Qatar: Leadership
Chapter 3: Persian Gulf, Arabian Peninsula
Qatar: Leadership
Executive
/ Legislative / Judicial
Overview
/ System Essentials / Infrastructure
/ Population / Fielded Forces
/ Table of Contents
Khalifa ibn Hamad Al Thani, ruler of Qatar
The head of state is the emir, and the right to rule Qatar is passed on within the Al Thani, the ruling family. Qatar's current ruler is Shaykh Khalifa ibn Hamad Al Thani, emir since 1972. However, heir apparent, Shaykh Hamad ibn Khalifa Al Thani, has taken over much day-to-day decision making. The emir's rule is influenced by continuing traditions of consultation, rule by consensus, and the citizen's right to appeal personally to the emir. Executive power is exercised by the Council of Ministers who are appointed by the emir.
The Advisory Council was established in 1972 and now has 35 members. The Advisory Council has the power to debate legislation proposed by the Council of Ministers and request ministerial positions on matters of government policy to include the budget. There is no electoral system and political parties are banned.
Qatar has a five court system (Commercial and Civil, Higher Criminal, Lower Criminal, Labor, and Appeal) which operates on the basis of codified laws. Additionally, the Shari'a (religious) Court rules on matters pertaining to the personal affairs of Muslims and any civil disputes where the participants elect to be judged on the basis of Islamic Law.