Qatar

Politics and Government

Form of government: Absolute monarchy

Emir: Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (since 2013)
Prime Minister: Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani (since 7 March 2023)

Executive branch: The Emir of Qatar is the country’s head of state and exercises executive authority with the assistance of the Council of Ministers, while the Prime Minister is the head of government and is appointed by the Emir. The rule of the country is hereditary in the family of Al-Thani and the Emir designates his successor among his sons. Members of the Council of Ministers are nominated by the Prime Minister and appointed by the Emir. The Prime Minister or any other Minister may be entrusted by the Emir with leading one or more ministries.

Legislative branch: The Shoura Council is the country’s legislative authority and consists of 45 members. Direct elections are held for 30 of the representatives for a 4-year term; the remaining 15 members of the Shoura Council are appointed by the Emir and they may serve until they resign or until they are relieved from their posts. Nevertheless, legislative elections have never taken place. The Shoura Council has limited legislative authority since the Emir has the ultimate power of ratifying and promulgating laws.

Judicial branch: The Supreme Council of the judiciary was set up in 1999 to ensure the independence of the judiciary and the 9 members of the judiciary’s Supreme Council are appointed by the Emir. Qatar’s court system has three types of courts: civil courts, criminal courts and islamic (sharia) courts. The court system provides three stages of litigation: courts of First Instance, courts of Appeal and the Court of Cassation. The Court of Cassation is the state’s highest court and its judges are nominated by the Supreme Judicial Council and appointed by the Emir. In 2007 Qatar established the Supreme Constitutional Court and the court system also includes administrative and labour courts.

Parliamentary parties: Political parties are banned.