In cooperation with the competent authorities, more than 150 kilograms of non-compliant tobacco products were seized and confiscated during an inspection campaign targeting several commercial establishments. The campaign formed part of efforts to combat illicit trade in excise goods and strengthen compliance with tax legislation. The campaign identified violations at several retail outlets, including the sale of tobacco products without approved tax stamps and excise goods not authorised for sale. Inspections included reviewing licences, documents and relevant records to verify compliance with the requirements governing trade in these goods. The General Tax Authority’s Anti-Tax Evasion Team took the necessary action against the establishments concerned and prepared official violation reports ahead of further legal proceedings. The campaign forms part of ongoing enforcement efforts, including supply chain analysis and auditing, to detect violations and curb illicit trade in tobacco products, helping strengthen tax compliance and protect consumers and public health. The Authority urged commercial establishments and importers to comply with tax laws and their executive regulations. It stressed that importers of cigarettes and other tobacco products must register on the Dhareeba platform under the Digital Tax Stamp system and ensure that products covered by the system carry valid, activated stamps before being imported or traded within the country, to avoid legal liability. The General Tax Authority continues its awareness efforts to help taxpayers understand and fulfil their obligations, alongside monitoring and inspection activities, reinforcing a culture of voluntary compliance.

His Excellency Mr. Khalifa bin Jassim Al Jaham Al Kuwari, President of the General Tax Authority, led Qatar’s delegation to the 18th Meeting of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in the French capital, Paris. The meeting discussed developments in international tax cooperation and progress in implementing the BEPS project, alongside ways to simplify procedures and reduce tax compliance and administrative burdens. It also addressed the review package relating to Pillar Two on the global minimum tax, tax issues associated with cross-border labour mobility, and the relationship between tax policies, equality and economic growth. The meeting provided an opportunity for member countries and jurisdictions to exchange expertise and views on emerging tax challenges and explore ways to strengthen international coordination and develop more efficient and effective tax policies. Qatar’s participation reaffirms its commitment to strengthening international tax cooperation and contributing to dialogue on the development of international tax policies and standards, helping to further develop the national tax system, enhance its efficiency and support the competitiveness of the country’s business environment.

The General Tax Authority has announced that certificates of analysis required to register sweetened drinks will be accepted electronically through the Dhareeba platform from 1 November 2026, through direct integration with laboratories accredited by the Ministry of Public Health and registered with the Authority, without requiring taxpayers to upload the certificates manually. Under the new procedures, taxpayers submit a product registration application through the Dhareeba platform, then provide a sample to an accredited laboratory to conduct the necessary tests and determine the types and quantities of sugars and sweeteners. Once the laboratory approves the results, the testing data and certificate of analysis are automatically transmitted to the Dhareeba platform. The electronic integration enables the Authority’s staff to access test results directly, helping accelerate application processing, reduce manual procedures and enhance the accuracy of data received from laboratories. The completion of this integration coincides with the expansion of the scope of excise tax on sweetened drinks. It forms part of the Authority’s efforts to strengthen electronic integration with relevant entities, automate product registration procedures and develop its digital services, saving time and effort and improving the taxpayer experience.

As part of its efforts to attract national talent, the General Tax Authority participated in the career fair at Carnegie Mellon University to introduce students to employment opportunities and career development pathways in the tax sector. The event provided an opportunity to engage directly with students. Representatives of the Authority outlined the career opportunities available, discussed the nature and requirements of tax-related work, and answered students’ questions about the skills and capabilities needed for professional success and how to apply the knowledge gained during their university studies in practice. The participation reaffirms the Authority’s commitment to developing national talent and enabling them to contribute to advancing tax administration and achieving its strategic objectives. This commitment includes keeping pace with developments in human resource development, in line with the State’s efforts to prepare national professionals capable of leading improvements in the public sector and contributing to a sustainable national economy.

The General Tax Authority was honoured by Lusail University in recognition of its cooperation and participation in the university’s career fair. Mr Mohammed Jassim Al-Najdi, Director of Human Resources, received the award on behalf of the Authority. The recognition took place during a ceremony honouring career fair participants and field training providers for their contributions to supporting students and graduates and preparing them for the labour market. The honour follows the General Tax Authority’s participation in Lusail University’s two-day career fair, which aimed to engage with students and graduates and introduce them to the Authority’s role and career opportunities in the tax sector, helping to attract national talent. The Authority is committed to strengthening cooperation with academic institutions and building connections with students and graduates to develop national capabilities and open career pathways that enable them to contribute to the advancement of the tax sector and the national economy.

The General Tax Authority, in cooperation with the Primary Health Care Corporation, organised an awareness event for its female employees to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of early detection and the screening options and services available. The event featured an information booth introducing available screenings and services and their target groups. A healthcare specialist answered employees’ questions and provided advice, offering reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their health. The event reflects the Authority’s commitment to enhancing the work environment through awareness initiatives that promote health literacy and encourage preventive practices.

The General Tax Authority participated in Lusail University’s two-day career fair to engage with students and graduates and introduce them to its role and career opportunities in the tax sector, supporting its efforts to attract national talent. The Authority’s team delivered a comprehensive presentation covering employment opportunities and career development pathways within the Authority. It highlighted the Authority’s motivating work environment, which encourages creativity and excellence and helps develop national talent to contribute effectively to Qatar’s economy. The event provided an opportunity to engage directly with students and graduates and answer their questions about the nature of work at the Authority and relevant fields of study, helping them gain a clearer understanding of their career paths and prepare to enter the labour market. This participation reflects the Authority’s commitment to introduce the tax sector as a promising career field and encouraging students and graduates to explore the opportunities it offers. It also contributes to developing qualified national talent that can play a role in advancing the tax system.

The Supreme Judicial Council and the General Tax Authority signed today, Tuesday, October 6, 2026, a memorandum aimed at strengthening institutional integration between the two entities and developing electronic connectivity procedures. The signing was attended by His Excellency Dr. Hassan bin Lahdan Al Hassan Al Muhannadi, President of the Supreme Judicial Council and President of the Court of Cassation, and His Excellency Mr. Khalifa bin Jassim Al Jaham Al Kuwari, President of the General Tax Authority. The Supreme Judicial Council was represented at the signing by His Excellency Judge Dr. Mohammed Imran Ali Al Kuwari, President of the Court of Appeal, while the General Tax Authority was represented by Mr. Ismail Mohammed Al Sayed Al Mansouri, Assistant President of the Authority for Support Services. The memorandum will contribute to enhancing procedural efficiency, expediting the completion of transactions, and supporting the work of judicial committees with joint jurisdiction, including the Tax Grievance Committee. It will also strengthen information exchange, support digital transformation efforts, and further develop the framework for joint operations. The memorandum also seeks to strengthen the partnership and coordination of efforts between the two entities, and to utilize electronic connectivity to improve workflows and enhance efficiency. This will support the achievement of their shared objectives and serve the public interest, in accordance with controls that ensure data quality and security while maintaining its confidentiality. Furthermore, the memorandum provides for expanding areas of cooperation in the future to include additional services and data as mutually agreed upon by both parties, keeping pace with technological developments and meeting the operational needs of both entities. The signing of the memorandum reaffirms the General Tax Authority’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with national institutions to support the digitization of services and the development of procedures, thereby contributing to greater efficiency in the services provided to taxpayers and improving their overall experience.

The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Finance, and the United Republic of Tanzania, represented by the Ministry of Finance, have signed an Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance. The Agreement was signed by HE Mr Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Qatari side, and HE Mr Khamis Mussa Omar, Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Tanzanian side. The Agreement aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework governing tax and financial relations between the State of Qatar and the United Republic of Tanzania, avoiding double taxation and curbing tax evasion, thereby contributing to a fair and stable tax environment, enhancing transparency and the exchange of information between the competent authorities, supporting the movement of capital, trade and investment, and broadening the prospects for economic and financial cooperation in a manner that serves the shared interests of both countries.

The General Tax Authority participated in the Fifth International Conference on Fiscal Policies and Economic Development in Qatar, organised by Qatar University in cooperation with the Authority, under the theme “Tax Transformation: Its Impact on Taxpayers and Tax Authorities”. The conference commenced today and will continue until 23 September 2026. It brings together a distinguished group of experts, researchers, representatives of international financial institutions, universities, government entities, and consultancy firms. His Excellency Mr Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Jaham Al-Kuwari, President of the General Tax Authority, delivered a keynote address during the opening session of the conference, in which he said: “The importance of this gathering stems from its role as a space for dialogue, where knowledge meets experience, and research meets practice; bringing together those who study policies, those who implement them, and those who are affected by their outcomes.” His Excellency continued: “For our part at the General Tax Authority, we focus on developing an efficient and reliable tax administration that facilitates procedures and develops digital services. We continue to develop capabilities and utilise data to support decision-making, and we view cooperation with Qatar University and research institutions as an important partnership in directing these efforts towards the priorities of the national economy and its needs.” The conference addressed tax transformation and the challenges facing taxpayers and tax authorities, as countries move towards strengthening the role of tax revenues in financing development. It discussed tax reform programmes, including the development of legislation and the modernisation of tax administration, with a focus on the requirements for restructuring tax systems in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, as well as ways to enhance taxpayer compliance and improve the efficiency of tax administration. The Authority’s participation reflects its commitment to linking institutional practice with scientific research and benefiting from the exchange of expertise in developing the national tax system. Its cooperation with Qatar University also demonstrates the importance of partnerships between government entities and academic institutions in examining implementation challenges and developing solutions that respond to the needs of the Qatari economy and support sustainable development goals.