The Centre for Legal and Judicial Studies (CLJS) at the Ministry of Justice expanded its activities during the first half (H1) of 2026, recording significant growth in training, research and digital outreach as part of its efforts to modernise legal education and broaden legal awareness across society.
According to figures released by the ministry, the centre trained 1,100 participants in the first half of 2026, up 16.4% from 945 in the same period in 2025.
The increase came alongside a substantial expansion in its training activities, with 62 programmes and courses delivered in the first half of this year, compared with 46 during the corresponding period last year – a rise of 34.8%.
The figures indicate not only growth in participation but also a broader, more diverse range of training opportunities offered by the centre.
The centre also strengthened its research output, publishing seven papers in its *Legal and Judicial Journal during the first half of 2026, representing an increase of more than 40% over the same period last year.
The long-running journal features analytical and comparative legal studies, commentary on Qatari legislation, and rulings and legal opinions issued by the Court of Cassation.
It serves as a reference for legal practitioners, academics and researchers seeking analysis of developments in Qatar’s legal and judicial landscape.
Digital legal awareness has also become an increasingly important part of the centre’s activities.
Its “Bekhtisar” (“In Brief”) legal-awareness programme generated 12mn views and interactions online during the first quarter of 2026 alone.
During the first half of the year, the centre produced 28 digital awareness materials, comprising 15 videos, six posters and seven specialised publications.
The initiative also expanded its outreach to nine distinct community segments, ranging from school students and families to public-sector employees.
Centre for Legal and Judicial Studies director Dr Abdullah Hamad al-Khaldi said that the centre had succeeded in using digital transformation to broaden the reach of its programmes and strengthen their social impact, while continuing to fulfil its core responsibilities of training, professional qualification, and promoting legal culture.
The ministry described the development as a shift “from attendance to digital reach”, noting that as remote engagement has become increasingly prevalent, the centre has redirected part of its awareness activities towards digital platforms, youth clubs and venues such as the Doha International Book Fair.
The approach, it said, has enabled the centre to expand the reach of its legal-awareness messages rather than allowing engagement to decline as traditional forms of participation change.
Established under Law No. 8 of 2001, as amended by Law No. 29 of 2005, the centre operates under the Ministry of Justice and has a broad legal mandate that includes judicial and legal training.
Its responsibilities include training judges, members of the Public Prosecution, judicial assistants, legal professionals, judicial officers, and judicial control officers.
The centre also provides training for lawyers and prepares qualified candidates for judicial and prosecutorial appointments that the Supreme Judiciary Council (SJC) or the attorney-general nominates.
Its activities extend beyond regular training programmes to include legal research, professional development and co-operation with corresponding institutions in Qatar and abroad.
In late December 2025, the centre issued a new edition of its *Legal and Judicial Journal, highlighting a series of legal opinions from the Ministry of Justice’s Fatwa and Studies Department concerning disputes between administrative bodies and employees.
In February 2026, a delegation from the centre participated in a Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC)-wide programme of mutual visits among judicial and legal training institutes in Muscat.
The programme focused on exchanging expertise and sharing best practices in legal education and professional training across the Gulf.
The centre’s training activities have covered a wide range of specialised legal subjects.
Earlier programmes, including a February 2025 training cycle, addressed topics such as the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, Qatar’s Civil Human Resources Law, real estate registration, data privacy protection, postal services regulation and public-private partnership contracts.
The expansion recorded during the first half of 2026 reflects the centre’s efforts to combine its traditional role in professional legal training with newer methods of disseminating research and engaging the public.
By increasing the number and range of training programmes, strengthening its research publications and expanding its digital legal-awareness initiatives, the centre is seeking to reach a wider audience while maintaining its role in developing legal and judicial expertise in Qatar.