Politics & Government Guide · QatarPolitics & Government Guide in Qatar
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions
Qatar remains an absolute monarchy under Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who holds ultimate executive, legislative, and judicial authority. The 2024 constitutional amendments eliminated Shura Council elections, reinforcing centralized rule by the Al Thani family. Political parties are banned, and rights remain severely limited.
Political Stability
Poor
Corruption Index
Moderate
Democracy Index
Below Average
Government Type
Authoritarian semi-constitutional monarchy
Legal System
Mixed legal system of civil law and Sharia (Islamic law)
Head of State
Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani(since 2013)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani(Independent)since 2023
Political Indicators
Political Stability
Scale: -2.5 to 2.5
High stability
World Bank (2024)
Corruption Index
Scale: 0-100
Transparency International (2024)
Press Freedom
Scale: 0-100
Difficult
Reporters Without Borders (2024)
Democracy Index
Scale: 0-10
Authoritarian regime
Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)
Legislature
Voting Rights
Restricted to Qatari citizens aged 18+ whose paternal grandfather was born in Qatar. No national elections since 2021 Shura Council partial election; future elections abolished in 2024.
Recent Developments
- Constitutional referendum on 2024-11-05 abolished future Shura Council elections, making it fully appointed (90.6% approval)
- Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani continues as Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Chief of Amiri Diwan appointed as HE Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khulaifi in November 2024
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