QBG

Official Sponsor

Official Sponsor

Official Sponsor

Official Sponsor

MULTI DISCIPLINE EPIC CONTRACTOR SERVING
OIL & GAS, CIVIL & INFRASTRUCTURE INDUSTRIES

IN QATAR SINCE 1975

MEDGULF

CONSTRUCTION CO. W.L.L.

Committed to Safety and Quality

Tel: 444 31 516 Fax: 444 33 576 P.O.Box: 3603, Doha - Qatar
E-mail: [email protected] www.medgulfconstruction.com







‫المركــز الإتحــادي للإعــلام‬

UNITED MEDIA CENTER

Qatar Business Guide

2016 - 2017

Issued by

United Media Center

P.O. Box: 992, Doha - Estate of Qatar
M.: +974 66026743 T.: +974 40126717 F.: +974 44151985

[email protected]
www.qbguide.co



In the name of Allah,
most Gracious, most Merciful





Mr. Ahmed Youssef Elsalhi Mr. Hossam Abu Basha Ms. Sham Elakkad

Executive Director E-Commerce Specialist Media Rep.

Ambassador Dr. Ms. Hanan Omar Ms. Leen Jaber
Mohamed Elhouseni
Senior Media Specialized Media Rep.
Managing Director
Ms. Sara Hasson Mr. Mohamed El-Fakieh
Dr. Eslam Hamza Hamza
Senior Media Specialized Finance Officer
General Manager
Ms. Farah Alhindi Mr. Amr Eid
Mr. Mahmoud Hamza
Senior Media Specialized Public Relation Officer
Vice Managing Director
Mr. Khaled Elbardiny Mr. Majd Hasson
Mr. Ahmed Elsayed
Media Rep. Graphic Designer
Marketing Manager and Enternal
Communication Manager Ms. Hadir Elsheshtawi Ms. Samar Naji

Mr. Mustafa Ashraf Mortada Media Rep. Data Management Officer

Finance Manager Ms. Sally Karam Ms. Zuhnia Silongan

Mr. Ahmed Khalil Media Rep. Data Management Officer

Art Director Ms. Sara Elzanaty

Mr. Mustafa Mohamed Media Rep.

Business Development Manager

Issued by
United Media Center

M.: +974 66026743 T.: +974 40126717 F.: +974 44151985

P.O. Box: 992, Doha - Estate of Qatar
[email protected] - www.qbguide.co

16 Qatar Business Guide
2016 - 2017



















Chapter one

State of Qatar

• General Information About Qatar
• Business and Finance in Qatar

• Business Sectors in Qatar

• Oil and Gas Sector
• Industry Sector
• Trade Sector
• Financial and Banking System Sector
• Real Estate and Property Sector
• Investment in Qatar
• National Projects in Qatar



General Information About Qatar

Location : Qatar is a peninsula located halfway down the west coast of the Arabian
Gulf. Its territory comprises a number of islands including Halul, Sheraouh,
Al-Ashat and others.

Topographic Features: The terrain is flat and rocky with some low-rising limestone outcrops in
Land Area: Dukhan area in the west and Jabal Fiwairit in the north. It is characterized
by a variety of geographical phenomena including many coves, inlets,
depressions and surface rainwater-draining basins known as riyadh
(the gardens), which are found mainly in the north and central part of the
peninsula. These areas have the most fertile soil and are rich in vegetation.
The total land area of Qatar is approximately 11,521 square kilometers.

Population: The population of Qatar amount to 1,500,000 inhabitants (according to the
initial results of the second stage of the 2009 population census). 83% of
inhabitants reside in Doha and its main suburb Al-Rayyan.

Capital City: Doha
Official Language: Arabic is the official language in Qatar, and English is widely spoken.

Religion: Islam is the official religion of the country, and the Shariah (Islamic Law) is a
main source of its legislations.

Climate: Qatar has a moderate desert climate with long hot summers and short mild
winters and little rain in winter.

Major Towns: Doha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor, Dukhan, Al Shamal, Mesaieed, Ras Lafan and
Currency : others.
National Day: The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR), which is divided into 100 dirhams.
The Exchange parity has been set at the fixed rate of US $ = 3.65QR’s.
The 18th of December every year in commemoration of Sheikh Jasim bin
Mohammad Bin Thani the founder of the State of Qatar.

27 June: On the 27Th of June His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani
assumed the rule of the State of Qatar supported by the ruling family and the
Qatari people.

Public Holidays: National Day: 18th of December in each year.
Eid Al-Fitr Holiday: Starts from the 28th of Ramadan until the 4th of Shawwal.
Eid Al- Adha Holiday: starts at 9th of Zilhijjah until the 13th of Zilhijjah.

National Flag: The national flag is maroon colour with a broad vertical white stripe at the
pole, the two colours being separated with a nine-point serrated line.

Local Time: A- The white colour reflects the internationally recognized symbol of peace.
B- The maroon colour symbolizes the bloodshed during the several wars Qatar
had undergone, particularly in the second half of the 19th century.
C- The nine-point serrated line indicates that Qatar is the 9th member of the
“reconciled Emirates” of the Arabian Gulf in the wake of concluding the
Qatari-British treaty in 1916. This information on design and colour of Qatar flag
was mentioned in the Archives of the British Ministry of Foreign Affairs in
1931.
3 hours + Greenwich Mean Time.

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Business and Finance in Qatar

Business and Finance in Qatar

Qatar is a global energy leader with ambitious economic goals.

Revenues generated from the country’s oil and gas reserves have helped build a
solid foundation for economic growth. In addition, free-market policies and low taxes
are attracting investors and workers from around the world.

Despite the global financial crisis, the country has continued to maintain steady
economic growth in 2010, registering an impressive growth of 19.4% in its Gross
Domestic Product (GDP). The main drivers are attributed to ongoing increases in
production and exports of LNG, oil, petrochemicals and related industries. Qatar ranks
as one of the richest countries in the world – with the highest GDP per capita of any
country at $145,300, according to the CIA World Fact Book.  

Oil and Natural Gas :

Qatar has one of the world’s largest oil and natural gas reserves. State-owned Qatar Petroleum
(QP) manages the country’s oil, gas, fertilizer, petrochemical and refining enterprises in Qatar and
abroad. QP has developed major liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects with foreign shareholders
and is using advanced technology to convert LNG into globally marketable liquid products.

Manufacturing :

One of the largest contributors to Qatar’s economy outside the oil and gas sectors is the
manufacturing industry. This sector is supported by the government in a bid to diversify the economy
and maximize the use of the country’s natural resources.

Finance, Insurance and Real Estate :

This sector consists of banking, insurance, financial intermediation, real estate and business
services. It is growing at a rapid pace, making it one of the most important sectors in the Qatari
economy.

30 Qatar Business Guide Official Sponsor
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Business and Finance in Qatar

Building and Construction :

Building and Construction is a major contributor to employment and the economy. Credit issued
by banks to this sector has increased significantly in recent years. As the economy of Qatar
continues to grow, the government is investing heavily in developing the country’s infrastructure.

Trade, Restaurants and Hotels :

This sector proves to be one of the most promising for Qatar’s future as the tourism industry
gathers momentum. Qatar aims to be a one-stop destination for all kinds of travel, including
business trips, cultural events, education and sporting events.

Transport and Communications :

Qatar Airways is the designated national air carrier of Qatar. It is a joint public and private
venture, flying to more than 100 destinations around the globe. In terms of telecommunications,
Qtel was until recently the sole service provider in Qatar. Vodafone now also operates within
the country.

Electricity and Water :

Most of Qatar’s electricity comes from gas turbines, fuelled by natural gas. Water desalination
is achieved in tandem with electricity, giving Qatar an impressive capacity. KAHRAMAA is
national utility provider.

Agriculture and Fisheries :

This sector traditionally plays a minor role in the Qatari economy, due to generally unsuitable
weather and environmental conditions. However, innovative technologies are being applied to
help stimulate the sector.

Official Sponsor 31Qatar Business Guide
2016 - 2017

Oil and Gas Sector

32 Qatar Business Guide Official Sponsor
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Oil and Gas Sector

Qatar National Vision 2030 focuses on the diversification of the economy away
from oil and gas through the buiding of a knowledge-based through investment
in human development education and economy

Oil and Gas constitute the backbone of Qatar’s Economy. The State of Qatar exerts efforts to
diversify its sources to alleviate the country’s dependence on these natural resources of crude
Oil which amounts about (850 thousand barrels per day, and Gas about (18 billion cube foot
per day) produced from the North Field which holds Gas reserves of about (380 trillion cube
foot) and associated gas.
The Qatari leadership endeavors to increase production capacity of the liquefied natural Gas
(LNG) to be more than (60 million Ton per year), knowing that the current production is (18
million ton/day); the majority of the GDP relies on Oil and Gas and the relevant industrial
activities.
Established in 1974, the government-owned Qatar Petroleum is responsible for all oil and gas
industry in Qatar. Oil is produced from onshore and offshore fields, the most important of
which are:
Dukhan onshore field; Al Idd Al Sharqi; Maydan Mahzam, Bul Hanain, Al Bunduk, Al Shaheen,
Al Rayan, Al Khalij, Al Karkara and offshore Tabakat (A).

The North Gas Field :

Discovered in 1971, this field lies mainly offshore to the northeast of the Qatar peninsula under
water depths ranging from 15 to 70 meters. It covers about 6000 square kilometers, almost half
the area of mainland Qatar. NGF is the largest single concentration of non-associated natural
gas in the world with total proven reserves of more than 900 trillion cubic feet, representing
20% of world total, and making Qatar the third country in the world with the largest reserves
of natural gas after Russia and Iran.
The North Gas Field constitutes catalyst for investments in gas production and utilization due
to the abundance of natural gas one site and favorable geographical and weather conditions
that facilitates production and reduce costs in comparison to other sites in the world. Based on
those huge reserves of the North Gas Field and advantages of gas as a clean, safe and long life
source of energy, QP formulated a phased strategic plan to develop the field and rationalize the
utilization of its resources to secure new financial returns through exporting gas in liquefied form
of through pipelines, establishing new industries based on gas and building new port at Ras Laffan.

The most important oil and gas companies in qatar:

Qatar Petroleum www.qp.com.qa

Qatar Gas www.qatargas.com

Ras Gas www.rasgas.com

Official Sponsor 33Qatar Business Guide
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Industry Sector

Within short period of time, the State of Qatar has made great strides in all fields of economy
especially the industrial ones. Oil revenues have been well utilized to establish a solid base for
oil and gas related industries and other basic industries, and build an advanced infrastructure
capable of serving national industries and responding to its future needs and challenges.

The Ministry of Industry and Energy works to build a strong industrial base, import industrial
products, diversify national income sources and increase the contribution of the industrial sector
in the gross domestic product (GDP) with a view to achieve a balanced economic growth aside
from oil revenues.

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Industry Sector

The Ministry of Industry and Energy has adopted several goals that include developing and supporting
industrial sector to diversify sources of national income; increasing the added value of intermediary
materials; encouraging the private sector to increase its contribution to industrial development;
increasing the contribution of manufacturing industries sector to the GDP, encouraging and
supporting high energy consuming industries and clean industries; enhancing the integration
between industrial, oil and gas and other economic sectors; and finally achieving the highest
possible level of integration between various industrial sectors.

QATAR DEVELOPMENT BANK (QDB) www.qdb.qa

This bank aims at contributing to the development of the national economy and diversifying
production structure through participation in and provision of funding on easy terms for new
industrial projects, supporting existing industries and assisting them to get the necessary funding
requirements from local and international sources, and obtaining technology on equitable terms.
The QDB provides loans and credit facilitations to industrial projects, prepares studies, provides
consultation and promotes feasible industrial projects. The bank works to develop small and
medium-scale industrial projects and follow up their implementation

Ras Laffan Industrial City :

It is the newest industrial cities in Qatar. The city includes LNG plants, an industrial and commercial
port and various industrial facilities. The city provides comprehensive services and infrastructure
to industrial and commercial companies; has security, fire and safety department; a hospital, an
environment section and a zone for logistics services. It is successfully run by a work group from QP.
Two companies operate in the city: Ras Laffan LNG Company Limited (RASGAS) and Qatar LNG
Company Limited (QATARGAS).

Mesaieed Industrial City :

Mesaieed Industrial City has a diverse industrial base including crude oil refinery; hydrocarbon;
petrochemicals; iron and steel and light and supporting industries; and a modern port that operates
round the clock to meet the requirement for exporting and importing various products and materials.
Qatar Petroleum Gas complex and Qatar petroleum refinery are based in Mesaieed Industrial
City. The daily output capacity of the refinery is 731 thousand barrel, which will cover domestic
consumption requirements until 2020.

Doha industrial zone :

This industrial zone has been established for light and medium projects. It includes all services
(visible and non-visible) like roads, lighting, gas, sewage and an integrated service facility.
The zone accommodates hundreds of projects distributed among nine main sectors in such a way as to
facilitate integration and coordination and provide a valuable addition to the national economy.

Dukhan Oil City :

Dukhan is the first site in which oil exploration and production started. Nowadays a urban strategic
plan is being implemented to improve QP concession area. This plan started in 2003 and it will
continue until 2022. 193 projects have been selected to be implemented in four phases in the
following 20 years at the total cost of about QR708 million.
Many large projects have been completed including Dukhan fields development project, Arab
(D) reservoir project with a view to develop gas and condensates production.

Official Sponsor 35Qatar Business Guide
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Trade Sector

The Ministry of Business and Trade is concerned with preparing the required programs to
implement the policies of developing business and trade sector; supervising and guiding
commercial activities in line with the requirements of the national development process;
proposing and implementing the policies and programs aiming to attract investments, support
and increase exports, and develop the procedures and techniques of securing public services
for business and investment sector; supervising commercial trades practices; registering
commercial and investment establishments; issuing the required licenses to protect consumers
and control commercial fraud; protecting competitiveness; preventing monopoly; and supervising
the implementation of tourist, exhibition, transport and communications policies.

36 Qatar Business Guide Official Sponsor
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Trade Sector

Foreign Trade :

Foreign trade is trade exchanges between the domestic economy and foreign countries in the form
of export, re-export or import.
The European Union group is the most important trade partner of Qatar as the relative share ratio
of the Qatari imports from this group holds the first position among the county’s export from all
other economic blocs. Qatari exports from north American countries, most of which come from
the United States of America, take the fourth place in terms of their relative ratio.

Exports :

The States’ exports have shown positive growth due to high oil prices. Commodities necessary to
industrial infrastructure, food products and personal belongings are exempt from customs
duties. Only 4% import tax is imposed on most of the other commodities. In addition, protection
fees are imposed on products that compete with locally manufactured commodities; and these
include 20% on imported iron and steel and 30% on urea. Customs duties on tobacco are 50%,
and on CDs and musical instruments are 15%; and commodities imported from the GCC country
are exempted from customs duties.

QATAR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (QCCI)
www.qatarchamber.com

Qatar chamber of commerce and industry was established in 1963. The members of the board of
directors were appointed by an Emiri decree until the law No 11 for 1966 was issued to stipulate
that these members be chosen by free direct ballot.

In 1998, the country witnessed the first real democratic experiment of electing the 17 members of the
board of directors of the chamber.

The chamber is concerned with the collection of information and statistics of interest to those
working in the field of trade, industry and agriculture, and with providing government authorities
with the required data and information on trade, industry and agriculture. Moreover it provides
consultations about the establishment of stock markets and the organization of trade, industrial
and agricultural exhibitions and markets; issues the certificates of origin and acts as an arbitrator
in the disputes submitted to it based on the consent of concerned parties.

As a committed member of the World Trade Organization and international financing organizations,
Qatar has completed its integration in the international free trade and economy order. It does not
levy personal income taxes or export fees. Customs duties are as low as 4%. With a distinguished
banking system and no restrictions on the movement of capitals from the country, the whole of
Qatar represents a free economic zone in which investors can make considerable gains. The
major transformation in the field of industrial development came with the issue of law No 1 of
1980 on industrial organization, which provided for a lot of incentives for national investors. Law
No 19 of 1995 on the industrial organization complemented the drive by facilitating industrial
licensing and unifying executive bodies responsible for granting incentives. Legislation permits
non-Qataris to invest in trade, industry and services sectors provided that their investment is
in a joint venture where the other partner is a Qatari holding the 51% of the capital. In case a
non-Qatari party owns 100% of the capital, the investor should designate a Qatari sponsor.

Official Sponsor 37Qatar Business Guide
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Financial and Banking Sector

The Qatari economy has witnessed a huge progress in various economic and social fields in
recent years supported by the government policy based on free market principle. This is evident
in the structure of the national economy which is designed to cater for the global economic
changes in such a way as to protect the best interests of the country, and in the improvement
made by the financial and banking system which is characterized by responsiveness to the
achievements made by the Qatari economy in terms of overall economic variables.

38 Qatar Business Guide Official Sponsor
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Financial and Banking Sector

CENTRAL BANK OF QATAR - WWW.QCB.GOV.QA

Established in 1993, Qatar Central Bank is authorized by law to issue the national currency and act
as the bank of the government and the bank of banks, in addition to its main task of managing
the monetary policy of the country. Its paid capital has been raised in line with the development
witnessed by the national financial and banking sector.

QATAR EXCHANGE - WWW.QE.COM.QA

Qatar Exchange (former Doha Securities Market) was established by law No 14 for 1995 and started
operation on the 26th of May1997.

On 14th September 2005, Law No 33 for 2005 amended by law #14 for 2007 establishing Qatar
Financial Markets Authority and Doha Securities Market was issued. According to this law, the
legislative and organizational task is assigned to the Authority, whereas the executive functions
in regards to stocks and their ownership and transfer and financial settlements between brokers
is given to Doha Securities Market.

The market entered a new phase since the issuance of law No 33 for 2009, which led to the
transformation of Doha Securities Markets into a joint stock company under the name of (Qatar
Exchange). This was intended to make a new structural shift so as to turn it into an international
bourse operating in accordance to the most advanced systems. To achieve this goal a decision
was taken to establish a partnership with Euronext holding 20% shareholding, after which Qatar
Exchange started operating under its new name on 21.6.2009.

COMMERCIAL BANKS

There are fourteen commercial banks operating in the Qatar. Among them there are even national
trade banks, two of which Islamic banks; and they all operate through 114 local branches.

List of Bank in The State of Qatar

Qatar National Bank www.qnb.com.qa

The Commercial Bank of Qatar www.cbq.com.qa

Doha Bank www.dohabank.com.qa

Qatar Islamic Bank www.qib.com.qa

Al Ahli Bank of Qatar www.ahlibank.com.qa

Qatar International Islamic Bank www.qiib.com.qa

Qatar International Bank www.ibq.com.qa

Al Rayan Bank www.alrayan.com

Barwa Bankf www.barwabank.com

Arab Bank www.arabbank.com.qa

Mashreq Bank www.mashreqbank.com

Al Khaliji Bank www.alkhaliji.com

Official Sponsor 39Qatar Business Guide
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Real Estate and Property Sector

Qatar’s construction and real estate industry has witnessed intense growth in
recent years. The skyline of Doha’s business district is often described as having
been transformed overnight into what is now a panorama of strikingly unique
skyscrapers.

The construction industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years,
as the country opens up to foreign property investment. Under current legislation,
non-Qataris may invest in selected real estate projects, such as the West Bay
Lagoon and The Pearl – Qatar. As part of the incentive to attract foreign
investment, real estate visas can now be granted to buyers, allowing them to
live in the country without sponsorship.

For most residents, though, renting remains the living arrangement of choice.
Those who wish to rent an apartment, villa or room have a wide selection to
choose from in every area of the city. After years of escalation, rental prices
have stabilized as new projects mature and vacancy rates increase. The rights
and obligations of tenants and landlords are outlined in the rental laws.

40 Qatar Business Guide Official Sponsor
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Real Estate and Property Sector

The Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning oversees the preparation of all records related to
the selling, leasing, waiver and bequeathing of real estate. Some selected records and documents
must bear the approval of the Real Estate and Residences Registration Office to be considered valid.
Land owners should visit the office before completing their real estate registrations at the Ministry
of Justice.

Major Real Estate Projects

Thanks to a thriving economy, an emergent tourism industry and budding property values, Qatar
is continuing to see the construction of new, world-class building projects. Qatar’s real estate
market is valued at over US$5billion and is expected to grow exponentially over the next few years.

Lusail City :

Imagine living where you play, shopping where you sight-see, swimming where you buy your
groceries. This is the life one of 200,000 future residents on the ocean-front city of Lusail will
lead. Residential, commercial and entertainment districts meet natural open spaces and
traditional Islamic design in this visionary, architectural feat.

Pearl – Qatar :

One of the largest structural undertakings in Qatar, the Pearl offshore man-made island is
becoming the apple of the region’s eyes. Set to accommodate 40,000 residents, on 400 hectares
of reclaimed land, the Pearl features a Riviera-style boardwalk surrounding one of three planned marinas.

Dubai Tower :

Slated to become an iconic centerpiece of Doha’s skyline, the 437-meter Dubai Tower is an
unprecedented initiative emerging from the esteemed Comiche. The tower will home a boutique
hotel, office space, an upscale shopping lane, furnished and unfurnished apartment spaces, and
a sea view in 95% of its vistas.

Al Wa’ab City :

Rooted in Arabic heritage and reared with family-oriented values, the Al Wa’ab City promises to
offer high-standard, integrated community living. Al Wa’ab aims to be a reflection of comfort,
harmony and prosperity – the ideal place for family dwelling.

Barwa Al Khor :

Located 57 kilometers north of Doha, Barwa Al Khor aspires to be the core of Qatar. The extensive
Barwa will emerge from its coastline as though part of the terrain. Villas, town houses, office
space, a golf course, clinic, library and mosque are some of the many amenities afforded by this
artistic, dream city.

The Heart of Doha Project :

In a mission to revitalize the past to make way for an increasingly vibrant future, the Heart of
Doha Project is redeveloping 35 hectares of space in inner Doha, the historic birth area of the
city. The restructuring plan promotes sustainable, environmentally friendly living and sophisticated
public areas by use of simplicity, space, proportion and light in its design.

Official Sponsor 41Qatar Business Guide
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Investment in Qatar

Qatar utilizes the revenues of its vast wealth of oil and gas in other sectors with a view to
expand the economic base and develop a strong private sector; and through its full and active
membership the World Trade Organization and flexible business regulations it works to
attract foreign investors to engage in other economic sectors besides oil and gas in the country.
achievements made by the Qatari economy in terms of overall economic variables.

Qatar provides many investment incentives including low electricity, water and gas rates;
nominal lease rate of only (5) Qatari Riyals per square meter per year for industrial land sites
for the first three years from site assignment and project operation, after which lease rate will
increase to (10) Qatari Riyals; exemption from import taxes on heavy duty machinery and their
spare parts and raw materials; exemption from import taxes; unlimited quantities of imported
materials; no restrictions on money exchange and transfer of profits abroad; and flexible
regulations and procedures to import skilled and unskilled workforce.



Investment in Qatar

INVESTMENT SECTORS :

Sectors Available for Foreign Investments
Based on law No 13 for 2000 on the organization of non-Qatari capital investment, non-Qatari
investors can invest in all fields with a shareholding of 49% and 100% in the following sectors:
• Agriculture
• Industry
• Health
• Education
• Tourism
• Development and utilization of natural resources and mining
• Consultation services
• Art work services
• Information technology
• Cultural services
• Art work services
• Sports services
• Entertainment services
As for banking sector, it is possible to establish a bank by a decision from the council of ministers.
Foreigners have the right to own real estate at certain locations in the country.

LAWS OF INVESTMENT :

• Qatari regulations have been put to find an investment environment encouraging at attracting
capitals and achieving integration with adjacent Arab countries and eventually provide the bases
for protecting the national economy against any adverse effects.

• Law No 2 for 2000 was issued to organize real estate possession by GCC citizens. The law
limited this activity to three estates for residential purpose at an area of no more than 3 thousand
square kilometer. The law stipulates that 5 years need to pass before the naturalized citizens
could own a real estate in the country.

• Law No13 for 2000 was also issued about the organization of the foreign capital investment
in the economic activity to determine fields allowed to non-Qataris to operate within. The law
also identified what could foreigners invest of funds whether in cash or in kind or rights having
financial value in the state of Qatar as well as in kind assets imported for investment, profits,
proceeds and reserves resulting from the investment of foreign capital in any allowed project and
also moral rights like licenses, patents and registered marks in the country.

• The law has allowed the foreigner investors to invest in all national economy sectors provided
that they have a partner of partners from Qatar having no less than 51% of capital, though based
on a decision taken by minister of economy and trade to allow foreign investors to exceed their
49% contribution to be 100% of capital in the fields of agriculture, industry, health, education
and tourism develop and utilize natural resources or energy and mining on condition that it is in
line with the development plan of the state.

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Investment in Qatar

• The law has banned foreign capitals to invest in national banks and insurance companies and
trade agencies or possession of real estate. The law has identified investment incentives by allow-
ing to allot the required plot of land to the foreign investor to establish his investment project via
long lease of no more than 50 years renewable.

• The law has exempted the foreign investor’s capital from income tax for no more than 10 years
since the day the investment project operates. It also has allowed customs exemption on the
imports of the project’s equipment necessary to operation. The foreign investor in the field of
industry is exempted from customs fees on imports of raw materials or half manufactured goods
necessary for production and not available in the local market.

General exemptions include :

• The foreign investor has the right to import for his investment project what is necessary for the
establishment, operation or expansion.
• The invested foreign capital is exempted from tax income for no more than ten years from the
day the project was operated.
• Customs exemptions on the project’s imports of machinery and equipment necessary for its
establishment.
• Customs exemption on industrial project on its imports of raw materials or half manufactured
goods necessary for production and not available in the local market.

Incentives offered :

• Allow investment opportunity and prepare primary studies for industrial projects.
• Prepare economic and technical feasibility studies, provide technical advisory to the private
sector willing to invest.
• Start appropriate sites for industrial investments on the allocated plots of land in the industrial
zone at suitable lease for long periods
• Assist licensed industrial projects to obtain loans from bank of industrial development and
other financial organizations.
• Provide assistance to investors based on information, data and studies available about the se-
lected projects for investment.
• Provide the project with power, petroleum, water and natural gas at competitive prices.

Other privileges :

• An industrial area fully equipped with required services for various industrial purposes.
• Finance medium and small scale industrial projects given by Qatar Development Bank at
• encouraging interest rate and for suitable term
• Flexible procedures to bring industrial workforce
• Flexible work laws that ensure rights of all parties concerned about investment and workforce.
• Health services at reasonable rates.
• Flexible regulations and procedures to register trade and industrial facilities.
• Easy access to government officials to work on and resolve problems that face investments.
• Investment disputes are resolved via commercial arbitration, courts or Shari’a courts in the
state according to jurisdiction.
• Independent judicial system.

Official Sponsor 45Qatar Business Guide
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Investment in Qatar

Doing Business with Government :

• As one of the most vibrant economies in the region, the Government of Qatar sees healthy
competition as an essential part of the contract and tendering process. In recent years, the
government has passed legislation aimed at easing red tape for businesses wishing to apply for
contracts and tenders.

• A significant portion of government contracts and tenders are handled by the Central Tenders
Committee (CTC). The CTC is under the direct control of the Minister of Finance, and awards
tenders and bids on behalf of a number of government bodies as stipulated by the law.

• e-Tendering Portal

• As part of a nationwide effort to make government work better for those who live, work in and
do business with Qatar, a government e-tending portal has been launched for ictQATAR. Over
the coming year, the system will roll out to involve other agencies as well.

• The automated tendering process will bring a new level of transparency and fairness to
business competition. It will also cut costs, create efficiencies, and decrease the time frame
needed to complete tenders and auctions.

Suppliers registered in the e-tendering system will be able to :

• Submit quotes and bids for open tenders and auctions published by ictQATAR.

• Check the status of their submitted quotes and bids, whether active, awarded, disqualified or
rejected.

• Submit required documents, certificates and other deliverables to ictQATAR.

• Save quotes and bids as draft to submit later.

• Search for previously submitted tenders, auctions, quotes and bids.

• Suppliers must receive an invitation to register for the e-tendering system. The registration process
can be completed through Hukoomi.

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Economic Institutions and Organizations :

The Supreme Council For Economic Affairs and Investment :

The council generally concerned with all the issues related to the economy, energy and investment
of the state’s financial reserves.

The council is charged with the following tasks:

• To lay out the State’s general policies in terms of economy, finance, trade and energy affairs,
and approve necessary plans for execution and follow up.

• To coordinate among ministries and government authorities, institutions , organizations and
public companies stated on previous item to achieve integration in service of public interest.

• To outline the general principles to be observed in preparing and implementing the state’s
developmental plans.

• To approve the State’s financial and monetary policies and set priorities of public expenditure.

• To determine the principles that should be adhered to in preparing the general budget of the
state and budgets of the public institutions, organizations and companies to achieve desired
goals.

• To approve projects of utilizing the natural resources in the country and the industrial and eco-
nomic projects operated by the state, institutions, organizations or public companies.

• To lay out the general principles for trade policies on local and international level to ensure
internal trade development and enhance trade exchange and maximize its proceeds.

• To draw out the necessary policies to diversify the economic base and increase public revenue
sources.

• To outline policies, standards and criteria that have to do with the privatization of the public
projects and set their priorities

• To approve policies that enhance the private sector to increase its contribution to the economic
activity and development.

• To identify policies and procedures that should be taken to encourage national and foreign
investment and designate reasonable incentives in this regard.

• To follow up global economic changes and their potential impacts on the national economy,
and take necessary actions to utilize their positive aspects and ward against their negative effects.

• To identify the framework that ensure the support of trade and economic cooperation locally
and internationally.

• To identify goals need to be achieved by investing the state’s financial reserves with the State’s
general strategy.

• To lay out long term policy to invest the state’s financial reserves and annual programs for that
investment

• To follow up the execution of investment programs and assess their outcomes on regular basis.

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Qatar Financial Center

Qatar Financial Center (QFC)aims at enhancing the economic activity in line with the global
economic progress and providing the appropriate atmosphere for investment to stimulate
development and open new horizons in this field.

the Center is authorized to license companies, individuals and business institutions to establish
economic activities. It also authorizes the establishment of banks, investment projects, finance
companies, insurance companies, all sorts of stock and securities markets, asset management
and all kinds of brokerage services. It offers its services in the field of categorization and
evaluation, financial representation, consultation, financial facilities, holdings and operations
and management of offshore companies.

The entities authorized to operate at or through the center enjoy the freedom to repatriate their
profits and investment assets in addition to being secured against nationalization, expropriation or
the imposition of restrictions on private ownership. All entities licensed to operate at or through
the Center can be 100% owned by foreigners or non-resident individuals or companies.

The center is composed of three financially and administratively independent entities they are:
QFC Authority, QFC Regulatory Authority and QFC Appellate Authority. The authority aims at
enhancing the center’s position as a global pioneering one in the field of finance and business to
perform activities effectively according to the best international practices. The regulatory
authority takes over licensing, controlling over banks, insurance and financial business
processed in the center.

The appellate authority is concerned with appeals submitted by institutions and individuals and
legal representatives against the decisions taken by the regulatory authority. Its decisions are
final, irrevocable and binding to all parties.

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Industrial Areas :

The backbone of Qatar’s oil and gas industry is formed by three major industrial areas. These
areas include planned cities, managed by Qatar Petroleum, which house workers and their families.

Dukhan Industrial City

Located 84 kilometers west of Doha, Dukhan Industrial City (DIC) houses workers from the
Dukhan oil and gas facilities as well as their families. The oldest of Qatar’s industrial cities, it
is currently undergoing a US$430 million physical redevelopment project. The four-phase plan
– expected to be completed in 2022 – will cover all aspects of urban development, including
improvements to infrastructure, housing, transportation and health services.
areas include planned cities, managed by Qatar Petroleum, which house workers and their families.

Mesaieed Industrial City

Mesaieed Industrial City (MIC) is located about 40 kilometers south of Doha and encompasses a
full service port and residential community.

The city was developed in 1996 to provide small-scale and support industries to serve the needs
of larger businesses. Major industries in MIC include refining and processing plants, and production
facilities for fertilizers, petrochemicals, methanol, and vinyl.

Currently, MIC is undergoing a US$400 million renovation plan that will cover both office and
residential areas. A number of additional projects are being implemented to modernize and
develop MIC’s infrastructure, port and community facilities.

Ras Laffan Industrial City

Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLC) is located on the northeast coast of Qatar, and serves as an
important maritime port for energy products. The newest of Qatar’s industrial cities, it is one of
the fastest-growing of such communities in the world.

The RLC port is undergoing an expansion project that will make it the largest man-made harbor
in the world. This expansion will include additional berths and a dry-dock fabrication yard
which will increase the port’s export capacity to 77 million tons per year by the end of the
decade.

The world-class facilities at RLC have attracted the attention of several multi-national oil and gas
corporations. To ensure that all development at RLC is conducted in environmentally-friendly
manner, the Health, Safety and Environment Department was created to support end users and
contractors in meeting all local environmental regulations.

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