General Information » Economy » Government & Ruling Family

Qatar is governed by hereditary rule. The head of state is the Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, who came to power in 1995. He has introduced many reforms and steered the country towards a more open and democratic system of government. The Emir’s brother, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al Thani, is the Prime Minister, and the Emir’s son, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, is the Crown Prince and Heir Apparent.

A 2003 referendum saw a permanent constitution overwhelmingly approved by the local people. The Emir holds legislative and executive powers and he appoints a Council of Ministers by an Emiri decree. The head of this council is the Prime Minister – Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabr al-Thani (elected in 2007). The role of the Council of Ministers is threefold: to draft, discuss and vote on proposed laws, after consultation with the Advisory (or Consultative) Council, the Majlis Al Shura; to approve the national budget; to monitor the performance of ministers. The constitution promises freedom and equality, and provides for a 45-member Majlis Al Shura, two thirds of which are elected by the public with the remaining members appointed by the Emir. The first Shura Council elections were held on April 1, 2007.

Qatar held historic democratic elections in 1999 (subsequently held every four years) for the Central Municipal Council (CMC), made up of 29 councillors representing the country’s municipalities. Women were eligible to vote and stand for election, and in 2003 Sheikha Al Jefairia was the first woman to be elected, only to receive a record highest number of votes in the 2007 election. The CMC has consultative (but no executive) powers and is aimed at improving services in the municipalities.