Politics of Qatar

The political system of Qatar runs under an authoritarian^[1][2] semi-constitutional monarchy with the emir as head of state and chief executive, and the prime minister as the head of government. Under the Constitution of Qatar, the partially-elected Consultative Assembly has a limited ability to reject legislation and dismiss ministers. The 2nd general election was held in 2021; political parties are banned and all candidates had to run as independents.

The current hereditary emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, runs the country in an autocratic manner and holds nearly all executive and legislative authority, as well as controlling the judiciary. He appoints the prime minister and cabinet. According to Freedom House, political rights in Qatar are severely limited.^[3]

Legal system

Sharia law is a main source of Qatari legislation according to Qatar's constitution.^[4][5] Sharia, derived from the Arabic term meaning 'the path to follow,' constitutes a divine revelation conveyed by God to the Prophet Muhammad, the eminent figure in the establishment of Islam, during the year AD 570. 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.^[6] Sharia law is applied to laws pertaining to family law, inheritance, and several criminal acts (including adultery, robbery and murder). In some cases in Sharia-based family courts, a female's testimony is worth half a man's and in some cases a female witness is not accepted at all.^[7] Codified family law was introduced in 2006. In practice, Qatar's legal system is a mixture of civil law and Islamic law.^[8][9]

In 2016, Saudi Instagram star and model King Luxy was arrested in Qatar for allegedly being homosexual. He spent 2 months in custody before he was released. Qatari embassy in turn reported that he was arrested before departing from Qatar's only civilian international airport for various charges having nothing to do with his sexual preference and counter-alleged him for intruding on the privacy of a Qatari citizen.^[10]

Stoning is a legal punishment in Qatar.^[11] Apostasy is a crime punishable by the death penalty in Qatar.^[12] Blasphemy is punishable by up to seven years in prison and proselytizing can be punished by up to 10 years in prison.^[12] Homosexuality is a crime punishable by the death 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 and singlets.^[15]

As of 2014, certain provisions of the Qatari Criminal Code allow punishments such as flogging and stoning to be imposed as criminal sanctions. The UN Committee Against Torture found that these practices constituted a breach of the obligations imposed by the UN Convention Against Torture.^[16][17] Qatar retains the death penalty, mainly for threats against national security.

Commercial relationships are governed by Qatar's Civil Code.^[18]

Qatar's government has been criticized for arresting and threatening anyone who dares to speak out.^[19] In the report published by the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor on 13 September 2020, it was declared that Article 19 in the International Declaration of Human Rights stipulates that "everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference." Similarly, 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.^[20]

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption is partially legal in Qatar, some five-star luxury hotels are allowed to sell alcohol to their non-Muslim customers.^[21][22] Muslims are not allowed to consume alcohol in Qatar and Muslims caught consuming alcohol are liable to flogging or deportation. Non-Muslim expatriates can obtain a permit to purchase alcohol for personal consumption. The Qatar Distribution Company (a subsidiary of Qatar 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.^[23] Qatari officials have also indicated a willingness to allow alcohol in "fan zones" at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.^[24]

Until recently, restaurants on The Pearl Island (a human-made island near Doha) were allowed to serve alcoholic drinks.^[21][22] In December 2011, however, restaurants on the Pearl were told to stop selling alcohol.^[21][25] No explanation was given for the ban.^[21][22] 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.^[25] 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.^[26] The absence of alcohol has helped to create a more positive and enjoyable atmosphere at the event, with a more family-friendly environment being evident. The lack of alcohol had contributed to a less bawdy atmosphere around the games at the World Cup which led to a safer experience female fans at the tournament^[27][28]

Workers

In February 2022, The African Regional Organization of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) welcomed the recent announcement by the Qatar government to abolish exit permits for migrant workers. ITUC commended Qatari government for the obvious show of genuine commitment towards meeting their pledge made to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to effectively reform their labour laws so as to bring in conformity with ILO Conventions and other international statutes.^[29]

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".^[30] Qatar does not have national occupational health standards or guidelines, and workplace injuries are the third highest cause of accidental deaths.^[31] In May 2012, Qatari officials declared their intention to allow the establishment of an independent trade union.^[32] 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.^[32]

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.^[33] According to a report published by France 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’s labour 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.^[34]

Executive branch

Qatar is ruled by the House of Thani as a semi-constitutional hereditary monarchy. The head of state and chief executive is the emir. There is a prime minister (who serves as the head of government) and a cabinet appointed by the emir. Under the Constitution, the partially-elected Consultative 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.^[35]

Politically, Qatar is evolving from a traditional society into a modern welfare 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 conservative Islamic 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, Sheikh Khalifa 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, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, deposed his father, Emir Khalifa, in a bloodless coup.^[36] Emir Hamad and his father reconciled in 1996. Increased freedom of the press followed, and the Qatar-based Al Jazeera television channel (founded late 1996) is widely regarded as an example of an uncensored source of news in Arab countries. However, the network has been met with negative responses by the governments of many Arab states.^[37] However in May 2022, Al Jazeera network won the award for the best human rights journalism of the year in the eighth annual Amnesty Media Awards. The network was also claimed to be non-biased network by The Week (Washington DC media house) in November 2022.^[38]

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.^[39]

Main office-holders

Office	Name	Party	Since
Emir	Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani		25 June 2013
Prime Minister	Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani		7 March 2023

Ministries

Main article: Cabinet of Qatar

• The Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Qatar is responsible for overseeing and directing commercial and industrial activities in line with national development goals. Its mandate includes promoting business development to attract investments, supporting exports, regulating trade professions, registering commercial and investment establishments, issuing licenses, and overseeing market regulation in its jurisdiction.^[40]
• The Ministry of Justice in Qatar oversees the country's judicial system, emphasizing the promotion of human rights and the rule of law. It has introduced the SAK online portal for efficient processing of e-services, prioritizing user privacy. The ministry provides a variety of services to individuals, businesses, investors, and government bodies.^[41]
• The Ministry of Interior in Qatar is responsible for ensuring internal security, maintaining law and order, and safeguarding national interests. It actively promotes peace, organizes police forces, and takes measures to prevent crimes. The ministry also oversees nationality-related affairs, issues travel documents, and regulates corporate immigration matters, requiring companies to hold an Establishment Card. Additionally, it manages the entry and residence of expatriates while regulating official documents for expatriate employees.^[42]
• The Ministry of Labour in Qatar is responsible for regulating employment matters, including the formulation and execution of public policies and systems for the workforce. It oversees recruitment policies, promotes Qatarization of jobs, and ensures the social and legal protection of migrant workers while enforcing the Labour Law.^[43]
• The Ministry of Finance in Qatar oversees financial affairs, promotes economic growth, and manages policies related to taxation, budgeting, and public debt. It plays a crucial role in ensuring financial stability and sustainability. The ministry is responsible for the General Tax Authority (GTA) and provides the Dhareeba (Tax) online portal for company registration, annual audits, and handling tax-related matters.^[44]
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar manages the country's foreign relations and diplomacy, providing attestation services for both local documents for international use and foreign documents within Qatar. Fusion, affiliated with the ministry, offers full attestation services and official translation between English and Arabic for foreign documents.^[45]
• The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) in Qatar is dedicated to promoting and developing the country's education system. It oversees initiatives and policies related to school curriculums, teacher training, and educational programs. The ministry also regulates private schools, kindergartens, and nurseries, with Fusion providing assistance in obtaining necessary approvals such as the School's Education license. This includes managing curriculum approval, school premises inspection, and coordinating processes in preparation for the start of each new school year.^[46]
• The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) oversees the quality of services provided by public and private health service providers in Qatar. It manages public health programs, including disease prevention, occupational health, and national immunization. The ministry is responsible for formulating and monitoring national health strategies. Healthcare practitioners must be registered and licensed by The Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP). Setting up private medical facilities requires approval from MOPH and relevant licensing, a process Fusion can assist with, including setup, licensing, and renewals.^[47]
• The Ministry of Municipality (MOM) in Qatar is responsible for promoting and regulating sustainable development. It oversees initiatives related to urban planning, environmental conservation, and public health, playing a crucial role in ensuring a sustainable future for the country. The ministry includes bodies such as the Qatar General Authority for Standardization and Metrology and the Engineering Committee, which regulates engineering licenses for companies and individuals. Fusion can assist international engineering consultancies in setting up in Qatar by facilitating the required licensing processes.^[48]
• The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in Qatar is tasked with the promotion and regulation of environmental policies and initiatives. The ministry is dedicated to fostering sustainability and mitigating carbon emissions within the country.^[49]
• The Ministry of Transport in Qatar oversees and regulates the transportation sector. It provides special approvals for certain transport-related commercial activities and facilitates the process of obtaining approvals for temporary road regulation, machinery transport, and the establishment of various facilities.^[50]
• The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in Qatar oversees and regulates the communication and information technology sectors. It works in conjunction with the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) to manage approvals for importing specific equipment to the Qatari market. The ministry also grants special approvals for commercial activities related to communication and information technology.^[51]
• The Ministry of Sports and Youth in Qatar promotes and regulates sports and youth-related activities, overseeing the Olympic movement and fostering community participation in sports. With a notable record of hosting major events, including the historic FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar has positioned itself as a leading host for international sports events such as the Formula 1® Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix in October 2023, the 2023 AFC Asian Cup from January 12 to February 10, 2024, and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.^[52]
• The Ministry of Culture in Qatar acts as the regulatory authority for a variety of licenses, covering areas such as advertising, public relations, artistic production, cinema theaters, educational book imports, photography, film shooting, music education, concerts, and creative events. With a primary goal of promoting cultural diversity and the arts, the ministry plays a crucial role in overseeing diverse cultural activities in Qatar.^[53]
• The Ministry of Social Development and Family offers services to Qatari nationals and families with the goal of promoting social welfare and development in Qatar.^[54]
• The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in Qatar promotes and regulates Islamic affairs, overseeing initiatives in Islamic education, charity, and community development. It also encourages interfaith dialogue and cooperation among various religious communities in the country.^[55]

Consultative Assembly

The Consultative Assembly (Majlis ash-Shura) is a 45-member partially-elected legislature made up of 30 elected representatives and 15 appointed by the emir. 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.^[56] Elections were repeatedly delayed after the 2003 constitutional referendum introduced this framework.^[57][58][59] In 2006, Deputy Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani announced that elections would be held in 2007. However, only municipal elections were held.^[60] 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.^[61] The first general election was eventually held in October 2021.^[35]

Political parties and elections

 

Election billboards advertising the 2007 municipal elections.

Qatar held a constitutional referendum in 2003, which was overwhelmingly supported. The first municipal elections with men and women voters and candidates were held in 1999 Central Municipal Council. The first legislative election, for two thirds of the legislative council's 45 seats, were planned for 2016 after previously being postponed in 2013.^[62] In June 2016 they were effectively postponed to at least 2019.^[63] The first general election of members of the Consultative Assembly was held in 2021.^[35]

Suffrage is currently limited to municipal elections and two thirds of the seats in the legislative council, with the voting age set at 18. Expatriate residents are excluded, as are the vast number of residents who are prevented from applying for citizenship. The elected Municipal Council has no executive powers but may offer advice to the Minister.^[64][65]

Political parties are banned by law.

Administrative divisions

See also: Municipalities of Qatar

There are 8 municipalities (baladiyat (plural), baladiyah (singular)) of Qatar; Ad Dawhah, Al Daayen, Al Khor, Al Wakrah, Al Rayyan, Al-Shahaniya, Al Shamal, and Umm Salal. Each municipality assumes administrative responsibilities over zones (cities and districts) within their boundaries.^[66][64]

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Qatar

Qatar’s core foreign policy objective according to The 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.^[67] It has an "open-door" foreign policy where it maintain ties to all parties and regional players in the region,^[68] including with organizations such as Taliban and Hamas.^[69]

Its position in the Middle East and close links with terrorist groups is seen as a great asset to western intelligence community and diplomatic relations.^[70] 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.^[71]

On October 10, 2005, for the first time, Qatar was elected to a two-year term on the UN Security Council for 2006–2007.

According to BBC, in April 2006 Qatar announced that it will give US$50 million (£28 million) to the new Hamas-led Palestinian government.

In May 2006, Qatar pledged more than $100 million to Hurricane Katrina relief to colleges and universities in Louisiana 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.^[72] 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 the US against the Assad government. Additionally, the nation supported efforts to mediate a conflict-ending political transition in Syria. In March 2021, Qatar, Russia, and Turkey also started a different track of talks on the Syrian peace process.^[73][74][75]

The government and royal family of Qatar funds the Al 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.^[76] The network has been accused of being biased and taking an active role in the affairs of other countries specifically during the Arab Spring in 2011.^[77] Numerous countries have complained 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.^[78]

Most of the developed countries (plus Brunei and Indonesia) are exempt from visa requirements. Citizens of exempted countries can also request a joint visa that allows them to travel to Oman as well.^[79]

Qatar is member of ABEDA, 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, and WTO.

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 after energy transition (GeGaLo).^[80]

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.^[81]

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.^[82]

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."^[83][84] 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".^[85]

In January 2021 the United States, represented by the United States Department of Defense, awarded Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani with the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, one of the highest honors bestowed by the US to officials. The then US National Security Adviser Robert 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 the US–Taliban peace deal on February 29, 2020, as well as the launch of the Afghan 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.^[86]

Qatar mediated a deal between the United States and Iran, 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.^[87][88] The U.S. citizens were flown to Doha and greeted by U.S. ambassador to Qatar Timmy T. Davis^[89] and Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker^[90] before boarding a plane to Washington, D.C..^[91] U.S. President Biden thanked Sheik Tamim and Qatari officials for their role in the mediation as well as establishing a "Humantarian channel" for Iran.^[92] The US$6 billion were released to banks in Doha ^[91] under the condition that Iran could use the funds only for humanitarian purposes.^[88]

See also

• Mariam Abdullah Al-Jaber, first Qatari district attorney

References

1. "The objections to Qatar hosting the World Cup reek of Eurocentrism". NBC News. In condemning Qatar, we should remember that the population of this authoritarian monarchy
2. "Political Stability: the Mysterious Case of Qatar". Middle East Political and Economic Institute. ; the Qatari state remains fundamentally autocratic
3. "Qatar: Freedom in the World 2020 Country Report". Freedom House. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
4. . Government of Qatar. Archived from the original on 2014-10-06.
5. "Constitution of Qatar". According to Article 1: Qatar is an independent Arab country. Islam is its religion and Sharia law is the main source of its legislation.
6. Abdullah, Abdullah (2020-12-31). "The Legal Impact of Islamic Law in the Identity and Provisions of Qatari Legal System: Conceptual Frame and Legislative Directions". Al-Jami'ah: Journal of Islamic Studies (in Arabic). 58 (2): 451–482. doi:10.14421/ajis.2020.582.451-482. hdl:10576/21709. ISSN 2338-557X.
7. "Qatar Gender Equality Profile" (PDF). UNICEF.
8. "The World Factbook". U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. July 2022.
9. "Qatar" (PDF). US Department of State.
10. "Teen Instagram Star Jailed in Qatar for Two Months, Claims it was for 'Being Gay'". The Daily Dot. 2016-08-29. Retrieved 2019-09-15.
11. "Special report: The punishment was death by stoning. The crime? Having a mobile phone". Independent.co.uk. 28 September 2013.
12. Jenifer Fenton. "Religious law, prison for "blasphemy", severe sexual inequalilty: Qatar's human rights review".
13. "What are the worst countries in the world to be gay?".
14. Elgot, Jessica (28 May 2014). "'Leggings Are Not Pants' Qatar's New Modesty Campaign Aimed At Westerners'". Huffington Post.
15. Aningtias Jatmika (29 May 2014). "Qatar Bans Tourists from Wearing Leggings in Public".
16. Kelly, Tobias (2009). "The UN Committee against Torture: Human Rights Monitoring and the Legal Recognition of Cruelty" (PDF). Human Rights Quarterly. 313 (3): 777–800. doi:10.1353/hrq.0.0094. hdl:20.500.11820/3b940ee1-e99f-4ab6-bbb1-37face2fae2c. S2CID 145632406.
17. Conclusions and Recommendations: Qatar (Report). UN Committee Against Torture. 25 July 2006. U.N. Doc. CAT/C/QAT/CO/1. Retrieved 9 January 2012. "Certain provisions of the Criminal Code allow punishments such as flogging and stoning to be imposed as criminal sanctions by judicial and administrative authorities. These practices constitute a breach of the obligations imposed by the Convention. The Committee notes with interest that authorities are presently considering amendments to the Prison Act that would abolish flogging." (Par. 12)
18. Pinsent Masons, Adapting FIDIC provisions for use in Qatar, published 14 April 2016, accessed 28 December 2020
19. "To silence dissidents, Gulf states are revoking their citizenship". The Economist.
20. Monitor, Euro-Med Human Rights. "Qatar: Reforms must include the right to assembly and association". Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor. Retrieved 2022-08-03.
21. Alex Delmar-Morgan (7 January 2012). "Qatar, Unveiling Tensions, Suspends Sale of Alcohol". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
22. Jenifer Fenton (16 January 2012). "Qatar's Impromptu Alcohol Ban". The Arabist. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
23. . Qatar Visitor. 2 June 2007. Archived from the original on 1 May 2011. Retrieved 1 May 2011.
24. Walid, Tamara (11 November 2009). "Qatar would 'welcome' Israel in 2022". The National. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
25. James M. Dorsey (17 January 2012). "Debate Questions Emir's Powers To Shape Qatar's Positioning As Sports Hub And Sponsor of Revolts – Analysis". The Eurasia Review. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
26. "Drunk fans will be sent to special zones to sober up, says Qatar World Cup boss". Sky News. Retrieved 2024-04-15.
27. O'connor, Philip; Williams, Helena (2022-12-06). "Female fans feel safe at Qatar World Cup thanks to reduced alcohol consumption". Reuters. Retrieved 2023-03-21.
28. Doha, David Brown. "Alcohol ban helps female fans enjoy hassle-free football in Qatar". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 2023-03-21.
29. "ITUC-AFRICA WELCOMES THE ERADICATION OF EXIT PERMITS FOR MIGRANT WORKERS IN QATAR | ITUC-AFRICA / CSI-AFRIQUE". www.ituc-africa.org. Retrieved 2022-02-28.
30. Pattisson, Pete (25 September 2013). "Revealed: Qatar's World Cup 'slaves'". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 September 2013. So entrenched is this exploitation that the Nepalese ambassador to Qatar, Maya Kumari Sharma, recently described the emirate as an "open jail".
31. . National Health Strategy. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012.
32. "Qatar to allow trade union, scrap 'sponsor' system". Al Arabiya. May 2012.
33. "Qatar deports migrant workers protesting alleged abuse before World Cup". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2022-10-04.
34. "Qatar deports migrants after wage protest, rights group says". France 24. 2022-08-23. Retrieved 2022-10-04.
35. Thafer, Dania (14 October 2021). "Qatar's first elected parliament may have more power than other Persian Gulf legislatures. Here's why". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
36. Cockburn, Patrick (27 June 1995). "Emir of Qatar deposed by his son". The Independent. Retrieved 22 April 2015.
37. Abdelmoula, Ezzeddine (2015). Al Jazeera and Democratization: The Rise of the Arab Public Sphere. Routledge. p. 81. ISBN 978-1138855472. 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
38. "Al Jazeera wins Amnesty International Canada Award". Al Jazeera. 21 Sep 2022.
39. "Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad hands power to son Tamim". BBC. 25 June 2013. Retrieved 25 June 2013.
40. "Ministry of Commerce and Industry".
41. "Ministry of Justice".
42. "Ministry of Interior".
43. "Ministry of Labour".
44. "Ministry of Finance".
45. "Ministry of Foreign Affairs".
46. "Ministry of Education and Higher Education".
47. "Ministry of Public Health".
48. "Ministry of Municipality".
49. "Ministry of Environment and Climate Change".
50. "Ministry of Transport".
51. "Ministry of Communications and Information Technology".
52. "Ministry of Sports and Youth".
53. "Ministry of Culture".
54. "Ministry of Social Development and Family".
55. "Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs".
56. Hamed, Kante (June 19, 2023). "Majlis As-Shura and the Plurality Principle: Non-Muslims' Representation in the Majlis As-Shura". Media of Law and Sharia.
57. . Archived from the original on 2012-09-17. Retrieved 2011-02-07.
58. genesis (2010-06-15). "Outcry for Parliament election". Qatar Living. Retrieved 2019-08-15.
59. "Qatar sets up supervisory body for first legislative elections". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2021-08-02.
60. "Qatar poll sees increased turnout". Al Jazeera. 2 April 2007. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
61. Beydoun, N. M. and Baum, J. (2012) The Glass Palace : Illusions of Freedom and Democracy in Qatar. New York: Algora Publishing.
62. "Philippine Embassy urges OFWs in Qatar to register for May 2016 polls". Gulf-Times (in Arabic). 2015-08-02. Retrieved 2019-08-15.
63. Legislative elections in Qatar postponed until at least 2019 2017-08-22 at the Wayback Machine Doha News, 17 June 2016
64. "Qatar: Freedom in the World 2021 Country Report". Freedom House. Retrieved 2021-08-02.
65. "Qatar - Democracy Index, 2014". Knoema. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
66. (PDF). Qatar Statistics Authority. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
67. "Mediation and Qatari Foreign policy". ResearchGate. Retrieved 2022-05-11.
68. Jesner, Shlomo Roiter. "Qatar Is Using the Palestinians to Assert Its Regional Influence". Foreign Policy. Retrieved 2022-05-11.
69. Walsh, Declan (2017-07-16). "Qatar Opens Its Doors to All, to the Dismay of Some". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-05-11.
70. . 2015-01-08. Archived from the original on 8 January 2015. Retrieved 2022-05-11.
71. Brad Lendon (5 June 2017). "Qatar hosts largest US military base in Mideast". CNN. Retrieved 2022-05-11.
72. "Qatar bankrolls Syrian revolt with cash and arms - FT.com | Ghostarchive". ghostarchive.org. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
73. "Qatar profile - Timeline". BBC News. 2011-08-28. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
74. Görgülü, Dr Aybars (2018-03-01). Qatar and Syria Crisis | PODEM. ISBN 978-605-67530-3-9.
75. "Syria's War and the Descent Into Horror". Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
76. Miles, Hugh. 2005, Al-Jazeera : the inside story of the Arab news channel that is challenging the West / Hugh Miles Grove Press New York
77. Al Jazeera helps people against Arab regimes, angers oppressors Sunday's Zaman. Poyraz-Dogan,Yonca. February 6, 2011.
78. "Is Al Jazeera a legitimate news channel?". The Week. Retrieved 2022-04-22.
79. "Visa Rules in Qatar". Retrieved 2012-02-15.
80. Overland, Indra; Bazilian, Morgan; Ilimbek Uulu, Talgat; Vakulchuk, Roman; Westphal, Kirsten (2019). "The GeGaLo index: Geopolitical gains and losses after energy transition". Energy Strategy Reviews. 26: 100406. doi:10.1016/j.esr.2019.100406. hdl:11250/2634876.
81. "Qatar Fund for Development Support Syrian refugees in Turkey towards stability - Türkiye | ReliefWeb". reliefweb.int. 2021-10-11. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
82. "Will Qatar's Relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood Change after Gulf Reconciliation?". The Washington Institute. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
83. "Qatargate, gli emiri provano il contropiede: "L'Ue dimostri che i corruttori siamo noi"". la Repubblica (in Italian). 2022-12-21. Retrieved 2023-01-21.
84. "la strategia degli emiri per il qatargate: negare tutto e urlare al complotto". www.dagospia.com. 2022-12-21. Retrieved 2023-01-21.
85. "Qatar reiterates denial that its government involved in EU corruption case". Reuters. 2022-12-18. Retrieved 2023-01-21.
86. QNA/Washington (2021-01-19). "FM, Qatar envoy receive US' highest medal for distinguished public service". Gulf Times. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
87. "Why the U.S.-Iran Prisoner Swap Matters". Time. 2023-09-18. Retrieved 2023-10-09.
88. "Iran prisoner swap: US citizens freed in $6bn deal". BBC News. 2023-09-18. Retrieved 2023-10-09.
89. "Qatar's separate talks with Iran, US on drones, nuclear programme: Report". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2023-10-09.
90. Salari, Fatemeh (2023-09-19). "Qatar says prisoner swap could pave way for better understanding between Iran-US". Doha News | Qatar. Retrieved 2023-10-09.
91. "Five Americans freed in Iran prisoner swap land in US". BBC News. 2023-09-19. Retrieved 2023-10-09.
92. "On Iran's Release of Unjustly Detained U.S. Citizens". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2023-10-09.

External links

• Adam Carr's Election Archive
• Qatar Government at Curlie