Independence and later (1971–2000)

Under an agreement with the United Kingdom,[89][90] on 3 September 1971, the "special
treaty arrangements" that were "inconsistent with full international responsibility as a
sovereign and independent state" were terminated.[90]

Traditional dhows in front of the West Bay skyline as

seen from the Doha Corniche.
In 1991, Qatar played a significant role in the Gulf War, particularly during the Battle of
Khafji in which Qatari tanks rolled through the streets of the town and provided fire support
for Saudi Arabian National Guard units that were engaging Iraqi Army troops. Qatar
allowed coalition troops from Canada to use the country as an airbase to launch aircraft
on combat air patrol duty and also permitted air forces from the United States and France
to operate in its territories.[40]
In 1995, Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani seized control of the country from his
father Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, with the support of the armed forces and cabinet, as
well as neighbouring states[91] and France.[92] Under Emir Hamad, Qatar experienced a
moderate degree of liberalisation, including the launch of the Al Jazeera television station
(1996), the endorsement of women's suffrage or right to vote in municipal elections (1999),
drafting its first written constitution (2005) and inauguration of a Roman Catholic church
(2008).[citation needed]
21st century
Qatar's economy and status as a regional power rapidly grew in the 2000s. According to
the UN, the nation's economic growth, measured by GDP, was the fastest in the world
during this decade.[93][94] The basis of this growth lay in the exploitation of natural gas in the
North Field during the 1990s. At the same time, the population tripled between 2001 and
2011, mostly from an influx of foreigners.[95]
In 2003, Qatar served as the United States Central Command headquarters and one of the
main launching sites of the invasion of Iraq.[96] In March 2005, a suicide bombing killed a
British teacher[97] at the Doha Players Theatre, shocking the country, which had not
previously experienced acts of terrorism. The bombing was carried out by Omar Ahmed
Abdullah Ali, an Egyptian resident in Qatar who had suspected ties to Al-Qaeda in the
Arabian Peninsula.[98][99] The increased influence of Qatar and its role during the Arab
Spring, especially during the Bahraini uprising in 2011, worsened longstanding tensions
with Saudi Arabia, the neighboring United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.[citation needed]
In 2010, Qatar won the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, making it the first country in
the Middle East to be selected to host the tournament. The awarding increased further
investment and developments within the nation during the 2010s.[100] In June 2013,
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani became the emir of Qatar after his father handed over
power.[101] Sheikh Tamim has prioritised improving the domestic welfare of citizens, which
includes establishing advanced healthcare and education systems, and expanding the
country's infrastructure in preparation for the hosting of the 2022 World Cup.[102] Qatar
hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup from 21 November to 18 December, becoming the first
Arab and Muslim-majority country to do so, and the third Asian country to host it following
the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea.[103]

Politics
Main article: Politics of Qatar

Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

Emir since 2013

Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz Al Thani

Prime Minister since 2020

Qatar is officially a semi-constitutional monarchy,[104][105] but the wide powers retained by the
monarchy have it bordering an absolute monarchy[106][107] ruled by the Al Thani
family.[108][109] The Al Thani dynasty has been ruling Qatar since the family house was
established in 1825.[3] In 2003, Qatar adopted a constitution that provided for the direct
election of 30 of the 45 members of a legislature.[3][110][111] The constitution was
overwhelmingly approved in a referendum, with almost 98% in favour.[112][113] Despite this,
the government remains authoritarian.[114][6] According to the V-Dem Democracy
indices Qatar is 2023 the second least electoral democratic country in the Middle
East.[115] Qatari law does not permit the establishment of political bodies or trade unions.[116]

Amiri Diwan of the State of Qatar, administrative

office of the Emir.
The eighth emir of Qatar is Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.[117] The emir has the exclusive
power to appoint the prime minister and cabinet ministers who, together, constitute the
Council of Ministers, which is the supreme executive authority in the country.[118] The
Council of Ministers also initiates legislation.[118]
The Consultative Assembly is made up of 30 popularly-elected members and 15 appointed
by the emir. It can block legislation with a simple majority and can dismiss ministers,
including the prime minister, with a two-thirds vote. The assembly had its first elections in
October 2021 after several postponements.[119][120][121]
Law
According to Qatar's Constitution, Sharia law is the main source of Qatari
legislation,[122][123] although in practice Qatar's legal system is a mixture of civil law and
Sharia.[124][125] Sharia is applied to family law, inheritance, and several criminal acts
(including adultery, robbery, and murder). In some cases, Sharia-based family courts treat
a female's testimony as being worth half that of a man.[126] Codified family law was
introduced in 2006. Islamic polygyny is permitted.[92]
Judicial corporal punishment is a punishment in Qatar. Only Muslims considered medically
fit are liable to have such sentences carried out. Flogging is employed as a punishment for
alcohol consumption or illicit sexual relations.[127] Article 88 of the criminal code declares
that the penalty for adultery is 100 lashes.[128] Stoning is a legal punishment in
Qatar,[129] and apostasy and homosexuality are crimes punishable by the death penalty;
however, the penalty has not been carried out for either crime.[130][131] Blasphemy can result
in up to seven years in prison, while proselytising can incur a 10-year sentence.[130][132]
Alcohol consumption is partially legal; some five-star luxury hotels are allowed to sell
alcohol to non-Muslim customers.[133][134] Muslims are not allowed to consume alcohol, and
those caught consuming it are liable to flogging or deportation. Non-Muslim expatriates can
obtain a permit to purchase alcohol for personal consumption. The Qatar Distribution
Company (a subsidiary of Qatar Airways) is permitted to import alcohol and pork; it
operates the only liquor store in the country, which also sells pork to holders of liquor
licences.[135][136] Qatari officials had indicated a willingness to allow alcohol in "fan zones" at
the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[137] However, on 18 November, two days before the start of the
games, Qatari officials announced alcoholic beverages would not be permitted within the
stadiums.[138]
In 2014, a modesty campaign was launched to remind tourists of the country's restrictive
dress code.[139] Female tourists were advised not to wear leggings, miniskirts, sleeveless
dresses, or short or tight clothing in public. Men were warned against wearing shorts and
singlets.[140]