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The political system ofQatar runs under anauthoritarian[1][2]semi-constitutional monarchy with theemir ashead of state andchief executive, and theprime minister as thehead of government. Under theConstitution of Qatar, theConsultative Assembly, which is appointed by the emir, has a limited ability to reject legislation and dismiss ministers. The first and last election for the Assembly was held in2021; though the emir still appointed one third of its members, political parties were banned and all candidates had to run as independents. In 2024future elections were abolished.[3]
The current hereditary emir of Qatar,Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, runs the country in anautocratic manner and holds nearly all executive and legislative authority, as well as controlling the judiciary. He appoints the prime minister andcabinet. Political rights are severely limited in Qatar as perFreedom House.[4]
According to Qatar's constitution,Sharia is a main source of Qatari legislation.[5][6] Sharia is believed to constitute a divine revelation conveyed byGod to theProphet Muhammad, the eminent figure in the establishment of Islam, in 570 AD. Consequently, Sharia embodies a religious framework characterized by its origins and regulations. This legal system, seemingly unidirectional, emanates from God to the individual. The Islamic Sharia is regarded as the primary foundation, necessitating the formulation of legislative and judicial frameworks grounded in Islamic legal principles to govern transactions within Qatari law.[7] Sharia is applied to laws pertaining tofamily law,inheritance, and severalcriminal acts (includingadultery,robbery andmurder). In some cases in Sharia-basedfamily courts, a female's testimony is worth half a man's and in some cases a female witness is not accepted at all.[8] Codified family law was introduced in 2006. In practice, Qatar's legal system is a mixture ofcivil law and Islamic law.[9][10]
Nostonings have ever been carried out in Qatar and it has been repealed as a legal sentence.[11]Apostasy is a crime punishable by thedeath penalty in Qatar.[12]Blasphemy is punishable by up to seven years in prison andproselytizing can be punished by up to 10 years in prison.[12]Homosexuality is a crime punishable by thedeath penalty for Muslims.[13]
In 2014, Qatar launched a modesty campaign to remind tourists of the modest dress code.[14] Female tourists are advised not to wear leggings, miniskirts, sleeveless dresses and short or tight clothing in public. Men are advised against wearing only shorts andsinglets.[15]
Commercial relationships are governed by Qatar's Civil Code.[16]
Qatar's government has been criticized for arresting and threatening anyone who dares to speak out.[17] A report published by the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor on 13 September 2020 noted that Article 47 in the Constitution of Qatar stipulates that freedom of expression is guaranteed in accordance with the conditions and circumstances set forth in law, but stated that Qatari authorities "continue to implement some laws and policies, despite violating the Qatari constitution and its international human rights obligations", and called on them to "accelerate reforms enabling individuals to peacefully exercise their right of expression and opinion as they wish and the right to freedom of publication, assembly, and association".[18]
Alcohol consumption is partially legal in Qatar, some five-star luxury hotels are allowed to sell alcohol to their non-Muslim customers.[19][20] Muslims are not allowed to consume alcohol in Qatar and Muslims caught consuming alcohol are liable toflogging or deportation. Non-Muslim expatriates can obtain a permit to purchase alcohol for personal consumption. The Qatar Distribution Company (a subsidiary ofQatar Airways) is permitted to import alcohol and pork; it operates the one and only liquor store in the country, which also sells pork to holders of liquor licences.[21] Qatari officials had also indicated a willingness to allow alcohol in "fan zones" at the2022 FIFA World Cup.[22]
Until recently, restaurants onThe Pearl Island (a human-made island near Doha) were allowed to serve alcoholic drinks.[19][20] In December 2011, however, restaurants on The Pearl were told to stop selling alcohol.[19][23] No explanation was given for the ban.[19][20] Speculation about the reason includes the government's desire to project a more pious image in advance of the country's first election of a royal advisory body and rumours of a financial dispute between the government and the resort's developers.[23] Despite the economic consequences of the ban, many believe that it has been a necessary measure in order to ensure the safety and enjoyment of fans at the World Cup. Qatar's World Cup chief executive of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, Nasser Al Khater, stated that the purpose of the designated sobering-up areas was to ensure the fans' safety.[24]
On 16 January 2020 Qatar announced that most migrant workers who previously required an exit permit to leave Qatar would no longer require one.[25]
Cases of ill-treatment of immigrant labour have been observed. The Nepalese ambassador to Qatar, Maya Kumari Sharma, described the emirate as an "open jail".[26]Qatar does not have national occupational health standards or guidelines, and workplace injuries are the third highest cause of accidental deaths.[27] In May 2012, Qatari officials declared their intention to allow the establishment of an independent trade union.[28] Qatar also announced it will scrap its sponsor system for foreign labour, which requires that all foreign workers be sponsored by local employers, who in some cases hold workers' passports and can deny them permission to change jobs.[28]
In August 2022, 60 migrant workers were arrested and deported for protesting against the non-payment by their employer, Al Bandary International Group, a major construction and hospitality firm. Some of the demonstrators were from Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Egypt and the Philippines had not been paid for seven months.[29] According to a report published byFrance 24, those protesters were detained for breaching public security laws and minority of protesters were deported by the order of court who failed to remain peaceful and breached Qatar's public security law. Qatar'slabour ministry said it will pay Al Bandary workers and will take further action against the company which was already under investigation for failing to pay wages.[30]
Qatar is ruled by theHouse of Thani as asemi-constitutionalhereditary monarchy. Thehead of state andchief executive is theemir. There is aprime minister (who serves as thehead of government) and acabinet appointed by the emir. Under the Constitution, the partially-electedConsultative Assembly can block legislation with a simple majority vote, and can dismiss ministers with a two-thirds vote. Two-thirds of the members are popularly elected, and the remainder are appointed by the emir.[31]
Politically, Qatar is evolving from a traditional society into a modernwelfare state. Government departments have been established to meet the requirements of social and economic progress. The Basic Law of Qatar 1970 institutionalized local customs rooted in Qatar's conservativeIslamic heritage, granting the Emir preeminent power. The Emir's role is influenced by continuing traditions of consultation, rule by consensus, and the citizen's right to appeal personally to the Emir. The Emir, while directly accountable to no one, cannot violate the Sharia (Islamic law) and, in practice, must consider the opinions of leading notables and the religious establishment. Their position was institutionalized in the Advisory Council, an appointed body that assists the Emir in formulating policy.
In February 1972, the heir apparent and Prime Minister, SheikhKhalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, deposed his cousin,Emir Ahmad, and assumed power. This move was supported by the key members of Al Thani and took place without violence or signs of political unrest,
On 27 June 1995, the heir apparent, SheikhHamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, deposed his father, Emir Khalifa, in another bloodless coup.[32] Emir Hamad and his father reconciled in 1996. Increased freedom of the press followed, and the Qatar-basedAl Jazeera television channel (founded late 1996) is widely regarded as an example of an uncensored source ofnews inArab countries. However, the network has been met with negative responses by the governments of many Arab states.[33] However in May 2022, Al Jazeera network won the award for the best human rights journalism of the year in the eighth annualAmnesty Media Awards. The network was also claimed to be non-biased network byThe Week (Washington DC media house) in November 2022.[34]
On 25 June 2013,Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani became the Emir of Qatar after his father Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani handed over power in a televised speech.[35]
| Office | Name | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Emir | Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani | 25 June 2013 |
| Prime Minister | Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani | 7 March 2023 |
TheConsultative Assembly (Majlis ash-Shura) is a 45-member unelected legislature made up of 45 members, all appointed by theemir.Majlis ash-shura is the process of gathering community opinions, facilitated by knowledgeable individuals who provide their perspectives and ideas on significant questions, problems, or decisions associated with the social, economic, or political aspects of people's lives.[52] Elections were repeatedly delayed after the2003 constitutional referendum introduced this framework.[53][54][55] In 2006, Deputy Prime MinisterHamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani announced that elections would be held in 2007. However, onlymunicipal elections were held.[56] Due to voting laws, those who did not have family in the country pre-1930 were not allowed to vote. This excluded 75% of the population.[57] The same was true of the first legislative election, which was eventually held inOctober 2021.[31] In may 2024, the 2021 legislative election officially became the last one, with future elections being abolished.[3]
Qatar held aconstitutional referendum in 2003, which was overwhelmingly supported. The first municipal elections with men and women voters and candidates were held in 1999Central Municipal Council. The first legislative election, for two thirds of the legislative council's 45 seats, were plannedfor 2016 after previously being postponed in 2013.[58] In June 2016 they were effectively postponed to at least 2019.[59] That election was eventually held in2021,[31] but in 2024 all future legislative elections were indefinitely abolished.[3]
Suffrage is currently limited to municipal elections, with the voting age set at 18. Expatriate residents, who make up around 90% of Qatar's population, are excluded from participation. The elected Municipal Council has no executive powers but may offer advice to the Minister.[60][61]
Political parties are banned by law. In 2024, Qatar held a constitutional referendum that introduced amendments to end elections for the Shura Council and allow naturalized citizens to be appointed as members and government ministers by removing the requirement of "original" nationality. The changes were presented as measures to promote national unity and stability while maintaining the Emir's authority over appointments.[62][63] AP called it "yet another rollback in the hereditarily ruled Gulf Arab states of halting steps to embrace representational rule".[3]
There are 8municipalities (baladiyat(plural),baladiyah(singular)) of Qatar;Ad Dawhah,Al Daayen,Al Khor,Al Wakrah,Al Rayyan,Al-Shahaniya,Al Shamal, andUmm Salal. Each municipality assumes administrative responsibilities over zones (cities and districts) within their boundaries.[64][60]
Qatar's core foreign policy objective according toThe Middle East Journal is "state survival" and the "desire for international prestige". Qatar became notable in international politics; and a key figure in the Arab affairs within two decades of its independent foreign policy.[65] It has an "open-door" foreign policy where it maintain ties to all parties and regional players in the region,[66] including with organizations such asTaliban andHamas.[67]
Its position in theMiddle East and close links with terrorist groups is seen as a great asset to western intelligence community and diplomatic relations.[68] Qatar has also cultivated close foreign relationships with Western powers, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom.Al Udeid Air Base hosts American and British air forces.[69]
On October 10, 2005, for the first time, Qatar was elected to a two-year term on theUN Security Council for 2006–2007.
According to BBC, in April 2006 Qatar announced that it will give US$50 million (£28 million) to the newHamas-ledPalestinian government.
In May 2006, Qatar pledged more than $100 million toHurricane Katrina relief to colleges and universities inLouisiana affected by the hurricane. Some of this money was also distributed to families looking to repair damaged homes by Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans, Inc.
There were some allegations on Qatar for supporting rebels group in Syria and association with al- Nusra front also persisted in country's profile for a long time.[70] However, the Public Policy and Democracy studies research think tank recognized the nation for its execution of current peace against conflicts strategies and policy upgrades. Other discoveries from the research claimed that Qatar supported theUS against theAssad government. Additionally, the nation supported efforts to mediate a conflict-ending political transition in Syria. In March 2021, Qatar,Russia, andTurkey also started a different track of talks on theSyrian peace process.[71][72][73]
The government and royal family of Qatar funds theAl Jazeera television network. The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalfia provided a loan of QAR 500 million (USD 137 million) to start the channel.[74] The network has been accused of being biased and taking an active role in the affairs of other countries specifically during theArab Spring in 2011.[75] Numerous countries havecomplained about allegedly biased reporting in support of Qatar policy. On 11 January 2015,The Week published a report in which,Al jazeera network was revealed to be non biased and non terrorist network.[76]
Most of the developed countries (plusBrunei andIndonesia) are exempt fromvisa requirements. Citizens of exempted countries can also request a joint visa that allows them to travel to Oman as well.[77]
Qatar is member ofABEDA,AFESD,AL,AMF,ESCWA,FAO,G-77,GCC,IAEA,IBRD,ICAO,ICRM,IDB,IFAD,IFRCS,IHO (pending member),ILO,IMF,International Maritime Organization,Inmarsat,Intelsat,Interpol,IOC,ISO (correspondent),ITU,NAM,OAPEC,OIC,OPCW,UN,UNCTAD,UNESCO,UNIDO,UPU,WCO,WHO,WIPO,WMO, andWTO.
Qatar may suffer significant geopolitical losses if there is a global transition to renewable energy. It is ranked 152 out of 156 countries in the index of Geopolitical Gains and Losses afterenergy transition (GeGaLo).[78]
In September, 2014. QFFD contributed in enhancing stability for Syrian refugees. Qatar Charity facilitated access to quality education through the rehabilitation of 6 Formal schools in Turkey,Gaziantep,Urfa,Kilis, targeting a total number of 13,540 beneficiaries and 12,860 girls and boys.[79]
On July 10, 2017, according to documents obtained by Al Arabiya, Qatar agreed to quit supporting the Muslim Brotherhood. In order to avoid undermining relations with the Gulf, it also removed non-citizens from Qatar and refused to provide shelter to anyone from a GCC nation.[80]
Qatar claims that "since 2017, Qatar feels it has been the victim of a media attack orchestrated by Abu Dhabi, with false documents and fake news."[81][82] The Qatari Government stated that they were being "exclusively criticised and attacked" by Belgian authorities and conveyed disappointment that the Belgian government "made no effort to engage with our government to establish the facts".[83]
In January 2021 the United States, represented by theUnited States Department of Defense, awarded Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani with theDepartment of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, one of the highest honors bestowed by the US to officials. The then US National Security AdviserRobert C. O'Brien gave the medal to the Ambassador of Qatar to the US Sheikh Meshaal bin Hamad Al Thani, on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
This award was in recognition of his exemplary diplomatic efforts to strengthen relations between the State of Qatar and the United States, to support and advance peace efforts in Afghanistan (including the signing of theUS–Taliban peace deal on February 29, 2020, as well as the launch of theAfghan peace process on September 12, 2020), to promote stability and prosperity in the Middle East North Africa region, and to resolve the Gulf Crisis through diplomacy.[84]
Qatar mediated a deal between the United States andIran, which in September 2023 saw the release of five prisoners in each country and the unfreezing of US$6 billion of Iranian funds, which had been frozen due to sanctions imposed by the U.S.[85][86] The U.S. citizens were flown to Doha and greeted by U.S. ambassador to QatarTimmy T. Davis[87] andQatar Airways CEOAkbar Al Baker[88] before boarding a plane toWashington, D.C..[89] U.S. PresidentBiden thankedSheikh Tamim and Qatari officials for their role in the mediation as well as establishing a "Humanitarian channel" for Iran.[90] The US$6 billion were released to banks in Doha[89] under the condition that Iran could use the funds only for humanitarian purposes.[86]
In condemning Qatar, we should remember that the population of this authoritarian monarchy
; the Qatari state remains fundamentally autocratic
According to Article 1: Qatar is an independent Arab country. Islam is its religion and Sharia law is the main source of its legislation.
So entrenched is this exploitation that the Nepalese ambassador to Qatar, Maya Kumari Sharma, recently described the emirate as an "open jail".
While ordinary Arabs and intellectuals received Al Jazeera as 'a gift', since it provided them with access to uncensored news broadcasts in Arabic [...] the governments in most Arab countries reacted with visible hostility
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