Qatar: Ministry of Commerce and Industry Launches 36 New Electronic Services

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has announced the launch of 36 new electronic services through its official website, marking a significant step in Qatar’s ongoing digital transformation efforts. The initiative aims to streamline regulatory and licensing procedures, improve service efficiency, and enhance the overall customer experience for businesses operating in Qatar.

Overview of New Services

The newly introduced electronic services cover a broad range of regulatory and licensing procedures relevant to commercial activities in Qatar. These include:

• Businesses may now submit electronic applications for licensing, amendment, and cancellation of promotional prize draws. This encompasses “Scratch and Win” promotional campaigns as well as loyalty program licensing, providing a more efficient pathway for companies seeking to engage customers through promotional initiatives.
• The new services extend to annual sales plans, seasonal sales permits, and special offers and commercial promotions. Applications for issuance, amendment, and cancellation of permits in these categories can now be processed electronically. Additionally, permits for festivals and commercial initiatives, as well as final liquidation licences, are now available through the digital platform.
• A comprehensive suite of brokerage-related services has been introduced, covering the issuance, renewal, amendment, and cancellation of licences and professional cards. These services are designed to enable beneficiaries to complete their transactions electronically with greater ease and efficiency.

The MOCI has emphasized that this rollout reflects its commitment to accelerating digital transformation and enhancing the quality and accessibility of government services. The initiative aligns with the Ministry’s strategic objectives to promote innovation, strengthen operational efficiency, and deliver flexible, customer-centric service solutions in support of Qatar’s broader economic development goals.

Businesses operating in Qatar should take note of the following:

Companies engaged in promotional activities, sales campaigns, or commercial events should familiarize themselves with the new electronic application processes, which are expected to reduce processing times and administrative burdens.
Entities involved in brokerage services should review the updated digital procedures for licence and professional card management.
The shift to electronic services may necessitate updates to internal compliance and administrative procedures to ensure alignment with the new digital workflows.

How can we help?

Our Corporate team is well placed to support clients in navigating Qatar’s new electronic services and meeting all relevant licensing and regulatory obligations. We can guide you through the procedural aspects of the new digital platform and advise on the wider regulatory framework governing commercial activities in the State of Qatar. For further information, kindly contact the key contacts.