Exports
Total Imports
Return to top
2010
2011
921.89
0
49.63
921.89
381.57
3.64 QR
1115.16
0
49.63
1115.16
461.56
3.64 QR
Unit: USD thousands

2012
2013
Given the magnitude and schedule of the construction projects planned, there is an
increased need for new construction equipment. Local contractors recognize the
superior quality and performance of U.S. construction equipment.
Heavy equipment (used and new)
Refuse truck collectors
Student buses
Other Municipal equipment
Opportunities
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All the projects mentioned in Architecture/Construction and Engineering services

Other projects in the Oil & Gas sector
Web Resources
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Defense Sales
Overview
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The U.S. Military strategic partnership in Qatar has made great strides since 1992 and
become more robust since 9/11.The U.S. military commitment and relationship to Qatar
is strong in view of its physical presence in Qatar, i.e., U.S. Central Commands Forward
Headquarters and the Combined Air Operations Center.
Qatar's defense expenditures are relatively minimal (in the single digits as a percentage
of GDP). Qatar maintains a modest military force of about 12,000 men total, including an
army, navy, and air force. The country has a public security force of about 10,000 men,
including police, a coast guard, national firefighting force, air wing, marine police, and an
internal security force. Qatar also has signed defense pacts with the U.S., U.K., and
France. Qatar plays an active role in the collective defense efforts of the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC--the regional organization of the Arab states in the Gulf; the
other five members are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the U.A.E., and Oman). Qatari
forces played an important role in the first Gulf War and the 2011 revolution in Libya, and
Qatar has supported U.S. military operations critical to the success of Operation
Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Qatar hosts CENTCOM Forward
Headquarters. (US State Department Background Note)
Earlier this year, Qatar Emiri Air Force leadership announced that his country is
evaluating the capabilities of different fighter jets and that the winner will be announced
by the end of current year. It is likely Qatar would order between 24 and 36 units. The
new planes would replace the QEAF's existing fleet of French-made Dassault Mirage
2000-5s.
The fighters that are being evaluated are made by companies in France, the UK, Italy
and the US. These include the Lockheed Martin F-16, the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super
Hornet and Boeing F-15, the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Dassault Rafale.
Qatar owns four Boeing C-17 and 4 Lockheed-Martin C-130J-30s Hercules.
The Qatari Navy is also looking at renewing its fleet of strategic and tactical warships
In addition, the future offers U.S. firms promise in military training, education, logistics
and maintenance services. In the medium term, the total U.S. export value for the Qatari
defense market is estimated to be $5 to $7 billion.
Military aircraft (fixed- and rotary-wing)

Small arms and ammunition
Anti-tank weapons systems
Integrated air and missile defense systems
Naval ships and tactical speed boats
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Opportunities
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10-12 new fighter aircraft

10-12 new trainer aircraft
10-12 new multi-role capability helicopters
Anti-tank weapons (Javelin or TOW) for all security services (Armed and Internal
Security Forces, Special Forces, Coast Guard, and Emiri Guard)
Integrated air and missile defense systems
Command and Control architecture
Logistics, maintenance, training and education across the spectrum
Web Resources
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Contact the Office of Military Cooperation Qatar of the U.S. Embassy in Doha through
Education Training and Equipment

Overview
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(Services statistics are not available from the GOQ.)

Qatar is using its hydrocarbon-fueled wealth in part to invest in educational reform. The
Government of Qatar (GOQ) recognizes that it must develop a diversified, knowledgebased economy to ensure the country continues to thrive over the long-term. Seeing the
failure of educational systems throughout the Arab world, Qatar is overhauling its
primary and secondary schools along a U.S. model of competitive charter schools. For
university education, they have imported not just the American model, but the U.S.
universities themselves six at last count, with others to come with the goal of creating
the best-educated citizens in the Middle East, fully prepared to participate in the global
economy.
Qatar Foundation (QF) is a major vehicle for the GOQ for education. Qatar Foundations
flagship project is a 2,500 acre campus in Doha which hosts 6 U.S. universities: WeillCornell Medical College (medicine); Carnegie Mellon University (computer science,
business); Georgetown School of Foreign Service (political science and international
affairs); Virginia Commonwealth University (design); Texas A&M University
(engineering); and Northwestern University (journalism). Qatar Foundation intends to
import more U.S. universities in the future. The Supreme Education Council, through the
Outstanding Schools Initiative, has imported one U.S. high school and plans to import
more.
Qatar currently has almost 90 independent schools which function like charter schools in
the United States. While the Government of Qatar(GOQ) requires all independent
schools to comply with national curriculum standards in all core subjects, the GOQ is
gradually modifying its educational curriculum to match international baccalaureate
standards. The GoQ is looking to expand the number of primary and secondary private
schools, particularly high-quality ones, to cater to the growing population of foreign
professionals working in Qatar, and provide options to its citizens.
The Government of Qatars senior leadership has enunciated a Qatarization strategy,
which seeks to educate highly productive, skilled Qatari nationals to meet the demands
of the labor market. Qatarization is designed to increase the number of Qatari
nationals in all joint venture industries and government departments to assume key
positions formerly occupied by expatriates. The target is 50% of the workforce in the
industry and energy sector.
The Government of Qatar provides every citizen free education at the primary and
secondary level. The Government of Qatars Higher Education Institute (HEI)
scholarship awards full scholarships to Qatari nationals admitted into a variety of
designated undergraduate and graduate schools in the United States (as well as other
countries).The goal is to provide these Qataris with the appropriate mix of skills in key
sectors in support of Qatarization. According to the U.S. State Departments Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs, student visas issued to Qataris are up 35% from 20072008.
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Language: ESL and TOEFL

Undergraduate: Business, Engineering, Communication
Certificate Programs: Firefighting, Law Enforcement Forensics, Security
Training, Ongoing Professional Development at Qatari state-owned enterprises
Post-Graduate: Pharmacy, Dentistry, MBAs
Opportunities
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This sector is open for new opportunities but must fit into the educational and economic
goals of the Qatar Foundation and the GOQ. Qatar Foundation continues to look for
U.S. universities to join Education City. The GOQ is investing significant resources to
train Qatari youth to enable them to become entrepreneurs and qualified professionals
for the economy.
Law No. 13-2000 allows 100 percent foreign ownership in the education sector pending
approval from the government.
Web Resources
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Qatar Foundation
Ministry of Education
Supreme Education Council
Qatar Petroleum
Information and Communication Technology

Overview
Total Market Size

Total Exports
Total Imports
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2010
2011
2028.97
0
10.98
2028.97
97.42
3.64 QR
2454.33
0
10.98
2454.33
117.841
3.64 QR
Unit: USD thousands

2012
2013
Source: Industry Sources
IT is one of the centerpoints of the governments plans to create a diversified,
knowledge-based economy in Qatar. A current priority of Government IT regulator and
promotion agency ict QATAR is to increase ICT use by SMEs, which is seen as
essential to the countrys diversification efforts. In 2008, ictQATAR launched new
programs targeted at SMEs, including the e-Business Pilot project, a program to help a
selected group of SMEs maximize ICT use.
ict QATAR has several priority policy areas, including telecoms liberalization, online
government, e-learning, e-health, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Along with its goal to increase ICT use in SMEs, the government is also implementing a
major IT initiative in the healthcare area.
Qatars Supreme Council for Information and Communication Technology (SCICT) was
set up in 2005 to develop ICT in Qatar. At the launch of the new policy making and
regulatory body generally referred to as ictQATAR Chairman Sheikh Tamim said that
the aim was to implement more than 100 programs and initiatives during the coming five
years.
Key objectives include skills development, the delivery of e-services and the
establishment of a regulatory environment that promotes growth and benefits citizens,
businesses and the government. ictQATAR was established by Emiri Decree.
ictQATAR's priority programs include 'Broadband for All', which aims to provide
broadband access to the community at large, with high bandwidth and competitive
tariffs, and leverage wired and wireless technologies.
In addition, the Qatari government has identified a number of priority R&D areas,
including healthcare, environmental technology, computer science and nanotechnology.
Qatar will invest target 2.8% of GDP in research projects in these areas. According to
government officials, IT will be the central lever to trigger and accelerate the
development of Qatar as a hub for research.
The Qatari government has outlined plans to invest QAR6bn (US$1.6bn) in information
technology and IT services as part of its ICT-2015 strategy.
Computers Sales: The Qatari addressable computer hardware market including PCs,
notebooks and accessories is forecast to be around US$244mn in 2011.The Qatari
computer hardware market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% between 2011 and
2015.
Software Sales: The software market was valued at US$91mn in 2011. With the
evolution of the IT market, a stronger strategic focus on software spending is being
seen; software spending is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13% during our five-year
forecast period (2011 2015).
IT Services: The IT services market is forecast to be the fastest-growing segment of
the Qatari IT market between 2011 and 2015, outperforming the hardware and software
sectors. Indeed, It had been steadily increasing in the last 10 years. With IT services
spending estimated to grow to US$275mn by 2015, the next period promises to see
more opportunities in sectors such as financial services, healthcare, education, and
communications.
E-Readiness: Qatar was one of the regional movers in the UN's most recent ereadiness survey. Qatar moved up four places to 32nd, due to government initiatives
and expanding broadband penetration. The country performed even better in the egovernment rankings, moving from 62nd to 53rd place. The government launched a new
e-services portal in 2008 and is rolling out new initiatives in various areas.
Software and hardware security solutions

E-commerce
E-Education
Electronic Archiving Systems
Opportunities
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Tenders published by the different governmental institutions

Market penetration through appointment of distributors
Web Resources
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Qatar Telecom
Qatar E-Government
Vodafone Qatar
The Supreme Council for Information & Communication Technology
Medical Equipment and Services

Overview
Total Market Size

Total Exports
Total Imports
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2010
2011
171.12
0
N/A
171.12
80.15
3.64 QR
90.30
0
N/A
90.30
42.91
3.64 QR
Unit: USD thousands

2012
2013
Note: The above figures relate only to equipment.
Health care is a priority concern for the Qatari leadership. The Qatari Government is
constantly upgrading the quality health services using technology, international expertise
and knowledge. In Qatar, healthcare services are either free or highly subsidized.
According to industry estimates, the market for medical equipment will grow over the
next five years. The market relies on imports from Europe, Asia and the United States.
In fact, the U.S. is one of the leading exporters of medical equipment, medical supplies,
medicines and pharmaceuticals to Qatar. Qatars strong interest in importing medical
equipment, healthcare technology and supplies from the U.S.is driven by two factors:
(1) the rise of new construction projects for hospitals and health care centers; and (2)
Qatars lack of local production capacity in this area.
Medical Equipment
Medical Supplies
Equipment and supplies for persons with special needs
Specialized medical services
Healthcare technology
Books and publications
Training
Opportunities
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Hamad Medical City, owned and funded by Hamad Medical Corporation, is a

$900 million integrated medical complex consisting of several specialty hospitals.
Work is underway to build an associated medical complex that will consist of the
following: a 338 bed-Pediatric Hospital, a 200-bed Orthopedic Hospital, a 230-
bed Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy Hospital, a 40-bed Day Care Surgery
Center, and a 228-room Home Care Center for the elderly.
Sidra Medical and Research Facility, owned and funded by the Qatar Foundation
with an $8 billion endowment, Sidra will be the first academic medical center in
Qatar based on a U.S. model. Working in partnership with the Weill Cornell
Medical College in Qatar and the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the
hospitals main focus will be to provide world-class medical care for women and
children, to train medical students and clinicians, and to specialize in pregnancy
health, infertility, genetic abnormalities, and other diseases specific to females.
Several U.S. companies providing medical equipment have already won lucrative
contracts with HMC.
Web Resources
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Central Tenders Committee

Hamad Medical Corporation
Sidra Foundation
Oil & Gas Field Machinery and Equipment

Overview
Total Market Size

Total Exports
Total Imports
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2010
2011
1264.45
0
N/A
1264.45
110.20
3.64 QR
1529.54
0
N/A
1529.54
133.31
3.64 QR
Unit: USD thousands

2012
2013
Qatar enjoys a reserve of approximately 14.6 billion barrels of crude oil and 910 trillion
cubic feet of natural gas.
Qatar has attracted an estimated $100 billion in investment, with approximately $60-70
billion coming from the U.S. Although a moratorium on North Field development is in
place until at least 2015, Qatar is committed to diversifying within the hydrocarbon sector
and developing its petrochemical industries in particular.
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Oil & Gas Field Machinery, Equipment and Supplies

Oil & Gas Field Services
Opportunities
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Law No. 13-2000 permits foreigners, upon approval, to own up to 100 percent of any
investment made in the energy and mining sectors.
A new Petrochemicals Complex at Ras Laffan: The petrochemicals complex will includes
a mono-ethylene glycol (MEG) plant with a capacity of up to 1.5 million tones a year (t/y),
along with other olefin derivatives. Shell will develop the complex at Ras Laffan. Project
completion date is expected in 2018.
Web Resources
Qatar Petroleum
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Safety and Security Equipment

Overview
Total Market Size

Total Exports
Total Imports
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2010
2011
350.88
0
0.06
350.88
20.53
3.64 QR
424.44
0
0.06
424.44
24.83
3.64 QR
Unit: USD thousands

2012
2013
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Qatar Planning Council
Comprehensive statistics for the sector are not available as the GOQ does not publish
trade data for all military and security items.
High economic and demographic growth and the changing geopolitical climate have led
to an increased focus on security. There has been a noticeable increase in security
procedures in private and government establishments. Private and semi-private entities
are upgrading existing security and safety equipment to keep ahead of changing security
requirements.
The unrest witnessed by certain countries in the region, and the Qatari involvement in
the regional and international political arena have raised the awareness of the Qatari
decision makers to beef up their security procedures and logistics. That will involve the
use of state-of-the-art technology given the limited human resources.
In the safety arena and after few unfortunate fire incident that cost the life of a dozen of
expatriates, the government of Qatar is expected to upgrade all of its safety standards
and NFPA, UL and other US standards are more likely to be widely adopted.
Given the high regard local consumers have for U.S. expertise in the security sector and
the favorable exchange rate compared to other convertible currencies, U.S. exports of
security related equipment and systems are expected to increase in coming years.
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Access control
Asset tracking
Chemical trace detection
Computer security
Forgery/ Fraud
Integrated security systems, Building management systems
Intrusion detection equipment

Perimeter protection
Protective barriers
Travel safety and security
Electronic safety and fire detection
Metal detection
Communications systems
Fire protection equipment and supplies
Opportunities
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Qatar has embarked on a vast program to reform its police and military units. Information
about projects with the Ministry of Interior, Qatar Armed Forces or any other security
agency is considered sensitive.
Web Resources
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Ministry of Interior
Travel and Tourism

Overview
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Qatars $153 Million U.S.-bound market holds enormous potential for the domestic U.S.
travel industry. In order to increase market share, U.S. travel entities are encouraged to
promote their products and services directly to Qatars consumers and travel agents.
Dohas strategic location and its massive international airport under construction mean
Qatar will become a major transit point for people in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Qatar Airways flies to three destinations in America: Washington, DC, New York, and
Houston 21 times per week. Qatar Airways is planning to add Chicago, Atlanta, Boston,
and Detroit to its U.S. network of destinations.
t.gov
The U.S. Department of Commerces Office of Tourism Industries recorded a 10.2 %
growth rate in the number of Middle East travelers to the United States in 2010 to 2011,
totaling 810,688 visitors. According to industry sources, the number of outbound
passengers from Qatar to the United States will witness an increase of at least 30% in
2012. Most Qataris who travel to the United States are business travelers, though
considerable numbers of individuals, tour groups and families also visit the United
States.
The average expense per person each day in the United States is approximately $4,011
including accommodations, meals, and shopping (excluding airfare). Industry experts
report over $153 Million in expenditures per year by inbound travelers from Qatar within
the United States on travel-related services, excluding airfare.
In addition to Qatar Airways, the Emirates, Ettihad, Royal Air Jordan, Egypt Air and
Turkish Airlines fly directly to several U.S. destinations, including New York, Houston,
Los Angeles and Chicago. United Airlines and Delta are flying directly to cities in the
Gulf Cooperation Council. United started a direct service from Washington Dulles to
Doha via Dubai in May 2012. European carriers such as Lufthansa, Air-France-KLMNorthwest and British airways are also carrying passengers from Qatar to different
destinations in the United States, leveraging their network and daily flights to the region.
Best Products/Services
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Over 70 travel agents and 12 tour operators work in the Qatari outbound travel market.
This market is fast-paced and competitive. Operators and airlines advertise special
packages and seasonal deals on an almost daily basis, especially during summer
vacation between July and August and Qatars holidays in the months of September and
December. Tour operators specialize in market segments rather than in specific
destinations and most operators are conservative when selecting new travel products.
U.S. passenger service companies, travel attractions, restaurants, outlet shopping and
family travel destinations may find opportunities in Qatar, especially by offering new
travel products and a high level of services.
Opportunities
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The Commercial Service is implementing a Discover America initiative, which consists of

a group of private airline carriers, travel agents and tour operators seeking to promote
the United States as a destination for travel and tourism among families and businesses
resident in Qatar.
For more information please contact the Commercial Service at:
You can also contact us for customized, individualized or standard information on the
Qatari travel market, responding with specific information relevant to your products or
services. We can provide answers regarding the overall marketability of a product or
service, market size and trends, customary distribution and promotion practices, market
entry requirements and potential agents, distributors, or strategic partners.
Resources
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U.S. Dept. of Commerce Office of Travel & Tourism Industries

Amadeus Market Information
Qatar Airways
Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority
Chapter 5: Trade Regulations, Customs and Standards
Import Tariffs
Trade Barriers
Import Requirements and Documentation
U.S. Export Controls
Temporary Entry
Labeling and Marking Requirements
Prohibited and Restricted Imports
Customs Regulations and Contact Information
Standards
Trade Agreements
Web Resources
Import Tariffs
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In accordance with the GCC Customs Union, outlined in Law No. 41/2002 and
implemented as the GCC Unified Customs Law on January 1, 2003, Qatar imposes a
five percent ad valorem tariff on the cost, insurance and freight (C.I.F.) invoice value of
most imported products, including food products. The GCC has approved exemptions for
approximately 400 goods (including basic food products such as live animals, fresh fruit
and vegetables, seafood, wheat, flour, rice, feed grains, spices, seeds for planting and
powdered milk), diplomatic and consular imports, military and security products, civilian
aviation, personal effects and used household items, passenger accompanied luggage
and gifts, goods destined for charitable use, ships and other vessels for the transport of
passengers and floating platforms, and products to be used for industrial projects. Qatar
also has a 20 percent tariff on iron bars and rods, non-alloy hot-rolled steel and 12
millimeter steel bars as well as cement. 30 percent customs duties are levied on imports
of urea and 15 percent are levied on imports of records and musical instruments. Pork
and pork products are illegal under Qatari law. Tobacco products and alcoholic
beverages are subject to a 100 percent import duty. Projects funded by the Qatar
Industrial Development Bank (QIDB) can be granted a customs duty waiver for the
import of machinery, raw materials, and other industrial inputs.
Trade Barriers
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Qatar has no trade barriers regarding the exportation and importation of goods and
products. Qatar adheres to the WTO agreements for customs valuation and trade
facilitation.
Import Requirements and Documentation
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All importers are required by law to have an import license. Import licenses are issued
only to Qatari nationals, or to the Qatari partner in a limited liability partnership, and must
be registered with the Ministry of Business and Trade. This regulation also applies to
wholly foreign owned entities operating in Qatar.
Import Licenses: All imported meats, including beef and poultry products, require a
health certificate issued by the country of export and a Halal slaughter certificate
issued by an approved Islamic center in that country.
In order to clear goods from customs zones at ports or land boundaries in Qatar,
importers must submit a variety of documents, including a detailed customs declaration,
bill of lading, certificate of origin, pro forma invoice and import license. Information on
specific requirements should be obtained from the Customs and Ports General Authority.
Inspection of goods is generally conducted at the customs station, or as directed by the
Director General, in the presence of the owner or his representative
Customs and Ports General Authority
P.O. Box 81, Doha, State of Qatar
Phone: (974) 4441-1149
Fax: (974) 4441-4959
Contact: Sheikh Hassan Bin Nasser Bin Jassim Al-Thani, Director General
Mr. Essa Jassim Mohammed, Office Director
In Qatar, the letter of credit (L/C) is the most common instrument for controlling exports
and imports. When an L/C is opened, the supplier is required to provide a certificate of
origin and a certificate from the captain of the ship or from the shipping agency stating
that the ship is allowed to enter Arab ports. An Arab Embassy or Consulate or an Arab
Chamber of Commerce should notarize both documents in the exporting country.
A letter of credit initiated in Qatar is usually endorsed with transshipment clauses. Most
of the goods imported into Qatar from the U.S. and elsewhere come via the nearby ports
of Dubai and Sharjah, both in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). Transshipment
clauses serve the purpose of advancing those goods from the U.A.E. to Qatar by land
(by truck) and/or sea (by barge). It is customary in Qatar for importers to build their
L/Cs computations on cost and freight (C&F) basis, and not C.I.F. Qatari merchants
prefer to have insurance coverage provided by local and international insurance
companies, to cover damage in transit to the goods covered under the L/C.
U.S. Export Controls
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A variety of sensitive items may not be imported into Qatar. The Qatar Distribution
Company monopolizes the importation of alcohol. Pork and pornographic items may not
be imported. Military and security items are forbidden unless licensed by local
authorities. Narcotics, flammable and radioactive products are also banned, as are any
products that violate trademarks or originate in boycotted countries.
Standard U.S. export controls and licensing procedures are applicable to Qatar.
Temporary Entry
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Some categories of goods may be temporarily admitted without collection of customs

duties. These include: heavy machinery and equipment for project execution, semifinished products, use in exhibitions and temporary events and machinery, equipment
imported for repair, containers and materials for refilling, animals for grazing, and
commercial samples.
Labeling and Marking Requirements
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Current laws and regulations of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture and the
National Health Authority (NHA) require labeling and marking requirements to be
honored, especially where import of foodstuffs is concerned.
All imported meats require a health certificate issued by the country of export and a
Halal slaughter certificate issued by an approved Islamic center in that country.
Qatar enforces GCC shelf-life standards GS 150/1993, Part I and II, which combined
affect 170 food products. The manufacturers established shelf life is accepted for other
food products. Production and expiry dates must be printed on the original label or
container by the manufacturer. Dates cannot be added after the fact via a sticker.
Products must arrive at destination with at least half the shelf-life duration remaining.
The U.S. supplier should work closely with the importer to ensure compliance with local
shelf-life requirements. Food labels must include product and brand names, production
and expiry dates, country of origin, name and address of the manufacturer, net weight in
metric units, and a list of the ingredients in descending order of importance. All fats and
oils used as ingredients must be specifically identified on the label. Labels must be in
Arabic only or in Arabic/English. Arabic stickers are accepted.
Prohibited and Restricted Imports
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Pork, pork products and pornographic material are illegal in Qatar. The Qatar
Distribution Company monopolizes the importation of alcohol. Military and security items
are forbidden unless licensed by local authorities. Narcotics, flammable and radioactive
products are also banned. Any products that violate trademarks are also banned. Qatar
participates in the primary aspects of the Israel boycott but there is an Israeli Trade
Representative Office located in Doha.
Customs Regulations and Contact Information
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Qatar is a member of the GCC Customs Union which came into effect in 2003. In
accordance with the GCC Customs Union, Qatar maintains a five percent tariff on a wide
range of products. Basic food products such as wheat, flour, rice, feed grains and
powdered milk are exempted from tariffs. The tariff on alcoholic beverages and tobacco
products is 100 percent. Qatar also has a 20 percent tariff on iron bars and rods, nonalloy hot-rolled steel and 12 millimeter steel bars. Qatar maintains a five percent tariff on
all textile imports. Projects funded by the Qatar Industrial Development Bank (QIDB)
can be granted a customs duty waiver for the import of machinery, raw materials and
other industrial inputs.
Standards
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Overview
Standards Organizations
Conformity Assessment
Product Certification
Accreditation
Publication of Technical Regulations
Labeling and Marking
Contacts
Overview
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The Government is currently developing its standards regime to meet internationally and
regionally-recognized norms and practices, such as the ISSO standards. The Qatar
General Organization for Standards and Metrology, an independent organization under
the supervision of the Minister of Business and Trade, is the standard-developing and
conformity assessment body for Qatar. However, Qatari government ministries such as
the National Health Authority (NHA), the Ministry of Energy and Industry and Ministry of
Municipal Affairs and Agriculture provide recommendations for standards. The Qatar
General Organization for Standards and Metrology continually develops new standards
and criteria for various items and merchandize.
Standards Organizations
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The only standards organization in Qatar is the Qatar General Organization for
Standards and Metrology.
NIST Notify U.S. Service
Member countries of the World Trade Organization (WTO) are required under the
Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) to report to the WTO all
proposed technical regulations that could affect trade with other Member countries.
Notify U.S. is a free, web-based e-mail subscription service that offers an opportunity to
review and comment on proposed foreign technical regulations that can affect your
access to international markets. Register online at Internet URL:
http://www.nist.gov/notifyus/
Conformity Assessment
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Qatar has laboratories to test construction materials, food and calibration scales. The
Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology is charged with the task of
developing laboratories and facilities to test electrical equipment and supplies, toys and
oil fabrication equipment as well as other items and merchandize. The Departments of
Central Laboratories, and Quality and Standards, which are under the supervision of the
General Organization for Standards and Metrology, are the primary testing facilities for
Qatar. There are no conformity assessment bodies in Qatar.
Product Certification
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Qatar applies product certification according to ISSO standards 22 and 28. Product
certification takes place by way of a conformity certificate from the manufacturer, selfdeclaration or tests reported by accredited laboratories from exporting country.
Accreditation
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There are no accreditation organizations in Qatar.
Publication of Technical Regulations
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The name of the national gazette is the Government Official Gazette. Proposed
regulations are currently not published but final regulations are published and are
considered law once listed in the Official Gazette. The General Organization for
Standards and Metrology has developed a website that lists all Qatari standards and
allows for governments and the private sector to make comments on draft legislation for
60 days. More information can be found at: www.qs.org.qa
Labeling and Marking
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Qatar enforces GCC shelf-life standards GS 150/1993, Part I and II, which combined
affect 170 food products. The manufacturers established shelf life is accepted for other
food products. Production and expiry dates must be printed on the original label or
container by the manufacturer. Dates cannot be added after the fact via a sticker.
Products must arrive at destination with at least half the shelf-life duration remaining.
The U.S. supplier should work closely with the importer to ensure compliance with local
shelf-life requirements.
Food labels must include product and brand names, production and expiry dates,
country of origin, name and address of the manufacturer, net weight in metric units, and
a list of the ingredients in descending order of importance. All fats and oils used as
ingredients must be specifically identified on the label. Labels for food must be in
Arabic or Arabic/English. Arabic stickers are accepted.
Contacts
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Qatars primary point of contact for matters on standards is the following:

Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al-Kuwari
General Manager
Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology
P.O. Box 23277
Doha, State of Qatar

Tel: (974) 4447-9805; (974) 4440-8686
Fax: (974) 4447-9052
Trade Agreements
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Qatar is a strong supporter of regional integration and has ties with several Arab League
member states. Qatar has signed several bilateral agreements to ease trade and
investment restrictions with Arab countries in the Gulf and North Africa. Over the past
ten years, Qatar has signed bilateral investment protection agreements with several
countries, including Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Croatia, Cuba, Finland,
France, Germany, India, Iran, South Korea, Morocco, Pakistan, Romania, Senegal,
Sudan, Switzerland and Turkey.
As a member of the GCC, Qatar is a signatory to the GCC Free Trade Agreement. This
agreement provides duty free access to all goods produced in the GCC States, provided
that the goods meet the content requirements (at least 40 percent value added within
GCC factories, which are at least 50 percent owned by GCC entities). In January 2003,
the GCC implemented a unified customs tariff to facilitate regional trade. The GCC aims
to adopt a common currency.
Qatar has not entered into a bilateral investment or taxation treaty with the United
States, although there is ongoing interest in exploring a U.S.-Qatar free trade
agreement.
Web Resources
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Chapter 6: Investment Climate
Openness to Foreign Investment

Conversion and Transfer Policies
Expropriation and Compensation
Dispute Settlement
Performance Requirements and Incentives
Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
Protection of Property Rights
Transparency of Regulatory System
Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment
Competition from State Owned Enterprises
Corporate Social Responsibility
Political Violence
Corruption
Bilateral Investment Agreements
OPIC and Other Investment Insurance Programs
Labor
Foreign-Trade Zones/Free Ports
Foreign Direct Investment Statistics
Web Resources
Openness to Foreign Investment
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Qatar has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and has the highest per
capita income in the world, according to The Economist. Qatars real GDP growth is
estimated to have been approximately 18.7 percent in 2011, according to IMF estimates.
The government is heavily involved in Qatar's economy, although it strongly encourages
international investment in many sectors such as energy.
Qatar's investment liberalization policies are proceeding on a gradual basis, based on a
desire to protect local companies from rapid competition.
The main economic stimuli in Qatar are oil, gas, and related industries, in particular the
development of the North Field, the largest non-associated natural gas field in the world.
Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry has attracted tens of billions of dollars in
foreign investment and made Qatar the worlds largest exporter of LNG. Qatar has
imposed a moratorium on increasing natural gas production from the North Field that will
take effect in 2012 and last until at least 2014. However, the Energy Ministry has
indicated that it may increase its LNG production by 10 million tons if it can improve
efficiency in its production units. Significant investment in the downstream sector is likely
to continue.
Qatar was awarded the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This will have a lasting
impact on Qatars real estate, construction, and finance markets as companies scramble
to obtain a portion of the more than USD 150 billion in infrastructure investments needed
before 2022. The government has allocated 40 percent of its budget between now and
2016 to infrastructure projects, including USD 11 billion on a new international airport,
USD 5.5 billion on a deepwater seaport and USD 12.36 billion on improving and creating
road networks. Qatar will also invest USD 20 billion to USD 25 billion in tourism
infrastructure development over the next 11 years as it prepares to host the 2022 World
Cup. The largest planned development is the USD 29 billion metro and rail project. It will
be implemented in three phases with completion scheduled for 2022. Other focal areas
include roads, industrial zones, and information and communication technology.
These developments will stimulate the domestic economy and create substantial export
opportunities for foreign businesses. In addition to energy and infrastructure
development, significant opportunities exist for foreign investment in medical, safety and
security, education, and franchising.
Qatar gives preferential treatment to suppliers that use local content in bids for
government procurement. When competing for government contracts, goods with Qatari
content are discounted by 10 percent and goods from other GCC countries receive a 5
percent discount. As a rule, participation in tenders with a value of QR 1,000,000 or less
is confined to local contractors, suppliers and merchants registered by the Qatar
Chamber of Commerce, and tenders with a value of more than this amount do not
require any local commercial registration to participate, but in practice certain exceptions
exist. Tender and bid details are available at the Central Tender Committee website:
http://www.ctc.gov.qa/tender-en-aspx.
The Investment Law No. 13/2000 is the primary legislation governing foreign investment.
Foreign investment is generally limited to 49 percent of the capital for most business
activities, with a Qatari partner(s) holding at least 51 percent. However, the law allows,
upon special government approval, up to 100 percent ownership by foreign investors in
certain sectors, including: agriculture, industry, health, education, tourism, development
and exploitation of natural resources, energy, or mining. Qatar amended the law in 2004
to allow foreign investment in the banking and insurance sectors upon approval of the
Cabinet of Ministers. Moreover, foreign financial services firms are allowed 100 percent
ownership at the Qatar Financial Center (QFC). On October 31, 2009, the Council of
Ministers agreed on the amendments proposed by the Ministry of Business and Trade to
allow foreign investors to hold 100 percent stakes in certain activities, including:
business consultancy and technical services; information and communication services;
cultural services; sports services; entertainment services; and distribution services.
International law firms with 15 years of continuous experience in their countries of origin
are allowed to set up operations in Qatar, but the license will be granted only if
authorities in Qatar are convinced that the field in which the applying firm specializes is
of use to Qatar. On the recommendation of the Ministry of Justice, the Cabinet may
reduce the number of required years experience or waive the condition fully. Cabinet
Decision Number 57 of 2010 states that the Doha office of an international law firm
would be permitted to carry out activities in Qatar only if the main office in the country of
origin remains operative. These requirements do not apply to law firms registered in
Qatar Financial Center (QFC).
Foreign firms are required to use a local agent for matters related to sponsorship and
residence of employees. Certain sectors are not open for domestic or foreign
competition, including public transportation, electricity and water, steel, cement, and fuel
distribution and marketing. In these sectors, a single semi-public company has complete
or predominant control.
Qatar has begun to liberalize its telecommunications sector to permit outside private
investment, starting with the issuance in December 2007 of a second mobile license to a
consortium including Vodafone and the Qatar Foundation. The same consortium was
awarded the country's second fixed-line license in September 2008. However, there is a
minimum requirement of QR 200,000 in initial capital for any telecommunication
business, which creates a barrier to entry for small entrepreneurs.
When approving majority foreign ownership in a project, the law states that the project
should fit into the country's development plans. It adds that preference should be given
to projects that use raw materials available in the local market, manufacture products for
export, produce a new product or use advanced technology, facilitate the transfer of
technology and know-how in Qatar, and promote the development of national human
resources.
Non-Qataris may also have the right of land use over real estate for a term of 99 years
renewable upon government approval in Cabinet-designated "investment areas."
Foreigners can own residential property in select projects, including the Pearl, the West
Bay Lagoon, Lusail, and the Al-Khor resort project. Law No. 23/2006 provides for
foreigners being issued residency permits without local sponsors if they own residential
or business property in Cabinet-designated "investment areas".
Import licenses are issued only to individuals with Qatari nationality, or companies
owned or controlled by Qataris. In practice, exceptions are sometimes made for foreign
companies, such as those with government contracts.
Qatar remains the second easiest country in which to pay tax globally for the second
year running, according to Paying Taxes 2011, an annual report issued by Price
Waterhouse Coopers, the World Bank, and the International Finance Corporation. Qatari
nationals are not subject to any kind of corporate or income tax, although nationals are
required to pay Zakat[1], which usually amounts to around 2.5 percent of profits.
Although there is no income tax on salaries in Qatar, foreign investors are subject to
taxation on their investment income.
On January 1, 2010 a new tax law went into effect. This law imposes a 10 percent flat
rate for all non-Qatari companies and foreign partners in Qatari companies, except for
the energy sector where there is at least a 35 percent tax, unless exempted by Amiri
Decree. Companies currently receiving tax holidays or those with government tax
exemptions will not be taxed until the contractual end of these agreements. If these
agreements were entered into by the Government, ministry, agency, body, or public
institution prior to enforcement of the new law and no tax rate was specified, the 35
percent tax rate will be imposed, unless exempted by Amiri Decree. The tax rate and all
other tax requirements set forth in agreements related to oil operations will continue to
be defined by Law No. 3/2007 on the exploitation of natural wealth and resources.
The new tax law applies to revenues from business activities, contracts which are
partly or wholly implemented in Qatar properties, including sales of stakes in the
shareholding companies or privately-owned companies whose assets are mainly
comprised of properties. Revenue from exploration and natural resource extraction in the
state and loan interest received within the state are also taxable. Gifts, luxury items, and
entertainment expenses are not deductible. Qatari-owned companies; small handicraft
companies with a maximum of three workers and not exceeding 100,000 Qatari Riyals
profit (USD 27,473); individual income from sources such as bank interest, stock
dividends, salaries, wages and allowances; and foreign charitable and other non-profit
organizations and associations and societies are all exempted from taxation.
Under Law No. 13 of 2000, the Ministry of Finance and Economy may grant a tax
holiday of up to 10 years for new foreign investments in key sectors. Other exemptions
may be granted under law 21/2009 on a case-by-case basis for a period up to 6 years.
According to Article 11-2 of law no. 21/2009, payments made to non-residents for
activities not connected with a permanent establishment in the state (Qatar) shall be
subject to a final withholding tax, as follows: 5 percent of gross royalties and technical
fees; 7 percent of the gross interest, commissions, brokerage fees, director's fees,
attendance fees and any other payments for services carried out wholly or partly in
Qatar. However, the enforcement of this article is currently frozen while the government
reviews a written petition submitted by the Qatari banks.
Companies established in the QFC have enjoyed a tax exemption since the start of
operations in 2005 until 31/12/2009. The Qatar Financial Centres new tax regime,
levying a flat 10 percent on profits, came into force in 2010, but captive insurance,
reinsurance and asset management businesses are exempt.
There are two types of penalties for failing to pay taxes: penalties associated with delays
in filling, and delays in payment. Companies that fail to file their tax return will be fined
QR 100 per day up to a maximum of QR 36,000. Those convicted of making false
statements on their taxes, or trying to evade taxes face up to three months
imprisonment and a maximum fine of QR 15,000. A further fine of 20 percent of the tax
due will be levied on companies shown to be in violation of the tax law. Penalties may be
doubled for repeat offenders. Delayed payment may result in a financial penalty equal to
the amount of unpaid tax, in addition to the payment of the tax due.
Judicial decisions in commercial disputes are primarily based on contractual
agreements, provided these agreements are not in conflict with applicable Qatari laws.
U.S. firms are strongly encouraged to consult a local attorney before concluding any
commercial agreement with a local entity.
Foreign investors and GCC nationals may only own 25 percent of the shares in all
companies listed on the Qatar Exchange (QE). Foreign investors are generally not
allowed to participate in any initial public offering (IPO), though exceptions are
occasionally made on a case-by-case basis (primarily for other GCC nationals). Those
rules of foreign ownership percentage restrictions can be waived with approval from the
Cabinet. In 2009, NYSE Euronext purchased a 20 percent stake in the QE for USD 200
million in cash. The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) owns the remaining 80 percent of
the QE.
QE has 42 listed companies and its market capitalization was valued at QR 445 billion at
the end of June 2011. The foreign ownership of shares usually hovers around 11
percent, with most owned by other GCC citizens or local expatriates. The Mutual Fund
Law (Law. No 25/2002) allows expatriates to invest indirectly in the stock market. No
bonds have been traded on the Qatar Exchange so far.
There are 18 licensed banks in Qatar, 11 of which are Qatari institutions including four
islamic banks (Qatar Islamic Bank QIB, Qatar International Islamic Bank QIIB, Masraf
Al Rayan and Barwa Bank) and 7 commercial banks (Qatar National Bank QNB,
Commercial Bank of Qatar, Doha Bank, Ahli Bank, International Bank of Qatar IBQ,
Qatar Development Bank QDB, Al Khaliji Bank).
Qatari regulations for local and foreign banks are the same. New licenses for new banks
are available through application to the Qatar Central Bank. License requirements can
be found at the following link:
http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/SupervisionApproach/LicensingAndRegisteration/Pages/
Licensing.aspx
Qatar also has 20 exchange houses, three investment companies and three commercial
finance companies.
In addition, Doha is home to the Qatar Financial Center (QFC) which allows major
international financial institutions and corporations to set up offices with 100 percent
foreign ownership, and all profits to be remitted outside of Qatar. Firms licensed by the
QFC can locate anywhere in Doha, provided there is no objection from the Ministry of
Business and Trade, and pay local market rents. As 2011, there were over 37 approved
sites.
There are currently 129 licensed firms at the QFC, representing a spectrum of banks,
investment companies, insurance houses, and related professional services. Sixty-four
(nearly 50 percent of) QFC licensed firms are regulated by QFCRA, the QFCs
independent regulatory body. QFC firms are generally limited to providing services to
wholesale clients. However, insurance companies can provide services to both
wholesale and retail clients and retail asset management is allowed as of January 1
2011.
Qatars economic freedom score is 70.5, and ranks 27th in the 2011 Index of Economic
Freedom. Its score is 1.5 points better than last year, reflecting notable improvements in
five of the 10 economic freedoms. Qatar is ranked 2nd out of 17 countries in the Middle
East/North Africa region, and its overall score is above the world and regional averages.
Measure
Transparency International Corruption Index
Heritage Economic Freedom
World Bank Doing Business:
Ease of Doing Business
Starting a Business
Index/Ranking - Year 2011

22
27
38
124
Dealing with Construction Permits

Employing Workers
24
67
Registering Property
Getting Credit
37
130
Protecting Investors
Paying Taxes
93
2
Trading Across Borders

Enforcing Contracts
47
97
Closing a Business
Conversion and Transfer Policies
33 (2010)
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Due to minimal demand for the Qatari riyal outside Qatar and the national economy's
dependence on oil and gas revenues, which are priced in dollars, the government has
pegged the riyal to the U.S. currency. The official peg is QR 1.00 per USD 0.27 or USD
1.00 per QR 3.64, as set by the government in June 1980 and reaffirmed by an Amiri
decree issued July 9, 2001.
Officially, the GCC states are harmonizing their monetary policies and intend to begin
implementation of a common currency. In January 2010 the Qatar Central Bank stopped
providing loans to the public sector in preparation for implementing the GCC unified
currency plan. However, at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit held in Abu
Dhabi in December 2010, participants indicated that there are still significant obstacles
to achieving a single currency. Despite a number of recent private sector analyses
suggesting Qatar may reassess its dollar peg policy, the government has maintained the
exchange rate.
Law No. 15/1990 does not allow foreign investors to enter into a joint stock company
with Qatari partners. However, foreign investors can hold up to a combined total of 25
percent of the shares of Qatari companies listed on the Qatari Exchange. In addition, at
least three foreign companies have been allowed to exceed this 25 percent. Exceptions
are based upon a ministerial decree and are decided on a case-by-case basis. Foreign
investors may own up to 49 percent, and the Qatari partners no less than 51 percent, of
a limited liability partnership. Foreign partners in ventures organized as limited liability
partnerships must pay the full amount of their contribution to capital in cash, or in kind,
prior to the start of operations. Usually, such firms are required to set aside 10 percent of
profits each year in a statutory reserve until it equals 50 percent of the venture's
authorized capital. The legal reserve shall not be distributed among the shareholders;
however the excess of the half of the paid-in capital may be used in distributing the
profits among the shareholders (up to 5 percent of profits). This requirement is the only
legal restriction to a foreign company desiring to repatriate all of its annual profit after tax
deduction.
Qatar neither delays remittance of foreign investment returns nor restricts transfer of
funds associated with an investment, such as return on dividends, return of capital,
interest and principal payments on private foreign debt, lease payments, royalties and
management fees, amounts generated from sale or liquidation, amounts garnered from
settlements and disputes, and compensation from expropriation to financial institutions
outside Qatar without undue delay.
Qatar Central Bank authorized mobile phone service providers Qtel and Vodafone to
add payment services and money transfers via mobile phones in direct collaboration with
banks and licensed money exchangers in Qatar.
The Government of Qatar signed a new Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorism
Finance (AML/CFT) law into force on April 30, 2010. The law addresses many of the
deficiencies identified by FATF and makes money laundering and terrorist financing
offences in line with international standards. It also introduces a suspicious transaction
reporting regime and requirements for consumer due diligence and record-keeping.
Consistent revised regulations have been issued by all three of the main financial
regulators in Qatar: the Qatar Central Bank (QCB), the Qatar Financial Markets Authority
(QFMA), and the Qatar Financial Center Regulatory Authority (QFCRA). All three
regulators have begun to do on-site inspections to check compliance with the new law
and regulations. However, significant work remains to implement the new financial
regulations and there remain some deficiencies with regards to terrorism financing.
In accordance with the QCB instructions on AML/CFT, the financial institutions must
apply due diligence prior to establishing business relationships. Certain originator
information should be secured in case the wire transfer exceeds QR 4,000. Similarly,
due diligence should be made when a customer is carrying out occasional transactions
in a single or several linked operations of an amount exceeding QR 55,000 or equivalent
in foreign currencies at the relevant time as per the provisions of Article 23 of Law 4 of
2010.
Expropriation and Compensation
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Law No. 13/2000, Article 8 states: 1) Foreign investment shall neither directly nor
indirectly be subject to expropriation unless such measures are for the public welfare
and implemented in a non-discriminatory way, against a prompt and reasonable
compensation; 2) Compensation shall be equal to the market value of the investment at
the time of expropriation, and shall be paid without undue delay. There have been no
cases of expropriation or sequestration of foreign investment in Qatar since the
nationalization in the mid-1970s of Shell and Dukhan Services (the latter was a
combination of six international oil companies handling Qatar's onshore operations on
the country's west coast). The foreign interests were compensated promptly.
Dispute Settlement
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In March 2003, Qatar became a signatory to the New York Convention of 1958 and in
November 2010, Qatar ratified its membership to the International Center for the
Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). If investment disputes occur, Qatar accepts
binding international arbitration between the government and foreign investors.
However, Qatari courts do not enforce judgments of other courts in disputes emanating
from investment agreements made under the jurisdiction of other nations.
In December 2010, the civil and commercial court, and the regulatory tribunal, for Qatar
Financial Centre (QFC) were officially launched. Together they form the QFC Judiciary
and the legal infrastructure behind the QFC. In addition, the court also features an
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) center. Although primarily concerned with hearing
commercial matters arising from within the QFC itself, the QFC intends to expand courts
jurisdiction to enable it to accept other disputes at their discretion.
In Qatar there are two concurrent bankruptcy regimes. The first is the local regime, the
provisions of which are set out in the Commercial Law No 27 of 2006. However, the
bankruptcy law is largely untested. The bankruptcy of a Qatari citizen or a Qatari-owned
company is rarely announced and the Government sometimes plays the role of
guarantor to keep bankrupt business running and safeguard creditors' rights.
The second bankruptcy regime is found in the QFC Insolvency Regulations 2005 and
applies to bodies corporate and branches registered in the QFC. There are currently two
firms in the U.K. offering full dissolution bankruptcy services to QFC-registered
companies.
In order to protect their interests, U.S. firms are advised to consult with a Qatari or
foreign-based law firm when executing contracts with local parties.
Performance Requirements and Incentives
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Performance requirements for foreign investment in Qatar, including a counter-trade

offset program, do not exist. While screening investment proposals, the government may
indicate preferences for locating facilities, capital investments and other matters.
Disclosure of financial and employment data is required, but proprietary information is
not.
The government offers a variety of incentives to foreign investors which may include tax
exemptions, property grants, energy subsidies, and low-cost financing. The following is a
list of incentives sometimes offered to foreign investors:
Natural gas priced at 60-75 U.S. cents per MBTU (Million British Thermal
Units)
Electricity offered at less than two U.S. cents per KWH (Kilowatt Hour)
Industrial land offered at 27 U.S. cents per square meter per year for a period
of 50 years, including options for renewing the lease
Exemption from customs duties on imports of machinery, equipment and
spare parts;
Exemption on export duties
Exemption from corporate taxes for up to ten years
Exemption from income taxes
Absence of quotas on imports
Low cost financing through Qatar Development Bank
Flexible immigration and employment rules to enable the import of foreign

labor
The same incentives are offered to Qatari investors.

Qatar does not maintain measures inconsistent with the Agreement on Trade-Related
Investment Measures (TRIMs), though in practice they provide preferential treatment for
those who use local content in investments or government procurements.
The Ministry of Energy and Industry determines the amount of foreign equity and the
extent of incentives for industrial projects. Industrial projects can be established only in
designated industrial zones. Necessary investment approvals may be required from the
Ministry of Health, Qatar Tourism Authority, Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Agriculture,
Ministry of Business and Trade, Supreme Education Council, and Ministry of
Environment.
Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) is the national agency charged with executing
applied research and delivering commercialized technologies in four themed areas. They
have developed centers for each of the following areas: Energy, Environment, Health
Sciences and Information & Communication Technologies. QSTP is located in Qatar
Foundation's Education City and has access to the resources of its cluster of
universities. In addition to QSTPs four centers, members include small companies,
international corporations, and research institutions. QSTP seeks to attract U.S. and
other foreign investors to start up research and development facilities in the Park, and
provide opportunities for companies to engage in commercializing the technology they
develop. Participating companies are allowed 100 percent foreign ownership, and
exemption from payment of income tax. Microsoft, ExxonMobil, GE, Shell, Tata, Total,
and ConocoPhillips are among QSTP member companies.
Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
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The Commercial Companies Law, Law No. 5/2002, controls the establishment of all
private business concerns in Qatar. The law provides for corporate mergers, corporate
bonds, and the conversion of corporate partnerships into joint stock companies.
Joint ventures involving foreign partners usually take the form of limited liability
partnerships. Law No. 15/1990 does not allow foreign investors to enter into a joint stock
company with Qatari partners. However there are exceptions as mentioned in the
CONVERSION AND TRANSFER POLICIES section above.
Foreigners are generally not allowed to own property. However, a law enacted in 2004
allows foreigners to own residential property in select projects including the Pearl, Lusail,
the West Bay Lagoon, and the Al-Khor resort project.
Non-Qataris may also have the right of usufruct over real estate for a term of 99 years in
Cabinet-designated "investment areas." Non-Qataris can be issued residency permits
without a local sponsor if they own residential or business property in the designated
districts. Citizens of members of the Gulf Co-operation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar,
Oman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) also have some
exemptions from the application of the foreign investment laws of Qatar, including the
ability to own 50 percent of businesses, as opposed to 49 percent for other foreigners,
and the ability to own freehold land in three designated zones Lusail, Al Khuraj, and
Thayleeb Mountain.
Protection of Property Rights
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Within Qatar, owners of trademarks, copyrights and patents depend on Qatari laws and
regulations for protection. Intellectual property rights in Qatar are protected by Law No.
7/2002 (Copyright and Neighboring Rights Law), Law No.30 of 2006 (Patent's Law), Law
No. 9/2002 (Trademarks and Geographical Indicators Law), Law No.5/2005 (Protection
of Trade Secrets), and Law No. 6/2005 (Protection of Layout Design of Integrated
Circuits).
Qatar adopted the GCC Patent Law and has assigned the Industrial Property Office in
the Ministry of Business and Trade Authority to handle issues related to trademarks,
commercial indications, trade names, geographical indications and industrial design. An
Intellectual Property Centre was also established by Amiri decision No. 53 of 2009 and is
affiliated with the Ministry of Justice. This center oversees implementation of Qatari law
on patents, copyright protection, and protection of trade secrets.
According to Law No. 30 of 2006, patents are valid for twenty years from the date of
submission. The Ministry of Health requires registration of all pharmaceutical products
imported into the country and will not register unauthorized copies of products patented
in other countries.
The 2002 copyright law does not explicitly provide for national treatment or coverage of
unpublished works and does not criminalize end-user piracy. However Qatar is party to
the Berne and Paris Conventions and abides by their mandates concerning unpublished
works.
As for end-users, some Qatari companies have already complied with the law and others
are making provisions to do so. The Copyright Office works with law enforcement
authorities to prosecute resellers of unlicensed video and software. In 2011, the IP
center carried out 55 raids.
Qatar uses the GCC patent law with derogations as needed to comply with its
obligations under the TRIPS Agreement. A joint committee between the Ministry of
Business and Trade and Ministry of Health has yet to be established to coordinate their
efforts and ensure that only patented products or authorized copies of pharmaceutical
products are registered for sale.
In 2006, an Amiri Decree on patents was issued stipulating that: (1) only inventions of
industrial use can be registered as a patent; (2) an industrial product or means or
process of production must have something innovative about it to merit patent
registration; (3) inventions in health, agriculture, plants and software development are
not eligible for patent; (4) only Qatari citizens or foreigners of WTO signatory countries
will be allowed to register a patent; (5) the Ministry of Business and Trade will frame and
implement executive regulations to help enforce the law; and (6) the Ministry of Business
and Trade will set up a patent registration office. This office has been established and
named the Patents Unit and is a part of the Intellectual Property centre.
As part of the GCC Customs Union, the six Member States are working toward unifying
their intellectual property regimes. In this respect, the GCC has recently approved a
common trademark law. All six Member States are expected to adopt this law as
national legislation in order to implement it. However, the new law raises questions
about consistency with GCC Member State obligations under the TRIPS Agreement and
U.S. free trade agreements with Bahrain and Oman.
Qatar is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Intellectual
Property Organization (WIPO), and is a signatory to the following WIPO Treaties:
WIPO Convention, since September 1976

Paris Convention (Industrial Property), since July 2000
Berne Convention (Literary and Artistic Works), since July 2000
Nairobi Treaty (Olympic Symbol), since July 1983
WCT (WIPO Copyright Treaty), since October 2005
WPPT (WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty), since October 2005
Qatar has also been a member and signatory to the TRIPS Agreement since
January 1996
Transparency of Regulatory System
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There are four regulatory bodies in Qatar, though plans are underway to create a unified
regulatory authority for the country. It remains unclear when the necessary legislation
and oversight board will be in place. Current regulatory entities include:
The Qatar Financial Market Authority regulates the Qatar Exchange (formerly
known as the Doha Securities Markets)
The Central Bank regulates locally registered banks
The QFC Regulatory Authority has a separate, independent regulatory authority
for QFC-registered firms
The Ministry of Business and Trade regulates the local insurance sector
In Qatar, the government is the major buyer and end-user of a wide range of products
and services. Government procurement regulations provide a ten-percent preference for
Qatari products and five-percent for GCC products.
The Central Tenders Committee (CTC) of the Ministry of Finance and Economy is
responsible for processing the majority of public sector tenders. The CTC applies
standard tendering procedures and adheres to established performance norms. It also
sets the standards for rules and regulations for bidding procedures.
In tenders valued in excess of QR 100 million (USD 27 million), the CTC may invite and
pre-qualify international firms to bid for a specific product or service. Technical bids
submitted to the CTC are referred to the appropriate government end-user for shortlisting. The CTC then opens the commercial bids and recommends the lowest priced,
technically qualified bidder to the entity concerned, which will make the final award
decision. Inquiries about specific award decisions should be directed to the CTC.
Some governmental entities have established internal tender committees. The Ministry
of Energy and Industry, Qatar Petroleum, Urban Planning and Development Authority,
and Public Works Authority process all tenders independently. Qatar Armed Forces and
the Ministry of Interior are responsible for issuing tenders for classified materials and
services.
Foreign firms wishing to participate in government procurement programs may be
required to have a local agent and provide bid and performance bonds. International
bidders should contact end-users directly for information on local agent requirements.
Other regulatory policies do not significantly affect foreign investment decisions. Some
U.S. companies have expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in government
procurement.
Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment
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In Qatar, there are no restrictions on the flow of capital. The Qatar Central Bank (QCB)
adheres to conservative policies aimed at maintaining steady economic growth and a
stable banking sector. Loans are allocated on market terms, and foreign companies are
essentially treated the same as local companies.
Qatar National Bank (QNB), 50 percent state-owned, is the largest bank in the country,
with total assets equal to 45 percent of the total assets of all Qatari Banks (local) and 37
percent of total equity of eleven Qatari Banks (local) as of September 2011. The total
assets grew since September 2010 to QR 280.1 billion, representing an increase of QR
85.4 billion or 43.9 percent.
The following represents Qatar banking sector assets, based on QCB data:
Total Assets of Banking Sector (Qatari and foreign Banks):

December 2010 QR 567,482 million - increase by 17.55 percent over December
2009
October 2011 QR 653,617million
Total Assets of Local Qatari Banks:
October 2011 QR 620,980 million
Total Assets of Local Commercial Banks:
October 2011 QR 469,068 million - 72 percent of total banking sector assets
Total Assets of Branches of Foreign Banks:
October 2011 QR 32,637 million - 4.99 percent of total banking sector assets.
Almost all import transactions are controlled by standard letters of credit processed by
local banks and their correspondent banks in the exporting countries. Credit facilities are
provided to local and foreign investors within the framework of standard international
banking practices. Foreign investors are usually required to have a guarantee from their
local sponsor/local equity partner.
However, in accordance with QCB guidelines, banks operating in Qatar give priority to
Qataris and to public development projects in their financing operations. Additionally,
single customers may not be extended credit facilities by a bank exceeding 20 percent of
the bank's capital and reserves. In addition, the Qatar Central Bank does not allow
cross-sharing and stable shareholder arrangements among banks and other business
concerns that result in fewer shares of some corporations actually trading freely in the
market. QCB requires banks to maintain a maximum credit ratio of 90 percent.
Competition from State Owned Enterprises
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Several state-owned companies still operate under monopoly, or exclusive rights in

some economic sectors. The following are Qatars major state-owned enterprises:
Qatar Public Telecommunications Corporation (Qtel) is a dominant player in the

Qatari telecoms market and is 76 percent owned by Qataris. Its revenues from
outside Qatar currently constitute more than 75 percent of its revenues. In 2007,
the mobile products and services sector was opened to competition. In 2008, the
fixed line telecoms market was also liberalized. Vodafone was selected to
compete in both mobile and fixed line against Qtel, and is 96 percent-owned by
Qataris. Both companies are listed in the Qatar Exchange (QE). Prior to 2007,
both the mobile and fixed line telecoms markets in Qatar were dominated by
Qtel.
Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) operates all water
and electricity activities and is 90 percent owned by Qataris. The government
owns 43 percent of the capital. The government has indicated that it may
privatize segments of the water and electricity sectors. A first step in this direction
occurred when the Ras Laffan Power Company, which is 55 percent owned by a
U.S. company, was established in 2001.
Qatar Petroleum (QP) operates all oil and gas activities and is wholly owned by
the government. QPs oil and gas fields fall into three categories - the North Gas
Field, onshore oil, and offshore oil. In addition, QP carries out activities through
the following subsidiaries, joint ventures and other investments:
o Al-Koot Insurance & Reinsurance
o Al-Shaheen Energy Services (ASES)
o Amwaj Catering Services
o Gasal
o Gulf Drilling International (GDI)
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Gulf Helicopters
Industries Qatar
Laffan Refinery
Oryx GTL
Qatar Aluminium (Qatalum)
Qatar Chemical Company (Q-Chem)
Qatar Fertiliser Company (QAFCO)
Qatar Fuel Additives Company (QAFAC)
Qatar Liquefied Gas Company Ltd. (Qatargas)
Qatar Melamine Company
Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO)
Qatar Petroleum International (QPI)
Qatar Steel Company (QASCO)
Qatar Vinyl Company (QVC)
Qatofin
Q-Chem 2
Ras Laffan Olefins Company (RLOC)
Ras Laffan Power Company (RLPC)
RasGas
SEEF
Tasweeq has the exclusive right to deliver Qatars energy products abroad.
Qatar General Postal Corporation (QPost) is the state-owned postal company.

Several other delivery companies are allowed to compete in this courier market:
Aramex, DHL Express, and Fedex Express.
Qatar Airways is the countrys designated National Carrier and is 50 percent

owned by the government.
The subsidiaries of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the State of Qatars

sovereign wealth fund, also play a prominent role in the local economy:
o Qatari Diar, a property investment vehicle;
o Qatar Holding, the direct strategic investment arm of QIA
o Hassad Food, a vehicle for investment in agriculture and livestock
In June 7, 2010 Qatar notified the WTO that it does not maintain any state trading
enterprises (STEs), under the working definition that STEs are governmental and nongovernmental enterprises, including marketing boards, which have been granted
exclusive or special rights or privileges, including statutory or constitutional powers, in
the exercise of which they influence through their purchases or sales the level or
direction of imports or exports.
The governments economic strategy, as expressed in its 2030 Qatar Vision, is to reduce
the dependence of the countrys budget on oil and gas.
Corporate Social Responsibility
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There is a general awareness of corporate social responsibility principles. Those firms

that pursue CSR are viewed favorably. The Ministry of Business and Trade announced
last year that it has plans to introduce a corporate social responsibility index for
companies listed on Qatar Exchange in order to measure their social commitment.
Many companies in Qatar are now considering publishing sustainability reports,
including their CSR initiatives, in conjunction with their annual reports.
Political Violence
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Qatar is politically stable. The crime rate is low. There are no political parties, labor
unions or trade associations. There is no known organized domestic political opposition.
The U.S. government believes the potential exists for acts of transnational terrorism to
occur in Qatar. Potential investors and U.S. citizens are encouraged to stay in close
contact with the Embassy for up-to-date threat information.
Corruption
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Corruption, including bribery, raises the costs and risks of doing business. Corruption
has a corrosive impact on both market opportunities overseas for U.S. companies and
the broader business climate. It also deters international investment, stifles economic
growth and development, distorts prices, and undermines the rule of law.
It is important for U.S. companies, irrespective of their size, to assess the business
climate in the relevant market in which they will be operating or investing, and to have an
effective compliance program or measures to prevent and detect corruption, including
foreign bribery. U.S. individuals and firms operating or investing in foreign markets
should take the time to become familiar with the relevant anticorruption laws of both the
foreign country and the United States in order to properly comply with them, and where
appropriate, they should seek the advice of legal counsel.
The U.S. Government seeks to level the global playing field for U.S. businesses by
encouraging other countries to take steps to criminalize their own companies acts of
corruption, including bribery of foreign public officials, by requiring them to uphold their
obligations under relevant international conventions. A U. S. firm that believes a
competitor is seeking to use bribery of a foreign public official to secure a contract
should bring this to the attention of appropriate U.S. agencies, as noted below.
U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: In 1977, the United States enacted the Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which makes it unlawful for a U.S. person, and certain
foreign issuers of securities, to make a corrupt payment to foreign public officials for the
purpose of obtaining or retaining business for or with, or directing business to, any
person. The FCPA also applies to foreign firms and persons who take any act in
furtherance of such a corrupt payment while in the United States. For more detailed
information on the FCPA, see the FCPA Lay-Persons Guide at:
http://www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/
Other Instruments: It is U.S. Government policy to promote good governance, including

host country implementation and enforcement of anti-corruption laws and policies
pursuant to their obligations under international agreements. Since enactment of the
FCPA, the United States has been instrumental to the expansion of the international
framework to fight corruption. Several significant components of this framework are the
OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International
Business Transactions (OECD Antibribery Convention), the United Nations Convention
against Corruption (UN Convention), the Inter-American Convention against Corruption
(OAS Convention), the Council of Europe Criminal and Civil Law Conventions, and a
growing list of U.S. free trade agreements. This country is party to [add instrument to
which this country is party], but generally all countries prohibit the bribery and solicitation
of their public officials.
OECD Antibribery Convention: The OECD Antibribery Convention entered into force
in February 1999. As of March 2009, there are 38 parties to the Convention including
the United States (see http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/59/13/40272933.pdf). Major
exporters China, India, and Russia are not parties, although the U.S. Government
strongly endorses their eventual accession to the Convention. The Convention obligates
the Parties to criminalize bribery of foreign public officials in the conduct of international
business. The United States meets its international obligations under the OECD
Antibribery Convention through the U.S. FCPA. [Insert information as to whether your
country is a party to the OECD Convention.]
UN Convention: The UN Anticorruption Convention entered into force on December 14,
2005, and there are 158 parties to it as of November 2011 (see
http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/treaties/CAC/signatories.html). The UN Convention is
the first global comprehensive international anticorruption agreement. The UN
Convention requires countries to establish criminal and other offences to cover a wide
range of acts of corruption. The UN Convention goes beyond previous anticorruption
instruments, covering a broad range of issues ranging from basic forms of corruption
such as bribery and solicitation, embezzlement, trading in influence to the concealment
and laundering of the proceeds of corruption. The Convention contains transnational
business bribery provisions that are functionally similar to those in the OECD Antibribery
Convention and contains provisions on private sector auditing and books and records
requirements. Other provisions address matters such as prevention, international
cooperation, and asset recovery. [Insert information as to whether your country is a
party to the UN Convention.]
OAS Convention: In 1996, the Member States of the Organization of American States
(OAS) adopted the first international anticorruption legal instrument, the Inter-American
Convention against Corruption (OAS Convention), which entered into force in March
1997. The OAS Convention, among other things, establishes a set of preventive
measures against corruption, provides for the criminalization of certain acts of
corruption, including transnational bribery and illicit enrichment, and contains a series of
provisions to strengthen the cooperation between its States Parties in areas such as
mutual legal assistance and technical cooperation. As of December 2009, the OAS
Convention has 34 parties (see http://www.oas.org/juridico/english/Sigs/b-58.html)
[Insert information as to whether your country is a party to the OAS Convention.]
Council of Europe Criminal Law and Civil Law Conventions: Many European
countries are parties to either the Council of Europe (CoE) Criminal Law Convention on
Corruption, the Civil Law Convention, or both. The Criminal Law Convention requires
criminalization of a wide range of national and transnational conduct, including bribery,
money-laundering, and account offenses. It also incorporates provisions on liability of
legal persons and witness protection. The Civil Law Convention includes provisions on
compensation for damage relating to corrupt acts, whistleblower protection, and validity
of contracts, inter alia. The Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) was
established in 1999 by the CoE to monitor compliance with these and related anticorruption standards. Currently, GRECO comprises 49 member States (48 European
countries and the United States). As of December 2011, the Criminal Law Convention
has 43 parties and the Civil Law Convention has 34 (see www.coe.int/greco.) [Insert
information as to whether your country is a party to the Council of Europe Conventions.]
Free Trade Agreements: While it is U.S. Government policy to include anticorruption
provisions in free trade agreements (FTAs) that it negotiates with its trading partners, the
anticorruption provisions have evolved over time. The most recent FTAs negotiated now
require trading partners to criminalize active bribery of public officials (offering bribes to
any public official must be made a criminal offense, both domestically and transnationally) as well as domestic passive bribery (solicitation of a bribe by a domestic
official). All U.S. FTAs may be found at the U.S. Trade Representative Website:
http://www.ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements. [Insert information as to
whether your country has an FTA with the United States: Country [X] has a free trade
agreement (FTA) in place with the United States, the [name of FTA], which came into
force. Consult USTR Website for date: http://www.ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-tradeagreements.]
Local Laws: U.S. firms should familiarize themselves with local anticorruption laws, and,
where appropriate, seek legal counsel. While the U.S. Department of Commerce cannot
provide legal advice on local laws, the Departments U.S. and Foreign Commercial
Service can provide assistance with navigating the host countrys legal system and
obtaining a list of local legal counsel.
Assistance for U.S. Businesses: The U.S. Department of Commerce offers several
services to aid U.S. businesses seeking to address business-related corruption issues.
For example, the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service can provide services that may
assist U.S. companies in conducting their due diligence as part of the companys
overarching compliance program when choosing business partners or agents overseas.
The U.S. Foreign and Commercial Service can be reached directly through its offices in
every major U.S. and foreign city, or through its Website at www.trade.gov/cs.
The Departments of Commerce and State provide worldwide support for qualified U.S.
companies bidding on foreign government contracts through the Commerce
Departments Advocacy Center and States Office of Commercial and Business Affairs.
Problems, including alleged corruption by foreign governments or competitors,
encountered by U.S. companies in seeking such foreign business opportunities can be
brought to the attention of appropriate U.S. government officials, including local embassy
personnel and through the Department of Commerce Trade Compliance Center Report
A Trade Barrier Website at tcc.export.gov/Report_a_Barrier/index.asp.
Guidance on the U.S. FCPA: The Department of Justices (DOJ) FCPA Opinion
Procedure enables U.S. firms and individuals to request a statement of the Justice
Departments present enforcement intentions under the anti-bribery provisions of the
FCPA regarding any proposed business conduct. The details of the opinion procedure
are available on DOJs Fraud Section Website at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
Although the Department of Commerce has no enforcement role with respect to the
FCPA, it supplies general guidance to U.S. exporters who have questions about the
FCPA and about international developments concerning the FCPA. For further
information, see the Office of the Chief Counsel for International Counsel, U.S.
Department of Commerce, Website, at http://www.ogc.doc.gov/trans_anti_bribery.html.
More general information on the FCPA is available at the Websites listed below.
Exporters and investors should be aware that generally all countries prohibit the bribery
of their public officials, and prohibit their officials from soliciting bribes under domestic
laws. Most countries are required to criminalize such bribery and other acts of
corruption by virtue of being parties to various international conventions discussed
above.
Bribery is a crime in Qatar and the law imposes penalties for public officials convicted of
taking action in return for monetary or personal gain, or for other parties who take
actions to influence or attempt to influence a public official through monetary or personal
gain. The current Penal Code (Law No. 11/2004) governs corruption law and stipulates
that individuals convicted of bribery may receive up to ten years imprisonment and a fine
not greater than the amount of the bribes but not less than 5,000 Qatari Riyals (USD
1,374).
Those convicted of embezzlement and damage to the public treasury is subject to terms
of imprisonment of no less than 5 and no more than 10 years. The penalty is enhanced
to a minimum term of 7 and a maximum term of 15 years if the perpetrator is a public
official in charge of collecting taxes or exercising fiduciary responsibilities over public
monies. Investigations into allegations of corruption are handled by the Qatar State
Security Bureau (QSS) and Public Prosecution. Final judgments are made by the
criminal court Qatari officials are working to establish a more open and transparent
system in government procurement.
By Amiri Decree No. 17/2007, Qatar ratified the UN Convention for Combating
Corruption, and Amiri Decree No. 84/2007 established a National Committee for Integrity
and Transparency. The permanent committee is headed by the chairman of the Audit
Bureau and is tasked with combating corruption in Qatar and reports directly to him.
Qatar is not a party to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD) Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials. Qatar launched
the Anti-Corruption and Rule of Law Center on December 11, 2011 in Doha in
partnership with the United Nations.
Qatar has retained its position as the least corrupt country in the Middle East and North
Africa (MENA) in the 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). Qatar was ranked 22nd
globally with a score of 7.2, while last year global ranking was 22 with a score of 7.7.
On November 29, 2011 an Amiri Decree No 75/2011 was issued ordering the
establishment of a Administrative Control and Transparency Authority. Deputy Prime
Minister and Chief of the Amiri Diwan H.E. Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiya has been
appointed as its Chairman. The Authority will have within its jurisdiction private sector
companies that provide public services. The objectives of the Authority are to help
prevent official corruption and ensure that the various ministries, state agencies and their
arms as well as their officials operate with transparency. The Authority is to be
autonomous and accountable only to the Emir, who will be approving an annual budget
for the body prepared by its chairman. The authority is charged with investigating alleged
crimes against public property or finances perpetrated by public officials. U.S. investors
and Qatari nationals, if they are agents of U.S. firms, are subject to the provisions of the
U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Anti-Corruption Resources
Some useful resources for individuals and companies regarding combating corruption in
global markets include the following:
Information about the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), including a LayPersons Guide to the FCPA is available at the U.S. Department of Justices
Website at: http://www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
Information about the OECD Antibribery Convention including links to national

implementing legislation and country monitoring reports is available at:
http://www.oecd.org/department/0,3355,en_2649_34859_1_1_1_1_1,00.html. See
also new Antibribery Recommendation and Good Practice Guidance Annex for
companies: http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/11/40/44176910.pdf.
General information about anticorruption initiatives, such as the OECD Convention

and the FCPA, including translations of the statute into several languages, is
available at the Department of Commerce Office of the Chief Counsel for
International Commerce Website: http://www.ogc.doc.gov/trans_anti_bribery.html.
Transparency International (TI) publishes an annual Corruption Perceptions Index

(CPI). The CPI measures the perceived level of public-sector corruption in 180
countries and territories around the world. The CPI is available at:
http://www.transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi/2009. TI also
publishes an annual Global Corruption Report which provides a systematic
evaluation of the state of corruption around the world. It includes an in-depth
analysis of a focal theme, a series of country reports that document major
corruption related events and developments from all continents and an overview of
the latest research findings on anti-corruption diagnostics and tools. See
http://www.transparency.org/publications/gcr.
The World Bank Institute publishes Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI).

These indicators assess six dimensions of governance in 213 countries, including
Voice and Accountability, Political Stability and Absence of Violence, Government
Effectiveness, Regulatory Quality, Rule of Law and Control of Corruption. See
http://info.worldbank.org/governance/wgi/index.asp. The World Bank Business
Environment and Enterprise Performance Surveys may also be of interest and are
available at: http://data.worldbank.org/data-catalog/BEEPS.
The World Economic Forum publishes the Global Enabling Trade Report, which
presents the rankings of the Enabling Trade Index, and includes an assessment of
the transparency of border administration (focused on bribe payments and
corruption) and a separate segment on corruption and the regulatory environment.
See http://www.weforum.org/s?s=global+enabling+trade+report.
Additional country information related to corruption can be found in the U.S. State
Departments annual Human Rights Report available at
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/.
Global Integrity, a nonprofit organization, publishes its annual Global Integrity

Report, which provides indicators for 106 countries with respect to governance and
anti-corruption. The report highlights the strengths and weaknesses of national level
anti-corruption systems. The report is available at: http://report.globalintegrity.org/.
Bilateral Investment Agreements
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Qatar has more than 40 international investment cooperation agreements, listed below.
Fourteen have been enabled including those signed with Belarus, Bosnia &
Herzegovina, China, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Republic of Korea, Morocco,
Romania, Switzerland and Turkey:
1996 (Algeria, France, Germany, Romania and Tunisia)

1998 (Bosnia & Herzegovina, Senegal and Sudan)
1999 (Chad, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Morocco, Pakistan and South Korea)
2000 (Eritrea, Indonesia, Italy and Yemen)
2001 (Belarus, Croatia, Cuba, Finland, Switzerland and Turkey)
2002 (Armenia, Gambia, and Mali)
2003 (Mauritania, South Africa and Syria)
2004 (Libya)
2007 (Azerbaijan, Belgium & Luxembourg, Mongolia, Russian Federation and
Tajikistan)
2008 (Cyprus and Kazakhstan)
2009 (Jordon, Montenegro, and Portugal)
2010 (Lebanon and Panama)
On the trade and economic side Qatar signed several Technical, Trade and Economic
Cooperation Agreement with the following countries:
2000 (Cuba, Lebanon, Yemen, and Eretria)

2001 (Belarus)
2002 (Finland, Ukraine, Mali, South Africa, Gambia, Armenia, Ivory Coast, Guinea,
and Niger)
2003 (Mauritania)
2004 (Libya, and Azerbaijan)
2005 (Germany and Nepal)

2007 (Mongolia, Greece, Vietnam, Singapore, and Tajikistan)
2008 (Cyprus and Philippine)
2009 (Albania (ratified), Croatia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Belarus)
2010 (Congo, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, and Slovenia)
2011 (Chad)
On November 5, 2005, Qatar and Singapore signed a free trade agreement. Both
countries continue to work to finalize the text of the agreement.
Qatar has 33 Agreements for the Avoidance of Double Taxation.
Qatar has not entered into a bilateral investment, trade, or taxation treaty with the U.S.
However, Qatar and the U.S. did sign a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
(TIFA) in April 2004.
OPIC and Other Investment Insurance Programs
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Due to concerns about labor practices in Qatar, OPIC suspended its operations in Qatar
in 1995. However, Qatar is working to improve its labor standards in order to reinstate
OPIC coverage.
Qatar has no plans to become a member of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee
Agency (MIGA).
Labor
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According to the World Bank Migration & Remittances Fact Book 2011, Qatar has the
worlds highest level of immigrants, relative to population, with expats making up 87
percent of the country's population. Qatar's labor force consists primarily of expatriate
workers.
Qatar's current population is estimated at around 1.7 million, doubling in the last four
years. Qatari citizens are estimated to number less than 250,000 - less than one-sixth of
the total population. The largest group of foreign workers comes from the Indian subcontinent. The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labor regulate recruitment of
expatriate labor, but Qatar's plan to develop its own manpower resources continues to
receive attention at all government levels.
The 2004 labor law and subsequent regulations provide for the right of Qatari citizens to
form workers' committees in private enterprises with more than 100 Qatari citizen
workers. Non-citizens are not eligible to form worker committees. Those working in the
government sector, Qatari and non-Qatari, are prohibited from joining unions. Further,
the law and regulations permit only a single national trade union structure and forbid
affiliation with groups outside the country.
These restrictions mean that, in practice, no labor unions currently exist. Under the labor
law, workers are granted the right to bargain collectively and to sign joint agreements,
i.e., agreements reached between employer and worker regarding a work-related issue.
The right is circumscribed by the government's control over the rules and procedures of
the bargaining and agreement processes. Collective bargaining is not freely practiced,
and there are no workers employed under collective bargaining contracts. The law also
grants workers the right to strike, but the restrictive conditions imposed by the statute
make the likelihood of an approved strike extremely remote.
Unapproved and spontaneous strikes are an occasional occurrence, though they are
typically confined to the industrial areas, and resolved with intervention by the
embassies or communities of the involved workers and/or shows of force by Qatari
security forces. Leaders of such disturbances are routinely deported.
Employers set wages unilaterally without government involvement. Local courts handle
disputes between workers and employers; however, the majority of foreign workers
avoid drawing attention to problems with their employers for fear of repatriation.
According to source country embassies and some migrant workers, the Labor
Department was widely perceived to be objective within its narrow mandate when
dealing with the nonpayment of wages. The Labor Department claimed that it resolves
the vast majority of worker complaints amicably, with a very small percentage referred to
the labor courts for judgment.
A secretariat for labor relations is charged with overseeing collective bargaining and
labor relations. The Labor Inspection Section has been restructured and staffed with
sufficient numbers of trained inspectors who are provided with the power of law
enforcement. Some labor camps have been closed and forced to comply with minimum
standards by the labor inspectors. All expatriate labor must have a Qatari sponsor.
Therefore, foreign investors are urged to negotiate labor visa issues with their
sponsors/local agents/partners in the early stages of contract negotiation.
In order to bring an expatriate employee into the country, sponsors must submit a
request to the Ministry of Labor specifying the employee's nationality and the job he will
perform in Qatar. The Ministry of Labor maintains a quota system that restricts the
number of workers that may come to Qatar from any particular country.
The Ministry of Interior and the current sponsor must approve all transfers of
sponsorship of an expatriate from one individual or firm to another. With the approval of
the Ministry of Interior, sponsorship of employees who filed valid complaints of abuse by
employers can be transferred without the current employer's agreement, which is very
rare.
If the residence permit is canceled, the expatriate is not allowed to return to Qatar on a
work visa for a period of two years unless he obtains a letter of no objection from his
previous employer. If an employee has been terminated under article 61 of the law, he is
barred from reentering the country for four years from the date of his exit.
It is common practice in Qatar for expatriate workers to be provided accommodation,
end of service benefits and homeward passage allowance, in addition to salaries. Qatar
does not have a minimum wage regulation, though Qatar's labor agreements with some
countries stipulate a minimum wage for certain types of work. The Labor Law does not
apply to domestic workers or drivers.
Qatar is a member of the International Labor Organization (ILO). Generally, labor
experts believe that Qatar's labor law does not meet ILO minimum requirements. On
December 7, 2011 Qatar approved a draft cabinet resolution for establishment of a
Constituent Labors Committee. According to the government, the committee will work to
make expat laborers aware of their rights and obligations and help protect labor rights in
accordance with ILO and International Human Rights Laws.
Foreign-Trade Zones/Free Ports
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Companies operating at the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) can import
goods and services duty free. Foreign entities wishing to invest in the QSTP apply for a
license with the Park's managing board. No other licensing rules prevalent in the country
will apply to the above businesses, although individuals, contracts and agreements are
subject to the criminal and civil laws of the state. Licensed foreign companies can enjoy
100 percent ownership and full capital and income repatriation benefits.
Businesses in the QSTP are exempt from all taxes, including income tax. The property
of such a business is not to be seized under any circumstance, but capital and other
cash can be seized on the orders of a local court. Equipment, machinery, or any other
goods being imported for use by an entity doing business in QSTP are exempt from
customs duty, and goods produced in the Park are not subject to export tax.
Goods being sold within Qatar, but outside the QSTP, are subject to the normal customs
duty applicable to imported products. Flammable and radioactive materials, drugs,
weapons, and explosives are banned from import by any of the licensed entities, unless
the licensed entity obtains the necessary permit from the competent governmental
authority and a written approval from the QSTP Board.
In addition to the QSTP, Qatar plans to establish three free-trade zones; the first free
zone was established in 2006, near the New Doha International Airport, to house light
industries, financial services, and legal, trade and engineering consultancies.
Development of this zone is still proceeding.
A second zone for the industrial area of Doha will cater to manufacturing and transport
companies. The third zone, near Mesaieed Industrial City, will house petrochemical and
other downstream-related businesses in the energy sector.
Priority in employment at the zones will be given to Qatari nationals. Resident
expatriates will be allowed to join a licensed company if there is no objection from the
Ministry of Interior. Conditions governing sponsorship change, including nationality
quotas, will not apply to expatriates being recruited by a licensed company provided
there is no objection from the Ministry of Interior.
Foreign Direct Investment Statistics
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The Government of Qatar does not publish detailed statistics for foreign direct
investment (FDI) in Qatar or the government's direct investments overseas. However,
Qatar National Bank (QNB) reported the FDI inflows into Qatar in 2009 totaled USD 8.7
billion - the second highest foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in the MENA region,
while, FDI outflows totaled USD 3.7 billion in 2009.
The stock of U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in Qatar was USD 9.2 billion in 2008,
up from USD 7.7 billion in 2007. Qatar FDI inward stock was USD 28 billion in 2009 and
the FDI outward stock was USD 16 billion in 2009. Qatar liberalized foreign investment
in a number of sectors, including consultancy services, information technology, services
related to sports, culture and entertainment, and distribution services.
In recent years, Qatar has attracted sizeable investments in the areas of enhanced oil
recovery and production, as well as the development of Qatar's gas industry. During the
past ten years, QP and its partners have invested an estimated USD 100 billion in
upstream and downstream operations. Qatars North Field, discovered in 1971, is the
largest non-associated gas field in the world, with proven reserves estimated at more
than 902tn cu ft (tcf), the equivalent of about USD 162 billion barrels of oil. Qatar holds
the worlds third largest gas reserves after Russia and Iran.
Qatar's 14 LNG trains are based in Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC), including six mega
trains which produce 7.8 million tonnes each annually, and operated by two companies:
Qatargas and RasGas Company Limited. Together, these companies provide Qatars 77
Mta production capacity. Qatari LNG is now delivered to over 23 markets across four
continents. Qatar has a fleet of 54 LNG vessels representing some 20 percent of the
world's total LNG fleet. Qatar's gas industry has attracted investors/creditors from the
around the world. The following is a list of foreign equity participation investors, U.S.
firms included, in some major state-owned industrial/petroleum-related industries:
Exxon-Mobil investment in Qatar is around USD 15 billion and the company currently
holds around 10-30 percent stakes in 12 liquefied natural gas production units in Qatar
as well as a condensate refinery.
PETROCHEMICALS
Industries Qatar (IQ) 75 percent, Yara Nederland BV 15 percent and Fertilizer Holdings
AS 10 percent - Industries Qatar was incorporated in 2003 - Commencement of
commercial production: 1974 - Total shareholder equity as end of 2004 was USD 791.5
million - The IQ group companies are:
Qatar Steel Company (QASCO) - incorporated in 1974 as a joint venture between the
Qatar government 70 percent and two Japanese companies, Kobe Steel 20 percent and
Tokyo Boeki 10 percen), to establish an integrated steel plant.
Qatar Fertilizer Company (QAFCO) - established in 1969 and incorporated in 1975 in a
joint venture agreement between the Qatar government and two foreign shareholders. In
the same year, the Government transferred its shares to Qatar Petroleum. It is jointly
owned by Industries Qatar (IQ) 75 percent, Yara International 25 percent shareholders.
Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO) - established in 1974 - Commencement of
commercial production: 1981 - as a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum 80 percent
and Total Petrochemicals 20 percent. Qatar Petroleums shares in QAPCO were taken
over by Industries Qatar in 2003 - Equity share capital: QR 360 million (USD 99 million) Total shareholder equity: USD 777.5 million.
Qatar Fuel Additives Company Ltd. (QAFAC) - incorporated in 1991 - Commencement
of commercial production: 2001 - as a joint venture for the construction and operation of
a methanol and MTBE production facility - is jointly owned by Industries Qatar (IQ) 50
percent, Chinese Petroleum Corporation (CPC) 20 percent, Lee Chang Yung.
Chemical Industry Corporation (LCYCIC) 15 percent and International Octane Limited 15
percent - Total capital QR 2.5 billion (USD 687 million) - Year established: 1992 - End
users: Far East, India, Europe and Arabian Gulf - Total shareholder equity: Unknown.
Qatar Vinyl Company (QVC) is jointly owned by Qatar Petroleum 25.5 percent, QAPCO
31.9 percent and Arkema (a global chemical company and Frances leading chemicals
producer) 12.9 percent - Year established: 1997 - End-users: Asian countries Commencement of commercial production: Mid-2001 - Total shareholder equity:
Unknown.
Qatar Chemical Company (Q-ChemI): Equity Share Capital: Unknown - Shareholders:
Qatar Petroleum (QP) 51 percent; Chevron-Phillips Chemical Company (USA) 49
percent (ConocoPhillips has collaborated with Qatar Petroleum since 1997 with the
establishment of the Q Chem I joint venture) - Year established: 1997 - End-users: Asia,
Europe, Middle East and Africa - Commencement of commercial production: 2003 Current value of foreign equity: Unknown.
Qatar Chemical Company II (Q-Chem II): Equity Share Capital: Unknown Shareholders: Qatar Petroleum 51 percent and ChevronPhillips 49 percent
(ConocoPhillips participated with Qatar in the Q Chem II and RLOC petrochemical
ventures through its 50 percent ownership in ChevronPhillips Chemicals) - Year
Established: 2002 - End-users: Local and international - Commencement of commercial
production: 2007 - Current value of foreign equity: Unknown.
Qatofin: Equity Share Capital: Unknown - Shareholders: QAPCO 63 percent, Total
Petrochemicals (formally Atofina) 36 percent and QP 1 percent - Year Established: 2002
- End-users: Asia and Europe - Commencement of commercial production: 2007 Current value of foreign equity: Unknown.
Ras Laffan Ethylene Cracker: Equity Share Capital: Unknown - Shareholders: Q-Chem II
53.31 percent, Qatofin 45.69 percent and QP 1 percent - Year Established: 2002 - Endusers: Domestic - Commencement of commercial production: 2007 - Current value of
foreign equity: Unknown.
Qatar Petroleum (QP) and ExxonMobil Chemical Qatar Limited joint venture to develop
one of the world's biggest petrochemical complexes in Ras Laffan Industrial City worth
USD 6 billion. The production is destined mainly for the Asia-Pacific region and Europe.
The complex would include about a 1.6 million tons per annum steam cracker, 650,000
tons per annum gas phase polyethylene plants, and a 700,000 tons per annum ethylene
glycol plant.
The Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Company (QIMC), with a capital base of more than
QR 360 million, has equity interests in industries such as chemicals, petrochemicals,
construction, aluminum, paper and food processing. The subsidiaries of QIMC are Qatar
Metal Coating Company, National Paper Industries Company, Qatar Sand Treatment
Plant, Qatar Nitrogen Company, Qatar Paving Stones, National Food Company and
Qatar Acids Company. Its business associates are Qatar Jet Fuel Company, Qatar
Saudi Gypsum Industries Company, Qatar Clay Bricks Company, Qatar Plastic
Production Company, Gulf Formaldehyde Company, Gasal, and Amiantit Qatar Pipes
and Qatar Tunisian Food Company.
Qatar Petroleum, via its subsidiary Qatar Intermediate Industries Holding Co (Qatar
Holding) is expanding its production capability for petrochemicals with the construction of
a new plant in Mesaieed Industrial City (MIC). The new Qatar Petrochemicals Complex
(QPCC) will be a multi-billion-dollar (USD 2.6 billion) project developed in a 70:30
partnership between Qatar Holding and Honam Petrochemical Corporation of South
Korea. The new petrochemicals complex is scheduled to begin production in 2012.
LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS PROJECTS
Qatar Liquefied Gas Company (Qatargas I): Equity share capital: QR 500 million (USD
137 million). Shareholders: Upstream: Qatar Petroleum (QP) 65 percent, Total (France)
10 percent, Marubeni Corporation (Japan) and Mitsui and Company Ltd. (Japan) 7.5
percent each and ExxonMobil Oil (USA) 10 percent. Shareholders: Downstream: Qatar
Petroleum 65.0 percent, Total 20.0 percent, ExxonMobil 10.0 percent, Mitsui 2.5
percent, Marubeni 2.5 percent. Year established: 1984. End-users of LNG: main Markets
are Japan and Spain. Commencement of commercial production: December 1996.
Current value of foreign equity: Unknown. The production capacity of Qatargas I was
6Mta and increased to 10 million tons after the process of de-bottlenecking.
Qatar Liquefied Gas Company (Qatargas II): Equity share capital: Unknown.
Shareholders: Train 4 (capacity of 7.8 mtpa): Qatar Petroleum 70 percent and
ExxonMobil 30 percent. Train 5 (capacity of 7.8 mtpa): Qatar Petroleum 65 percent and
ExxonMobil 18.3 percent and Total 16.7 percent. Year Established: 2002. End-users:
United Kingdoms gas market Current value of foreign equity: Unknown.
Qatar Liquefied Gas Company (Qatargas III) - (Train 6 - capacity of 7.8 mtpa): Equity
Share Capital: USD 5 billion; Shareholders: Qatar Petroleum (QP) 68.5 percent and
ConocoPhillips 30 percent (ConocoPhillips upstream collaboration (with Qatar) has
been since 2003 through the development of Qatargas 3, a large- scale LNG project at
Ras Laffan with a capacity of 7.8 million tons per year (tpy) and Mitsui & Co. Ltd 1.5
percent. Year Established: 2003. End-users: Europe, Asia and the United States.
Current value of foreign equity: Unknown.
Qatar Liquefied Gas Company (Qatargas IV) - (Train 7 - capacity of 7.8 mtpa) is the last
of the 7.8 million tpy mega trains constructed by Qatargas in Ras Laffan. Shareholders:
Qatar Petroleum 70 percent and Royal Dutch Shell plc (30 percent). Qatargas 3 and
Qatargas 4 supply LNG to Europe, Asia and the United States. Established: 2005
Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Co. (RasGas I) owns Trains 1 and 2: Equity share
capital: QR 7.28 billion (USD 2 billion). Shareholders: Qatar Petroleum (QP) 63 percent,
Mobil QM Gas Inc. 25 percent, Itochu Corporation 4 percent, Nissho Iwai Corporation 3
percent and KOGAS 5 percent. Year established: 1993. End-users of LNG: South Korea
Gas Corporation (KOGAS 91 percent, Spain 6 percent and the U.S. 3 percent.
Commencement of commercial production: 1999. Current value of foreign equity:
Unknown.
Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Co. (RasGas II) - owns Trains 3, 4 and 5: Equity
Share Capital: USD 550 million. Shareholders: QP 70 percent and ExxonMobil 30
percent. Year Established: 2001. End-users: India, Edison Gas of Italy, Distrigas of
Belgium and Endesa of Spain. Current value of foreign equity: Unknown.
Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Co. (RasGas III - owns Trains 6 and 7): The
investment in Ras Laffan Industrial City, the hub of Qatar's upstream industry, reached
USD 70.0 billion in 2009. Equity Share: Unknown. Capital: USD 12-14 million.
Shareholders: QP 70 percent stake and ExxonMobil 30 percent. Year Established: 2005.
End-users: United States and Asian market. Current value of foreign equity: Unknown
GAS-TO-LIQUIDS PROJECTS
Oryx GTL Project: Equity Share Capital: Unknown. Shareholders: Qatar Petroleum 51
percent and Sasol 49 percent. Year Established: 2003. End-users: Singapore, Japan
and Europe. Commencement of commercial production: 2007. Current value of foreign
equity: Unknown.
Pearl GTL Project: Equity Share Capital: Unknown. Shareholders: Qatar Petroleum 51
percent and Royal Dutch Shell Group 49 percent. Year Established: 2004.
Commencement of commercial production: 2011. Current value of foreign equity:
Unknown.
OTHER GAS PROJECTS
Dolphin Gas Project: Equity Share Capital: Unknown. Shareholders: Mubadala
Development Company (Abu Dhabi) 51 percent, Occidental Petroleum of the U.S. 24.5
percent, Total of France 24.5 percent, End-users: UAE and Oman. Commencement of
commercial production: 2007. Current value of foreign equity: Unknown.
Al-Khaleej Gas Project: Equity Share Capital: Unknown. Shareholders: Qatar Petroleum,
ExxonMobil. Year Established: 2000. End-users: Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain.
Commencement of commercial production: Unknown. Current value of foreign equity:
Unknown.
Barzan Gas Project: Qatar Petroleum (QP) completed a USD 10.4 billion financing of its
Barzan gas project mid December 2011. The Barzan gas project will be completed in
two phases. Train 1 is expected to be operational in 2014 and Train 2 in 2015. Rasgas
will develop and operate the project on behalf of its Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil,
which have a 93 percent and 7 percent stake in the project respectively. The project
aims to satisfy local demand for natural gas. The project will supply natural gas to power
generation and water desalination plants as well as small- and medium-sized industries
in Qatar.
OTHER OIL AND GAS-BASED INDUSTRIES

Gulf International Drilling: Equity Share Capital: USD 258 million. Shareholders: Qatar
Petroleum 60 percent and JDC 40 percent. Year Established: 2004. End-users: TBD.
Commencement of commercial operations: 2004. Current value of foreign equity:
Unknown.
POWER AND UTILITIES
Ras Laffan Independent Water and Power Project: Equity Share Capital: USD572
million. Shareholders: AES Corporation 55 percent, Qatar Electricity and Water
Company 25 percent, Qatar Petroleum 10 percent and Gulf Investment Corporation 10
percent. Year Established: 2001. End-users: Local. Commencement of commercial
production: 2004. Current value of foreign equity: Unknown.
Q Power Company: Equity Share Capital: Unknown. Shareholders: Qatar Electricity &
Water Co. - 55 percent, International Power Plc (UK) - 40 percent Chubu Electric Power
Company (Japan) 5 percent.
[1] Zakat is an obligation in Islam for Islamic individuals and corporations to donate a
certain portion of their wealth to charitable causes
Web Resources
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Chapter 7: Trade and Project Financing
How Do I Get Paid (Methods of Payment)

How Does the Banking System Operate
Foreign-Exchange Controls
U.S. Banks and Local Correspondent Banks
Project Financing
Web Resources
How Do I Get Paid (Methods of Payment)
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Standard Letters of Credit processed by local banks and corresponding banks in the
exporting countries control almost all import transactions. In accordance with QCB
policy, merchants in Qatar make use of the credit facilities provided by banks to facilitate
their imports. Letters of Credit are the safest means of payment that protect the rights of
the Qatari importer and the foreign exporter.
Qatari companies also use other methods of payment such as advanced payment and
open accounts via banks, but these options all depend on the relationship established
with the foreign principal.
Banks in Qatar also provide short-term overdrafts and loans to their customers and issue
Performance Bonds, Bid Bonds and Advance Payment guarantees on behalf of their
customers to support local contracting activities. They can also facilitate foreign
exchange transactions and most banks are able to structure basic derivatives such as
Interest Rate Swaps to hedge interest rate risk.
Opening an account in Qatar is usually subject to Know Your Customer and AntiMoney Laundering due diligence common in developed countries, requiring proof of
identity and ascertaining the source of funds. Cash is more widely used in local
commercial transactions compared to some western countries. However, checks are
also a common method of payment, especially for larger sums. It is important to note
that a bounced check is a criminal offence in Qatar and can attract stiff penalties
including a prison sentence for the account holder.
To date, there is no factoring company in Qatar. Also there is no credit rating agency in
Qatar.
How Does the Banking System Operate
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There are a total of nine local banks operating in Qatar: Ahlibank, Al Khaliji Bank, Barwa
Bank, Commercial Bank of Qatar,Doha Bank, International Bank of Qatar, Qatar
Development Bank,Qatar Islamic Bank, and Qatar National Bank. Seven foreign banks
also work in the local market: HSBC, Mashreq Bank, Arab Bank, BNP Paribas,
Standard Chartered Bank, United Bank and Bank Saderat Iran. The Qatari banking
sector is dominated by Qatar National Bank (QNB, 50% state-owned), which is the
oldest and largest Qatari bank and has over 40% share of the banking sectors total
assets as of 2007. QNB is followed by Commercial Bank with 16% of assets and Doha
Bank with 11%.
Additionally, the Qatar Financial Centre, established in 2005 to attract international
banks, law firms and insurance companies to Qatar by offering a streamlined and
modern regulatory framework, has so far attracted over 80 institutions, including a
branch of Citibank N.A. offering Corporate and Investment Banking services (no retail
banking), and investment banks such as Goldman Sachs. Other banks in QFC include
Credit Suisse, Bank Audi and Arab Jordanian Investment Bank. Institutions residing in
the QFC are regulated by the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA).
Qatar Central Bank (QCB) supervises all banks, financial institutions and exchange
houses in Qatar outside the QFC. In addition to its normal responsibilities, which include
issuance/redemption of Qatars currency, control of monetary policy and monitoring of
the banking system, QCB requires all banks to meet the standards of the Bank of
International Settlement (BIS), a council of worldwide central bank governors. Most
banks in Doha have maintained a comfortable capital adequacy ratio above the 8
percent level required by the BIS. This is a ratio between total equity plus reserves and
total risk weighed assets, i.e., loans and investments of a bank not including loans to the
GOQ.
The GOQ ensures that the banking sector continues to enjoy depositors confidence,
despite the fact that no deposit insurance exists. QCB also ensures that annual financial
statements of all banks operating in Qatar comply with international standards and that
the auditing process is carried out by internally recognized auditors. QCB requires that
auditors be changed every three or four years.
The banking sector in Qatar has grown very rapidly over the past few years on the back
of a robust economy with high rates of GDP growth. From 2005-2008, total assets of the
banking sector grew at a compounded average growth rate (CAGR) of almost 47%
whereas loans grew by 48% during the same period.
Foreign-Exchange Controls
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The Qatari Riyal (QR) is fixed to the U.S. Dollar (USD) at USD 1:00 = QR 3.64. Qatar
has no restrictions on foreign exchange and money transfer. However, some restrictions
exist when transferring in excess of QR 100,000 (USD 27,472), as well as in cases
where suspicion of money laundering calls for official intervention.
U.S. Banks and Local Correspondent Banks

Ahlibank
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Bank of America, New York, NY

Union Bank of California International, New York, NY
Commercial Bank
American Express Bank, New York, NY
First Union Bank International, New York, NY

The Chase Manhattan Bank, New York, NY
Citibank, New York, NY
Doha Bank
Doha Bank, New York, NY
International Bank of Qatar
Standard Chartered Bank, New York, NY
International Islamic
Dutch Bankers Trust, New York, NY

Wachovia Bank, New York, NY
Qatar Islamic Bank
American Express Bank, New York, NY

JP Morgan Chase Bank, New York, NY
Wachovia Bank, New York Intl Branch, New York, NY
Qatar National Bank

Project Financing
JP Morgan Chase Bank, New York, NY

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Commercial banks in Qatar, both local and foreign, are the main source of financing for
individuals and companies operating locally. In 2007, personal / retail loans accounted
for the largest share of domestic loans at 32%, followed by the Public Sector at 25% and
Land, Housing and Construction at 19%. Trade-related loans were relatively modest at
12%. These figures, however, do not capture the large project financing facilities raised
by the State of Qatar in the international loans and bonds markets over the years to
finance the massive gas infrastructure.
Commercial banks actively provide long-term financing for local projects, based on the
merit of each proposal. U.S. firms interested in seeking financing for projects or local
operations in Qatar should enquire with the leading banks in Qatar. An easier route may
be to enquire with international banks with branches in Qatar, either in QFC or outside,
with whom the borrower may already have a relationship overseas.
Established in 1997, state-owned Qatar Industrial Development Bank (QIDB)
encourages industrial and economic development and diversification of the State of
Qatar through financing small to medium sized joint venture industrial projects. In
addition to financing, QIDB provides assistance with project development, including
project assessments and feasibility studies, obtaining legal documentation and
government approvals.
U.S. Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) participated in the finance package for the
RasLaffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company. Other U.S. firms are encouraged to seek
Ex-Im Bank financing for industrial projects, medical, environmental and transportation
security initiatives, and major construction projects.
Due to concerns about labor practices in Qatar, OPIC suspended its operations in Qatar
in 1995. However, Qatar is working diligently to improve its labor standards in order to
reinstate OPIC coverage. In May 2004, Qatar passed a new labor law which provides
more rights and protections for Qataris and non-Qataris.
In August 1998, the Qatar Central Bank decreed that banks operating in Qatar are not
allowed to provide loans more than 20 percent of their equity (capital plus reserves) to a
single customer (the government excluded). The QCB also discourages local banks
from financing stock market operations.
Web Resources
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Export-Import Bank of the United States: http://www.exim.gov

Country Limitation Schedule: http://www.exim.gov/tools/country/country_limits.html
OPIC: http://www.opic.gov
Trade and Development Agency: http://www.tda.gov/
SBA's Office of International Trade: http://www.sba.gov/oit/
USDA Commodity Credit Corporation: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/ccc/default.htm
U.S. Agency for International Development: http://www.usaid.gov
Qatar Financial Center: www.qfc.com.qa
Qatar Financial Center Regulatory Authority: www.qfcra.com
Qatari Banks
Chapter 8: Business Travel
Business Customs
Travel Advisory
Visa Requirements
Telecommunications
Transportation
Language
Health
Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays
Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings
Web Resources
Business Customs
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U.S. citizens should expect to have meetings in the morning or evening. The ability to
say a few Arabic greetings or words will impress Qatari contacts. Always use the right
hand when shaking hands and eating. Do not show the palms of your hands or the
soles of your feet/shoes. Be prepared for small talk and then business discussion.
Always accept tea, coffee or other refreshments during meetings. Invitations to lunch,
dinner, receptions and other hospitalities are normally offered and should always be
accepted. Dress should be business attire. It is advisable to print business cards with
one side in English and the other side in Arabic. It is advisable to have at least a
temporary local or international mobile phone. Giving gifts depends on the closeness of
the relationship but it is advisable to not give gifts during the first meeting.
Travel Advisory
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The State Department Consular Information Sheet for Qatar is available at:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1003.html
Visa Requirements
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All travelers to Qatar should have passports valid for at least six months. It is best to
obtain Qatari visas in advance from the Qatari Embassy in Washington, DC, the Qatari
Consulate in Houston, Texas, or the Qatari Mission to the United Nations in New York.
Qatari Embassies in other countries also provide this service to foreign nationals. Four
passport-sized photographs, a visa application and a letter from the sponsor in Qatar
should be submitted for this purpose. A sponsorship letter, however, is not always a
basic requirement. This procedure usually takes at least four working days. The U.S.
and the Qatari governments have a reciprocal arrangement by which Qatar issues U.S.
businessmen a multiple-entry visa for 10 years. This type of entry visa does not entitle
visitors and/or businessmen to work in Qatar, unless it is exchanged for a residence
permit. A U.S. Citizen is entitled to a multiple entry visa valid for 10 years. However, the
maximum length of stay in the country is 6 months after which the holder of the visa
must leave the country. The application for a multiple entry visa must be made to a
Qatari Diplomatic mission outside Qatar. The visa is valid for business and tourism
purposes.
Tourist visas valid for 14 days, extendable for another 14 days, are available upon arrival
for nationals of 33 different countries (USA , Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Canada,
Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland,
Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco,
Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia,
Hong Kong and South Korea). A 14 day visa costs QR 55 ($15).Foreigners with valid
residence permits from other Gulf Cooperation Council countries do not require a
visitors visa. Upon arrival to Qatar they will be granted an entry visa valid for 14 days,
provided the residence permit stamped on their passports would be valid for at least one
month.
However, U.S. businesspersons are advised to obtain a visa prior to arrival, since it will
enable them to go through Qatari immigration more quickly.
The same visa can also be obtained online at the following link:
Business Visa
U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States
should be advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process.
Visa applicants should go to the following links.
State Department Visa Website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/
United States Visas.gov: http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/
Telecommunications
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Qatar enjoys good local and international telecommunications facilities. Automatic

telephone and fax dialing is available to more than 150 countries worldwide. Internal
calls are free of charge if conducted through regular telephones. U.S. calling cards are
not accepted in Qatar.
Prepaid cellular (mobile) phones may be rented locally for a small fee. There are
charges for all calls made to and from mobile telephones. World phones do not
provide reliable local service.
Qatar's Internet service is run by partially state-owned Qatar Telecom (Q-Tel). In 2003,
Q-Tel introduced ADSL high-speed internet access. Most hotels offer in-room Internet
access and there are a number of Internet cafes in Doha. In 2005, Q-Tel introduced
wireless internet services. Hotspots are available in several hotels and trendy coffeeshops of Doha.
Transportation
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Transportation options for business travelers are basically limited to car rentals or private
taxi. Most major international rental firms are represented in Qatar, including Avis,
Budget, Eurodollar, Hertz, Thrifty, etc. Private cars and drivers can be hired from a
number of local firms and at hotels. In 2005, Mowasalat (Transportation in Arabic), a
wholly owned government entity, launched the first public bus service in Qatar. Taxi
service is operated by a sister company called Karwa. The service is not always reliable
or on time for pick-ups, and bookings should be made in advance (local number 4588888). It is usually not possible to hail a taxi in Doha, even in high traffic areas. All 4
and 5 star hotels can also arrange transportation via private vehicle.
Language
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Although Arabic is the official language in Qatar, English is widely spoken in business.
Health
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Qatari nationals receive free State-provided medical care ranging from outpatient clinics
to hospitalization. Medical fees for expatriate residents holding a government health card
vary according to the type of service provided. The price of a heath card is QR 100 (USD
27) and is only valid in governmental health care facilities. While medicines are
generally dispersed free of charge for Qatari patients, expatriates pay a nominal charge.
Visitors to Qatar are required to pay for all medical services throughout their visit to
Qatar.
There are numerous private clinics and small hospitals, all licensed by the State through
the National Health Authority (NHA).
Local Time, Business Hours, and Holidays
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Qatar local time is GMT plus 3 hours. Qatar is 8 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time,
except during Daylight Saving Time, when it is 7 hours ahead.
The Governments official working hours are 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Sunday through
Thursday. Banking hours are 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM, Sunday through Thursday, while
private sector hours are generally 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM,
Saturday through Thursday. Friday, the Muslim holy day, is a day of rest for all sectors;
however, shops and shopping malls are open on Friday evenings. The U.S. Embassy
hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Sunday through Thursday.
Officially, Qatar uses the Gregorian calendar, with corresponding dates in the Hijra
(Islamic) calendar. There are two major religious holidays that vary from year to year, as
they are based on the lunar calendar. Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of
Ramadan (during which business hours are restricted to five hours per day) and Eid AlAdha marks the conclusion of the pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca. The exact dates of these
holidays are determined by the government shortly in advance of their observance.
Government ministries are generally closed for a longer period than private and partially
private entities. The only fixed holiday is the Qatars National Day, which is celebrated
on December 18.
The months from October through June are generally considered the best period for
foreign business representatives to visit Qatar. Public and private sector officials usually
vacation during some part of the period July to September. Business trips during the
fasting month of Ramadan are not advisable as most Qatari businessmen focus on
family and worship.
The U.S. Embassy closes for Qatari and American Holidays.
Embassy schedule: http://qatar.usembassy.gov/holidays.html
Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings
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Most standard business equipment for individual use may be brought into Qatar
temporarily without incurring customs duties. Exhibition materials may be imported for
temporary use. However, if these items are sold in Qatar, customs duties will be
applicable. Exhibition organizers generally appoint an exclusive local freight forwarder
and clearing agent for specific events to assist foreign exhibitors with entry procedures.
Communications, military or security equipment may require prior approval from the
relevant authority in Qatar.
Web Resources
State Department Consular Information Sheet for Qatar
Travel Info for U.S. Businesspersons
State Department Visa Website
United States Visas.gov
U.S. Embassy Qatar Consular Section
Qatar E-Government On-line Visa
Qatar Telecom
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Chapter 9: Contacts, Market Research and Trade Events
Contacts
Market Research
Trade Events
Contacts
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Note: The country code for Qatar is 974 for all telephone and fax numbers. There are
no area codes within Qatar.
Bilateral Business Councils
American Arab Chamber of Commerce
12740 West Warren, Suite 101
Dearborn, MI 48126 USA
Phone: (313) 945-1700
Fax: (313) 945-6697
Contact: Fay Beydoun, Executive Director
Email: sbazzi@americanarab.com,faybeydoun@americanarab.com
Website: www.americanarab.com
U.S.-Qatar Business Council
1341 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 4A
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 457-8555
Fax: (202) 457-1919
Contact: Patrick Theros, President
Email: patricktheros@usqbc.org
Website: www.usqbc.org
National U.S. -Arab Chamber of Commerce
1023 15th Street, N.W., Suite 400
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 289-5920
Fax: (202) 289-5938
President: Mr. David Hamod
Email: INFO@NUSACC.ORG
Website: www.nusacc.org
Branch Offices of National U.S. -Arab Chamber of Commerce:
Houston Office
1330 Post Oak Boulevard
Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77056
Phone: (713) 963-4620
Fax: (713) 963-4609

Contact: Ms. Rand Zalzala
E-mail: rzalzalah@nusacc.org
New York Office
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 2034
New York, NY 10170
Tel: (212) 986-8024
Fax: (212) 986-0216Contact: Mr. Gilbert Hage
E-mail: ghage@nusacc.org
Los Angeles Office
8921 S. Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 206
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Phone: (310) 646-1499
Fax: (310) 646-2462
E-mail: eatallah@nusacc.org
Bilateral U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce
5721 Memorial Dr. Suite 206
Houston, TX US 77007
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 571870
Houston, TX US 77257-1870
Phone: 713-880-8168
Fax: 713-880-8278
Contact: Aida Araissi, Founder and Managing Director
Email: info@arabuschamber.org, aida@bilateralchamber.org
Website: www.bilateralchamber.org/
USDA -- Washington Contact Information
Trade Assistance and Promotion Office (TAPO)
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Ag Box 1052
1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250
Tel: 202-720-7420
Fax: 202-690-4374
The FAS Home Page address on Internet is www.fas.usda.gov
Country Trade or Industry Associations in Key Sectors
Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI, also include International Chamber of
Commerce)
P.O. Box 402, Doha, Qatar
Tel: (+974) 4455 9111
Fax: (+974) 4466 1693; 4466 1728
Contact: Mr Khalifa Bin Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman

Email: info@qcci.org, qcci@qatar.net.qa
Website: www.qatarchamber.com
Qatari Businessmen Association
Tel: (+974) 4435 3120
Fax: (+974) 4435 3834 / 4435 3847
Contact: Mr Faisal Bin Qasem Al Thani, Chairman
Email: qba@qataribusinessmen.org
Website: http://www.qataribusinessmen.org/
Country Government Offices Relating to Key Sectors and/or Significant Trade
Related Activities
Doha Customs and Ports Authority
Tel: (+974) 4445 7457
Fax: (+974) 4441 4959
Contact: Mr Ahmad Ali Mohammad Al Mohannadi, Chairman
Email: questions@customs.gov.qa
Website: http://www.customs.gov.qa
Civil Aviation Authority
Tel: (+974) 4455 7333
Fax: (+974) 4455 7105
Contact: Mr Abdulaziz Al-Noaimi, Chairman & Managing Director
Email: info@caa.gov.qa
Website: http://www.caa.gov.qa/
Ministry of Business and Trade
Tel: (+974) 4494 5001, 4494 5555
Fax: (+974) 4494 5000
Contact:Mr Hamad Ali Al-Mannai, The Ministers Office Manager
Email :mbt@mbt.gov.qa / halmannai@mbt.gov.qa
Website: http://www.investinqatar.com.qa/English/Pages/Home.aspx
Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology
P.O. Box 23277
Tel: (+974) 4413 9400 / 4413 9401
Fax: (+974) 4413 9411
Contact: Mr Mohamed Seif Al-Kuwari, Director General
Email: info@qs.org.qa / dr.malkuwari@qs.org.qa
Ministry of Finance P.O. Box 83, Doha, State of Qatar
Tel: (+974) 4441 4944
Fax: (+974) 4443 1177 / 4443 5370
Contact: H.E. Yousef Hussain Kamal, Minister;
Abdulrahman Al-Dashti, Office Director

Phone: (974) 4441 3300/3131
Fax: (974) 4443 1177
Ministry of Energy and Industry
Phone: (+974) 4484 6444 / 4449 1444
Fax: (+974) 4483 2024
Contact: H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, Minister
Website: http://www.mei.gov.qa/home-en/
Department of Industrial Development:
(+974) 4484 6444 | did@mei.gov.qa
Department of Industrial Zones:
(+974) 4423 4111 | dihe@mei.gov.qa
Department of Common Services:
(+974) 4484 6444 | djs@mei.gov.qa
Department of Energy
(+974) 4484 6444 | dae@mei.gov.qa
Public Relations and Communications Unit
(+974) 4484 6577 | relation@mei.gov.qa
Ministry of Interior
Tel: (+974) 4433 0000
Fax: (+974) 4472 7828
Contact: H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalid Al-Thani, Minister of Interior
Email: info@moi.gov.qa
Website: http://www.moi.gov.qa/site/english/
Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning
Tel: (+974) 4434 8070 / 4434 8888
Fax: (+974) 4443 0239
Contact: H.E. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Bin Khalifa Al Thani,Minister of Municipality and
Urban Planning
Email: info@baladiya.gov.qa
Website: http://www.baladiya.gov.qa/cui/index.dox?siteID=2
Tel: (+974) 4465 3083
Fax: (+974) 4466 3163
Contact: Dr. Kassim Al Qahtani, Assistant Director for Animal Health Affairs, Agricultural
Development Department (Live animal and pet import regulations)

Tel: (+974) 4449 2666
Fax: (+974) 4432 2002
Contact: Mr. Yousuf Qulaifi, Director of Agricultural Development Department (Live
plants and pesticide import regulations)
Supreme Council of Health
P.O. Box 42, Doha, Qatar
Tel: (+974) 4407 0000
Contact: H.E. Abdulla bin Khalid Al-Qahtani,Minister of Public Health and Secretary
General of the Supreme Council of Health
Email: info@sch.gov.qa
Website: http://www.sch.gov.qa/sch/En/catcontent.jsp?scatId=211&scatType=1
Qatar Armed Forces
Phone: (+974) 4461 2400
Fax: (+974) 4450 4228/4229
Contact: Director of Procurement, General Headquarters
Government and Quasi-Government Organizations
Hamad General Hospital, A Member of Hamad Medical Corporation
Phone: (+974) 4439 4444
Fax: (974) 4439 1118
Contact: Mr Abdul Razaq Al-Kubaisi, Head of Admin Affairs
Website: http://hgh.hamad.qa/en/index.aspx
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development
Phone: (+974) 4454 0000
Fax: (+974) 4480 6117
Contact: HH Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Misnad, Chairperson; Dr Mohammad Fathy
Saoud, President of Qatar Foundation
Email: info@qf.org.qa
Website: http://www.qf.org.qa
Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa)
P.O. Box 41
Phone: (+974) 4484 5555
Fax: (+974) 4484 5496
Contact: H.E. Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Chairman of the Board
Email: contactus@km.com.qa
Website: http://www.km.com.qa/en/Pages/home.aspx
Qatar Electricity and Water Company (QEWC)
P.O. Box 22046
Phone: (+974) 4485 8585
Fax: (+974) 4483 1116

Contact: H.E. EssaShaheen Al-Ghanim, Vice Chairman
Email: Welcome@qewc.com
Website: http://www.qewc.com
Qatar Telecom (Q-Tel)
P.O. Box 217
Phone: (+974) 4440 0400
Fax: (+974) 4447 6231
Contact: Dr. Nasser Marafih, Chief Executive Officer
Email: investor@qtel.com.qa
Website: http://www.qtel.com.qa
Market Research
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To view market research reports produced by the U.S. Commercial Service please go to
the following website: http://www.export.gov/mrktresearch/index.asp and click on
Country and Industry Market Reports.
Please note that these reports are only available to U.S. citizens and U.S. companies.
Registration to the site is required, and is free.
List of Agricultural Reports:
American Food Directory for the GCC-5 Countries

Guide for Doing Business in the Gulf
Update of U.S. Agricultural Exports to the GCC-5
Qatar Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS)
GCC-5 Food Retail Sector Report
Hotels and Restaurants Sector in the Gulf Region
Note: Agricultural reports are available via the Reports Office, USDA/FAS, Ag Box 1052,
Washington, D.C. 20250-1052 and via the FAS Home Page on the Internet at the
following URL: http://www.fas.usda.gov/.
Trade Events
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Please click on the link below for information on upcoming trade events.
http://www.export.gov/tradeevents/index.asp
Chapter 10: Guide to Our Services

The Presidents National Export Initiative aims to double exports over five years by
marshaling Federal agencies to prepare U.S. companies to export successfully,
connect them with trade opportunities and support them once they do have
exporting opportunities.
The U.S. Commercial Service offers customized solutions to help U.S. exporters,
particularly small and medium sized businesses, successfully expand exports to new
markets. Our global network of trade specialists will work one-on-one with you through
every step of the exporting process, helping you to:
Target the best markets with our world-class research

Promote your products and services to qualified buyers
Meet the best distributors and agents for your products and services
Overcome potential challenges or trade barriers
Gain access to the full range of U.S. government trade promotion agencies and
their services, including export training and potential trade financing sources
To learn more about the Federal Governments trade promotion resources for new and
experienced exporters, please click on the following link: www.export.gov
For more information on the services the U.S. Commercial Service offers to U.S.
exporters, please click on the following link:
U.S. exporters seeking general export information/assistance or country-specific

commercial information can also contact the U.S. Department of Commerce's Trade
Information Center at (800) USA-TRAD(E).
To the best of our knowledge, the information contained in this report is accurate as of
the date published. However, The Department of Commerce does not take
responsibility for actions readers may take based on the information contained herein.
Readers should always conduct their own due diligence before entering into business
ventures or other commercial arrangements. The Department of Commerce can assist
companies in these endeavors.

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Doing Business in Qatar: 2012 Country

Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies

Chapter 1: Doing Business In Qatar

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Chapter 1: Doing Business In Qatar

Qatars economic performance is expected to remain strong in 2012,

Foreign Investment: With certain exceptions, Qatars foreign investment law

Banking: A total of 19 banks operate in Qatar, including 11 Qatari institutions

Commercial Agents: The Commercial Agents law requires all agency

Government Procurement: There are concerns about transparency in

Import Restrictions: Qatar has no import quotas. However, non-tariff barriers

Inflation: The booming economy in Qatar is leading to shortages of materials

Transparency: Qatar ranked 22nd on Transparency Internationals 2011

Food Labeling and Packaging: Arabic or bilingual English and Arabic

Other sectors with significant opportunities include: Education and Training

Market Entry Strategy

Feasibility study: U.S. firms we interviewed recommend that you carefully

Maintain independence: Having a reliable local partner can mean the

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Chapter 2: Political and Economic Environment

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Return to table of contents

Chapter 3: Selling U.S. Products and Services

Using an Agent or Distributor

Using an Agent or Distributor

The business of commercial agents is exclusively restricted to Qatari nationals or

Important exceptions to the general rule are as follows:

100 percent foreign investment: Subject to an exemption from the Ministry of

Although there is paperwork to be filed, approvals to be obtained and registration

Representational office: The Decision of the Minister of Economy and Commerce

Service agents or sponsorship: In the past this type of agency consisted of

provide environments for international companies and institutions to operate under

One of the keys to success in franchise operations in Qatar is to use a local

Institutional users account for 10 percent of food distributed.

The distribution channel is as follows: importer/agent sells to private

Wholesalers sell directly to consumers, to jobbers and small supermarkets and

E-Commerce is still developing in Qatar since a significant number of Qataris and

Trade Promotion and Advertising

Subscriptions / Home Delivery

Sales Service/Customer Support

Several general principles are important for effective management of intellectual

The U.S. Chamber and local American Chambers of Commerce

The Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy

For information about patent, trademark, or copyright issues -- including

For information on obtaining and enforcing intellectual property rights and

IPR Climate in Qatar

Commercial Bank of Qatar

Doha Grand Hotel

Qatar News Agency

Contact the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy at:

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Chapter 4: Leading Sectors for U.S. Export and

Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment

Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment

Total Market Size

Unit: USD thousands

Sub-Sector Best Prospects

Central Air-Conditioning Units equipment and supplies

All the projects mentioned in Architecture/ Construction and Engineering services

Architecture Construction Engineering