Qatar Constitution

Constitution du Qatar

In July 1999, His Highness the Father Amir appointed a committee to draft a permanent constitution for Qatar. The tenets of the Constitution are based on Qatar’s affiliation to the Arabic world and the teachings of Islam.

On April 29, 2003, a public referendum overwhelmingly approved the new Constitution and on June 8, 2004, the Father Amir decreed the Permanent Constitution of the state of Qatar to be ratified.

The Constitution provides that Qatar is an independent sovereign Arab state. Its religion is Islam, its political system democratic (Shari’a law is the main source of its legislation) and the official language Arabic. The people are the source of power and government is based on the separation of powers. The Constitution provides for the establishment of an Advisory Council, two-thirds of whom are elected and the remainder appointed by the Amir.

The Constitution upholds personal liberty; safeguards equal rights, duties and opportunities for all citizens; and protects private ownership. It protects the freedoms of expression, the press and religion, as well as the right to education.

Part One

Article 1 – Islam is official religion of the state, and sharia a principal source of legislation. Its political system is democratic. Arabic is the official language.

Article 2 – Doha is the capital of the state. It can be transferred to any other place by law. The state cannot cede any of its territory.

Article 8 – The ruling family of the state is the House of Thani. Rule shall be passed down from father to son, in the case that there is no son, rule shall be passed to whomever the emir names heir apparent.

Article 9 – The heir apparent must be a Muslim of a Qatari Muslim mother.

Article 16 – If the heir apparent is named head of state and is less than 18 years old, then rule shall be passed to a regency council with the majority of members to be amongst the ruling family.

Part Two

Article 22 - The State shall provide care for the young, and protect them from corruption, exploitation, and the evils of physical, mental, and spiritual neglect. The State shall also create conducive circumstances for developing their capabilities in all fields based on sound education.

Article 23 - The state shall ensure, foster, and endeavour to spread education.

Article 27 - Private property is inviolable.

Article 29 - Natural wealth and its resources are the property of the state.

Part Three

Article 34 - The citizens of Qatar shall be equal in public rights and duties.

Article 35 - Before the law, all persons are equal and shall not be discriminated by sex, race, language, or religion.

Article 36 - Personal freedom is guaranteed. Torture is punishable by law.

Article 37 - Human privacy in inviolable.

Article 47 - Freedom of expression is guaranteed in accordance with the conditions and circumstances set forth in law.

Article 48 - Freedom of press is guaranteed.

Article 49 - All citizens have the right to education.

Article 55 - Public funds are inviolable.

Article 57 - All people that reside in the state must abide by public order and morality.

Article 58 - Extradition of political refugees is prohibited. The law shall determine the conditions of granting political asylum.

Part Four

Article 64 - The emir is the head of state. He must be respected by all.

Article 66 - The emir represents the state, internally, externally, and in international relations.

Article 69 - The emir may declare martial law in exceptional cases specified by law.

Article 71 - Defensive war can be declared by Emiri decree. Aggressive war is prohibited.

Article 72 - The Prime Minister is appointed by the emir. He can also accept his resignation.

Part Five

Article 148 - No article of this constitution may be proposed for amendment before it being 10 years from the date the constitution has come into force.