Corporate governance in Qatar: A comparative analysis

Abstract

This article provides an overview and brief comparative analysis on the degree of compliance of Qatar’s corporate governance framework with the OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2004. The objective of the article is to formulate a number of specific recommendations to the QFMA which will further strengthen the corporate governance framework in Qatar. In 2009 the Qatar Financial Market Authority (QFMA) introduced the Corporate Governance Code (the QFMA Code). Driving the introduction was the recognition by the Qatari authorities of the importance of having a well-structured and mandated corporate governance framework to provide a platform for market integrity and efficiency as well as to facilitate economic growth.1 While the QFMA Code is not yet prescriptive, it encourages listed companies to consider and voluntarily implement the policies to the extent appropriate, having regard the company’s particular circumstances.