Introduction

With  increasing usage of the English language  in schools, businesses, restaurants and for that matter, daily interactions, the government of the State of Qatar has taken the initiative to ensure that the Arabic language is protected through legislation in the Protection of Arabic Language, Law No. (7) of 2019 (the “Arabic Language Law”).

Scope of Application

Arabic Language Law is primarily  applicable to governmental entities, and public institutions; however, private entities are also addressed in the Arabic Language Law in that i, private institutions (whether their objectives are for public benefit or not) associations as well as entities with budgets funded by the State, are also subject to the legislation.   All of these entities are obliged to use Arabic language in their meetings, discussions, conferences, correspondences, advertisements, and contracts.

Education & Research

Furthermore, the Arabic Language Law stipulates that Arabic language is the language of education in public educational institutions unless the taught subjects cannot be given in Arabic.  With respect to private educational institution,  the Arabic language is required to be taught as a main subject, pursuant to the regulations issued by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education or the board of a university trustees as the case may be.

Research papers funded by public or private institutions should be written in Arabic. However, if it is written in a foreign language, researcher shall publish a summary in Arabic.

Company’s Name, Trademark & Products

Trademarks, tradenames, stamps and medals shall be written in Arabic language. A foreign translation to such names is permitted along with the Arabic name however  the Arabic shall prevail.

Information related to products shall be written down in Arabic, and a foreign translation is permitted along with the Arabic text.

Violation

A violation of the law could subject its perpetrator to up to QAR 50,000 fine. In addition, the manager in charge of an entity can be punished with the same penalty.

Effective Date

The law has granted all entities subject to it to comply within 6 months of its application. Such grace period will end by August 14, 2019. In any event, such grace period could be extended by a Council of Ministers resolution.

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About Al-Ansari & Associates

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