Arbitration in Qatar: Law No. 2 of 2017 from clause to enforcement
A practical guide to commercial arbitration in Qatar: when the Qatari Arbitration Law applies, the competent court, the one-month deadline to set aside an award, and enforcement.
The law
Law No. 2 of 2017 on Arbitration in Civil and Commercial Matters is based on the UNCITRAL Model Law. It applies to arbitrations seated in Qatar and to foreign-seated international commercial arbitrations whose parties choose it. Qatar is party to the New York Convention.
Competent court and interim measures
The competent court is the Civil and Commercial Arbitral Disputes Circuit of the Court of Appeal, or the QFC Civil and Commercial Court if the parties agree. Tribunals may order interim measures (Article 17), and the competent judge may grant them before or during proceedings (Article 9).
Setting aside: one month
An award cannot be appealed on the merits. A set-aside action under Article 33 must be filed within one month of receiving the award, on limited grounds such as an invalid arbitration agreement, lack of proper notice, excess of mandate, irregular procedure, non-arbitrability or breach of Qatari public policy. The judgment is final.
Enforcement
Qatari and foreign awards are enforced through the competent enforcement judge, who may refuse only on the grounds listed in Article 35.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to challenge an award in Qatar?
One month from receiving the award (Article 33).
Can an award be appealed?
No. Only a set-aside action on limited grounds; the ruling on it is final.
Does Qatar enforce foreign awards?
Yes. Qatar is party to the New York Convention, and refusal is limited to the Article 35 grounds.
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