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U.S. Department of State
Qatar Country Commercial Guide
Office of the Coordinator for Business Affairs
COUNTRY COMMERCIAL GUIDE
Qatar
Fiscal Year 1996
This Country Commercial Guide (CCG) presents a comprehensive look at
Qatar's commercial environment through economic, political and market
analyses.
The CCGs were established by recommendation of the Trade Promotion
Coordinating Committee (TPCC), a multi-agency task force, to consolidate
various reporting documents prepared for the U.S. business community.
Country Commercial Guides are prepared annualy at U.S. Embassies through
the combined efforts of several U.S. governement agencies.
Table of Contents:
Chapter I. Executive Summary
Chapter II. Economic Trends and Outlook
- Major Trends and Outlook
- Principal Growth Sectors
- Government Role in the Economy
- Balance of Payments Situation
Chapter III. Political Environment
- Nature of Bilateral Relationship with the United States
Chapter IV. Marketing of U.S. Products and Services
- Distribution and Sales Channels
- Use of Agents/Distributors
- Franchising/licensing
- Steps to Establishing an Office
- Selling Factors and Techniques
- Advertising and Trade Promotion
- Pricing a Product
- Selling to the Government
- Protecting your product from IPR Infringement
- Need for a local attorney
Chapter V. Leading Sectors for U.S. Exports and Investment
- Best Prospects for Non-Agricultural Goods and Services
- Best Prospects for Agricultural Products
- Significant Investment Opportunities
Chapter VI. Trade Regulations and Standards
- Trade Barriers
- Tariffs
- Import Licenses
- Import/Export Documentation
- Temporary Entry
- Labeling
- Prohibited Imports
Chapter VII. Investment Climate
- Openness to Foreign Investment
- Conversion and Transfer Policies
- Expropriation and Compensation
- Dispute Settlement
- Political Violence
- Performance Requirements/Incentives
- Right to Private Ownership and Establishment
- Protection of Property Rights
- Regulatory System: Laws and Procedures
- Bilateral Investment Agreements
- OPIC and Other Investment Insurance Programs
- Labor
- Foreign Trade Zones/Free Ports
- Capital Outflow Policy
Chapter VIII. Trade and Project Financing
Chapter IX. Business Travel
- Business hours
- Holidays
- Entry Visa Requirements
- Transportation
- Communications
- Housing
- Health
- Food
Chapter X. Appendices
- Appendix A: Country Data
- Appendix B: Domestic Economy
- Appendix C: Trade
- Appendix D: Investment statistics
- Appendix E: U.S. and Country Contacts
- Appendix F: Market Research
- Appendix G: Trade Event Schedule
Chapter I. Executive Summary
As is the case in the nearby Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, the
Qatari economy has started to recover and will probably register a
positive growth rate in 1995 after some decline in 1993-94 caused by
weak oil prices and reduced oil production potential. As crude oil
prices are expected to be nearly US$ 2 higher than 1994, the oil sector
in Qatar will reverse a downward trend which prevailed throughout
previous years.
The Government of Qatar (GOQ) is the largest (and, in some cases, the
only) importer and end-user of a wide range of products and services in
the country. It is also the largest employer of Qatari and expatriate
manpower in the Qatari marketplace. Other economic and commercial
activities are, therefore, heavily dependent upon GOQ spending.
However, recent sharp cuts in government expenditure have had a
depressive effect on the public sector itself and offset growth in other
sectors. In order to finance the huge costs of developing its immense
natural gas reserves in the North Gas field, the State-owned Qatar
General Petroleum Corporation (QGPC) has resorted to foreign loans and
entered into foreign equity participation agreements with leading oil
companies, such as Mobil Oil (USA), Total (France), Mitsui and Marubeni
(Japan). Agreements with the U.S. firm Enron, and others are also being
considered.
While Phase I development (800 million cu. ft. per day for domestic
purposes) is already completed (US$ 1.5 billion), Qatar Liquefied
Natural Gas Company (Qatargas) (6 million m. tons per year), will begin
shipping liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Japan in 1997. Another project,
the Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company (Rasgas) (10 million m.
tons per year), is in progress.
The assumption of power by Qatar's new Amir is viewed by many observers
as a step towards opening up the way for foreign investors as well as
privatization of several GOQ entities. More U.S. and other
international oil companies are expected to enter into Qatar's oil
industry, for enhancing oil production levels in the producing onshore
and offshore stations. While Occidental (U.S.) has already entered into
a standard production sharing agreement with QGPC to enhance oil
production in one of the offshore fields, the U.S. firms Pennzoil and
ARCO have likewise entered into standard production sharing agreements
for oil and gas exploration operations in two specific offshore areas in
Qatar's territorial waters. Further offers from various sources for
enhancement of oil recovery as well as oil and gas exploration are under
serious consideration by QGPC.
U.S. exports to Qatar reached US$ 220 million in 1993, the second
highest level ever in the country's 23 years of independence. These
data do not include services, for which no official records are
available. U.S. exports to Qatar in 1993 represent an increase of about
400 percent above their level in 1973, the year Qatar began experiencing
its first economic boom and development. The United States has
maintained, for the third consecutive year, its position of second major
supplier to Qatar, the role traditionally maintained by the U.K. While
Japan continues to occupy the first position, the gap is narrowing
gradually.
Major business opportunities for the United States in Qatar stand out in
the liquefaction of natural gas (LNG), an industry that looms over all
other projects in Qatar. Other sectors include: oil and gas
exploration, enhancement of oil recovery, power generation and water
desalination, medical and pharmaceutical equipment and supplies,
computers and communications.
High value U.S. food products with strong market potential in Qatar
include frozen poultry (parts and whole birds), hot sauces, salad
dressings and dips, frozen beef, snack foods, coffee whiteners, frozen
vegetables, biscuits and crackers, ice cream and fresh apples and pears.
In addition, growth in the local food processing industry is driving
demand for semi-processed products such as beverage bases, snack foods,
specialty flours and a variety of food ingredients.
American products and technology are well-respected in Qatar. U.S.
firms interested in doing business in Qatar or expanding their presence
here need to be aggressive and competitive. Selection of the proper
local agent as well as personal visits and contacts have proved to be
very good initial steps. Country Commercial Guides are available on the
National Trade Data Bank on CD-ROM or through the Internet. Please
contact STAT-USA at 1-800-STAT-USA for more information. To locate
Country Commercial Guides via the Internet, please use the following
world wide web address: WWW.STAT-USA.GOV. CCGs can also be ordered in
hard copy or on diskette from the National Technical Information Service
(NTIS) at 1-800-553-NTIS.
Chapter II. Economic Trends and Outlook
Major Trends and Outlook: The Qatari economy is undergoing a period of
reform and uncertainty. During the years 1993-1994 and early 1995, the
economy posted no worthwhile growth. In Qatar, economy is sensitive to
government spending, because the Government of Qatar (GOQ) is the main,
if not the only, end-user of a wide range of products and services. In
its turn, the GOQ's public spending is sensitive to fluctuations in oil
productions and international market price levels. The downward trend
in the latter was responsible for the decreasing revenues from oil
exports to the Far East and Europe.
Operating through the Ministry of Energy and Industry and the State-
owned Qatar General Petroleum Corporation (QGPC), the GOQ, under the
leadership of the new Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, is
determined to invite international expertise to enhance oil production
from aging onshore and offshore oil wells. Standard production sharing
agreements were reached with three U.S. oil companies to enhance oil
recovery and/or explore additional sources in 1994.
As an alternative source of revenue, the North Gas Field development
looms over all other present and future projects in Qatar. Phase One
development (800 million cubic ft/day, for domestic purposes only) was
inaugurated on September 3, 1991. Phase II development, now in
progress, is known as the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) stage. Formed by
QGPC and four other equity partners - American, French and Japanese -
the Qatar Liquefied Natural Gas Company (Qatargas) is due to launch its
first shipment of LNG to Japan in early 1997. Qatargas is being
designed to produce and export 6 million m. tons of LNG per year.
Another, and larger, joint venture for production and export of LNG, the
Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company (Rasgas), is now in progress.
Rasgas is owned 70 percent by QGPC and 30 percent by Mobil Oil (U.S.A.).
Other LNG joint ventures are under consideration.
Principal Growth Sectors: According to latest official data issued by
the Central Statistical organization (CSO), Qatar's GDP in 1993 was
estimated at Qatari Riyals (QR) 26,183 million (US$ 7,173 million).
This represents a decrease of 5.9 percent below the 1992 estimates of QR
27,832 million (US$ 7,625 million). The lower rate of input by the oil
sector in 1993 is a principal factor in the lower GDP for that year.
Revenues from oil exports to the Far East and Europe in 1993 and 1994
witnessed a sharp decline due to a steep drop in both oil production and
price levels. In 1993 alone, the international oil spot market rate
dropped by 11.5 percent. As a result, the oil sector's contribution to
the GDP dropped from QR 9,969 (US$ 2,731 million) in 1992 to QR 8,480
million (US$ 2,323 million) in 1993, a decline of 14.9 percent. This
decline is significant because in Qatar, the oil sector alone accounts
for over one third of the country's GDP. Non-oil sector input to the
GDP in 1993 reached QR 17,703 million (US$ 4,850 million) in 1993,
against QR 17,863 million (US$ 4,894 million) in 1992, a decline of
nearly 0.9 percent.
Over the past few years, the relative importance of the non-oil sector
in the country's GDP ranged from 63 to 69 percent. A review of the
performance of the non-oil sector and sub-sectors indicate that
agriculture and fishing, electricity and water, building and
construction, and communications have all recorded increases in 1993,
ranging from 1.5 to 10.4 percent. The sub-sectors with negative growth
in 1993 include manufacturing industries and services (trade,
restaurants and hotels), at the rate of 8.9 and 2.8 percent
respectively.
Government Role in the Economy: In Qatar, the Government is the main
end-user of a wide range of products and services. The GOQ's
procurement policy is based on standard tender procedures. In order for
foreign firms to participate in those tenders, they must first have a
local agent. In evaluating tenders, the Central Tenders Committee of
the Ministry of Finance, Economy and Commerce gives 10 percent
preference to products of national Qatari origin, and 5 percent to
products of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) origin. According to a
reciprocity agreement among the GCC states, products of GCC origin are
exempted from customs duties. Except for steel, along with tobacco and
cigarettes, all general merchandise is subject to 4 percent customs
duties. The current rate of customs duties for steel is 20 percent, 10
percent for hi-fi equipment and 50 percent for tobacco and cigarettes.
The Qatari economy is sensitive to GOQ spending which, in its turn, is
sensitive to revenues from oil and other sectors. Because of steeply
declining levels of oil production and revenue, the GOQ budgets
throughout the past several years have continued to suffer from a
persisting annual deficit ranging from QR 3,285 million (US$ 900
million) to QR 5.5 (US$ 1.5 billion). The current budget covering the
period April 1, 1995 to March 31, 1996, is no exception. The
development of the country's huge reserves of natural gas in the North
Field, off the northern coast of Qatar, has been carried out through
long-term foreign finance packages. Further development of country's
LNG industry will have to be carried out on the same basis. Until the
GOQ starts earning revenues from LNG exports to Japan and other markets
as an alternative source to oil revenues, Qatar's economy will continue
to suffer from restrained public spending, which leads to recessionary
conditions in both public and private sectors.
Balance of Payments Situation: According to recently released official
data for 1994, Qatar's imports have increased, while exports declined
slightly.
For the fourth year in a row, Qatar's balance of payments have continued
to suffer from a deficit ranging from QR 431 million (US$ 118 million)
in 1992 to QR 1,970 (US$ 540 million) in 1993.
The following is a review of the basic components of Qatar's balance of
payments for 1993 (latest available data):
- A. The trade balance surplus decreased from QR 6,264 million (US$
1,716 million) in 1992 to QR 4,696 (US$ 1,287 million) in 1993 and QR
4,440 million (US$ 1,216 million) in 1994. This resulted from a higher
rate of decrease in value of exports than in the value of imports.
Exports declined from QR 13,600 million (US$ 3,726 million) in 1992 to
QR 11,578 million (US$ 3,172 million) in 1993 and QR 11,450 million (US$
3,137 million) in 1994. In their turn, imports decreased from QR 7,336
million (US$ 2,010 million) in 1992 to QR 6,882 million (US$ 1,885
million) in 1993, while rising to QR 7,010 million (US$ 1,921 million)
in 1994.
- B. Services and private transfers: This component which also
includes invisible transactions, registered an increased deficit of QR
6,740 million (US$ 1,847 million) in 1993, against QR 6,675 million (US$
1,829 million) in 1992. This deficit more than absorbed the surplus in
the trade balance, leading to an overall deficit worth QR 1,809 million
(US$ 496 million) in the current account balance in 1993, against a
deficit of only QR 31 million (US$ 8.5 million) in 1992.
- C. Net Capital Transfers (Private and Official): This component,
which represents net foreign borrowing and repayments, as well as both
official and private investments, posted a decreased deficit of QR 161
million (US$ 44 million) in 1993, against a deficit of QR 400 million
(US$ 110 million) in 1992, a decrease of 59.8 percent. Net capital
transfers represent 8.2 percent of total deficit in 1993, compared with
92.8 percent in 1992.
- D. Balance of Payments (Surplus/deficit): Developments in the above
components have led to a negative impact on the balance of the banking
sector transactions represented by changes in net foreign assets held by
the commercial banks and the GOQ. No data are available. The balance
of payments deficit decreased from QR 431 million (US$ 118 million) in
1992 to QR 1,970 million (US$ 540 million) in 1993.
Chapter III. Political Environment
A member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Qatar is one of the
smaller Arabian Gulf states in terms of population and area.
Since independence from Britain in 1971, and the accession of the former
Amir, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al-Thani in 1972, and of his son and heir
apparent Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani on June 27, 1995, the country
has operated under a provisional constitution enacted in 1970. This
constitution declared Qatar as an independent Arab state with Islam as
its national religion, the Islamic Sharia as the main source of law, and
Arabic as its official language.
According to the provisional constitution, the Amir, as the Head of
State, enjoys both executive and legislative powers. He promulgates
laws through the advice of the Council of Ministers, which comprises
heads of Qatar's 15 ministries, and consults with the country's Advisory
Council (Parliament), a semi-legislative body composed of 30 members
appointed by the Amir who represent the leading families of Qatar.
The Council of Ministers (Cabinet) proposes draft laws regulating the
country's foreign and internal policies, as well as the financial and
administrative affairs of the State. It also drafts the Amir's decrees
required to implement these laws. The Advisory Council reviews laws and
regulations passed by the Cabinet. Final approval for proposed laws is
given only by the Amir.
Political Issues Affecting Business Climate: As is the case in nearby
GCC states, Qatar has no political parties and consequently no political
elections of any kind. Yet, the country has been politically stable and
there has been no political domestic issue which could impact on the
country's business climate.
However, the business climate in Qatar is very sensitive to the
Government's economic and financial policies which are, in their turn,
sensitive to OPEC-mandated policies and oil prices in international
markets. Declining levels of oil exports and revenues have brought
about a drastic reduction in the Government's spending on major
projects.
In Qatar, the Government is the main buyer and end-user of a wide range
of products and services. The private sector follows where the public
sector leads. Several private firms were unable to weather the
recession of the mid-1980s. Significantly, only the financially-secure
larger businesses survived the economic slump beginning in the late
1980s, despite a lower level of turnover and profit. The Government's
current spending on developing the North Gas Field has yet to make an
impact on the private sector. The overwhelming majority of contracts
for engineering services and products required in development of Qatar's
liquefied natural gas industry have been won by firms offering
comprehensive financing packages with their offers.
Nature of Bilateral Relationship with the United States: The United
States and Qatar have traditionally enjoyed warm relations. United
States companies have gained a sizeable market share for a variety of
products and services and the U.S. company Mobil is actively engaged in
assisting Qatar develop its LNG export industry.
Qatar cooperated with the United States during the 1991 allied effort to
liberate Kuwait, and suffered combat loss. Like the United States,
Qatar is concerned about security of the Gulf and has supported
bilateral agreements to enhance that security.
Chapter IV. Marketing U.S. Products and Services
Distribution and Sales Channels: U.S. firms interested in selling their
products and services in the Qatari market should adhere to provisions
of Law No. 4 (1986), which deals with local agency arrangements, and Law
No. 25 (1990), which deals with foreign equity participation. The two
laws and related regulations highlight the necessity of having a local
agent or representative as a sales channel for promoting products and
services in the local market. Officially, such a requirement is not
applicable to foreign suppliers of capital goods and services to the
Qatari Armed Forces and the police force.
Many food importers are generally also wholesalers, distributors, and
retailers. Major fruit and vegetable importers also import eggs. A
handful of large local companies tend to dominate sales. In Qatar,
consumer cooperative stores account for about 25 percent of total food
retail sales.
There is growing demand among processors and packers for bulk shipments
of semi-processed food products for final processing and packaging,
especially corn oil, tree nuts, dairy products, fruit juices, and snack
foods. Imported U.S. beef products are mostly purchased by hotels,
restaurants and catering companies.
Use of Agents/Distributors: Finding a partner: The local agent or
representative must be a Qatari national or a company with at least 51
percent Qatari ownership. All goods imported to Qatar for sale must be
imported by a holder of an import license which is issued only to Qatari
citizens by the Ministry of Finance, Economy and Commerce.
Because it is a very difficult and time-consuming process to change a
local agent or representative, selection of those agents should be given
serious consideration. It should be done on the basis of personal
visits to this market and by reviewing the nominated agent's potential.
A well-selected agent in Qatar would have extensive contacts in both
public and private sectors, enabling him to collect valuable information
on upcoming Government tenders. A local agent should be able to
introduce products and services of his foreign suppliers to key
government officials.
In Qatar, the Government is the largest end-user of a wide range of
products and services. The Government's procurement process is based on
standard tender procedures. A foreign supplier wishing to participate
in government tenders should go through a local representative who can
be easily called upon for any kind of contact with foreign suppliers.
In many cases, bid and performance bonds are required to be presented by
the foreign suppliers and guaranteed by local agents.
It is common practice in Qatar and other Arabian Gulf countries to
appoint an exclusive agent or representative as a sales channel. While
applicable to selling products, this practice may involve some risk in
the case of services. U.S. firms are advised to have local agents or
representatives for their services on a project-to-project basis, since
a local agent or representative may be very well-connected in some
areas, but not in others. Although exclusive for a specific project,
representation on a project-to-project basis provides legal space and
grounds for foreign suppliers to change agents as deemed necessary.
U.S. firms are strongly advised to avoid appointing one regional agent
to cover all the Arabic Gulf countries. They should deal directly
through a Qatari citizen or firm as agent. Establishing a regional
agent was the more acceptable procedure prior to Qatar's independence
from Britain in 1971. However, today Qataris view an exclusive agency
as a matter of prestige. They like to meet key officers of the foreign
firm, and they feel that the amount of interest displayed by the foreign
firm in the form of frequent visits makes the difference between winning
or losing a major contract.
When finally approved by both parties, agency or representation
agreements should be registered with the Commercial Registration
Department of the Ministry of Finance, Economy and Commerce. The local
agents usually follow up on the routine work required by the Ministry
regulations. The Ministry also has responsibility for arbitrating
between parties in disputes relating to an agency agreement. The local
civil courts look into disputes which are beyond the Ministry to
resolve.
Local agency laws prohibit the importation and sale of brand name food
products by other than the principal agent.
Franchising/licensing: This is another promising sales channel for U.S.
goods and services in the Qatari market. Qatar has no special rules or
regulations governing either licensing or franchising operations.
Moreover, there are no restrictions on the payment of fees and
royalties. However, U.S. firms interested in licensing or franchising
their operations in Qatar should identify local agents. The
restrictions and precautions which apply in the case of appointing
local agents for products and services also apply here. The current
five U.S. franchise operations in Qatar (mainly fast food services) are
reported to be doing well in a market of no more than 400,000
inhabitants.
Steps to Establishing an Office: The local agent requirement applies to
all foreign firms interested in doing business in Qatar. This
requirement applies to foreign firms wishing to establish a branch in
Qatar for a mother company abroad, as well as those foreign firms
entering into a joint venture on a basis of up to 49 percent foreign
equity and no less than 51 percent local equity . The foreign firm,
together with the local agent, should apply for official registration of
the agency, the joint venture or the branch office, with the Commercial
Registration Department of the Ministry of Finance, Economy and
Commerce. Fees are minimal; original copies of the related agreements
between the foreign firms and their local partners are required. This
process may take up to two weeks, unlike the procedure for registration
of trademarks, which may require several months to complete.
Acquiring the business practice permit is more time consuming than
registration of agency agreements. This permit is issued by the
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture. Copies of agency and
commercial registration are required when applying for the business
permit. Moreover, the Ministry often conducts a check on the location
and residence permit of the foreign representative involved in the
permit under consideration. Naturally, the local agent should be the
local sponsor for the foreign representative' residence permit, which is
issued by the Immigration/Passport Department of the Ministry of
Interior.
Selling Factors and Techniques: It is important to stress quality,
since U.S. industrial and food products tend to be higher priced than
similar products from other origins. Qatari consumers recognize the
high quality of the U.S. products and are willing to pay a premium for
such products. Arabic labels are required. U.S. companies willing to
print Arabic labels and provide promotional and marketing assistance
will have a competitive edge. Face-to-face contact can significantly
increase the chances of establishing successful business relations.
Advertising and Trade Promotion (including listing of major newspapers
and business journals): The business framework which U.S. firms are
accustomed to has been developed to a good extent in Qatar. While trade
statistical data is the responsibility of the Government-appointed
Central Statistical Organization (CSO), several private advertising
firms are now equipped to handle promotional activities.
Most publications in Qatar, including three Arabic and one English
dailies, as well as three weekly magazines, have a large readership.
These include: "Al-Sharq" (P.O. Box 3488); "Al-Arab" and "Al-Orouba"
(P.O. Box 633):"Gulf Times" and "Arrayah" (P.O. Box 533); and "Akhbar
Al-Ousbou" (P.O. Box 4869). The State-owned radio, Qatar Broadcasting
Corporation (QBS), established in 1968, broadcasts on medium-wave,
short-wave and FM frequencies. Most broadcasts on the medium-wave are
in Arabic. The FM stereo station which transmits for about 18 hours
daily is mainly used for English programs. There are no private radio
stations. Unlike the State-owned television, Qatar Television (QTV),
QBS is yet to introduce advertisements in its programs. The TV station,
comprising Arabic and English channels, broadcasts pre-recorded
commercials. Further information on advertising in these two separate
channels can be obtained from the Advertising Department, Qatar
Television, P.O. Box 1944, Doha, State of Qatar.
Pricing a Product: The average importer markup on food products is
about 10-15 percent. Retail food prices are generally 20-30 percent
above import/wholesale prices.
Selling to the Government: In Qatar, the Government is the main end-
user of a wide range of products and services. All Government
procurement controls are let under provisions of bidding and tender
regulations included in Law no. 8 for the year 1979. The Government's
standard procurement tender process is divided into two sections. The
Central Tender Committee (CTC) of the Ministry of Finance, Economy and
Commerce handles procurement worth US$ 12,000 and above. Procurement
below this amount is usually processed by in-house tender committees in
each ministry. U.S. firms interested in selling products and services
to the Government should go through local agents. Exemptions exist in
case of selling capital goods and services to the Ministry of Defense.
Under the direction of the Ministry of Finance, Economy and Commerce,
CTC handles the bidding process and awarding of contracts. The Ministry
of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture, which replaced the former Ministry
of Public Works, is the principal construction supervisor of the Qatari
government. It supervises contracts for civil construction and highway
projects. The Ministry of Energy and Industry and the Ministry of
Electricity and Water supervise certain projects in their specialized
fields.
As a general rule, the Government of Qatar does not award turnkey
contracts, preferring to award separate contracts to consultants. The
role of the consultant (usually a foreign firm) includes, among other
things, the task of short-listing firms to be invited to bid for
projects. Contracts for small projects worth about US$ 80,000 or less
are awarded only to local contractors or merchants who are officially
registered with the Ministry of Finance, Economy and Commerce. CTC
normally invites pre-qualification documents from short-listed foreign
and/or local contractors or merchants for larger projects. The
government announces invitations to pre-qualify in local and/or foreign
papers and occasionally through Qatari embassies abroad. Law No. 8 for
the year 1977 provides for classification of contractors by a committee
operating under CTC. The classification process is based on the firm's
financial strength, business reputation and experience. Although
preference should go to lowest bids meeting all specifications, CTC has
in practice waived this rule on various occasions without providing the
reason.
Bid and performance bonds are required in the form of unconditional
guarantees with a local bank. The standard bid bond is 5 percent and
performance bond is 10 percent of the contract. However, the above rate
can be larger for certain projects. Foreign firms are not required to
have a local agent for the bid process. However, by the time a contract
is ready to be signed, participating foreign firms should have already
honored the local agent requirement. U.S. firms are advised that a
well connected local agent can be an asset, even during the bidding
process.
The State Purchase Office (SPO), a division of CTC, handles all local
purchase orders (LPO's) for equipment and supplies required by various
Government ministries. SPO handles bids worth hundreds of millions of
dollars every year. The period for preparation of quotations is usually
30 days and very often less than three weeks after the announcement of
tenders. Under these circumstances, an already established local agency
arrangement is crucial for successful bidding.
Also known as SPO, the Special Projects Office located at the Office of
the Head of State handles private construction projects related to the
residences of the Head of State and immediate members of his family.
The Special Projects Office, which is controlled entirely by the Office
of the Head of State, employs its own engineering consultants, who
invite pre-qualification documents from local and foreign firms for each
project, and prepare a shortlist of contractors. The Special Projects
Office also acts as the engineering supervisor for these specific
projects.
Government contracts normally include arbitration clauses. Unless
stated otherwise in the contract, the standard clauses stipulate that
disputes emanating from government contracts will be subject to
arbitration in Qatar. U.S. firms are advised to reserve the right to
resort to appeal local arbitration decisions abroad whenever possible.
Foreign and local contractors are usually paid 20 percent of the
contract awarded to them against unconditional bank guarantees. Further
payments are made according to the progress of the project. Foreign and
local contractors have had mixed experience with delayed payments
without interest.
Arabic is the official language in Qatar though English is widely used.
Bids should be in Arabic unless specifically indicated in the tender
document that English is required. Specifications have been generally
made to conform with British/European standards. This situation is
gradually changing as more Qatari students go the United States for
higher education and come back to replace retiring British advisors in
the areas of power generation and water desalination, public works,
municipal planning and physical development plan preparation.
Protecting your product from IPR Infringement: Apart from the GATT,
Qatar is not a member of any international convention in which the
United States participates on the subject of patents, trademarks or
copyright protection. Qatar's Law No. 3 for the year 1978, known as "The
Law of Trademarks and Commercial Indications" provides provisions for
trademark registration and penalties for infringement. In practice,
protection is afforded by advertising a cautionary notice in Qatar's
daily newspapers. There are no patent laws in effect in Qatar. As is
the case with trademarks, protection is afforded by advertising a
cautionary notice in local dailies.
On July 22, 1995, the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani,
issued the long-awaited Law No. 25 for the year 1995 concerning
protection of intellectual property and copyrights. The law will take
effect from September 22, 1995 and will be enforced by a special agency
called the "Bureau of Protecting the Intellectual Property and
Copyrights", to be set up within the Department of Censorship at the
Ministry of Information and Culture.
Need for a local attorney: A list of local attorneys is provided below
(Qatar's country code is 974. There are no area codes):
Abdullah Essa Al-Ansari Law Office:
Abdullah Essa Al-Ansari, (Qatari), P.O. Box 23399, Doha, Qatar
Tel: 351-418/351-419/351-420
Fax: 351-421
Lawyers and legal consultants
Languages: English and Arabic
Ali R.N. Al-Buainain, Attorney and Legal Consultants:
Ali R.N. Al-Buainain (Qatari), P.O. Box 6764, Doha, Qatar
Tel: 415-080/1
Fax: 329-735
Specializes in real estate, commercial, criminal and civil law.
Languages: Arabic
Behzad Y. Behzad Law Office
Behzad Y. Behzad, (Qatari), P.O. Box 869, Doha, Qatar
Tel: 433-119/433-224
Fax: 352-888/443-635
Specializes in civil, maritime, insurance, trademark, construction and
contract laws.
Languages: English and Arabic
Hassan A. Al-Khater:
Hassan A. Al-Khater (Qatari), P.O. Box 1737, Doha, Qatar (3rd Floor,
Gemco Building, Suhaim bin Hamad St.)
Tel: 437-770
Fax: 437-772
Full range of legal services. UK educated.
Languages: English and Arabic
Kabbani Law Office:
Nizar Kabbani, (Lebanese), P.O. Box 8717, Embassy Street, Al-Obaidly
Tower, 4th Floor, Doha, Qatar
Tel: 431-015
Fax: 432-060
Specializes in commercial and civil law
Languages: English, Arabic and French
Majdalany and Partners Law Office:
Gebran Majdalany,(Lebanese), P.O. Box 4004, Doha, Qatar
Tel: 428-899
Fax: 417-817
Specializes in business law (commercial, banking, company law), civil
law including building law, real estate, shipping,insurance
Languages: English, Arabic and French
Mueen Aref Al-Akhal Law Office:
Mueen Aref Al-Akhal, (Lebanese), P.O. Box 5922, Jaidah Tower,8th Flr,
Doha, Qatar
Tel: 424-856/421-620/(R)427-882
Fax: 434-336
Specializes in commercial law and civil law
Languages: English, Arabic, French
Rashid Jassim Al-Buainin Law Office:
Anthony Rutland, Consultant, P.O. Box 9393, Doha, Qatar
Tel: 441-651/2
Fax: 414-127
Attorneys and legal consultants
Languages: English and Arabic
Rouhani and Partners Law Office:
Riad Rouhani, (Qatari), P.O. Box 8747, Doha, Qatar
Tel: 425-815
Fax: 441-428
Specializes in criminal, labor and civil law
Languages: English, Arabic and French
Sayel Daher Law Office:
Sayel Mohammed Daher, (Jordanian), P.O. Box 5684, Doha, Qatar
Tel: 415-080/1
Fax: 443-930
General practice. Associated with Walker Martineau, Lawyers, London, UK
Languages: Arabic and English
Chapter V. Leading Sectors for U.S. Exports and Investment
Best Prospects for Non-Agricultural Goods and Services:
American business involvement in the Qatari market since the early
1960's consisted principally of providing a wide range of products,
including automotive and spare parts, as well as oil field supplies. In
recent years, however, American technology, products and services were
imported by various sectors of the Qatari market, including those which
were previously dominated by European suppliers. Such sectors are
electricity and water, oil and natural gas development and enhancement
of recovery of these resources.
Import of goods of U.S. origin which were reported at only US$ 45
million in 1975, reached US$ 175 million in 1982 and peaked in 1992 at
US$ 230 million. U.S. engineering services rendered to the State-owned
QGPC in 1990/91 reached the highest ever level of US$ 200 million, well
above the US$ 100 million level in 1992. Initial findings indicate that
leading U.S. items exported to Qatar in the above mentioned peak years
included passenger cars, oil/gas field equipment and supplies, medical
equipment and supplies, pharmaceutical products, computers and
foodstuffs.
Although the oil boom in Qatar is clearly over, the next several years
will witness further government spending on further phases of
development of LNG and gas-intensive industrial projects, which utilize
gas as fuel or feedstock. The projects will generate significant
economic opportunities for foreign engineering firms through to the year
2010. Spending on such projects by the Government of Qatar (GOQ) will
have a locomotive effect on the entire economy.
Table 5.1: U.S. exports to Qatar (in millions of U.S. dollars)
(Exchange rate: US$ 1:00 for QR 3.65, as set by the GOQ in June 1980
and unchanged since then.)
SN Category Imports from the U.S.A.
- 1992 1993 1994 1995
- (est.) (est.)
1. Machinery and transport equipment
163.28 158.13 146.20 162.88
2. Manufactured goods classified
- chiefly by materials 25.16 20.73 19.28 21.45
3. Miscellaneous manufactured
- goods 14.88 15.00 14.00 15.45
4. Food and Live Animals 9.99 8.93 8.30 9.40
5. Chemicals and related products 9.19 10.28 9.70 10.69
6. Beverages and tobacco 5.76 5.10 4.74 5.26
7. Crude materials, inedible
- except fuels 0.88 0.71 0.76 0.83
8. Mineral fuels, lubricants and
- related materials 0.41 0.35 0.33 0.46
9. Animal and vegetable oils,
- fat and waxes 0.17 0.05 0.05 0.05
10. Others 0.04 0.28 0.29 0.29
Total 229.76 219.56 203.65 226.76
01 - Machinery and transport equipment (APS, AUT, BUS, CPT, CSF, ELP,
OGM, TEL)
This sector has usually occupied the leading position among U.S. exports
to the Qatari market. Since the early 90's, after the deletion from the
Arab Boycott of Israel list, Ford Motors and Jeep Corporations have been
able to export to Qatar. This sector has shown a steady growth ranging
from 10 to 20 percent throughout the past ten years. Although Japan
continues to occupy the number one position among all countries
exporting vehicles to Qatar, its role is gradually declining due to the
increasing exchange rate of the Japanese currency.This also applies to
the German mark. In Qatar, the U.S. dollar is the only currency with a
fixed rate against the Qatari riyal.
Also included in this sector are: Office equipment, air-
conditioning/refrigeration, electric power generation equipment. These
are next only to motor vehicles as major fields of U.S. exports to
Qatar.
This sector is likely to continue to lead in terms of positive growth.
02 - Manufactured Goods (IRN, PAP, TXF)
Included in the above sector are: Textile fabrics, paper products, and
iron and steel related products. Qatar's ready-made garments industry
has witnessed significant expansion in recent years. U.S. textile
products are usually imported into Qatar for conversion into ready-made
garments for export purposes. Steel, iron, and paper are also imported
by local industries mainly for re-production purposes.
03 - Miscellaneous Manufactured Goods (BLD, FUR, FOT, GCG)
Included in this sector are: Various kinds of building and construction
materials, furniture, travel accessories, footwear and apparel.
04 - Foodstuffs (FOD)
See Best Prospects for Agricultural Products below.
05 - Chemicals and Related Products (DRG, COS, ICH)
This sector includes mainly: Oil field chemicals, pharmaceuticals and
perfumes.
06 - Beverages and Tobacco (FOD)
Included in this sector are: Various kinds of cigarettes, tobacco
products and soft drinks concentrates. While almost all well-known
cigarettes are already represented in the local market, there seems to
be room for more. The same applies to imports of beverage concentrates
and refreshment.
Best Prospects for Agricultural Products:
High value U.S. food products with strong market potential in Qatar
include frozen poultry (parts and whole birds), hot sauces, salad
dressings and dips, frozen beef, snack foods, coffee whiteners, frozen
vegetables, biscuits and crackers, ice cream and fresh apples and pears.
In addition, growth in the local food processing industry is driving
demand for semi-processed products such as beverage bases, snack foods,
specialty flours and a variety of food ingredients. The local food
processing industry will continue to expand offering export
opportunities for semi-processed agricultural products. Major growth
sectors are beverages (juices and soft drinks), dairy products (ice
cream and yogurt), vegetable oils and snack foods.
Significant Investment Opportunities:
The GOQ has yet to establish a statistical data for services imported
into the country. However,the U.S. services imported into Qatar have
traditionally included engineering design, construction contracts,
architectural contracts and oil/gas related services for exploration and
enhancement or recovery operations.
Listed below are areas of prospective services contracts which
specialized U.S. firms may wish to keep in mind:
A. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Major projects: With financial loans
from Japan worth about US$ 3 billion, Qatar is currently spending about
US$ 5 billion on developing its first LNG facility at Ras Laffan, north
of Doha. Known as Qatar Gas, the Qatar Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
Company is, in fact, a partnership between the State-owned Qatar General
Petroleum Corporation (QGPC) (65 percent), Mobil Oil (United States),
(10 percent), Total (France) (10 percent), Marubeni and Mitsui (Japan)
(7.5 percent each). Still in the early stages of implementation, the
second LNG facility, known as Ras Laffan LNG Company, is expected to
cost about twice as much as the Qatar LNG project. U.S. firms
interested in following up on the Ras Laffan LNG project, a partnership
between QGPC (70 percent) and Mobil Oil (30 percent), should immediately
consider appointing local agents for any of the project's
upstream/downstream contracts or sub-contracts. The project's scope of
work includes, but is not restricted to, drilling operations, well-head
jackets, platforms, piping system (offshore/onshore), catering, LNG
plant, tanks, tankers and related projects. Further stages of
development of the North Gas Field are under consideration.
LNG projects loom over all other projects in Qatar. It is strongly
recommended that all offers presented to QGPC on LNG projects be
associated with some kind of finance package. It was due to carefully
studied finance schemes that the Qatar LNG project was awarded to
Japanese energy related firms. Moreover, the Japanese firm Chubu
Electric has already signed a selling purchasing agreement (SPA) with
QGPC to purchase 4 million metric tons of LNG per year for 25 years as
of 1997.
Qatar Steel Company (QASCO): QASCO is expected to decide by the end of
1995 whether to proceed with a US$ 250 million expansion of its Umm Said
plant.
C. Doha International Airport: GOQ is likely to announce within the
next few months whether a new international airport will be built. It
has also to decide whether to build the new airport on the same premises
as the present Doha International Airport, or to build the new airport
at another location in the country.
In July 1992, GOQ awarded the new airport's engineering consultancy
contract to the French firm Aeroports de Paris (ADP) at a cost of about
QR 52 million (US$ 14.2 million). The contract was awarded on the basis
that the new airport would be built on the premises of the present one.
The U.S. firm Turner Steiner was selected by GOQ as project manager.
D. Health care projects:
D1. Hospitals and health centers: A new pediatric hospital, 350 beds,
is scheduled to be built at an estimated cost of QR 135 million (US$ 37
million). A Qatari-Lebanese firm, Dar Al-Handasa, was awarded a
contract in mid-1993 for detailed design work. No progress is reported
to date.
D2. Al-Ahli private hospital: A license was given by GOQ in June 1992
to a group of local investors to establish this hospital which will be
the first private facility of its own in the country. No progress is
reported to date.
D3. Expansion of the State-owned Hamad General Hospital (660 beds):
The expansion plans include laboratory and respiratory therapy building,
accident/emergency building, oncology cancer treatment center, warehouse
extension and laundry/central sterilization extension.
D4. Health clinics: The Ministry of Public Health has plans for
establishing six additional health clinics to service six suburbs of
Doha and nearby locations.
E. Infrastructure: Ras Laffan Industrial Area: Government sources
anticipate that this project may cost up to US$ 3 billion. Ras Laffan
area, north of Doha, is now witnessing major changes. The LNG export
port is now under construction. Other natural gas intensive industries
are scheduled to be established in that area. No further information is
available.
F. Private small projects under consideration: Pharmaceutical products,
footwear, paper bags for cement and gypsum, gypsum boards, amino resins,
graphite electrodes, ceramic tiles, aluminum foil, sodium sulphate.
G. Government buildings: Three major construction projects for GOQ use
are planned, to house the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of
Municipal Affairs and Agriculture. As with several other projects, the
future of these will depend upon the perennial problem of availability
of finance.
The Government of the United States acknowledges the contribution that
outward foreign direct investment makes to the U.S. economy. U.S.
foreign direct investment is increasingly viewed as a complement or even
a necessary component of trade. For example, roughly 60 percent of U.S.
exports are sold by American firms that have operations abroad.
Recognizing the benefits that U.S. outward investment brings to the U.S.
economy, the Government of the United States undertakes initiatives,
such as Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) programs,
investment treaty negotiations, and business facilitation programs, that
support U.S. investors.
Chapter VI. Trade Regulations and Standards
Qatar recently became a member of the General Agreement on Tariffs and
Trade (GATT). Earlier it participated in GATT as an observer. As a
member of the GCC, it also participates in the Gulf Cooperation
Council's (GCC) free trade arrangements, which provide duty-free access
to all goods produced in GCC states, provided that the goods meet GCC
content requirements (at least 40 percent value-added within GCC in
plants which are at least 51 percent owned by GCC nationals). GCC
states have yet to integrate matters such as external tariffs,
standardization of investment and industrial rules and regulations, and
facilitation of intra-GCC travel. Qatar also became a member of the
World Trade Organization (WTO) on July 27, 1995.
Qatar has been engaged through the GCC in trade and investment
negotiations with the United States, the European Community and Japan.
The dialogue initiated among them is on-going. In addition to the GCC
Economic Agreement (1983) signed among member states of the GCC, Qatar
has signed economic/commercial agreements with Egypt and Tunisia in
recent years. While some slight progress has been made in carrying out
the GCC economic agreement, there have been few developments on any of
the other agreements. Yet Qatar continues to hold discussions with many
countries on improving trade ties and exchanges.
Trade Barriers: Internally, Qatar maintains a variety of trade barriers
which can affect foreign investors. Import of religiously or
politically sensitive items may also be banned by the Government of
Qatar (GOQ). Tariffs are relatively low (4 percent on a very wide range
of products). Exceptions include cigarettes and steel. Cigarettes
carry a tariff of 50 percent, while the GOQ still maintains a high
tariff level of 20 percent on steel imports in order to protect the
State-owned Qatar Steel Company.
Prior to closing down the Arab Boycott of Israel Office in Doha in early
1995, the GOQ deleted unilaterally some giant foreign firms, including
some U.S. corporations, from the blacklist. Moreover, Qatar has moved
to lift the secondary and tertiary aspects of the boycott. Further
action will be linked to progress in Middle East peace process.
All importers are required by law to have an import license for almost
all products. Such import licenses are issued only to Qatari nationals.
Even in the case of joint ventures between foreign and Qatari partners,
agency/dealership agreements issued by foreign suppliers can be
registered only in the name of the Qatari partner in the Commercial
Registration Department of the Ministry of Finance, Economy and
Commerce. Foreign investors entering into a joint venture with Qatari
partners are allowed a maximum of 49 percent interest in the business.
Taken together, the above represents a formidable array of privileges
and preferences, which disadvantage a foreign investor in the Qatari
market. Despite stated fines and penalties, the practice of a Qatari
illegally lending his name to a foreign-owned/operated business has been
common, but on a reduced scale in recent years.
Current laws and regulations of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and
Agriculture and the Ministry of Public Health require labeling and
marking requirements to be honored, especially where import of
foodstuffs is concerned. Arabic labels should clearly show name and
address of producers, dates of production and expiry, contents and
components. Shelf life validity of all foodstuffs should not be less
than six months, as of date of entry of the products into Qatar. All
foodstuffs are examined at the State-owned and State-regulated Central
Laboratories before they reach consumers. Import and distribution of
alcoholic liquor is strictly controlled, through an arrangement between
the Customs Department and the British Embassy in Doha. Alcoholic
drinks are not allowed to be imported into Qatar by any other means.
Additionally, in accordance with Islamic laws and regulations, pork and
pork derivatives are not allowed to be brought into the country.
Qatar and other GCC member states are preparing lists of standards to be
termed "GCC Standards" for all imports into the six member countries.
GCC specifications on motor vehicles have been introduced already, and
have been incorporated at the manufacturing level in producing
countries. Until specifications relating to other imports are drafted
and approved, Qatar continues to acknowledge international standards.
Tariffs: Generally 4 percent ad valorem on all foodstuffs and other
industrial products. Hi-fi equipment 10 percent, steel 20 percent and
cigarettes 50 percent.
Import Licenses: All imported beef and poultry products require a
health certificate from the country of origin and a halal slaughter
certificate issued by an approved Islamic center in the country of
origin. As is the case with other products, importers of foodstuffs
should have an import license, which is issued only to Qatari nationals
by the Government. All shipping documents must be legalized by a Qatar
Embassy or consulate in the country of origin.
Import/Export Documentation: In Qatar, the letter of credit (LC) is the
most common instrument for controlling exports and imports. When an LC
is opened, the supplier is required to undertake to provide a
certificate of origin, and a certificate from the captain of the ship or
from the shipping agency stating that the ship is allowed to enter Arab
ports. Both documents should be notarized by an Arab Embassy or
consulate or an Arab Chamber of Commerce in the exporting country. In
order to clear goods from Customs zones at ports or land boundaries in
Qatar, importers must submit a variety of documents, including a Bill
of lading, certificate of origin, proforma invoice and import license.
In Qatar, only authorized local agents are allowed officially to import
specific goods produced by the foreign firms they represent in the local
market. However, this requirement may be waived if the local agent
fails to provide the necessary spare parts and backup services for the
product in Qatar.
Labeling: Labeling, Marking Requirements: Agriculture: Food labels
must include product and brand names, production and expiry dates,
country of origin, name of the manufacturer, net weight in metric units,
and a list of the ingredients and additives in descending order of
importance. All fats and oils used as ingredients must be specifically
identified on the label. Labels must be in Arabic.
Prohibited imports: Pork and pork products and constituents.
Chapter VII. Investment Climate
Openness to Foreign Investment:
Prompted by declining rates of both production and price of oil, Qatar
has resorted in recent years to various options to maintain an
acceptable economic performance. Foreign finance has become an
increasingly important element in executing development projects,
including those of the country's current entry into the liquefied
natural gas (LNG) industry. In fact, recent experience suggests that
Qatar will only consider major contract bids if they carry a finance
package.
The Government of Qatar (GOQ) encourages foreign investment,
particularly in joint ventures with Qatari partners. Wholly foreign
owned firms are permitted to operate in Qatar, provided they have a
local agent or a sponsor. However, there is a clear local hierarchy of
privileges and preferences that favor Qatari firms and joint ventures
with Qatari participation. Foreign- owned firms and the foreign owned
portions of joint ventures are subject to corporate income tax, ranging
from 5 percent to 35 percent of net profits. Qatari and Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals and business concerns are exempted
from the income tax provisions. Qatar has yet to establish a personal
income tax system.
In the late 1980's, the GOQ unilaterally deleted some giant foreign
firms, including some U.S. corporations, from the blacklist of the Arab
Boycott of Israel. Moreover, Qatar has moved to lift the secondary and
tertiary aspects of the boycott and closed down the Arab Boycott of
Israel office in early 1995. Further action will be linked to progress
in Middle East peace process.
All importers are required by law to have an import license for almost
all products. Such import licenses are only issued to Qatari nationals.
Even in the case of joint ventures between foreign and Qatari partners,
agency/dealership agreements issued by foreign suppliers can be
registered only in the name of the Qatari partner in the Commercial
Registration Department of the Ministry of Finance, Economy and
Commerce. Foreign investors entering into a joint venture with Qatari
partners are allowed to have only up to 49 percent of the business. The
Qatari partner/s should have no less than 51 percent (Law No. 25 for the
year 1990).
Taken together, the above represents a formidable array of privileges
and preferences, which can put a foreign investor at a severe
disadvantage in the Qatari market. Despite stated fines and penalties,
the practice of a Qatari illegally lending his name to a foreign-
owned/operated business has been common, but on a reduced scale in
recent years.
Conversion and Transfer Policies:
Qatar's official currency, the Qatari Riyal (QR) is a floating currency.
Due to little demand on the QR outside Qatar, the GOQ has pegged the QR
exchange rate to the U.S. dollar (US$) but maintained a floating rate
against all other currencies. The current rate is QR 1:00 for US$ 0.27
or US$ 1:00 for QR 3.65, as set by the GOQ in June 1980 and unchanged
since then.
In Qatar, there is no restriction on transfer of funds associated with
an investment. Similarly, there are no limitations on the inflow or
outflow of funds for remittances of profits, debt services, capital,
capital gains and other returns. It is unlikely that Qatar will impose
conversion or transfer restrictions in the future. However, in case of
commercial disputes, a court decision may tighten certain remittances.
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC): Investment
Insurance Agreement was approved by the GOQ in March 1988. The
agreement was first submitted in October 1984. OPIC's activities in
Qatar have, since then, been relatively modest. Only one U.S. firm
which was involved in the Phase I development of the North Gas Field
Project has bought the OPIC insurance for risk of inconvertibility and
war. Other U.S. firms have expressed interest in OPIC insurance,
pending an estimated US$ 5 billion investment in Phase II development
(LNG) in the same project. Phase II, now in progress, will mark Qatar's
debut in the LNG industry. While the U.S. share in Phase I accounted
for about 28 percent (US$ 450 million in products and services) in
Phase I, Phase II projects have so far gone mainly to Japanese and some
French firms. In the first major deal, a Qatar Gas consortium agreement
with a Japanese power company, Japanese firms were apparently favored
because the buyer was Japanese and the bid included an attractive
finance package.
Bankruptcy and Mortgage: In the complete absence of specialized laws and
regulations to control commercial bankruptcy and mortgage procedures,
the civil law of Qatar is, in fact, the only reference to govern such
operations. Consequently, commercial bankruptcy in Qatar is viewed as a
civil liability, whereby the person and/or firm involved will be
officially held responsible for settlement of all debts emanating from
bankruptcy. Similarly, there are no special laws or regulations for
controlling mortgage operations. Although it is now common practice in
Qatar to provide guarantees for various kinds of loans, mortgage
liabilities are also controlled by civil law.
Apparently, the absence of specialized bankruptcy and mortgage laws does
not seem to have had a significant impact on the previous and ongoing
investments, foreign or local.
U.S. Government (USG) Interests: USG maintains a small Embassy program
(SEP) post and other offices in Doha. The current estimated cost for
all USG presence in Qatar is US$ 2.2. million per year. Future plans
call for building a new Embassy and Ambassador's residence in the
diplomatic enclave at Doha's West Bay area. The unofficial estimated
cost for this project is between US$ 25 million and US$ 35 million.
While the location of the new Embassy premises and the Ambassador's
residence is already allocated on a rental basis by the GOQ, USG has yet
to decide on an exact time for executing this project.
Expropriation and Compensation:
There has been no expropriatory action in Qatar. Embassy is of the
opinion that there will be no such steps in the foreseeable future.
Dispute Settlement:
Qatar is not a member of the International Center for the Settlement of
Investment Disputes (ICSID) and is not a signatory to the New York
Convention of 1958 on the same subject. Qatar accepts binding
international arbitration of investment disputes between the GOQ and
foreign investors. Resorting to arbitration to solve disputes can be
more binding if clearly stipulated in contracts. Effective Qatari laws
- Civil and Sharia (Islamic law) - have provided sufficient means for
enforcing property and contractual laws. However, this is a very long
and time-consuming process.
Political Violence:
Located in the heart of the Gulf region, Qatar has been politically
stable. The country enjoys a very strict internal security system.
Despite a wide diversity of expatriate residents, Qatar has a very low
crime rate. Expatriate communities are screened before taking up work
and residence in Qatar. Follow up on law violations is strict.
Deportation is a common practice here for persons who cause or may cause
disturbances of any kind.
In the complete absence of any kind of labor unions or associations, it
is most unlikely that there will be nascent insurrections. In Qatar,
family and tribal ties are strong. On almost all national occasions,
heads and leading members of all tribes renew their loyalty to the head
of state, other leading members of the ruling family and to the
Government.
There have been no incidents of organized political violence since the
country's independence from Britain in 1971. Embassy is not aware of
any politically motivated damage to projects and/or installations.
Qatar has unresolved disputes with the State of Bahrain over its
borders, involving Hawar Island and two other smaller islands off the
country's west coast. Similarly, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have yet to
establish their boundaries to the south of Qatar. Qatar's maritime
boundaries with Iran have been the subject of bilateral discussions
since Iran's announcement of a commercial exclusion zone in 1992. Qatar
has pronounced itself satisfied with the results of these talks. Fully
established and reorganized maritime limits between Qatar and the
U.A.E., as well as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, have not been finalized.
However, the absence of clear-cut boundary lines of each country in the
small Gulf area does not seem to always affect the friendly ties among
those countries. Qatar's territorial waters in the Gulf were not
disputed when they were drawn up by an Amiri decree in early 1993.
Nor, however, do the neighboring countries officially recognize those
limits. Qatar's claims in the Gulf waters are in line with
international standards.
Performance Requirements/Incentives:
Foreign investors are not allowed to expand their investment beyond
limits set forth in the law. Performance requirements for such a
purpose do not exist. However, an Amiri decree can allow the expansion
of a foreign investment in Qatar. Transfer of technology, management
and marketing, as was the case in establishing steel, fertilizers and
petrochemical industries in the 1970s, were taken as part of the foreign
equity (20 or 25 percent). This is still an accepted practice in Qatar.
Unless otherwise stated in the binding contracts, foreign equity cannot
be diluted over time. In the long run, the GOQ intends to ease
requirements for foreign investments. The government is currently
looking at the possibility of privatizing some of its services.
Privatization may lead to the promulgation of laws/regulations allowing
a more active role in local investment to offset sizeable Qatari
investments in foreign countries. In the not so distant future, the
increasing number of Qatari graduates from local and foreign
universities may find it difficult to find jobs within the limited
government circles. Therefore, some government officials think that the
GOQ will have to impose certain ratios of Qatari employees in each
privatized firm of specific size, including foreign joint ventures.
Right to Private Ownership and Establishments:
While the Commercial Companies Law in Qatar permits a variety of
corporate structures, joint ventures involving foreign partners almost
always take the form of limited liability partnership. Law No. 25 for
the year 1990, which controls foreign investment in Qatar's market, made
it very clear that foreign investors are not allowed to enter into
partnership in a joint stock company with Qatari firms. The limited
liability partnership form of organization confers limited liability.
The above law allows foreign investors to have up to 49 percent but the
Qatari partner should have no less than 51 percent of the business
concern. Foreign partners in contracting ventures organized as limited
liability partnership must pay in the full amount of their contribution
to authorized capital in cash or kind, prior to the start of operations.
Usually, such firms are required to set aside 10 percent of profits each
year in a statutory reserve, until it equals 50 percent of the venture's
authorized capital.
Under common practice, foreigners, excluding GCC nationals, are not
allowed to own property or invest in privatized public services.
However, as indicated above, foreign industrial firms were allowed to
own up to 25 percent in steel, fertilizers and petrochemical industries.
Their contribution took the form of technology transfer and/or marketing
expertise. It is most likely, however, that only Qatari nationals will
be allowed to own portions of the shares of those industries (with GOQ's
share 75 to 80 percent) in case of privatization. The GOQ is now
looking at this step as a possible means of reinforcing private sector
investment in the Qatari market.
Despite assurances contained in the current commercial laws, foreign
investors are advised that there have been a few disputed court cases in
recent years, in which limited liability protection was denied to joint
venture partners. Although very few, such cases did have a direct
impact on the partners concerned.
Protection of Property Rights:
Qatar is not a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization
(WIPO). Nor does it belong to the Paris Convention for Protection of
Intellectual Property. Within Qatar, therefore, owners of trade marks
and copyrights and holders of patents are dependent on Qatar's own
national laws and regulations for protection.
Trademarks/Patents: Both aspects are contained in Law No. 3 for the
year 1978. Known as "The Law of Trademarks and Commercial Indications",
it generally allows internationally accepted norms. This law requires
the registration of collective trademarks. Fees for registration are
around US$ 65 per registration per class of goods.
The Trademarks/Patents Law, as promulgated in 1978, allows the Ministry
of Finance, Economy and Commerce to initiate action against
trademark/patent violators. Moreover, the law permits the Ministry to
penalize those who describe products deceptively with respect to their
nature, type, kind, essential properties, origin, and other related
aspects such as weight and amount. Enforcement of this law has been
slightly more strict in recent years, but still falls short of what is
required. There are continuing problems with imports of counterfeit
products, including auto spare parts, household items, and clothing
accessories.
Copyrights: On July 22, 1995, the GOQ promulgated Law No. 25 for the
year 1995 on intellectual property and copyright protection. A special
department will soon be established for enforcing this law, which is the
first legislation of its kind in Qatar. The law is scheduled to take
effect on September 22, 1995.
Trade Secrets: No rules or regulations are available.
Semiconductor Chip Layout Design: No rules or regulations are
available.
Regulatory System: Laws and Procedures:
Qatar recently became a member of the General Agreement on Tariffs and
Trade (GATT). Earlier it participated in GATT as an observer. It is a
member of the GCC and as such, participates in the GCC's free trade
arrangements, which provide duty-free access to all goods produced in
the GCC states, provided that the goods meet the GCC's basic local
content requirements (at least 40 percent value-added within the GCC in
plants which are at least 51 percent owned by GCC nationals). The GCC
states have yet to work on regional integration of matters such as
external tariff, standardization of investment and industrial rules and
regulations, and facilitation of intra-GCC travel.
Qatar has been engaged through the GCC in trade and investment
negotiations with the United States, the European Community and Japan.
Several aspects of the negotiations are yet to materialize. In addition
to the GCC Economic Agreement (1983), Qatar signed economic/commercial
agreements with Egypt and Tunisia in recent years. While some slight
progress has been made in carrying out the GCC economic agreement, there
has been no real headway on any of the other above-mentioned agreements.
Internally, Qatar maintains a variety of trade barriers which can affect
foreign investors. The Boycott of Israel was discussed earlier in this
chapter. Import of religiously or politically sensitive items may also
be banned by the GOQ. Although tariffs are relatively low (4 percent on
a very wide range of products), the GOQ recently raised the tariff on
cigarettes to reach 50 percent; the GOQ still maintains a high tariff
level of 20 percent on steel imports (protection of the State-owned
Qatar Steel Company).
The Government's procurement regulations strongly favor Qatari and GCC
nationals. According to an Amiri decree issued 1987, GOQ products are
given priority in GOQ programs. In Qatar, the Government is a major
end-user of a wide range of products and services. GCC products now
receive up to 10 percent price preference over non-GCC products in all
GOQ contracts. Unless exempted by Amiri decree on case by case basis,
foreign contractors are required to import their own goods and supplies
exclusively through Qatari agents.
Bilateral Investment Agreements:
Only with the United States.
OPIC and other investment insurance programs:
The OPIC Investment Insurance Agreement was approved in March 1989. It
was first submitted in October 1984. To date, only one U.S. firm,
involved in the Phase I development of the North Gas field project, has
bought the OPIC insurance for risk of convertibility and war. Other
U.S. firms have expressed interest in OPIC insurance in connection with
an estimated US$ 10 billion investment in Phase II of the same project.
Because Japanese firms already have a lion's share in the first project
in Phase II (Qatar Liquefied Gas Company (Qatargas)), U.S. firms may
have better prospects in the larger and more expensive second project
known as Ras Laffan LNG company. This project is owned by the State-
owned Qatar General Petroleum Corporation (QGPC) and the U.S. firm Mobil
Oil (30 percent).
Qatar is not a member of the Multilateral Guarantee Agency (MICA).
There are no plans at the present to become a member of this agency.
Labor:
The majority of Qatar's labor force consists of expatriate workers.
With a total estimated population of 400,000 and Qataris constituting no
more than one fourth of this number, the role of expatriates in
different sectors of the economy is very important. The Ministry of
Interior and the Labor Department of the Civil Service Diwan regulate
recruitment of expatriate labor. The Ministry of Labor and Social
Affairs was dissolved by an Amiri decree issued July 16, 1995. The
largest groups of foreign workers now come from India, Pakistan, and the
Philippines. Restrictions on some Arab nationalities, following the
invasion and liberation of Kuwait, are still in effect. Exemptions
exist.
Internally, Qatar's plan to develop its own manpower resources at all
levels has continued to receive attention at all government levels.
However, the country is still far from being self-sufficient in this
regard. The Ministry of Interior must approve all transfers of
sponsorship of an expatriate from one Qatari national or firm to
another. By law, an expatriate is only entitled to two sponsorship
transfers throughout his/her stay in the country. Official fee for each
transfer is about US$ 275. Approval of old and new sponsors is
required.
It is common practice in Qatar for expatriate workers and staff to be
given accommodation along with salaries, end of service benefits and
return tickets to fly home every one or two years. There is no minimum
wage regulation. While salaries and wages are negotiable, end of
service benefits are subject to three different laws. The most
rewarding is that of the State-owned QGPC, then the Civil Service, and
finally, the Labor Law, which applies mainly to unskilled workers,
office boys and maids.
Foreign Trade Zones/Free Ports:
In Qatar, there are no foreign trade zones or free ports.
Capital Outflow Policy:
Qatar has no restrictions on capital outflow. Both public and private
sector investment in third world and developing countries are minimal.
As for Qatar's investments in foreign countries, GOQ considers this to
be classified information and only a few higher management officials
are aware of the volume of such investments. However, GOQ officials
have noted that foreign investments, at one time estimated at US$ 10
billion, have dropped considerably in recent years. This drop was
caused by a continued budget deficit, ranging from US$ 900 million to
US$ 1.5 billion each year during the low oil revenue years from 1985 to
the present.
Apart from GOQ investment in developing countries, Europe, Japan, and
the United States, the State-owned Qatar General Petroleum Corporation
is an equity participant in the following Arab joint ventures. QGPC's
share in each venture is indicated in each case.
- Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Co. (ASRY)
- (Bahrain), 19 percent.
- Arab Maritime Petroleum Transport Company
- (AMPTC) (Kuwait), 14 percent.
- Arab Petroleum Investment Corporation
- (APICORP) (Saudi Arabia), 10 percent.
- Arab Petroleum Services Company (APSC)
- (Libya), 10 percent.
- Arab Petroleum Pipelines Company (SUMED)
- (Egypt), 5 percent.
According to the Economic Review Report, 1991 (latest available figures)
of the Ministry of Finance, Economy and Commerce and updates from
contacts at the Ministry, the total number of joint ventures involving
foreign and Qatari nationals licensed to operate in the State of Qatar
was 3245. Total foreign capital outlay for the above ventures is QR
3579.6 (US$ 981 million). According to the same sources, 1036 joint
ventures were established on the basis of up to 49 percent foreign and
no less than 51 percent Qatari. The number of wholly owned foreign
investment registered firms reached 512 and individual foreign
investment firms reached 1697.
The following tables show the number of trading firms in Qatar and their
capital content:
Table 7.1. Number of Trade Companies by Type of Capital
Type of Company Year- 1989 1990 1991
National Companies 3852 4289 4609
Mixed Companies 1003 987 1036
Foreign Companies 501 509 512
National Establishments 8153 8953 9573
Foreign Establishments 1677 1686 1697
Table 7.2. Total Capital Invested in Trade, Industry and Oil Companies
(in millions of US$)
Description Year 1989 1990 1991
National Companies 1382.2 1612.4 1638.1
Mixed Companies 521.6 549.8 655.4
Foreign Companies 258.8 262.0 322.1
National Establishments 518.7 531.7 532.4
Foreign Establishments 5.2 5.7 6.0
It should be noted that the above figures represent firms and capital
officially registered, but not necessarily still operating. As per
common practice, and as an exception to current rules and regulations,
wholly-owned foreign firms, as well as individually owned businesses,
are allowed to operate in Qatar by force of an Amiri decree. Such firms
are usually licensed to operate only on certain projects and move
outside the country when the contracted works/services are completed.
It should be noted that the amount of registered capital does not
reflect the actual volume of foreign and/or Qatari investment.
According to the 1992 Economic Survey of Qatar (latest available) issued
by the Ministry of Finance, Economy and Commerce, U.S. investments in
Qatar were estimated at QR 235 million (US$ 64 million) in 1991. No
further breakdown was reported.
However, the above data does not include the U.S. firm Mobil Oil's entry
into Qatar as an investor. Mobil owns 10 percent of Qatar Liquefied Gas
Company (Qatar Gas), which was established in May 1992, with an equity
share capital of QR 500 million (US$ 137 million).
Moreover, Mobil Oil holds 30 percent equity in Ras Laffan LNG Company,
which was established in June 1993 with an equity share capital of QR
7.2 billion (US$ 2 billion).
There is no major foreign investment by the USG or U.S. private firms in
Qatar. However, the U.S. firm Amoco recently completed a lengthy but
unsuccessful oil and gas exploration operation covering about 85
percent of Qatar's mainland. Total cost of more than US$ 60 million led
to no commercially viable findings. Amoco failed to win a second
production sharing agreement for oil exploration operations covering the
offshore gas-rich area five, north of the Qatari coast. Other U.S.
firms are now competing for production sharing contracts related to the
upgrading of Qatar's oil fields, as well as upstream/downstream natural
gas works.
The following is a list of foreign equity participation investment, U.S.
firms included, in some major state-owned industrial/petroleum related
industries:
Qatar Steel Company (QASCO): Equity share capital: QR 200 million (US$
55 million). Shareholders: GOQ 70 percent, Kobe Steel (Japan) 20
percent, Tokyo Boeki (Japan) 20 percent. Year established: 1974.
Commencement of commercial production: 1978. Current value of foreign
equity: Not available.
Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO): Equity share capital: QR 360
million (US$ 98.6 million). Shareholders: GOQ 80 percent, CDF Chimie
Atochem (France) 10 percent and Enichem (Italy), 10 percent. Year
established: 1975. Commencement of commercial production: 1981.
Current value of foreign equity: Not available.
Qatar Fertilizer Company (QAFCO): Equity share capital: QR 100
million (US$ 27.4 million). Shareholders: GOQ 70 percent, Norsk Hydro
(Norway) 25 percent, Davy McKee Ltd. (U.K.)
3 percent, Hambros Bank Ltd. (U.K.), 2 percent. Year established:
1969. Commencement of commercial production: 1974. Current value of
foreign equity: Not available. Foreign equity: Not available.
Qatar Liquefied Gas Company (Qatar Gas): Equity share capital: QR 500
million (US$ 137.5 million). Shareholders are: the State-owned Qatar
General Petroleum Corporation , 65 percent, CFP/Total (France) 10
percent, Marubeni Corporation (Japan) and Mitsui Company Ltd. (Japan)
7.5 percent each and Mobil Oil (U.S.A.) 10 percent. Year established:
1984. Qatar Gas objectives: Produce and export LNG from Qatar's North
gas Field. Commencement of commercial production: Production is
scheduled to start in 1997. In May 1992, Qatar Gas signed a Sales and
Purchase Agreement (SPA) with the Japanese firm Chubu Electric Power
Company, for the sale of 4 million m. tons of LNG per year for a period
of 25 years commencing 1997.
Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Co.: Equity share capital: QR 7.28
billion (US$ 2 billion); QGPC 70 percent, U.S. firm Mobil Oil 30
percent; This company was established as per Amiri Decree 48 for the
year 1993 dated June 29, 1993. Objectives: To produce natural gas from
the North Gas Field for the production of an estimated amount of 10
million m. tons of LNG per year. End-users of LNG worldwide. Upstream
operations are already in early stages.
Chapter VIII. Trade and Project Financing
The Central Bank of Qatar was established by Law No. 15 for the year
1993 to handle functions previously administered by the Qatar Monetary
Agency (QMA), which, in its turn, was established in 1973.
The Central Bank's major responsibilities include issuance and
redemption of the country's currency - the Qatari Riyal (QR). It also
controls the country's monetary policy and monitors the banking system.
Moreover, the Central Bank of Qatar regulates interest rates on Qatari
Riyal funds, which are closely aligned to the U.S. dollar interest
rates.
There are currently 14 commercial banks operating in Qatar. These
consist of six Qatari, two Arab and six foreign banks. A list
comprising all banks and number of branches is available at the end of
this chapter.
Qatar has no foreign exchange restrictions. The current banking
regulations permit all usual types of commercial banking operations,
including financing of trade operations and local development projects.
Total assets of all banks operating in Qatar was estimated at QR 28.5
billion (US$ 7.8 billion) in 1993. Qatar's imports of various kinds of
goods were estimated at about US$ 2 billion in 1993. Almost all import
transactions are controlled by standard letters of credit (LC's)
processed by local banks and corresponding banks in the exporting
countries. Almost all local merchants in Qatar make use of the
overdraft facilities provided by banks to process their import
operations. Most banks in Qatar provide short term credit facilities of
up to 75 percent of LC values.
According to guidelines issued by the Central Bank of Qatar, the local
banks should give priority to local individual or public development
projects in their project finance operations. The Central Bank also
discourages local banks from financing foreign stock market operations.
The current interest rates charged by the banking system on general
credit facilities are very much in line with interest rates prevailing
in the international markets. In addition to the usual insurance,
foreign firms operating in Qatar, including those of the 49-51 percent
equity participation, are required to provide guarantees signed by their
Qatari agents/sponsors to be able to have access to credit facilities
from the local banks.
In the absence of governmental finance programs for exports, banks in
Qatar continue to be the main source of finance. In recent years, Qatar
has witnessed the establishment of two Islamic banks. Based on profit
sharing with customers, financing provided by Qatar Islamic Bank and
Qatar International Islamic Bank covers products and projects in Qatar
and other Islamic countries.
In the insurance field, there are nine companies operating in Qatar,
five of which are foreign owned. Qatar Insurance Company has the lion's
share of the market and manages the Government's insurance business.
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) Agreement was
approved in March 1989. It was first submitted in October 1984. To
date, only one U.S. firm, involved in the Phase I development of the
North Gas field project, has bought the OPIC insurance for risk of
convertibility and war. Other U.S. firms have expressed interest in
OPIC coverage for future projects involving subsequent phases of the
development of the North Gas Field.
U.S. firms interested in seeking finance for products or projects in
Qatar may wish to check, through their local agents, with leading banks
in Qatar, viz., Qatar National Bank, Commercial Bank of Qatar, Doha Bank
Limited, and Al-Ahli Bank. Although there does not seem to be any
instance of the U.S. Exim Bank having financed any U.S. products
destined for Qatar, U.S. firms are urged to bring their financing
matters to the Exim Bank. There are no restrictions on the Exim Bank's
finance operations in Qatar.
The development of Qatar's North Gas Field looms over all projects in
the country. Currently in progress, Qatar's Liquefied Natural Gas
industry is, in fact, a product of Japanese financing programs. As
mentioned elsewhere in this report, Qatar LNG Company (Qatar Gas) was
recently awarded finance packages from various private Japanese banks
and the Japan Development Bank worth well above US$ 2.5 billion.
U.S. firms considering entry into Qatar's oil and gas industry should
submit carefully studied competitive finance packages. This condition
is likewise applicable to the development projects such as the new Doha
International Airport.
Described below is the basic structure of Qatar's banking and financial
system. It is comprised of the banking and non-banking financial firms
operating in Qatar, both local and foreign. The year of establishment
and the number of branches for each firm is also included below.
The Banking and Financial System of Qatar:
I. Banking System:
I.A The Central Bank of Qatar
I.B Commercial banks:
- I.B.1 National:
-- Qatar National Bank (1965)(10)
-- Commercial Bank of Qatar Ltd.
-- (1975)(5)
-- Doha Bank Ltd. (1979)(7)
-- Qatar Islamic Bank (1983)(4)
-- Al-Ahli Bank of Qatar (1984)(3)
-- Qatar International Islamic Bank
-- (1991)(0)
- I.B.2 Arab:
-- The Arab Bank Ltd. (1957)(2)
-- Al-Mashriq (1971)(1)
- I.B.3 Foreign:
-- Standard Chartered Bank (1950)(1)
-- British Bank of the Middle East
-- (1954)(2)
-- Grindlays Bank Ltd. (1956)(1)
-- United Bank (1970)(1)
-- Bank Saderat Iran (1970)(1)
-- Banque Paribas (1973)(1)
I.C Money exchange companies:
- Khalil Ibrahim Al-Fardan Exchange (1955)
- Mohamed Haji Nazar Money Exchange (1969)
- Al-Fardan Exchange and Finance Co. (1970)
- Al-Basry Exchange (1972)
- Trust Exchange Co. (1976)
- Gulf Finance and Exchange Co. (1977)
- Habib Qatar International Finance and
- Investment Ltd. (1978)
- City Exchange (1978)
- Mohamed Salih Ali Exchange (1978)
- Al-Zaman Exchange (1978)
- Al-Mana Exchange (1979)
- Eastern Exchange and Finance Organization
- (1979)
- Qatar Financial Services and Exchange Ltd.
- (1979)
- Al-Shaibi Finance and Exchange Co. (1979)
- Middle East Exchange Co. Ltd. (1983)
- Qatar International Exchange Co. (1983)
II. Non-banking System:
II.A Insurance companies:
- II.A.1 National:
-- Qatar Insurance Co. (1964)
-- The Qatar General Insurance and
-- Re-Insurance Co. (1978)
-- Al-Khaleej Insurance Co. (1978)
- II.A.2 Foreign:
-- Atlas Insurance Co. (1966)
-- Arabian Insurance Co. (1966)
-- Libano-Suisse Insurance Co.(1966)
-- The National Insurance Co. of
-- Egypt (1969)
Chapter IX. Business Travel
Arabic is the official language in Qatar, but English is widely spoken
and is generally acceptable in private and public sectors. U.S.
business representatives will find it very useful to bring promotional
material and brochures in English and/or Arabic when travelling to
Qatar.
Business hours: The Government of Qatar's official working hours are
8:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Saturday through Thursday. Banking hours are 8:00
AM to 12:30 PM, while private sector hours are generally 8:00 AM to
12:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM, Saturday through Thursday. Friday is a
day of rest for all sectors, including all embassies. The U.S. Embassy
hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Saturday through Wednesday.
Holidays: Officially, Qatar uses the Gregorian calendar year for all
purposes. The Hijra (Islamic) calendar is also widely used. Religious
holidays vary from year to year. Eid Al-Fitr (four days) marks the end
of the fasting month of Ramadan and Eid Al-Adha marks the conclusion of
the pilgrimage (Haj) to Mecca. The only fixed holiday is: Independence
Day - September 3.
The months from October through April are generally considered the best
period for foreign business representatives to visit Qatar. The summer
months are usually very hot and very frequently humid. Decision makers
in both public and private sectors can be expected to be absent from the
country during some part of the period June to September.
Entry Visa Requirements: All travellers to Qatar should have passports
valid for the next six months at least, and should hold valid entry
visas. The Embassy of Qatar in Washington, DC, and the Qatari mission
to the United Nations in New York are the only parties in the United
States authorized to issue entry visas. Four passport-sized
photographs, a visa application and a letter from the sponsor in Qatar
should be submitted for this purpose. This procedure will usually take
four working days or more. (include: multiple entry 10 yr visa for U.S.
citizens in Qatar)
However, during the last few years, the Government of Qatar has eased
restrictions on entry visas issued upon arrival at Doha International
Airport. This procedure enables business representatives to have a
seven-day visa if the local sponsor submits a special request to the
Immigration Department three days ahead of the visitor's arrival at the
airport. While no photographs are required, visitors should provide the
local sponsor/agent, well in advance of the proposed visit, with
passport details, religion, date/time of arrival, as well as name and
flight number of the carrier airline. If approved, the entry visa is
issued upon arrival against a fee of US$ 30.00. This fee may be waived
if the visitor is sponsored by an official government department.
Transportation:
Road Transportation: Qatar has developed a good highway system which
connects all the main points of the peninsula. The country's road
connection with the rest of the world has to go through Saudi Arabia via
the Salwa border town on the Saudi Arabia side of the South Eastern
shoreline of the Salwa Gulf. There are over 1000 miles of roads, most of
which are hard-surfaced. Qatar is now connected with Europe via the
Trans Arabia Highway in Saudi Arabia and with the United Arab Emirates
and Oman via a hard surfaced route. A very large portion of Qatar's
imports are now brought in overland by trucks with increasing amounts
coming from container facilities at the ports of Dubai and Sharjah in
the U.A.E.
Port Facilities: Qatar is currently serviced by two ports capable of
handling cargo. General cargo usually enters through the eleven berths
at the Doha port. After completion of the current dredging operations
to widen and deepen the port's main channel, the Government plans to
establish a new container service port at the Doha port. Similar
dredging operations are simultaneously ongoing to establish a smaller
port facility for Qatar Flour Mill Company to handle wheat imports to
the country.
Bulk shipments are handled at the nine-berth Umm Said port, 30 miles
south of Doha. General cargo is usually unloaded at Umm Said and
brought by barge to Doha by the Qatar National Navigation and
Transportation Company.
Currently under construction, the Ras Laffan port facility (US$ 800
million), about 50 miles north of Doha on Qatar's East coast is meant
for exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) to world markets as of 1997.
When completed, the Ras Laffan LNG port will give Qatar three adequate
port facilities.
Air Transport: In addition to the recently established Qatar Airways,
Gulf Air is the country's national carrier. Doha International Airport
is served by 20 international passenger airlines, including Gulf Air.
The only one of its kind in Qatar, the airport is capable of handling
large amounts of air freight.
To cope with the increasing passenger and freight traffic (15 percent
increase in 1993) the Government plans to construct a new large airport
facility on the area adjacent to the premises of the present one.
Offers including finance programs presented by international contractor
are under consideration.
Communications: Qatar enjoys excellent local and international
telephone and fax facilities. A second earth satellite station was
completed in 1988 and mobile telephone service was inaugurated in
February 1994. Automatic telephone and fax dialing is available to more
than 150 countries worldwide. The cost of international phone calls and
fax from Doha to the United States are 30 percent higher than prevailing
rates in the United States. Internal calls, however, are free of
charge.
Housing: Doha is the capital of the State of Qatar. It is
simultaneously the country's commercial, marketing and banking center.
More than 80 percent of Qatar's population (estimated at 400,000) live
in Doha and suburbs. To meet the growing demand for houses, the
Government and the private sector have resorted to establishing housing
complexes of various oriental and western designs.
It has been a common practice in Qatar for employers in both the
Government and the private sector to provide furnished accommodation for
their expatriate employees. Alternatively, some employers provide
housing allowances.
Contrary to the 1970s and the early 1980s when a small apartment fetched
a rent of US$ 5000 a month, houses are now available at about half or
less of this rate. This depends, of course, upon locality, type of
house and facilities. At the most recent housing complexes, three-
bedroom villas are available at a monthly rent of US$ 2200, and four-
bedroom villas at US$ 2,700. Qatari landlords usually require a one
year lease with advance payment of six months' rent, although exceptions
exist. However, such arrangements, as well as the above rates, do not
apply to larger single villas and palaces built for the use of higher
management, bankers and leading businessmen. Electricity, water and
gardens represent additional costs. In recent years, the lease contract
in some cases has included a provision for the Qatari landlord to meet
the cost of basic maintenance.
Health: All residents of Qatar have enjoyed free State-provided medical
care ranging from outpatient clinics to hospitalization. However, due
to declining oil production and revenues, the Government has instituted
an austerity program in recent years. According to recently issued
regulations, expatriates have to pay fees for certain medical reports
and for birth registration. While medicines are mostly dispersed free
of charge for Qatari and non-Qatari patients, the expatriate communities
have to pay for certain expensive drugs.
A visitor to Qatar holding no residence permit has to pay for all
medical services required throughout his/her visit to the country.
Recently, a new form of payment has evolved: prior to undergoing
surgery, a resident expatriate patient is required to donate blood.
Import of all blood groups to Qatar has been suspended after discovery
of some infected shipments of blood.
Apart from a few private clinics, medical care is provided by the State
through the Ministry of Public Health. The nation's hospital needs were
largely met in 1982, when the 660-bed Hamad General Hospital was
inaugurated. Operating under Hamad General Hospital is the 300-bed
Maternity Hospital, the only one of its kind in this country. The
Government owns and operates two other hospitals. One, the Rumaillah
Hospital, is meant to handle geriatric and disability cases and the
other provides basic treatment for psychological diseases.
In recent years, Qatar has eased restrictions on private medical
institutions. In addition to the State-owned and State-operated 20
health care centers, the Government has licensed about 20 private
clinics including some advanced dental centers.
Future plans include charging all expatriates in Qatar for all
medical/medicinal services. A private children's hospital is already
licensed and more private clinics are under consideration. In addition,
visiting medical and surgical consultants from various countries provide
treatment on difficult cases to supplement local medical services. It
should be noted that health insurance is not a common practice in Qatar.
Food: Makhbous ( rice with roast sheep) is the most common food in the
Gulf area. Qatar is no exception. Mutton figures prominently in the
fare of most Qataris. Fish is also widely available and popular.
Dishes prepared with grouper ("hammour") and sea bass are common.
Chicken and beef are given second and third on their list of meats.
In recent years, Qataris have been giving up their age-old tradition of
hosting ceremonial dinners at home. Instead, they have started hosting
large, elaborate parties at one of the four five-star hotels in Doha
which have international standards.
A wide variety of foodstuffs is usually imported to the country
throughout the year in order to cater to the tastes of the large
expatriate community drawn from several different countries. Several
supermarkets in Doha have a wide range of foodstuffs readily available
at all times.
U.S. business representatives visiting Qatar should not turn down an
invitation to lunch or dinner at home extended by their trade partners.
Reciprocity is expected when the host visits the United States.
Alcoholic drinks are served only to visitors residing at the major
hotels. Only holders of a special permit from the British Embassy may
serve alcoholic drinks at home. In accordance with Islamic laws and
regulations, pork and pork derivatives are not allowed to be brought
into the country.
Chapter X. Appendices
A. Country Data:
Source: Central Statistical Organization and other public/private
sources.
A1. Profile:
Population: 372,000 (1986 census)
Population Growth Rate: 2.8 percent per year
Religion: Mainly Islam. Minority Christian expatriate communities
Government System: Monarchy
Languages: Mainly Arabic. English is widely spoken
Work Week: Saturday-Thursday
B. Domestic Economy:
GDP: US$ 7.6 billion (1992), 7.1 billion (1993), 7.3 billion (1994,
estimated), 7.5 (1995, estimated)
GDP Growth Rate: 11 percent (1991-1992), -5.9 percent (1992-1993), 4
percent (1993-1994, estimated), 3 percent (1994-1995, estimated)
GDP Per Capita: US$ 18,000 (1992), 16,000 (1993), 15,000 (1994,
estimated), 15,000 (1995, estimated)
Government Spending as percent of GDP: 46 percent (1990), 44 percent
(1991), 43 percent (1992), 41 percent (1993), 38 percent (1994,
estimated), 35 percent (1995, estimated)
Inflation (Consumer Price Index, Base year 1988 = 100):
3.3 percent (1989), 6.4 percent (1990), 11.1 percent (1991), 14.5
percent (1992), 15.5 percent (1993-1995, estimated)
Unemployment: Not applicable
Foreign Exchange Reserves: Not available
Average Exchange rate for US$ 1.00: 3.65 (as set by the Government of
Qatar in 1980 and unchanged since then)
Foreign Debt: Not available
Debt Service Ratio (Ratio of principal and interest payments on foreign
debt to foreign income): Not applicable
U.S. Economic/Military Assistance: Not applicable.
Appendix C. Trade:
Total Imports (All in US$): 1,715 million (1991); 2,010 million
(1992); 1,886 million (1993); 1,900 million (1994); 2,000 million
(1995, estimated)
U.S. Share of Imports (All in US$): 199 million (1991); 230 million
(1992); 220 million (1993); 204 million (1994); 227 million (1995,
estimated)
U.S. Share of Imports (All in percentage): 11.6 percent (1991); 11.4
percent (1992); 11.6 percent (1993); 10.6 percent (1994); 11.5 percent
(1995, estimated)
Total Exports (All in US$): 3,039 million (1991); 3,726 million
(1992); 3,172 million (1993); 3,100 million (1994); 3,200 million (1995,
estimated)
Exports to the U.S. (All in US$): 16 million (1991); 31 million
(1992); 43 million (1993); 63 million (1994, estimated); 81 million
(1995, estimated)
D: Investment Statistics:
E. U.S. and Country Business Contacts:
Note: Area code for all telephone numbers in Qatar: 974
E1. Country Government Agencies:
Selected ministries relevant to this report:
OFFICE OF H.H. THE AMIR
H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar,
Defence Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
P.O. Box 923, Doha, State of Qatar
Tel: 468-333
Fax: 427-132
Office Director: Mr. Abdullah Al-Attiyah
H.E. Dr. Issa Ghanim Al-Kowari, Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs, Tel:
324-262
- Amiri Protocol Department:
Sheikh Mohammed bin Fahd bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Director, Tel: 462-
273/416-782
H.E. Ibrahim Ahmed Al Malki, Asst. Director, Tel: 422-322
H.E. Abdul Aziz Mohamed Khaled Al-Rabban, Asst. Director
- Legal Affairs Department:
Mr. Adel Ahmed Al-Sharbini, Legal Advisor, Tel: 462-172/412-726
Mr. Mohammed Hanafin Osman, Legal Advisor, Tel: 462-194/412-849
- Economic Studies Department:
Dr. Abdullah Abdul Aziz Al-Khater, Director, Tel: 462-3313
Mr. Mohammed Shaheen Al-Kawari, Econ. Researcher, Tel: 462-200
Mr. Bashir Yousef Al-Kahlout, Economic Researcher, Tel: 462-320
- The Special Projects Office (SPO):
P.O. Box 4044 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 436-978/438-477
Fax: 436-977
H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani, Chairman, Tel: 436-976
Mr. Mohammed Al-Akor, Manager
Mr. Faqeer Mohammed, Secretary
Mr. Azzam Al-Fakih, Project Manager
Mr. Mohammed Afifa, Project Manager
Mr. Omar Hamadi, Project Manager
Mr. Ahmed Al-Sabiq, Project Manager
Mr. David Routledge,Project Manager
Mr. Kuldip Singh, Quantity Surveyor
Mr. Pratab Singh, In-House Consultant
Mr. Mike Davies, Resident Architect
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE
P.O. Box 4000, Doha, State of Qatar
Tel: 415-888, Fax: 437-660/417-393
Office Director- Vacant, Tel: 351-351/325-823
H.E. Sheikh Hassan bin Khalid bin Hassan Al-Thani, Private Secretary,
Tel: 462-231/442-222
- Economic Studies Department:
Mr. Majid Saleh Al-Khalifa, Director, Tel: 462-220/412-944/412-187
Dr. Ibrahim Butros Ibrahim, Economic Expert, Tel: 412-942
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORT
P.O. Box 3416, Doha, State of Qatar
Tel: 832-727
Fax: 835-888
- Minister's Office:
P.O. Box 3416 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 832-727
Fax: 835-888
H.E. Mr. Abdullah Saleh Al-Mana, Minister, Tel: 835-522/33
Mr. Zamil Issa Al-Kholeifi, Office Director, Tel: 835-353
- Under-Secretary's Office:
H.E. Mr. Abdullah Hussain Salat, Under-Secretary, Tel: 835-234
Mr. Rashid Fadl Al-Buainian, Office Director, Tel: 464-606
- Department of Post:
Tel: 414-144/464-000
Fax: 837-777
Mr. Abdul Rahman Jaber Muftah, Director, Tel: 835-555
Mr. Abulkassem Abdulrahman, Secretary, Tel: 835-050
Mr. Mohammed Ali Mubarak Darwish, Asst. Director for Postal Affairs,
Tel: 835-511
Mr. Shahine Saad Al-Kawari, Asst. Director for Traffic
- Department of Ports:
P.O. Box 313 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 457-457
Fax: 413-563
Mr. Gholam Abdullah Jenkeer, Director, Tel: 414-626
Mr. Abdulrahman Abdul Mohsin Al-Mahmood, Asst. Director, Tel: 414-626
Mr. Abdul Azizi Saleh Al-Baker, Asst. Director (Traffic and Overland
Transport), Tel: 457-246
Mr. Rashid Saleh Faris, Office and PR Manager, Tel: 414-526
Mr. Abdullah Issa Al-Hitmi, Traffic Manager, Tel: 413-713
Capt. Ahmed Al-Mas, Harbour Master, Tel: 414-287
- Department of Civil Aviation:
P.O. Box 3000 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 426-262/351-550
Fax: 429-070
Mr. Abdul Aziz Mohammed Al-Noaimi, Director, Tel: 428-177
Mr. Mohd Ali Hassan Al-Mohannadi, Asst. Director,Services and Airport
Mgr., Tel: 320-493
Mr. Salem Daen Al-Kawari, Asst. Director for Aviation Affairs, Tel: 449-
471
Mr. Ibrahim Abdul Qader Ibrahim, Director of Technical Services, Tel:
428-174
H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Head of Air Transport, Tel:
429-066
Mr. Mohammed Yousef Asheer, Director of Airport Services, Tel: 429-068
Civil Aviation College:
P.O. Box 4050 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 652-555
Fax: 652-646
Mr. Ali Ibrahim Al-Malki, Director, Tel: 651-956
Mrs. Salwa Nahar, Secretary
Mr. Salim Al-Saada, Director, Admin and Finance, Tel: 651-956
Mr. Gunnar Emausson, Director of Studies, Tel: 652-288
Mr. Mubarak Abdullah Mansouri, Registrar, Tel: 974)651-955
- Qatar Public Telecommunications Corp. (Q-Tel):
P.O. Box 217, Doha, State of Qatar
Tel: 400-400
Fax: 413-904
Board Members:
H.E. Mr. Abdullah Saleh Al-Mana, Chairman
H.E. Mr. Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, Vice Chairman
H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad bin Khalid Al-Thani, Member
H.E. Sheikh Hassan bin Khalid bin Hassan Al-Thani, Member
H.E. Mr. Yousef Hussain Kamal, Member
Mr. Abdulrahman Jaber Muftah, Member
Mr. Rashid Abdullah Al-Khalifa, Member
Mr. Izzat Mohammed Rashid, General Manager
Management:
Mr. Izzat Mohammed Rashid, General Manager, Tel: 400-333
Mr. Bashir Al-Kholeifi, Office Manager, Tel: 400-444
Mr. Fouad Abbas, Asst.General Manager (Engineering), Tel: 400-399
Mr. Aubrey Cloke, Asst.General Manager (Finance), Tel: 400-640
Public and International Relations:
Mr. Abdul Wahad Fakhroo, Manager, Tel: 400-678
Procurement:
Mr. Ibrahim Al-Obaidly, Procurement Manager, Tel: 400-363
Mr. Nagi Al-Saygh, Purchasing Controller, Tel: 400-355
Commercial and Marketing:
Mr. Hashim Mustafawi, Manager, Tel: 400-456
Customer (Business Sales):
Mr. David W. Harris, Manager, Business Sales, Tel: 400-211
Sales and Marketing:
Mr. Bill Wilson, Manager, Marketing and Sales Admin, Tel: 400-249
Information Section:
Mr. Jamal Al-Sada, Manager, Tel: 400-401
Tenders Committees:
Lower Tender Committee - QR 50,000-200,000 (US$ 13,699-54,796)
Mr. Aubrey Cloke, Chairman
Mr. Husain Makki, Vice Chairman
Higher Tender Committee - over QR 200,000 (over US$ 54,796):
Mr. Izzat Rashid, Chairman
Mr. Abdullah Mannai, Vice Chairman
Engineering and Operations:
Mr. Fouad Abbas, Asst.General Manager, Tel: 400-399
Engineering Support and Projects:
Mr. Ahmed Al-Derbasti, Manager, Tel: 400-213
Finance Division:
Mr. Aubrey Cloke, Asst.General Manager, Tel: 400-640
Treasury:
Mr. Afzal Shah, Treasurer, Tel: 400-484
Management Accounts:
Mr. J.T. Balchin, Manager, Tel: 400-654
Financial Accounts:
Mr. Colin J.C. Campbell, Manager, Tel: 400-557
Revenue Accounts:
Mr. Ahmed Muftah, Manager, Tel: 400-290
MINISTRY OF ELECTRICITY AND WATER
P.O. Box 41, Doha, State of Qatar
Tel: 326-622/443-222/494-444
Fax: 426-608
- Minister's Office:
Tel: 437-633
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Ali Al-Subai, Minister, Tel: 423-251/424-543,
Fax: 440-048
Mr. Mohammed Ali Mohammad Al-Muttawa, Office Director, Tel: 423-251/424-
543
Mr. Mubarak Jabr Abdullah Al-Musallam, Asst. Office Director, Tel: 410-
613
Mr. Ahmed Issa Jattal, Technical Expert, Tel: 416-305
Dr. Jaffar Abdulrahman, Legal Expert, Tel: 438-879
Mr.Ahmed Mohammed Abdullah Al-Khouri, Head of Co-ordination and Follow
Up Unit, Tel: 351-162
- Under-Secretary's Office:
H.E. Mr. Khamis Mohammed Al-Sulaiti, Under-Secretary, Tel: 326-626/351-
036, Fax: 437-572
Mr. Mohammed Yousef Abdullah Al-Sheeb, Office Director (Acting), Tel:
445-653
- Assistant Under-Secretary's Office:
H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Nasser bin Faleh Al-Thani, Asst. Under-Secretary
(Admin. and Finance), Tel: 494-262/494-263
- Administrative and Financial Affairs Department:
Mr. Mohammed Ali Abdullah Al-Sayegh, Asst. Director, Admin and Finance,
Tel: 494-219
- Generation and Desalination Department:
P.O. Box 41 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 437-633/326-622
Fax: 426-608
Mr. Ali Abdullah Mohammed Al-Obeidly, Director, Tel: 435-701/426-675
Mr. Ali Saif Saad Al-Malki, Asst. Director
Ras Abu Fontas Power Station:
P.O. Box 9426 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 651-30
Fax: 650-801
Mr. Fahad Mubarak Al-Dulaimi, Superintendent, Tel: 651-165/651-394
Mr. Voby Abraham, Secretary
Mr. Brian Holford, Maintenance Superintendent, Tel: 651-030
Ras Abu Aboud Power Station:
P.O. Box 41 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 326-661
Fax: 431-402
Mr. Hasan Muftah, Station Superintendent, Tel: 435-709/435-710
Mr. Rashid Saffar Abdullah, Operations Superintendent
Mr. M. Crossley, Mechanical Maintenance Eng. (Water)
Mr. Ziaud Nabi, Mechanical Maintenance Eng. (Power)
- Electricity Networks Department:
P.O. Box 41 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 326-622
Mr. Mohammed Murtada Al-Khouri, Director, Tel: 325-734/430-655, Fax:
326-075
Mr. Khamis Badr Ibrahim Al-Badr, Asst. Director, Tel: 419-825
Mr. Abdulrahman Abdullatif, Secretary, Tel: 325-734
Transmission Affairs Section:
Mr. Abdullah Saif Alawai, Public Lighting Engineer, Tel: 420-103
Mr. J. Pande, Senior Protection Engineer, Tel: 420-102
Mr. V. Chandrashekaran, Senior Project Engineer, Transmission, Tel: 432-
237
- Consumer Affairs Department:
Mr. Mohammed Yousef Al-Kawari, Director, Tel: 322-644, Fax: 326-748
H.E. Sheikh Jabor Hamad bin Khalid Al-Thani, Asst. Director, Tel: 432-
505
Mr. Rashid Abdullah Al-Kubaisi, Asst. Director, Water, Tel: 494-350
- Water Networks Department:
P.O. Box 162 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 494-248
Fax: 324-912
Mr. Ali Abdullatif Mohammed Al-Mohannadi,Director,Tel: 415-900/494-
248,Fax: 324-912
Mr. Ibrahim Saleh Ahmed Bu-Matar Al-Muhannadi, Asst. Director, Tel: 494-
248
Mr. Mohammed Ayoub, Secretary, Tel: 494-263
- Programs and Projects Department:
P.O. Box 41 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 435-707/443-222
Fax: 326-096
Dr. Ali Abdullah Al-Marri, Director, Tel: 321-823/435-707, Fax: 326-096
Mr. Yousef Ahmed Al-Hammadi, Asst. Director, Tel: 432-237
Water Projects Section:
Mr. Hamad Hamoud Al-Qahtani, Director, Tel: 494-252
Mr. Mohammed Al-Souj, Water Planning and Development Engineer, Tel: 443-
397/494-245
Support Services Section:
Mr. Abdullah Ahmed Saleh Mansouri, Director, Tel: 494-390
Ras Abu Fontas B Power Station:
Mr. Abdul Sattar Mohammed Rasheed, Project Director
Electrical Projects Section:
Mr. Yousuf Al-Hamadi, Director
MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND INDUSTRY
P.O. Box 3212, Doha, State of Qatar
Tel: 835-666/835-777/491-491
Fax: 836-999
- Minister's Office:
P.O. Box 3212 (Doha, State of Qatar)
H.E. Mr. Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, Minister
Mr. Hassan Ali Abdullah Al-Saad, Office Director, Tel: 491-444/491-455
Mr. Yousef Al-Yousefi, Technical Advisor
Mr. Sabri Abdul Razzak Kazem, Technical Advisor, Tel: 491-381
Mr. Ali Al-Jazzar, Economic Advisor, Tel: 491-538
Mr. Salem Bati Al-Nuaimi, Economic Expert, Tel: 491-515
Mr. Mike Gardner, Director, Auditing Office, Tel: 491-511
- Department of Industrial Development:
P.O. Box 2599 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 832-121/2/3/4
Fax: 832-024
Management:
H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al-Thani, Director, Tel: 832-098
Mr. E.A. K. Ahmed, Secretary, Tel: 832-101
Mr. Abdullatif Abu Zinad, Electrical Engineer
Mr. Mohammed Abdul Sattar, Mechanical Engineer, Tel: 832-152
- Qatar General Petroleum Corporation (QGPC):
P.O. Box 3212, Doha, State of Qatar
Tel: 491-491
Fax: 402-020
P.O. Box 47 (Doha, State of Qatar) (Ras Abu Aboud Office)
Tel: 402-200
Fax: 402-584/402-781
P.O. Box 70 (Doha, State of Qatar) (Rumaillah Office)
Fax: 445-408
- Board of Directors:
H.E. Mr. Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, Chairman and Managing Director
H.E. Mr. Yousef Hussain Kamal, Member
Dr. Jaber Abdul Al-Hadi Al-Marri, Vice Chairman
Mr. Ibrahim Nooh Al-Mutawa, Member
Dr. Ibrahim Butros Ibrahim, Member
Mr. Abdul Aziz Hamad Al-Dulaimi, Member
Mr. Faisal Al-Suwaidi, Member
Mr. Mohammed Al-Fuhaid, Secretary, Tel: 831-202
- Chairman and Managing Director's Office:
H.E. Mr. Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, Chairman and Managing Director
Mr. Hassan Ali Abdullah Al-Saad, Office Manager, Tel: 491-444
- Director-General's Office:
Dr. Jaber Abdul Al-Hadi Al-Marri, Director-General, Tel: 491-466/831-818
Mr. Ahmed Rashid AL-Buainain, Secretary
- Operations Directorate, Qatar General Petroleum Corporation, P.O. Box
47, Doha, State of Qatar:
Mr. Said Al-Muhannadi, Director, Operations, Tel: 402-400, Fax: 402-090
Mrs. Fadila, Secretary
-- Drilling Department:
P.O. Box 47, Tel: 402-934, Fax: 402-490
Mr. Abdul Jabbar A. Mohammed, Director, Drilling Dept., Tel: 402-528
Mr. Abdul Aziz Al-Gosaibi, Director, Drilling Engineering, Tel: 402-436
-- Operations Dukhan:
P.O. Box 100001, Dukhan, State of Qatar
Mr. Hamad M. Al-Tamimi, Operations Manager, Tel: 711-500, Fax: 711-571
Mr. Ibrahim A. Fakhroo, Manager, Production Dept., Tel: 711-840, Fax:
711-790
Mr. Werner Taylor, Manager, Maintenance Dept., Tel: 711-655
Mr. Norman Garnsey, Mechanical Engineer Inspector
Mr. P. Sule, Head, Planning
Mr. Abdul Reda Nayrose, Head, Corrosion Department
Operations Ras Abu Aboud (Offshore Fields):
P.O. Box 47, Tel: 402-200
Mr. Said M. Al-Muhannadi, Operations Manager (Offshore), Tel: 402-222
Mr. Hassan Y. Asheer, Manager, Production Dept. (Offshore Fields), Tel:
402-431
Mr. Pieter Steynis, Manager, Marine Dept. (Offshore Fields), Tel: 402-
666
Mr. Khalil Abdul Aziz Al-Baker, Head of Workshop, Tel: 402-553
Mr. Khalid Al-Hajiri, Head of Maintenance, Tel: 342-320
Operations Umm Said Facilities:
P.O. Box 50070, Umm Said, State of Qatar
Tel: 771-923
Fax: 770-433
Mr. Ahmed Ali Al-Najjar, Operations Manager, Tel: 774-300
Mr.Ahmed Ibrahim Al-Emadi, Manager, Gas Processing and Distr Dept., Tel:
774-235
Mr. Ibrahim M. Al-Sulaiti, Manager (Maintenance Dept.), Tel: 774-235
Mr. Abdul Aziz S. Al-Qahtani, Manager, Marine and Export Dept, Tel: 774-
210
- Marketing Directorate:
Qatar General Petroleum Corporation
P.O. Box 3212 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Mr. Ibrahim Nooh Al-Mutawa, Director, Tel: 491-340/831-205
Mrs. Salwa, Secretary
Mr. Jassim Mohammed Na'ama, manager of Crude Oil Marketing, Tel: 491-361
Mr. Ahmed A. Al-Salem, Manager, Gas Marketing, Tel: 491-360
Mr. Abdullah Ismail Al-Ansari, Manager, Petrochemicals Marketing, Tel:
491-348
Mr. Mohammed A. Al-Thani, Manager, Refined Products Marketing, Tel: 491-
303
-- Engineering Department:
P.O. Box 47 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Mr. Mohammad A. S. Al-Sulaiti, Manager, Tel: 402-540, Fax: 402-138
--- Offshore Projects:
P.O. Box 47 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Mr. Husain Al-Ishaq, Director of Offshore Projects, Tel: 402-633, Fax:
402-758
Mr. Alan Cooper, Acting Head, Offshore Field Support
Mr. G. McCann, Head of Development Project
Mr. R. Sykes, Head, INT Field Upgrade Project, Tel: 402-343
Mr. G. Campbell, Document Controller, Tel: 491-395
--- Onshore Projects:
P.O. Box 70 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Mr. Jamal bin Amor, Head of Onshore Projects, Tel: 343-227
Mr. K. Pickworth, Project Manager, Tel: 343-417
Mr. Brian Hall, Senior Project Engineer
Mr. Tom Gibson, Senior Project Engineer
Mr. R.L. Parry, Project Manager, Tel: 343-358/438-970
Mr. E. Bottomley, Project Manager, Tel: 343-374
Mr. D.M. Falgate, Project Manager, Tel: 343-357
Mr. J. Shelford, Project Manager, Tel: 343-426
--- Inspection and Environment Department:
P.O. Box 47 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Dr. Mohammed S. Al-Sayed, Manager, Tel: 402-697, Fax: 402-207
Dr. Mohammed Al-Sayed, Environment Inspector
Mr. Noel Hollingsworth, Quality Assurance,Tel: 402-210
Mr. Leonard J. Latter, Safety, Tel: 402-840
Mr. Mohammed Maslamani, Corrosion
-- Materials Department:
P.O. Box 47 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Mr. Nasir M. Al-Nuaimi, Manager, Tel: 332-222, Fax: 445-408
Mr. Hassan Issa, Procurement Services Manager, Tel: 332-240
Mr. George Wales, Buyer, Tel: 332-264
Mr. Les Anderson, Buyer, Tel: 332-205
Mr. Brian Elliott, Buyer, Tel: 332-206
Mr. W.V. Zarazun, Buyer, Tel: 332-208
Mr. Jim O'Brien, Buyer, Tel: 332-207
Mr. Abdul Aziz Al-Taleb, Buyer, Tel: 332-209
Mr. Khalifa Al-Suwaidi,Buyer, Tel: 332-233
- Exploration and Development of New Ventures Directorate, Qatar
General Petroleum Corporation, P.O. Box 3212 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Mr. Nasir K. Jaidah, Tel: 833-091/491-288
Mrs. Lillian Boog, Secretary
Mr. Rashid Ahmed Al-Sulaiti, Manager, Exploration and Upstream Ventures,
Tel: 831-286
Mr. Ismail M. Nasrulla, Manager, Downstream ventures, Tel: 491-448/831-
294, Fax: 831-850
Mr. Per Erik Hansen, Head of Project Services, Tel: 491-437, Fax: 831-
544
Dr. Roger I. Ertefai, Project Financial Specialist, Tel: 491-329, Fax:
831-544
- Finance Directorate:
Qatar General Petroleum Corporation
P.O. Box 3212 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Mr. Abdul Rahman Hammam Al-Abdullah, Director, Tel: 491-290
Mr. Rashid M. Al-Hajri, Manager, Management Accounting, Tel: 491-236
Mr. Mohammed S. Al-Sherawi, Manager of Financial Accounting, Tel: 438-
963
-- Planning Department:
P.O. Box 3212 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Mr. Issa S. Al-Ghanim, Manager, Tel: 831-204
-- Legal and Contracts Department:
Dr. Hassan O Ahmed, Manager
-- Information and Computer Services Department:
P.O. Box 3212 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Mr. Abdulla Z. Al-Talib, Manager, Tel: 412-127/402-236
-- Public Relation Department:
P.O. Box 3212 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Mr. Ali A. Al-Nuaimi, Manager, Tel: 831-203
Mr. Abdul Aziz Al-Malki, Deputy Manager
MINISTRY OF FINANCE, ECONOMY AND COMMERCE
P.O. Box 3322, Doha, State of Qatar
Tel: 461-444
Fax: 413-617
- Minister's Office:
Fax: 351-185/436-959
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Minister, Tel: 413-624/8/433-
777
Mr. Ali Khalifa Al-Attiyah, Office Director, Tel: 413-366
Mr. Salah Ahmed Anber, Secretary, Tel: 414-914
Mr. Mohammed Hamad Al-Nuaimi, Head of PR, Tel: 413-377
H.E. Sheikh Salman bin Khalid Al-Thani, Head of Follow-Up, Tel: 414-436
Dr. Najm Eddin Dajani, Senior Planning Expert, Tel: 413-200
- Under-Secretary's Office:
Tel: 413-300
Fax: 413-617
H.E. Mr. Yousef Hussain Kamal, Under-Secretary
Mr. Abdul Rahman Dashti, Office Director, Tel: 413-570
- General Financial Affairs Department:
P.O. Box 83 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 461-444
Fax: 413-617
Mr. Sagr Dhaher Al-Muraikhi, Director, Tel: 419-758
Dr. Hussain Abdullah, Asst. Director
Mr. Abdullah Shawabke, Expert, Tel: 414-852
Mr. Hussain Haboub, Expert, Tel: 413-574
Mr. Rashid Saad Al-Sulaiti, Head, Admin Affairs and Deputy Director,
Tel: 417-358
Mr. Abdul Reda Al-Lingawi, Admin. Asst., Tel: 413-183
Mr. Mohammed Abdul Karem Al-Meer, Head, Budgets, Tel: 413-067
Mr. Muftah Jassim Muftah, Head, Income Tax, Tel: 414-944
Sheikh Hamad bin Nasir bin Faleh Al-Thani, Head, Computers, Tel: 414-336
Mr. Hamad Hazeem Al-Muraikhi, Head, Advances, Tel: 413-186
Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani, Investment Section, Tel: 451-542
- Investment Board:
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani (Minister of Finance, Economy
and Commerce), Chairman
H.E. Dr. Issa Ghanem Al-Kawari (Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs)
Dr. Hussain Abdullah (Advisor, Amiri Diwan)
Mr. Yousef Hussain Kamal (Under-Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Economy
and Commerce)
- Income Tax Department:
P.O. Box 83 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 461-144
Mr. Muftah Jassim Muftah, Director, Tel: 414-944
- Customs Department:
P.O. Box 81 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 457-457
Fax: 414-459
H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal bin Thani Al-Thani, Director-General, Tel:
414-333
Mr. Meqbel Ali Khalifa Al-Hitmi, Deputy Director, Tel; 414-528
Mr. Abdulmajeed Al-Rumaihi, Airport Customs Manager, Tel: 324-848
H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim bin Fahad Al-Thani, Asst. Airport
Manager
Mr. Abdullah Al-Saie, Airport Chief Inspector, Tel: 324-104
Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Mutawa, Overland Transport, Tel: 810-877
Mr. Jabor Rashid Al-Hajiri, Customs, Abu Samra, Tel: 755-241/2, Souda
Natheel, Tel: 770-200
Mr. Khamis Ali Al-Mahannadi, Customs, Khor, Tel: 720-246
Mr. Sidiq Abdullah Al-Qattam, Customs Umm Said, Tel: 771-435
- Central Tenders Committee (CTC):
P.O. Box 19908 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 413-098/414-265
-- Committee:
Mr. Khalaf Issa Bujamhoor Al-Mohanadi, Chairman, Tel; 413-826/8/414-265
Mr. Ahmed Jassim Al-Faihani, Vice Chairman, Tel: 413-098/414-265
Mr. Saad Nasir Al-Abdulla (Legal Affairs Department)
Mr. Nasir Hamad Al-Kubaisi (Ministry of Public Works)
Mr. Majid Abdullah Al-Malki (Industrial Affairs Department)
Mr. Majid Saleh Al-Kholaifi
Dr. Abdulrahman Ali Al-Buainain
Mr. Muftah Jasim Muftah
-- CTC Secretariat:
Mr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Moadadi, Office Manager, Tel: 414-265-4138
Mr. Yousef Hassan Abu Nada, Secretary, Tel: 461-300
Mr. Hamad Al-Asiri, Treasurer, Tel: 414-926
Mr. Ahmed Abu Baker, Registrar/Admin. Asst, Tel: 430-250
- State Purchases Department:
P.O. Box 1908 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 414-555
Mr. Khalifa Saqr Al-Hitmi, Director, Tel: 414-290
Mr. Saqr Al-Muraikhi, Deputy Director, Tel: 414-290
Mr. Ali Khalil Ali, Secretary, Tel: 413-243
Mr. Ali Hamad Lakhan, Local Purchases, Tel: 413-971
Mr. Amin Abdulnoor Abduljaber, External Purchases, Tel: 413-241
Mr. Rashid Said Al-Ali, Head, Auctions, Tel: 413-857
- Economic Affairs Department:
Mr. Ali Hassan Khalaf, Director, Tel: 413-571436-305
Mr. Saoud Jassim Al-Jufairi, Deputy Director,Tel: 413-566, Fax: 413-682
- Statistics Section, Economic Affairs Department:
Mr. Mubarak Rashid Al-Khalifa, Head of Section, Tel: 434-888/414-950
- Economic Researchers, Economic Affairs Department:
Mr. Hassan Ali Mohsen Jassim, Head of Section
- International Affairs, Economic Affairs Department:
Mr. Ahmed Saleh bin Matar, Head of Section
Mr. Ahmed Khalifa Albinali, Asst.
- Commercial Registration Department:
Tel: 408-555
Fax: 420-489
Mr. Mohammed Hassan Al-Saadi, Director, Tel: 427-588/408-600
Mr. Nasir Barghash Al-Nuaimi, Asst. Director, Tel: 433-465
Mr. Ahmed Taha Al-Jammal, Records Examiner, Tel: 436-112
Mr. Saad Al-Hajiri, Head, Imports Office, Tel: 433-468
Mr. Mohammed Nasir Ahmed Ramel, Head Examination Office, Tel: (9740427-
476
Mr. Mohammed Jassim Muhaizie, Head, Commercial Register, Tel: 329-858
Mr. Abdullah Abdul Jabbar Al-Khalifa, Head, Contractors' Registration,
Tel: 427-468
-- Trade Marks Section:
Mr. Abdullah Saoud Al-Asiri, Head, Trade Marks Office
Mr. Ahmed Al-Jufari, Asst.
-- Legal Affairs and Technical Research Section:
Mr. Maher Salamah Al-Mahdi, Head, Tel: 329-252
- Price Control and Consumer Protection Department:
P.O. Box 1968 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 408-555
Fax: 426-599
Mr. Saleh Mohammed Al-Kawari, Director, Tel: 423-117/426-599
Mr. Nasir Abdullah Al-Ghanim, Tel: 435-935
- Companies Affairs Department:
P.O. Box 1968 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 408-555
Fax: 426-299
H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Director, Tel: 428-725/426-
226
- Specifications, Standards, Assaying and Weights Department:
P.O. Box 1968 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 408-555
Fax: 425-449
H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Saoud Al-Thani, Director, Tel: 408-500/442-935
Mr. Abdullah Mujalli Atique, Head of Weights Section, Tel: 435-659
- Exhibitions Department:
Tel: 831-666/834-550/834-551
Fax: 834-480
Mr. Abdullah Ibrahim Mohammed, Director, Tel: 832-838
Mr. Yousef Zaini, Head, International Fairs
Mr. Sultan Obaidan Fakhroo, Head, Local Fairs
Mr. Ahmed Obaidan Fakhroo, Interior Designer
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
P.O. Box 250, Doha, State of Qatar
Tel: 415-000
Fax: 324-329/429-454/442/777/426-276
H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani, Minister, Tel: 436-976
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Abdullah Al-Mahmood, Minister of State for Foreign
Affairs
H.E. Ambassador Abul Rahman Hamad Al-Attiya
H.E. Ambasador Ibrahim Hamad Al-Nasir, Director, Consular, Economic and
Cultural Affairs Dept., Tel: 435-834, Fax: 426-279
Mr. Ali Hussain Muftah, Director, Political Affairs Dept., Tel: 325-172,
Fax: 321-625
H.E. Ambassador Ahmed Jassim Al-Mulla, Director, Protocol Dept., Tel:
416-416
H.E. Ambassador Mohammed Nasr Hassan Al-Nasr, Minister's Office
Director, Tel: 424-160
H.E. Ambassador Mahmood Abdul Aziz Al-Sahlawi, Director, Admin and
Financial Affairs Dept., Tel: 324-950, Fax: 429454
Mr. Yousef Issa Al-Jaber, Director, GCC Affairs Dept., Tel: 411-275/8,
Fax: 444-640
H.E. Sheikh Jassim bin Nasser Al-Thani, Legal Affairs Dept.
- Embassy of the State of Qatar:
600 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Suite 1180, Washington, DC 20037-2403
Tel: (202)338-0111
Fax: (202)337-2989
Ambassador: H.E. Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Saeed Al-Thani
First Counsellor: Mr. Ali Sadd Al-Kharji
Second Counsellor (Consular/Commercial Attache): Yousuf Hassan Al-Saai
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION and CULTURE
P. O. Box 1836, Doha, State of Qatar
Tel: 831-333
Fax: 831-860
- Minister's Office:
H.E. Dr. Hamad Abdul Aziz Al-Kuwari, Minister, Tel: 832-266/831-444,
Fax: 832-288
Mr. Mohammed Jassim Al-Kaabi, Office Director (Acting), Tel: 832-255,
Fax: 832-288
- Under-Secretary's Office:
H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al-Thani, Under-Secretary, Tel: 831-
221/831-301, Fax: 831-269
Mr. Badr Salem Al-Badr, Office Manager, Tel: 831-448, Fax: 831-518
Mr. Samir Daoud Abdullah, Follow-Up, Tel: 831-162
Mr. Salah Darwish, Press Officer, Tel: 831-163
Mr. Jowhara Sultan Saif, Head, Conferences and International
Organizations, Tel: 831-171
Mr. Juma Al-Hitmi, Head, Info Relations, Tel: 831-169
Mr. Ahmed Yousef Al-Jaidah, Head Public Relations, Tel: 831-336
Mr. Ahmed Al-Saie, Asst. Head PR, Tel: 831-446
- Assistant Under-Secretaries:
Mr. Abdul Rahman Saif Al-Moadada, Asst. Under-Secretary for Broadcasting
and T.V., Tel: 864-111/894-203, Fax: 894-202
H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al-Thani, Asst. Under-Secretary for
Information Affairs, Tel: 448-040, Fax: 445-072
Mr. Mousa Zainal Mousa, Asst. Under-Secretary for Cultural Affairs and
Arts, Tel: 427-258, Fax: 424-724
- Broadcasting Department:
P.O. Box 1414 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 894-444
Mr. Mubarak Jeham Al-Kawari, Director, Tel: 864-821/894-200, Fax: 822-
888
Mr. Abdullah Ibrahim Al-Haj, Radio and TV News Department Manager, Tel:
864-805
Mr. Hussain Jafar, Head of Engineering for Radio and Qatar TV Affairs,
Tel: 864-518
Mr. Hassan Abdullah Rasheed, General Program Controller and Expert, Tel:
864-818/894-215
Mr. Mohammed Jassim Al-Moadadi, Dep. Gen. Program Contr., Tel: 864-
815/894-231
Mr. Salah Sulaiman Khalifa, Programs Expert, Tel: 864-816/894-232
Mr. Ghazi Hussain Ibrahim, Popular Programs Controller, Tel: 870-712
- Television Department:
P.O. Box 1944 (Doha, State of Qatar)
Tel: 894-444
Mr. Sa'ad Al-Rumaihi, Director, Tel: 864-575, Fax: 864-223
Mr. Abdullah Saoud Al-Khalfan, Secretary, Tel: 894-059
Mr. Abdulwahab Mohammed Mutawa, Asst. Director, Tel: 864-787
Dr. Yousuf Ibrahim, Programs Expert, Tel: 864-121
Mr. Mohammed Jassem Al-Ali, Programs Expert, Tel: 864-121
Mr. Fahd Mohammed Al-Khater, Engg. Affairs Controller (Acting), Tel:
864-397
Mr. Mohammed Abdu Rah