By Ramesh Mathew/Staff Reporter


A proper understanding of Qatar’s legal system is essential particularly for the expatriate communities to make their life hassle-free and more comfortable, speakers at the fifth Round Table for the local communities, hosted by the Doha International Centre for Inter-Faith Dialogue (Dicid) said yesterday.
“The legal culture of the State of Qatar” was the topic of discussion at the meeting hosted by the Dicid in co-ordination with the College of Law at the University of Qatar at La Cigale Hotel.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dicid, Dr Ibrahim al-Nuaimi, said better understanding of the local legal culture and awareness would not only help expatriates understand the country’s culture and traditions better but would also contribute to better relations with the nationals.
Al-Nuaimi said as in any other country it is because of the prevalence of such a judicial system and culture that the people are able to lead a trouble-free life in Qatar.
“It (judicial setup) not only guarantees justice to everyone but also ensures peaceful co-existence among people of different cultures and faiths,” said al-Nuaimi.
Speaking earlier, Bill Schwartz, Vicar of the Anglican Church of Epiphany in Qatar and a long-time resident of the country, said more than the existence of a legal system what matters is its proper implementation for making their lives comfortable.
Schwartz is also a member of the steering committee of the country’s churches.
He referred to the stringent traffic laws, which he said promoted better driving among the residents. But still there have been numerous cases of violations which are wholly unattended to.
The speaker said Qatar is a non-secular country, the constitutional foundations of which are based on the principles of Shariah and it is welcome indeed that its Constitution guarantees a legal system that accords and upholds the rights of all residents.
The vicar urged the authorities to work together with agencies and forums to further improve the working and living conditions of its expatriate labour force.
Dean of the College of Law Dr Mohamed A al-Khulaifi said law is the core and backbone of all development and it is one’s respect for the law and its awareness that promotes better relations and understanding among people.
Al-Khulaifi also called upon the expatriates to have a better understanding of the Qatari legal system so that they can develop a common ground with the local society.