About Qatar < Government

The Consititutional Authorities

The Emir :
The Emir is the Head of State and the rule is hereditary among the Al-Thani family. The Emir holds both legislative and executive powers with the assistance of the Council of Ministers and the Advisory Council. In a pioneering move towards democracy, the Emir issued a decree in the 20th of July 1998 that culminated in the free election of the first Municipal Council in 1999 and sets as a precedent in the Arabian Gulf region.

The Council of Ministers :

The Council of Ministers is the supreme executive authority that directs, supervises, and coordinates the works of ministries and state agencies.

The advisory Council (Majlis Al Shura) :

First formed in 1972 and comprises 35 members chosen for their good judgement and competence to represent all sectors of the society and all regions of the country. The Advisory Council debates political, economic and administrative matters referred to them by the Government, and advises accordingly on draft laws.