Qatar Cabinet approves foreigner property rule

Qatar's Cabinet on Wednesday approved proposals to allow foreigners to own property and be granted residency at the same time, according to an official statement.

Non-Qataris would be allowed to fully own property in 10 unspecified areas of the country, said a statement from the Qatar News Agency.

"The Cabinet agrees to allow non-Qatari ownership of residential villas within residential complexes and to allow non-Qatari ownership of shops within commercial complexes," said the QNA.

The law also covers commercial property. 

The government will identify 16 areas in the country where property contracts could be held over a period of 99 years.

The Cabinet also agreed on "granting residence to non-Qatari owners of real estate", the QNA reported.

Foreign property ownership has been allowed in Qatar previously but under tight regulation. It was also thought to be restricted to one area to the north of the capital Doha.

It is not yet clear when the new law will come into force.

The Cabinet said it would hold a press conference next week to give further details. 

The move comes as gas-rich Qatar seeks further investment in its economy, especially the faltering property sector, as it remains isolated by neighbouring former allies in a long-running Gulf diplomatic dispute.

Saudi Arabia, the United Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt are among countries who have cut ties in protest at Qatar's alleged "support" for terrorism and Iran.

However, World Cup 2022 host Qatar denies the charges and says its neighbours want regime change in Doha.

Qatar has also come under intense international pressure and scrutiny for its treatment of foreign labour workers since it won the right to host the World Cup, for which it has said it is spending $500 million a week on major infrastructure projects.