tag

KEY HIGHLIGHTS Cabinet amends 2019 law to attract more foreign capital and boost private sector GDPNew technical regulations approved for trade standards across key sectorsNational Sports Policy approved in line with QNV 2030 The Cabinet approved amendments to the country's foreign investment law Wednesday, targeting enhanced attraction of non-Qatari capital and expanded private sector contribution to GDP under the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030. His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani chaired the regular Cabinet meeting at the Amiri Diwan. His Excellency Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi announced the decisions following the session. The draft law, prepared by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, amends provisions of Law No. (1) of 2019 regulating the investment of non-Qatari capital in economic activity. It aims to strengthen factors attracting foreign investment across various targeted fields and activities while increasing private sector GDP contribution, aligned with the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030. The Cabinet also approved draft ministerial decisions adopting regional technical regulations and international standard specifications as Qatari standards. These measures keep pace with recent developments in standards and metrology, promote exports, ensure import quality, facilitate trade, and raise product quality — particularly in food and agriculture, medical equipment, construction materials, and consumer goods. Additionally, the Cabinet greenlit the Qatar National Sports Policy, developed by the Ministry of Sports and Youth with the National Planning Council. The policy aims to develop the sports sector, support athletic excellence and sustainability, and establish sports' role in promoting healthy lifestyles and community building, while supporting Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy. The Cabinet approved a draft tax agreement with Iraq on avoiding double taxation and preventing tax evasion regarding income and capital taxes, plus a draft letter of intent with Belgium on cooperation in mediation and facilitation. The meeting concluded with reviews of participation reports from the 41st Arab Ministers of Justice Council session in Cairo (November 2025) and the 69th Committee for Trade Cooperation, 55th Committee for Industrial Cooperation, and 10th Ministerial Committee for Standardisation Affairs with GCC consultative meetings in Kuwait (October 2025).

Slovenia, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, and Spain have condemned recent Israeli legislation targeting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), including measures to cut water, electricity, and communications to its facilities.In a joint statement issued on Monday, the seven countries stated that measures undermine the mandate of the United Nations, violate international law, and contravene rulings of the International Court of Justice. They warned that such actions could lead to severe humanitarian consequences for Palestinian civilians and refugees.The seven states called on the Israeli occupation government to ensure the continued ability of accredited international non-governmental organizations to operate in the Gaza Strip, and to halt any moves to deregister them. They stressed that these organizations are an essential component of humanitarian service delivery, particularly health services, in Gaza and the West Bank.The statement noted that the work of the United Nations, especially UNRWA, in cooperation with humanitarian and non-governmental organizations, is vital to addressing the acute humanitarian crisis and providing life-saving assistance and basic services to civilians in Gaza, the occupied Palestinian territories, and surrounding areas.It also emphasized the importance of ensuring full and safe access for humanitarian aid, enabling the continued operations of the United Nations and its partners in accordance with international humanitarian law and international legal obligations, while underscoring that respect for the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and for international humanitarian law is fundamental and indispensable.Earlier this January, the United Nations condemned a decision by the Israeli Knesset issued on December 29 to halt UNRWA's activities, stating that the law and its amendments contradict the agency's international legal status and must be immediately repealed.

The Arab League has called out the decision taken by the Security Cabinet of the Israeli occupation state to endorse the establishment of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. In a statement Monday, the Arab League stressed that this move lays bare a brazen challenge to the international will that opposes the settlement and constitutes a breach of international law, confirming the illegitimacy of these settlements. The apparent expansion of this unlawful settlement is carried out with the intent of preventing the establishment of a continuous Palestinian state geographically, reflecting the nature of the Israeli government controlled by extremists and settlers, the statement concluded. The statement further emphasised that this expansion will never make settlements legitimate whatsoever, and that the violence unleashed by extremist settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank is a kind of terror practised under the eyes of the occupation state and protected by its official apparatus. 

Legal PerspectiveMost of the company rules in English law are laid down by court’s precedents (Judge made law).We quote here, a very famous case (Salomon vs. Salomon), wherein it has been decided by the House of Lords to separate the entity of the person (owner) from his company.In other words, he is not personally responsible to meet the debts of or claims against the company. This is a remarkable principle and puts a cornerstone legal principle in corporate law and by such separation the law puts a “veil” on the responsibility as the company is regarded a “legal juristic person” responsible for its acts.This makes the difference between the “natural person” and the “juristic legal person”.Courts are in general precluded by Salomon case from treating a company as the agent, trustee or nominee of its owners. They will nevertheless do so if corporate personality is being used in instances of fraud or improper conduct. Generally, courts have found it essential to lift the veil for certain purposes owing to the fact that a company is only an “artificial” person, this particularly applies to the determination of its residence and to ascertain whether the acts of its agents have been effectively ratified. They have also generally sought to the application of the principle in Salomon by ignoring it in cases where the facts are sufficiently different.The corporate veil isolates and gives special protection to the personal assets of the corporate owner. However, such owners shall be aware that courts may decide otherwise in circumstances wherein the shield could be lifted by piercing the veil. Such instances include, inter alia, personally guaranteeing business loans or using personal property as collateral for business loans.Failure to keep business funds separate from personal funds (commingling assets). Not meeting other compliance obligations or conducting fraudulent activities under the business.Piercing the corporate veil (or “lifting” the veil) is when courts determine that personal liability protection does not apply.When the corporate veil is pierced, the individuals behind the business entity will be held personally accountable for debts or legal wrongdoing of the business. It is required to be vigilant to keep the corporate veil intact so as to keep yourself away from legal responsibility. The corporate business is governed by law and working within the law puts the corporate veil. 

Qatar Chamber has participated in the 10th edition of the Qatar Business Law Forum held recently in Doha.Leading the delegation was Qatar Chamber first vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari, including Qatar Chamber acting general manager Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri, and Qatar Chamber Legal Affairs Department director Abdulaziz al-Kuwari.The Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) also participated through a dedicated pavilion at the exhibition accompanying the forum.In his remarks at the opening ceremony, al-Kuwari emphasised that over the past decade, the forum has played a crucial role in enhancing Qatar's business environment. He noted that the event has contributed significantly to the development of legal systems, the strengthening of compliance, and the promotion of professional communication between experts and practitioners.He emphasised that Qatar Chamber, as a supporter of the Qatari private sector, believes that the presence of an advanced legal environment is the cornerstone of any competitive and robust economy, and a foundation for a more attractive and sustainable business climate.Al-Kuwari added that attracting foreign investment, encouraging entrepreneurship, and facilitating business activity all depend on an effective legislative system that keeps pace with global developments, aligning with the Qatar National Vision 2030.He affirmed that the event represents an important platform for exchanging expertise and discussing the most pressing contemporary legal issues, including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cross-border trade, business sustainability, and other topics that directly influence the future of the global economy.He noted that Qatar Chamber is keen to support this forum and to strengthen its role as an intellectual and professional platform that contributes to the development of the legal sector and empowers the private sector.The forum featured discussion sessions that addressed several key topics, including the development of Qatar’s foreign investment laws and the legal sector, corporate governance leadership in GCC countries, enhancing investor confidence in the financial sector, and building an effective framework for resolving real estate and construction disputes. 

Qatar's National Committee for International Humanitarian Law (NCIHL) has signed an MoU for co-operation with the International Institute of Humanitarian Law (IIHL) in Sanremo, Italy. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice and Chairman of NCIHL, Saeed bin Abdullah al-Suwaidi, and President of IIHL, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Giorgio Battisti. The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Consul General of Qatar in Milan, Abdullah bin Jassim al-Zeyara. The MoU provides for enhancing training and sharing expertise in the domain of international humanitarian law, implementing joint training and research programmes, and exchanging lecturers and trainers. **media[382668]** It also seeks to capitalise on research studies and projects produced by both entities in support of advancing knowledge in international humanitarian law. This partnership with IIHL is poised to forge broader pathways for training, capacity-building, and expertise exchange, contributing to the development and strengthening of international humanitarian law practices at the national and regional levels. In addition, the partnership will help train civilians and military personnel, and qualify a workforce of lecturers and trainers nationwide - representing a strategic step toward boosting knowledge and promoting a culture of respect for international humanitarian law. It further underscores Qatar's commitment to backing global initiatives aimed at protecting civilians during armed conflicts.

Slovenian President Dr Natasa Pirc Musar urged nations to move beyond geopolitical divisions and uphold international law, describing her nation’s recognition of Palestine as an important step towards realising a two-state solution and securing lasting peace in the Middle East.“When Slovenia recognised Palestine a year and a half ago, it was not an easy decision. We were one of the first three European countries, alongside Spain and Ireland, to take that step after many years. But it was the right thing to do, to be on the right side of history,” Dr Pirc Musar told the audience during her lecture, “The Realities of Multipolarism vs the Need for Multilateralism”, at Hamad Bin Khalifa University Monday.The lecture formed part of her official visit to Qatar and reflected HBKU’s ongoing commitment to advancing international dialogue on diplomacy and governance. Elected in 2022 as Slovenia’s first woman head of state, Dr Pirc Musar discussed global power dynamics, the erosion of multilateral co-operation, and the moral responsibility of states to act in defence of humanity.Dr Pirc Musar noted that 150 out of 193 United Nations member states now recognise Palestine, calling the move “a necessary first step” towards equality and dialogue. “If you advocate for a two-state solution,” she said, “don’t you think it is hypocrisy to recognise one state and not the other?”She stressed that Slovenia’s support for Palestine stems from both moral conviction and historical experience. Drawing parallels with the 1995 genocide in Srebrenica, she recalled how the tragedy in the Balkans continues to shape her nation’s empathy toward people suffering under conflict.“The sympathy we have for those who suffer is still alive because of Srebrenica. Watching the situation in Palestine brings back those painful memories,” the Slovenian president said.She also condemned political polarisation within Europe, questioning why human rights and humanitarian principles have become issues of left and right.“Are human rights left or right? They are not,” she said, recounting how she was criticised by right-wing parties after describing the situation in Gaza as genocide before the European Parliament.“I am neither pro-Palestinian nor pro-Israeli. I am for humanity. If we neglect international law, what’s left? Chaos,” Dr Pirc Musar said.Noting that peace requires both justice and equality, she said that recognising Palestinian statehood is not a solution in itself but “a first step” toward building a fair and lasting peace.She pointed out that Israel “deserves to have a state,” but condemned the violations of international law following October 7, questioning Israel’s claims of self-defence on foreign territory.“You have the right to self-defence on your own territory. On foreign territory, the answer is no,” she stressed. Dr Pirc Musar warned that the world today faces more than 65 armed conflicts, the highest number since World War II, and lamented the global community’s inability to stop wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and elsewhere. “That’s where we are today in the 21st century,” she said. Dr Pirc Musar underlined Slovenia’s diplomatic stance as a nation without colonial history and “without hidden agendas.” She called on world leaders to restore faith in multilateralism, pursue dialogue grounded in international law, and commit to peace not as a slogan, but as a shared obligation.“If we want permanent peace and justice, we must offer statehood for Palestine. That is the only way forward,” she said.

Legal PerspectiveThe duties of the directors and officers in companies, are governed by the provisions of the company law, the articles and memorandum of association of the company and, moreover, the corporate governance rules. Herein, we mention that, the directors of the company and the officers are to be taken as agents of the company. However, always, the directors share with the officers the same fiduciary duties that an agent owes the principal. The recent trend, in the corporate transactions, has been to raise the standard of conduct required of directors and officers.There are fiduciary duties that the officers and the directors owe to their company including, the duty to act within one’s authority and within the powers of the company as mentioned in its activities. And, there is also the duty to act diligently and with due care in conducting the affairs of the company. Moreover, the duty is also act with loyalty and good faith for the benefit of the company.Directors and officers must act within the authority given to them by the company, by the law, the articles, and the related bylaws. The directors and or the officers may be liable to the company if it is damaged by an act exceeding their authority or if they act outside of the scope of the corporation’s authority.However, if they enter an “ultra vires” transaction, justifiably believing it to be within the scope of the company’s business, they are not held liable. Like any principal, a company may ratify an unauthorised act by its directors and officers or other agents. This may be done through a resolution of the board of directors or of the shareholders. It may also be implied from acceptance of benefits from the unauthorised act. Ratification, when it occurs, releases the directors or the officers from any liability to the company and binds the company as if the act originally had been authorised.The company, as a legal juristic person, can’t take actions by itself nor is it able to do such work. Simply, it is impossible. Therefore, this role is vested, by law, on the directors and officers of the company who step into the shoes of the company and take its role on its behalf.However, the law provides that, the directors and the officers shall perform their duties within the required parameters of the law, in addition, to the customary regular practices in the same field. Attention, professionalism and wisdom are all required from the directors and the officers in the company.Needless to say, that in case of any negligence or malpractice or fraudulent acts by any one, it will straight open the way for criminal and or civil litigation against the concerned. No doubt, all directors or officers in all companies, should excel in performing their duties to achieve best results for themselves, their companies and the whole society. This is what we are all looking for and anticipating from such honest and high calibre personnel. Dr AbdelGadir Warsama Ghalib is a corporate legal counsel. Email: [email protected]

Kuwait has called for adherence to international law and the principles of human rights as the only way to maintain international peace and security. This came in a statement delivered by the Diplomatic Attache of Kuwait's Permanent Mission to the UN, Abeer Al Methen, before the third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) of the UN General Assembly, during discussions on item (71) regarding the promotion and protection of human rights, as part of the 80th session of the General Assembly.She said that the world stands at a critical crossroads amid growing violations and declining respect for international conventions, noting that recent UN reports underscore the urgent need to strengthen global solidarity in confronting humanitarian crises, achieving sustainable development, and promoting just and lasting peace, according to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).Al Methen added that Kuwait continues to play a leading role in humanitarian work through relief and development initiatives that have reached numerous affected countries, pointing to the dispatch of 19 humanitarian air bridges to Palestine, a reflection of Kuwait's steadfast foreign policy based on supporting afflicted peoples and alleviating their suffering.She welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, expressing Kuwait's hope that it will serve as a step toward ending the long-standing humanitarian suffering. She reiterated that a just and lasting solution lies in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.Furthermore, she underscored the importance of respecting the sovereignty of Lebanon and the occupied Syrian Golan, reaffirming Kuwait's firm stance rejecting any measures that violate international law or undermine regional peace and security.

The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law (NCIHL) discussed avenues for enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest and developing mechanisms for coordination and integration between both sides.This came during a meeting hosted by the NHRC at its headquarters in Doha, attended by a delegation from the NCIHL, led by its Vice-Chairman Faisal Mohammed Al Emadi, along with several officials from both entities.The meeting discussed the interrelation between international humanitarian law and human rights approaches, in addition to highlighting the efforts of the NHRC in this field, particularly concerning human rights in armed conflicts and support for vulnerable and marginalised groups.Both sides agreed to sign a joint cooperation agreement following a study of shared priorities and annual projects that could be implemented, contributing to the development of coordination mechanisms.They also agreed to form a joint technical team to draft the agreement, which will result in a clear executive agenda for implementing activities and events related to the protection and promotion of human rights.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued on Tuesday Law No. 25 of 2025 amending some provisions of the Civil Human Resources Law issued by Law No. 15 of 2016.His Highness also ratified Cabinet Decision No. 34 of 2025 amending some provisions of the executive regulations of the Civil Human Resources Law issued by Cabinet Decision No. 32 of 2016.The amendments include additional incentives and benefits that encourage excellence and aim to enhance the government work environment. They link rewards to performance levels and emphasise the state's drive to enhance work efficiency and the leadership of government institutions, recognise contributions and achievements, encourage innovation and initiative, and promote the principles of responsibility and accountability. This is in line with the state's strategies for investing in human capital and enabling it to engage and interact with a knowledge-based and competitive economy in a way that serves the public interest, benefits society, and enhances the state's position as a leading model in administrative modernisation and human development.The amendments also included specific incentives that contribute to achieving a balance between the demands of work and family life, embodying the commitment to supporting family stability as the bedrock of building a cohesive society and a key driver for advancing sustainable development. This will enhance the implementation of Qatar National Vision 2030 and align with the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030.Both the law and the decision are effective from the date of their issuance, and to be published in the Official Gazette.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, in a post on his X account, stated that “the issuance of Law No. (22) of 2025 by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani concerning persons with disabilities reflects our nation’s deep conviction in their vital role in development and reaffirms its commitment to empowering them to fully participate in society and protecting their rights in a homeland that values their contributions as an integral part of its progress.”