Qatar: Introduces New Qatarisation Law for Private Sector

In a move aimed at creating more job opportunities for Qatari nationals, a new law has been issued on the localisation of jobs in the private sector.

The law is expected to take effect six months after its publication in the Official Gazette.

The new legislation seeks to significantly boost the participation of the national workforce in private sector institutions and companies, providing new employment and career opportunities for Qataris.

It focuses on improving the labour market’s appeal to the national workforce, increasing companies’ ability to attract and integrate citizens, and ensuring job stability for Qatari nationals.

The Labour Ministry has clarified that the entities subject to Qatarisation under the law include employers who are individuals managing private establishments registered in the commercial register, commercial companies operating in the State, whether State-owned, State-participated or privately owned, as well as private non-profit institutions, sports organisations, associations, and similar entities.

Key provisions of the law include providing financial incentives to beneficiaries, offering various benefits, facilities, and privileges to entities covered by the Qatarisation scheme, and employing, training, and qualifying Qataris seeking employment in accordance with the Ministry’s policies, plans, and programs.

The new Qatarisation Law aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly the human development pillar, by promoting and encouraging employment and training opportunities for Qatari citizens.

Privately owned companies will need to comply with the Qatarisation policies once in effect and meet the requirements to comply with localisation requirements.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Qatar: CRA Issues Mobile Telecommunication Decision

Al-Arab, 2 September 2024: The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has issued a decision to mobile telecom service providers, Ooredoo Qatar and Vodafone Qatar to transition to high-speed Time Division Duplex (TDD) network technology in the 2.6 GHz frequency band by 31 March 2025.

This move aims to enhance the performance of public mobile networks in Qatar, optimise the use of this vital spectrum, ensure consistent usage in the Arabian Gulf region, and improve the telecom consumer experience through the latest 4G and 5G network technology.

Mobile service providers are required to cease all operations using the current Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) technology and ensure their networks are ready for this transition to provide a distinctive high-speed data service experience in Qatar.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Qatar: Generative AI Chatbots to Enhance Digital Consumer Experience

Qatar Tribune, 26 August 2024: Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council, in collaboration with the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), has launched an exciting new initiative to address unmet challenges in Digital Multi-Channels through Generative AI Chatbots.

Startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and corporations are invited to submit their innovative proposals for solutions that can deliver a seamless consumer experience across multiple digital platforms.

The submission deadline is 10 September 1, 2024.

The QRDI Council has expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that it is thrilled to launch the innovation project that harnesses the power of Generative AI to enhance consumer interactions, making them more efficient, intuitive, and satisfying.

The Council mentioned that the initiative contributes to building a dynamic innovation ecosystem, creates new opportunities in the tech sector, connects innovators with opportunity owners, and fosters a culture of innovation.

The collaboration with CRA is a strategic move to integrate cutting-edge solutions into Qatar’s digital infrastructure, ultimately enhancing the overall customer experience.

The director of the Consumer Affairs Department at CRA has emphasised the authority’s commitment to leveraging Generative AI to significantly improve consumers’ experiences.

This aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, which prioritise improving residents’ quality of life and delivering services that meet global standards.

The director has added that the initiative aims to provide seamless, real-time interactions and personalised services to consumers, fostering a digitally advanced society, ensuring efficient and effective communication, and maintaining Qatar’s leadership in the global digital landscape.

CRA has successfully transformed its consumer protection processes into a comprehensive digital system, integrating all stakeholders and public channels through a central CRM system.

Through this opportunity, CRA seeks innovative Generative AI chatbots that are both informative and transactional.

The proposed chatbots should intuitively detect consumer complaints and inquiries, providing high accuracy in handling and analysing information in real-time.

Solutions are required to authenticate users through the National Authentication Services (NAS) before releasing updates or processing transactions, in addition to aligning with CRA’s Applicable Regulatory Frameworks.

The Qatar Open Innovation programme is the primary platform that facilitates collaboration between startups, innovators, and potential government and corporate buyers.

It enables co-creation of cutting-edge technological solutions to address the nation’s most pressing challenges across five key priority areas: energy, health, resource sustainability, society, and digital technology.

As outlined in the QRDI Strategy 2030, the programme identifies opportunities and challenges where research and innovation can make impactful contributions to developing innovative solutions.

With more than 50 Open Innovation Calls has launched in partnership with over 20 local partners across key sectors, the QOI programme has garnered interest and participation from innovators from Qatar and around the world.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.