Qatar · Constitution
Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar
Approved by referendum in 2003 and in force from 2005, replacing the provisional basic law. It vests hereditary rule in the Al Thani family, declares Sharia a principal source of legislation, and guarantees equality, personal liberty, property and the inviolability of the home. It provided for a Shura Council of forty-five members, thirty elected — an election held for the first time in 2021, then reversed by a 2024 constitutional amendment approved by referendum which returned the Council to full appointment by the Emir.
The constitutional text
Approved by referendum in 2003 and in force from 2005, replacing the provisional basic law. It vests hereditary rule in the Al Thani family, declares Sharia a principal source of legislation, and guarantees equality, personal liberty, property and the inviolability of the home. It provided for a Shura Council of forty-five members, thirty elected — an election held for the first time in 2021, then reversed by a 2024 constitutional amendment approved by referendum which returned the Council to full appointment by the Emir.
Separation of powers
Unitary. Eight municipalities administered centrally, with a Central Municipal Council of twenty-nine elected members holding advisory functions over local services only.
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