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Competition Law Services in

Qatar

Ensuring fair play in the market. We manage Economic Concentration filings (Mergers & Acquisitions) and anti-monopoly compliance with the Competition Protection Committee.

Check Filing Requirements

As free markets expand in Qatar, the Competition Protection Department (MOCI) enforces regulations to prevent monopolies. Under Law No. 19 of 2006, economic concentration filings are mandatory for transactions affecting market control.

Role of Competition Committee

The Competition Protection and Anti-Monopoly Practices Committee (under MOCI) is charged with supervising the implementation of Law No. 19 of 2006. Its primary goal is to promote fair competition and combat monopolistic practices.

Economic Concentration: Refers to any transaction that results in a change of control or domination of the market. Notification is mandatory if the deal affects competition in Qatar.

Our Filing Services

We handle the complex economic and legal documentation required for clearance.

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Merger Filings Preparing and submitting the 'Notification of Economic Concentration' to MOCI.
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Jurisdictional Assessment Analyzing turnover to determine if a mandatory filing is triggered.
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Exemption Requests Applying for exemptions for practices that improve production or distribution.
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Compliance Training Educating corporate teams on avoiding anti-competitive behaviors (e.g., price fixing).

Clearance Procedure

A typical GAC notification follows these statutory steps:

Pre-Filing Optional consultation with GAC to confirm filing requirements and scope.

Notification Submission of the complete file before completion of the transaction.

Review Period The Committee has 90 days to issue a decision on the application.

Decision Outcome issued: Approval, Conditional Approval (with remedies), or Rejection.

Anti-Competitive Practices

Beyond mergers, GAC strictly prohibits:

Price Fixing or Collusion
Market Splitting / Allocation
Bid Rigging in Tenders

Abuse of Dominant Market Position
Predatory Pricing
Resale Price Maintenance

Mandatory Filing Thresholds

You MUST file for GAC clearance if your transaction involves:

Market Dominance

If the entity acquires a position of dominance or ability to control prices.

Control

The transaction results in a permanent change of control (e.g., acquiring voting rights).

Nexus

There is a local nexus to Qatar (e.g., sales or assets within the State).

Why Comply?

Avoid Penalties Fines for non-filing can reach up to 10% of total annual sales.
Deal Security MOCI approval provides legal certainty that the transaction will not be challenged.
Global Alignment Coordination with other competition authorities if filing in multiple jurisdictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Filing fees are subject to current regulations. Please contact us for the latest fee schedule.

The statutory period is 90 days from the date of a complete application, but simple cases are often cleared faster (approx. 30-45 days).

Yes, if the parties meets the turnover threshold and have a nexus (tangible economic effect) in Qatar, a filing is required even if the merger happens abroad.

If GAC rejects a merger due to anti-competitive concerns, the decision can be appealed before the administrative courts in Qatar.

Secure Your Merger Clearance

Ensure compliance with Qatar Competition Law. Contact us for a filing assessment.

Start GAC Filing

Competition Law Services in Qatar