The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) has said most suppliers in the country have complied with its initiative to use Arabic as the main language when dealing with consumers.
This reflects the MEC’s success to raise awareness among suppliers about their legal obligations and duties, the ministry has stressed in a statement.
The extent of the suppliers’ commitment was revealed during inspection campaigns conducted by the MEC across Qatar to determine the extent of suppliers’ compliance with its ‘Arabisation’ initiative, which was launched last year.
The initiative compels all suppliers to use Arabic as the main language while dealing with consumers along with the other languages used.
The MEC is currently inspecting other suppliers who are yet to comply with the initiative.
Those who have not complied with their legal obligations under the ‘Arabisation’ initiative will be fined in accordance with the provisions of applicable laws, the ministry has said.
Earlier, the ministry had briefed the public on the initiative and raised awareness about basic consumer rights.
A circular was also issued to all suppliers on December 31, 2017, outlining the objectives of the initiative and the obligations of suppliers according to applicable laws.
All suppliers had been given a deadline to comply with the ‘Arabisation’ initiative.
The ministry’s initiative comes within the framework of Law No 8 of 2008 on consumer protection.
Article 7 compels suppliers “to clearly display on the product’s package or cover the type, components and nature of the item as well as other relevant as determined by the executive regulations of this law”. Article 8, on the other hand, stipulates that the supplier “shall prominently display and advertise the price of a product” while the consumer “has the right to obtain a dated invoice stating the nature of the product, its price, quantity and any other data specified in the executive regulations of this law”. Article 11 also stipulates that “the supplier shall clearly define the service, its characteristics, advantages and prices”. In addition, Article 17 of the law stipulates that labels and advertisements as outlined in provisions 7, 8 and 11 should be made available in Arabic with the possibility of offering them in another language.
The MEC has stressed that all suppliers operating across Qatar are required under applicable laws to use Arabic in terms of issuing bills among other documents when dealing with the consumer.
Given that the period awarded by the MEC to various suppliers to comply with the provisions of the ‘Arabisation’ initiative has expired, inspectors from the ministry conducted inspections to ensure the commitment of suppliers to using the Arabic language in their dealings with consumers.
“The campaigns revealed that most suppliers have complied with the ‘Arabisation’ initiative, which reflects the ministry’s success to raise awareness among suppliers about their legal obligations and duties,” the statement noted.
Within the same context, the ministry has stressed that it will continue to protect basic consumer rights as stipulated in laws and resolutions.
It will also continue to raise awareness among various parties involved in the local market to familiarise them with their rights and duties according to the provisions of Law No 8 of 2008 on consumer protection and its executive regulations to the benefit of all parties.
Further, the MEC has said it will not tolerate any violations of the consumer protection law and its executive regulations, and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crack down on violations.
It will take appropriate action against perpetrators in line with relevant laws and regulations.
The MEC has urged all merchants and shops to abide by laws and circulars issued by the ministry and to ensure the provision of products and services of high quality to the consumer.
The ministry has urged all consumers to report violations or submit complaints and suggestions through the call centre: 16001, e-mail: [email protected]
Twitter: MEC_QATAR, Instagram MEC_QATAR and the ministry’s app on iPhone and Android devices: MEC_QATAR

Extent of compliance

Following are the findings of the inspection campaigns carried out by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce regarding the extent of suppliers’ compliance with the ‘Arabisation’ initiative. The list features a breakdown by the nature of activities and economic sectors:
Economic sector Percentage of suppliers who have
complied with the initiative


Gasoline stations 100%
Service centres of car agents (service listings) 100%
Car wash shops (service listings) 100%
Restaurants and cafes (service lists) 90%
Restaurants and cafes (invoices) 80%
Service centres of car agents (invoices) 80%
Laundries 80%
Hotels and resorts (meal lists, business 
centre services and health club services)   80%
Electrical appliances and electronics shops 80%
Car service centres (not affiliated to the local agent) 80%
Retail outlets (hypermarkets and supermarkets) 75% 
Car service centres (affiliated to the local agent) 70%
Furniture shops and furnishing sector (major stores) 70%
Tailor shops and textiles (service listings) 60%
Perfume and cosmetics shops 20%
Related Story