Category Archives: Featured Articles
Engineering Consultancy Offices
Posted on February 23rd, 2015Engineering consultancy offices in Qatar are playing a key role in the preparation for FIFA World Cup 2022 and contribute tremendously to the achievement of Qatar National Vision 2030.
The practice of engineering professions in Qatar is governed by Law No.19 of 2005 -as amended by Law No.2 of 2014- (the Law) and Regulations No. 1 of 2006 implementing such Law.
Engineering consultancy services are defined by the Law as amended as “the work of preparing architectural and constructional drawings, diagrams, designs, and survey diagrams; supervising performance; giving advice; conducting feasibility studies; estimating costs and computing quantities; and managing projects in the various engineering professions”.
Safe Use of Photographs Under Local Copyright Laws
Posted on February 23rd, 2015Few are the people who are aware of the laws that apply to their daily use of the Internet, the social media they are on, or even the photographs that they, their friends or favorite bloggers or actors constantly upload.
In this article, we will clarify what rights you have on the photographs you post online, when it is legally safe to use others’ photographs and when it is not, and what are the legal recourses in case of infringement to the copyrights.
1. What is copyright?
Internationally, copyright is known to be the legal protection extended to the authors or owners of original published and unpublished intellectual and artistic works.
Qatar Law on Employment of Women
Posted on December 8th, 2014Qatari women have made significant advancements in social and professional spheres. As a result more and more women are excelling in the jobs arena. The Qatar government has displayed their support for the development of women by introducing well-defined labor laws. These laws are geared towards helping women employees recognize their rights and protect themselves against possible exploitation at work. Part 9 of the Qatar Labor Law document defines these laws.
Doing Business in Qatar – Here are Some Legal Requirements to Consider!
Posted on November 30th, 2014Qatar has a well-defined Commercial law established in 2006 and the Commercial Companies law of 2002 for doing business in Qatar which regulates all kinds of commercial activities, deals with business agencies, commercial concerns, trade names, and competition. It also regulates all commercial contracts and the structure of companies defining the mode of governance. Companies in Qatar needs to consider all factors defined by the Commercial law prior to moving ahead.r.
Investor Alert: Changes to the Commercial Registration Rules in Qatar
Posted on November 18th, 2014Law no. 20 of 2014 issued on November 10, 2014 by the Emir, H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has amended some provisions of Law No 25 of 2005 regulating commercial registration (CR) in Qatar.
It is important for both local and foreign investors, whether they are already established in Qatar or looking to establish, to be aware of the new rules introduced as detailed below:
1. The department responsible for commercial registration of a business is now named Administrative Unit and has to reply to an application for CR the same day.
2. The Minister of Economy and Commerce’s decision to accept or reject a request for CR of a business is final and cannot be challenged in a court of law.
Contractor’s Right To Clearer Provisions For Time Extension In Construction Agreements
Posted on November 18th, 2014It is rare to come across a construction agreement that does not require the Contractor to complete the works within a specified tight deadline. Such agreements would generally entitle the Employer the right to recover liquidated damages from the Contractor, at a rate determined in the agreement, in the event of delays.
While the above practice is common and universally recognized, the practice of having clear provisions in events where delays are not due to any fault of the Contractor, is not quite as popular.
This issue is even more noticeable in Qatar, an attractive market place, where Contractors compete to win contracts for all the mega projects en route in the State. In fact, Contractors in Qatar frequently find themselves forced to sign one-sided contracts, with vague and discretionary contractual clauses, in fear of risking to lose to other bidders for these same projects.
Employment Law in Qatar
Posted on August 27th, 2014Qatar, located on the Arabian Peninsula and bordered by Saudi Arabia in the south, may seem to be a small country in terms of its size, but, in commercial terms this country is a rising giant. The Qatar Labor Law includes laws relating to legal rights, obligations of employees and employers and legal restrictions. According to the Qatari Law, an employee should obtain the permission of the employer (exit permit) to leave the country.
The nationals of Qatar looking for jobs can register with the Labor Ministry for job placements. If an employer wishes to hire a person who is not a Qatari national, he will have to obtain the necessary permission from the government. The major goals of the new Labor Law of Qatar (2004) are:
A Guide to Qatar Trademark Laws
Posted on August 27th, 2014Qatar, located on the Arabian Peninsula and bordered by Saudi Arabia in the south, is a country which abides by civil law. In some matters such as family law, inheritance and criminal acts, it applies the Sharia or the Islamic law. The Qatar trademark laws is rooted on the Law on Trademarks, Geographical Indications and Industrial Designs, which came into effect on 15th June 2002.
To prevent infringement within Qatar, companies can register their trademarks. But, a company should be commercially registered to qualify for this service. The period for which a trademark registration is valid is 10 years.
Construction Law in Qatar – What You Need to Know
Posted on August 20th, 2014Qatar is a sovereign country which is extremely proud of its wealthy attributes. Despite having a small population, Qatar has huge plans for infrastructure development in the country. Such large scale development programs have, undoubtedly, attracted a large number of new entrants to the construction market. The ideas that you can make money easily in the construction sector and that there are no major risks involved in this field are completely wrong, especially for those who have newly entered this field. You need to first understand the construction law in Qatar to make sure that you fully comply with the state guidelines.
Investment in Qatar – Opportunities
Posted on May 20th, 2014If you are considering about possible investment in Qatar, then this might be the best time to get involved. Qatar has emerged as one of the hot spot for the investors in the world. Qatar is one of the smallest country among GCC countries. Like most Arab countries, it is rich in natural carbon resources. It has the largest reserve for natural gas. Qatar is ruled by Al-Thani family since 19th century.
Regulations for doing business in Qatar are relaxed, which is helping foreign companies to get more assets into Qatar. Assets like foreign labor is allowed under controlled regulations. Visas and work permits are easily available from the Ministry.