His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, speaks at the Qatar Shura Council.

The Government of the State of Qatar

The State of Qatar is headed by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.

According to the permanent constitution, people are deemed to be the source of authority in Qatar. They shall exercise it in accordance with the provisions of the constitution. The system of government is based on the separation of powers. The Legislative Authority is vested in the Shura Council as prescribed in the constitution; the Executive Authority is vested in His Highness the Amir, assisted by the Council of Ministers; the Judicial Authority is vested in courts of law and judgements are issued in the name of His Highness the Amir.

The Constitution

“The permanent Constitution should always be based on our Gulf, Arab, and Islamic sense of belonging and founded on our genuine Arab traditions and principles of our holy religion of Islam, thereby achieving our strategic goals with due consideration of our own reality and experience of the past years, with all its positive and negative aspects. The Constitution should take into account the hopes and aspirations of our people and the objectives targeted in the present and future. We can no longer wait to start from where others have finished but should have our own vision to anticipate the future, especially since the features of the 21st century world are now in the offing.”

– His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, The Father Amir, the 1st Meeting of the Drafting Committee of the Permanent Constitution, 1999

July 13

1999

HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, then Amir of Qatar, issued Amiri Decision No. 1 of 1999 establishing a committee for the drafting of the permanent constitution.

July 2

2002

The Committee presented HH the Father Amir with the Draft Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar.

April 29

2003

A referendum on the Draft Permanent Constitution was set, where 96.6% of the Qatari population voted in favour of the permanent constitution.

The Council of Ministers

The Council of Ministers is charged with the running of all internal and external affairs which fall within its competences as prescribed in the Constitution and the provisions of the law.

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani 
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani was appointed Prime Minister in March 2023 after having been appointed Deputy Prime Minister in November 2017. His Excellency was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in January 2016.

From 2018 to 2023, he served as Chairman of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). In 2013, he was appointed as the Assistant Foreign Minister for International Cooperation Affairs.

In 2012, His Excellency attained the rank of Undersecretary. In 2011, he became Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Aspire – Katara Investment Company.

In 2010, he served as the Secretary of the Personal Representative of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, then Amir of Qatar, for follow-up affairs at the Amiri Diwan. In the same year, he became Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatar Mining Company.

His Excellency was appointed Director of the Department of Public and Private Sectors Partnership at the Ministry of Business and Trade. In the same year, he launched “Enterprise Qatar” – an organisation that provides technical and financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises. His Excellency also served as the Director of Economic Affairs at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs from 2005 until 2009.

HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Administration from Qatar University.

His Excellency

Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani


Minister of Interior

His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was appointed as Minister of Interior in March 2023.

His Excellency previously served as Commander of Security Operations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. He was also President of the National Risk Management Team. In 2021, His Excellency assumed the position of Assistant Chairman of Tournament Operations and Safety Committee.

In 2021, His Excellency led the operations of the FIFA Arab Cup and the Formula 1 World Championship. The same year, he was appointed as a member of the supervisory committee for Qatar’s first Shura Council elections.

In 2020, he was appointed as a member of the National Security Council, and a member of the Steering Committee of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC).

Since 2015, His Excellency has also served as a Captain in the ‘Lefdawiya’ special unit, affiliated to the ‘Lekhwiya’ Internal Security Force – which he first joined as part of a constituent training course for officers graduating from civil universities. He obtained a first class with Excellence.

From 2015 to 2018, he participated in approximately 13 military training courses held in Qatar, the US and France, covering fields such as combating terrorism, sniping, urban combat, discarding and disposal of explosives, problem-solving strategies, exceptional decision-making, “Al Saiqa”, freefall parachuting, operational parachuting, diving, negotiations during terrorist attacks, VIP protection, and riot control.

His Excellency the Minister of Interior is a graduate of the US-based University of Southern California, from which he received a BA in Public Policy in 2015 and a MA in General Diplomacy in 2017. A native Arabic speaker, His Excellency is also fluent in English.

His Excellency

Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari


Minister of Finance

His Excellency Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari was appointed Minister of Finance in October 2021.

Prior to being appointed Minister of Finance, His Excellency held the position of Minister of Commerce and Industry from November 2018 to October 2021. From July 2013 to November 2018, he held the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar National Bank.

HE the Minister of Finance earned his bachelor’s degree in Math and Computer Science from Eastern Washington University and holds a master’s degree in Management Information System from Seattle Pacific University.

His Excellency

Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya


Minister of Municipality

His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya was appointed Minister of Municipality in January 2024.

Since 2018, His Excellency has been Vice Chairman of the Barwa Real Estate Company Board of Directors, where he was promoted to Chairman in 2023. In 2021, His Excellency was appointed as Deputy Chairman of Katara Hospitality, where he also served on the board.

In 2022, he joined the Board of Directors of the United Development Company and the Qatar Free Zones Authority. His Excellency is also Vice President of the Board of Directors at Al Saad Sports Club.

In January 2017, His Excellency joined the Board of the Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, later becoming CEO in July 2018. During the same year, His Excellency became a member of the Board of Directors at VINCI SA.

From 2015 to 2018, His Excellency held several positions at the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), including Director of the Technical Office, and Vice President. He was then appointed as Vice Chairman of the Qatar Primary Materials Company, where he was voted as Acting CEO by the Board, until early May 2018.

In 2014, His Excellency became Acting Executive Director of the Programme Management Office of Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.

His Excellency began his career as an Operations Engineer at Qatar Petroleum until 2011, later becoming a Project Engineer and then an Onshore Development and Planning Manager at RasGas in 2012.

HE the Minister of Municipality holds a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Nottingham and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cardiff University.

His Excellency

Dr Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie


Minister of Environment and Climate Change

His Excellency Dr Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie was appointed Minister of Municipality in October 2021. He was initially appointed Minister of Municipality and Environment in November 2018.

In January 2017, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Rail. In addition to his duties in the Government of Qatar, HE the Minister of Municipality serves as the Managing Director and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Qatar Railways Company, Qatar Rail, having held these positions since March 2011. He was previously the Group Chief Executive Officer of Barwa, Qatar’s leading real estate development and investment holding group from April 2011 until May 2014. Prior to joining Barwa, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Smeet, an affiliate of Qatari Diar Group, serving the company since its formation in 2008 until March 2011. His Excellency the Minister of Municipality has held various leadership and senior project management positions from 1996 to 2008 with the Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa), where he managed large infrastructure projects.

HE the Minister of Municipality holds a PhD in Administration and received a master’s degree in Business Administration in 2006, and a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Qatar University in 1996.

His Excellency

Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi


Minister of State for Energy Affairs

His Excellency Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi was appointed Minister of State for Energy Affairs in November 2018.

Before his official position, His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs worked as the Managing Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Energy. Between 2006 and 2014, he was the Director of Qatar Energy’s Oil & Gas Ventures Directorate. Between 1991 and 2006, he was part of Qatar Energy’s Reservoir & Field Development Department, where he later became the Manager of Gas Development, responsible for North Field management and development.

HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs has a bachelor’s degree in Energy and Gas Engineering from Pennsylvania State University in the USA.

His Excellency

Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanim


Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs

His Excellency Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanim was appointed Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs in October 2021.

His Excellency the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has held several positions related to Qatar’s Armed Forces. He was promoted to Lieutenant General in Qatar’s Armed Forces in 2016, having become the Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces in 2013. He served as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Training at the General Command of the Armed Forces from 1999 and held the position of Director of Air Operations until 1997. He has held a variety of other positions in the Qatar Armed Forces including Commander of the Air Operations Centre, Commander of the Air Defence Command, Operations Commander of Doha Air Base and Commander of the 7th Squadron of the Mirage-F1.

HE the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs received a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics in 1978. He previously graduated from Royal Academy Sandhurst in the UK, in 1975. He also obtained a fellowship from the Pakistani Air War College.

His Excellency

Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani


Minister of Culture

His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani was appointed Minister of Culture in October 2021.

His Excellency the Minister of Culture held a number of positions in the cultural field. In 2014, he assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Media Corporation until 2021. Prior to his official position, HE the Minister of Culture held the position of Director of the Media Development Department at Qatar Media Corporation between 2011 and 2014. Between 2010 and 2014, he worked at the Office of His Highness the Crown Prince at the Amiri Diwan. He was the Head of the Gulf and Arab Monitoring Department at the Ministry of Culture between 2006 and 2010, and a member of the Doha Capital of Culture Committee at the Ministry of Culture in 2010. He is a member of the Boards of Directors of Al Jazeera Media Network and the Doha Film Institute.

HE the Minister of Culture holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Qatar University.

His Excellency

Mr Ibrahim Ali Al Mohannadi


Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs

His Excellency Mr Ibrahim Ali Al Mohannadi was appointed Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs in January 2024.

Before assuming this position, His Excellency served as the Director of the Legal Affairs Department in the Amiri Diwan with ministerial rank from 2013 to 2024.

From 2004 to 2005, His Excellency held the rank of second lieutenant of the armed forces.

HE the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs has a bachelor’s degree in law with honours from Durham University and a master’s degree in law with honours from Swansea University.

His Excellency

Dr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri


Minister of Labour

His Excellency Dr Ali bin Saeed bin Smaikh Al Marri was appointed Minister of Labour in October 2021.

HE the Minister of Labour was elected Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Forum for National Human Rights Institutions from 2013 – 2015 and Chairman of the Permanent Arab Commission for Human Rights at the Arab League in 2012. He previously chaired the Sub-Committee on Accreditation from 2012 – 2015, which specialises in reviewing and accrediting national human rights institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles. He has worked on various flagship initiatives, including establishing the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions and the Asia-Pacific Forum for National Human Rights Institutions.

His Excellency the Minister of Labour previously served as the President of the National Human Rights Committee of the State of Qatar, beginning in 2009. He was also the Acting Chairperson and the Secretary General of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institution (GANHRI) and the President of the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions.

HE the Minister of Labour holds a PhD of Philosophy in Political Science, a master’s degree in Political Science and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

His Excellency

Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai


Minister of Communications and Information Technology

His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai was appointed Minister of Communications and Information Technology in October 2021.

His Excellency the Minister of Communications and Information Technology currently serves as the President of the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Qatar Free Zones Authority, Member of the Board of Trustees of Qatar University, and Member of the Board of Directors of Es’hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company and a Member of the Board of Directors of Al Jazeera Media Network.

Prior to his official position, His Excellency the Minister of Communications and Information Technology has held several positions related to the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. He has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar Broadband Network Company (QNBN), as well as having served in senior positions in the telecommunications company Ooredoo Qatar, formerly known as Qtel.

HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology received a bachelor’s degree in Physics from the American University in Cairo. He also holds professional certificates in management and leadership from several institutions, including the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), the INSEAD Business School and the Carnegie Bush Institute.

His Excellency

Mr Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi


Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and a Member of the Cabinet

His Excellency Mr Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi was appointed State Minister for Foreign Affairs in June 2016 and a member of the Cabinet in January 2024. Before this, His Excellency held the position of Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, which began in March 2016.

His Excellency previously served as Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Athens from December 2013 to December 2016. He also served as Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Rome from November 2005 to November 2013. During the same period, he was the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN in Rome. He was awarded the Merit of Grand Officer twice by the President of the Italian Republic on 16 November 2007 and 6 February 2014 during his appointment.

From September 2000 to September 2005, His Excellency was delegated to the Office of His Highness the Heir Apparent at the Amiri Diwan.

His Excellency held positions as the Consul General at the Consulate of the State of Qatar in Houston from August 1997 to August 2000 and the Second Secretary at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington from August 1994 to August 1997.

He additionally worked as the Director of the Office of the Ministry’s Undersecretaryship from 1990 to 1994 following his role as Assistant of the Director of the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs from May 1988 to January 1990. His journey as a representative of the State of Qatar began in July 1984 with his first appointment as the Third Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

HE State Minister for Foreign Affairs has a bachelor’s degree in political science.

The Advisory (Shura) Council

History

Qatar’s Advisory (Shura) Council was established in 1972.

In October 2021, Qatar held its first-ever Shura elections with a 63.5% turnout of registered voters, a historic moment for the country.

The current Advisory (Shura) Council comprises a total of 45 members, 30 of whom are directly elected in a secret general ballot, whilst the remaining 15 are appointed by His Highness the Amir.

Responsibilities

The most notable responsibilities of the Shura Council include, but are not limited to:

  • Considering draft laws that are referred by the Cabinet.
  • Discussing general government policy on political, economic, and administrative matters that are referred by the Cabinet.
  • Discussing the State’s social and cultural affairs that are referred by the Cabinet, or that have been considered by the Council.
  • Discussing and approving the draft budget for public projects.
  • Overseeing the draft budget and the final accounts of the Council.
  • Following up on the activities and the achievements of the government across all matters.
  • Addressing questions to ministers; seeking answers and explanations from ministers on matters under the competence of the Council.
  • Submitting recommendations and expressing opinion to the Government on the above-mentioned issues.

Mission

The Advisory Council assumes the legislative authority, approves the general policy of the government and the budget, and exercises control over the executive authority as prescribed by the constitution.

Members

  • Abdul Rahman Yousuf Abdul Rahman Al Khulaifi
  • Ahmed Hetmi Ahmed Al Hetmi
  • Abdullah Ali Jumua Al Sulaiti
  • Eisa Ahmed Eisa Nasr Al Nasr
  • Hassan Abdullah Ghanem Al Ghanem Al Maadheed
  • Khalid Ghanem Nasser Al Ali Al Maadheed
  • Khalid Ahmed Nasser Ahmed Al Obaidan
  • Nasser Salmeen Khalid Al Suwaidi
  • Hamad Abdullah Abdul Rahman Ali Al Mulla
  • Khalid Abbas Ali Kamal Al Emadi
  • Nasser Muhsin Muhammed Bu Kasheesha
  • Eisa Arar Eisa Ali Al Rumaihi
  • Muhammed Yousef Abdul Rahman Al Mana
  • Muhammed Muftah Abdul Rahman Al Muftah
  • Yousuf Ali Yousuf Al Khatir
  • Ali Muhsin Abdullah Rashid Futais
  • Muhammed Buti Salem Khalifa Al Abdallah
  • Ali Shabeeb Nasser Al Atiyya
  • Nasser Metref Eisa Al Metref Al Humaidi
  • Ahmed Hamad Ahmed Al Hassan Al Muhannadi
  • Muhammed Eid Saad Al Hasan Al Kaabi
  • Mubarak Muhammed Matar Al Matar Al Kuwari
  • Yousuf Ahmed Ali Al Sada
  • Muhammed Omer Ahmed Al Salem Al Mannai
  • Nasser Hassan Dandoun Al Nufaihi Al Kubaisi
  • Nasser Muhammed Nasser Al Jaffali Al Nuaimi
  • Sultan Hassan Mubarak Al Dhabit Al Dosari
  • Mubarak Saif Hamdan Mesaf Al Mansouri
  • Ali Saeed Rashid Al Kumait Al Khayarin
  • Salem Rashed Salem Rashed Al Muraikhi
  • Yousef Ahmed Ali Omran Al Kuwari
  • Saad Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Ibrahim Al Muhannadi
  • Badi Ali Mohammed Al Badi
  • Mohammed Fahad bin Mohammed Al Muslim
  • Muhammad Mahdi Ajyan Al Ahbabi
  • Sheikha Yousef Al Jufairi
  • Ahmed Ibrahim Rashid Al Maliki
  • Saud Jassim Mohammed Al Buainain
  • Saad Ahmed Abdullah Al Misnad
  • Muhammad Mansour Khalil Al Khalil Al Shahwani
  • Hamda Hassan Abdulrahman Abudhaain Al Sulaiti
  • Ahmed Sultan Muhammad Sabah Al Asiri
  • Abdullah Jaber Muhammad Libdeh
  • Abdullah Nasser Turki Al Subaie
  • Umair Abdullah Khalid Aljabr Al Nuaimi

The Central Municipal Council

History

Qatar’s first Municipal Council was formed in the early 1950s. On 8 March 1999, free elections were held to choose the members of the Central Municipal Council (CMC) through direct representation.

The Council consists of 29 elected members representing 29 constituencies from more than 242 regions in the State of Qatar. The law has created the council’s own independent personality, attaching its budget to the general budget of the State and giving its members complete freedom in their opinions. The Council operates according to the provisions of Law No. 12 of 1998 concerning the Regulations of the Central Municipal Council, and it expresses its opinions through making recommendations and issuing decisions. The Council is headed by a Chairman who is elected directly by the members in their first assembly meeting.

 

Responsibilities

The most notable responsibilities of the Central Municipal Council include, but are not limited to:

  • Monitoring the implementation of laws, decrees and regulations related to urban and industrial planning, infrastructure and other public systems.
  • Overseeing the economic, financial, and administrative management of municipal and agricultural affairs.