Political System / Constitution / Constitutional Authorities / Council of Ministers

The people are the source of power, and they shall exercise the same in accordance with the provisions of the constitution. The system of government is based on the separation and collaboration of powers. The legislative authority is vested in the Advisory Council, while the executive authority shall be vested in the Emir assisted by the Council of Ministers as specified by the constitution. The judicial authority shall be vested in courts of law; and courts judgments shall be pronounced in the name of the Emir.

The Emir is the Head of State. His person shall be inviolable and he must be respected by all. The Emir is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. He shall supervise the same with the assistance of the Defense Council, which is set under his direct authority. The Emir shall represent the State internally and externally and in all international relations.

The Emir shall discharge the following functions:
1- Drawing up the general policy of the State with the assistance of the Council of Ministers.
2- Ratification and promulgation of laws; and no such law may be issued unless it is ratified by the Emir.
3- Summoning the Council of Ministers to convene at any time deemed necessary for public interest; and the Emir shall preside over the meetings of the Council of Ministers that he attends.
4- Appointment of civil servants and military personnel and terminating their service in accordance with the law.
5- Accrediting the heads of diplomatic and consular missions.
6- Granting pardon or commuting penalties in accordance with the law.
7- Conferring civilian and military orders and badges of honor in accordance with the law.
8- Establishing, organizing, supervising and specifying the functions of the consultative bodies that assist him in directing the high policies of the state.

His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani
Emir of the State of Qatar

Place and Date of Birth:
- July 3, 1980.

Academic Qualifications:
- Received the High School Certificate from Shireburn High School in the UK in 1997.
- Graduated from Sandhurst Military Academy in the UK in 1998.

Work Experience:
- Head of the Qatari National Olympic Committee.
- Member of the International Olympic Committee.
- Member of the Sports for All Committee, sub-committee of the International Olympic Committee.
- Head of the Organizing Committee of the ASIAD 2006 Games.
- Head of the Upper Council of the Environment and Natural Sanctuaries.
- Participated in a number of regional and international conferences and accompanied HH the Emir to a number of official visits to countries.
- He has been Heir Apparent of State of Qatar since 5th August 2003.

Medals and Orders:
- The Issa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa's Order of Merit-Excellence Class, Kingdom of Bahrain 2004.
- The Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan Medal of Honor, UAE 2004.
- The OCA Award of Merit, The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)2007.