The State and the Bases of the Rule

- Constitution of Qatar

The State and the Bases of the Rule

Articles of the Constitution of Qatar Dr Abdullah bin Saleh Al Kholiefy, Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee. The following is the unofficial translation of the Draft Constitution of Qatar, which which was adopted by referendum on April 29.

Article 1 Qatar is an independent Arab state. Islam is the State’s religion and the Islamic Shariah is the main source of its legislations. It has a democratic political system. It’s official language is Arabic. People of Qatar are part of the Arab nation (ummah).

Article 2 Doha is the capital of the State. As per law, the capital status may be granted to another place. The State practises its sovereignty on its territory and shall not give up its sovereignty or any part of its territory.

Article 3 The law stipulates the design of flag of the State, its slogan, its merit sashes, ensignias and the wording of the national anthem.

Article 4 The law stipulates the financial and banking system of the State and defines its official currency.

Article 5 The State shall preserve its independence, sovereignty, security, safety, stability and integrity of its territory and shall defend it against any aggression.

Article 6 The State shall respect international pacts and execute all international agreements, pacts and treaties to which it is a party.

Article 7 The foreign policy of the State shall be based on consolidating international peace and security by encouraging the settlement of international disputes peacefully and supporting the right of self- determination of people; and not interfere in the internal affairs of countries; and cooperate with peace-loving nations.

Article 8 The Rule of the State shall be hereditary within the Al Thani family and by the male successors of Hamad bin Khalifa bin Hamad bin Abdullah bin Jassim. The inheritance of the Rule shall go to the son to be named by the Emir as Heir Apparent. If there is no male offspring, the Rule shall be transferred to the one from the family whom the Emir names as Heir Apparent and, in this case, the Rule would then be inherited by his male successors. A special law shall organise all provisions related to the ruling of the State and its inheritance, to be issued within one year of the date of this Constitution coming into force, and should have a Constitutional validity.

Article 9 The Emir shall appoint the Heir Apparent with an Emiri Order after consulting the ruling family and other notables in the country. The Heir Apparent shall be a Muslim and from a Qatari Muslim mother.

Article 10 The Heir Apparent, when appointed, shall take the following oath before the Emir: “I swear by Almighty Allah to respect the Islamic Shariah, the Constitution and the law, and to protect the independence of the country, and preserve the sanctity of its territory, and protect the people’s freedom and interests, and shall be loyal to the Emir and the nation.

Article 11 The Heir Apparent shall directly handle the Emir’s authority and power on his behalf during his absence from the country, or if there is any temporary obstacle preventing the Emir from doing his duties.

Article 12 The Emir may assign some of his powers and authority to the Heir Apparent with an Emiri Order. The Heir Apparent shall chair those sessions of the Cabinet which he may attend.

Article 13 With consideration to the two previous Articles, if the Heir Apparent is unable to deputise for the Emir, the Emir may appoint a deputy from the ruling family with an Emiri order, to carry out some of his duties and functions. If the one who is appointed by the Emir occupies a post or has a job with any organisation, he should cease this employment during the period of deputation on behalf of the Emir. The Deputy Emir, immediately after being appointed by the Emir, shall take before the Emir the same oath as taken by the Heir Apparent.

Article 14 A council, to be named the “Ruling Family Council” shall be established by an Emiri Decision, its members shall be appointed by the Emir from within the ruling family.

Article 15 The Ruling Family Council shall decide on the vacancy of the Emir post in case of his death or a disability preventing him from doing his duties. The Cabinet and the Advisory Council shall announce after a joint in-camera session the vacancy of the post, and the Heir Apparent shall be declared as Emir of State of Qatar.

Article 16 If the age of the Heir Apparent, when declared the Emir of the State, is less than 18 years in accordance with Gregorian calendar, a Council of Guardians, to be selected from the ruling family, shall manage the ruling of the country. The Council of Guardians should be formed with the Chairman and members numbering not less than three and not more than five. The chairman and the majority of members shall be from the ruling family.

Article 17 The financial remuneration of the Emir, as well as the gifts and assistance shall be defined as per a decision to be taken by the Emir annually.

Constitution of Qatar

State and the Bases of the Rule

Basic components of the Society

General Rights and Duties

Organisation of Authorities

General Provisions

Emir

Legislative Authority

Executive Authority

Judicial Authority

Final Provisions