E-Participation Overview

E-participation is a cornerstone of Qatar’s commitment to fostering transparency, inclusivity, and participatory governance. By leveraging digital technologies, the Qatari government actively engages citizens and residents in decision-making processes, ensuring that public services and policies align with the needs and aspirations of the community.

E-Participation Statement

The State of Qatar is dedicated to enhancing public engagement through Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs). This commitment is reflected in the e-Participation Policy, which aims to institutionalize e-participation practices across government agencies, thereby improving transparency and public involvement in policymaking.

E-Participation Policy

The e-Participation Policy in Qatar aims to foster a culture of engagement across government agencies by enhancing transparency and encouraging active participation from citizens and residents. This policy supports Qatar’s national development goals by enabling individuals to engage in governance processes, particularly in the political, social, and economic spheres. It aligns with Qatar's Third National Development Strategy, which recognizes that public participation is essential for building a prosperous society. By utilizing information and communication technologies, the policy facilitates informed decision-making, improves services, and strengthens governance through active dialogue and collaboration with the public.
For more information, please check the E-Participation Policy.

E-Participation Platforms (Sharek)

Sharek is Qatar's unified government platform designed to enhance digital interaction between citizens, residents, and visitors with government entities. Its primary goal is to bridge the gap between the public and government agencies by gathering feedback on public services and enabling effective solutions to streamline processes. These efforts align with Qatar's strategic direction and the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Key features include unified communication channels for seamless interaction with multiple government entities and a performance dashboard that tracks service centers’ performance and customer satisfaction. Sharek supports digital participation by enabling public input on policies, legislation, and services, aligning with Qatar's strategic vision for collaborative governance and service excellence.

Forums

Sharek platform offers a variety of forums where citizens and residents can engage in general discussions that would be of interest to the public. These forums provide a space for individuals to share their perspectives, debate ideas, and contribute to national conversations. For more information, please visit the Forums page.

Surveys

Sharek provides a platform for surveys dedicated to government agencies that are interested in collecting public opinions on various issues. These surveys are instrumental in shaping policies and services that reflect the collective preferences and needs of the population. By participating, citizens have a direct impact on the formulation of initiatives that affect their daily lives.
For more information, please visit the Surveys page.

Polls

Through Sharek, citizens can participate in various polls that gauge public sentiment on current topics. These polls are designed to be quick and accessible, providing immediate insights into the community's views and helping to guide government actions accordingly.
For more information, please visit the Polls page.

Consultations

Sharek facilitates consultations, allowing citizens to review and provide feedback on proposed policies, legislation and services. This process ensures that public input is considered in the development of laws and regulations, promoting transparency and inclusiveness in governance. Through these features, Sharek empowers citizens and residents to actively participate in Qatar's governance, fostering a collaborative environment for national development.
For more information, please visit the Open Policies Consultation page.

Freedom of Accessing Information

In 2022, Qatar took a significant step toward enhancing government transparency by enacting Law No. (9) of 2022 on the Right to Access Information. This law establishes a comprehensive framework that balances public access to information with the protection of sensitive data and national interests.
Under this legislation, Qatari citizens and residents have the right to request information from government entities, public institutions, and state-owned companies. The law requires these organizations to respond to information requests within 15 days and mandates the automatic publication of key organizational information, including services, policies, and procedures.
However, this right to information is carefully structured with clear boundaries. The law includes specific protections for national security, personal privacy, and commercial confidentiality. Sensitive information related to state security, international relations, or ongoing investigations is explicitly protected from disclosure.
To ensure compliance, the law includes both enforcement mechanisms and penalties. Organizations must establish dedicated administrative units to handle information requests, while violations can result in significant fines and, in serious cases involving national security, imprisonment.
This legislation aligns with Qatar's broader commitment to administrative transparency and good governance, while maintaining necessary safeguards for sensitive information. The law provides a structured process for accessing public information while protecting both individual privacy and national interests.

E-Voting and Elections

How to Vote

Qatar has implemented multiple convenient voting methods to ensure maximum participation from eligible citizens. Qatari citizens can either vote in person in designated polling stations or through digital voting via Metrash

In-Person Voting

Visit designated polling stations during election day.
Present your valid QID.
Verify your eligibility in the electoral register.
Receive your ballot.
Cast your vote in private voting booths.
Submit your completed ballot in the official ballot box.

Digital Voting through Metrash

Log in to your Metrash account.
Navigate to the Elections section.
Select your constituency.
View candidate information.
Cast your secure digital vote.

After following these steps, you will receive confirmation for your vote submission.

Eligibility Requirements

To vote in elections, the Qatari citizen must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Be registered in the electoral register.
Have a valid QID.

Government Excellence Program

Government Excellence Program

The Government Excellence Program is a pivotal initiative aimed at elevating the quality and efficiency of public services in Qatar. Its vision is to achieve world-leading and sustainable government excellence aligned with national standards. The mission focuses on enhancing the customer experience through leading sustainable government transformation with innovative capabilities and fostering a culture of excellence within government entities.

History and Development

The Excellence Program has a rich history in Qatar, marked by continuous training and workshops designed to instill a culture of excellence within government entities. These efforts have been instrumental in driving sustainable government transformation and improving public service delivery.

Qatar Government Excellence Model

At the heart of the program is the Qatar Government Excellence Model, a comprehensive framework that guides government entities toward achieving excellence. This model serves as a benchmark for assessing performance and implementing best practices across various sectors.

Training and Workshops

The program offers continuous training and workshops covering topics such as:

Introduction to the Government Excellence Program
Challenges and solutions in achieving excellence
Principles of excellence
Overview of global and regional excellence programs
Detailed understanding of the Qatar Government Excellence Model and its assessment tools

These educational initiatives are designed to equip government employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute effectively to the nation's development.

Participation

Government entities are encouraged to participate in the Government Excellence Program by engaging with the assessment tools and attending the training sessions provided. This participation is crucial for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and achieving the program's vision of world-leading government excellence.
Through the Government Excellence Program, Qatar reaffirms its commitment to delivering high-quality public services and promoting a culture of excellence within its government institutions.
For more information, please visit Government Excellence Program page.

Social Media Channels

The Qatari government maintains active social media channels to disseminate information and engage with the public. Platforms such as X, Facebook, and Instagram are utilized to share updates, gather feedback, and foster a sense of community among citizens.

Vulnerable Groups

Ensuring that all segments of society have access to e-participation is a priority. Initiatives are in place to enhance digital accessibility for persons with disabilities, ensuring that information, communications, and technology products and services are inclusive. Additionally, efforts are made to increase digital literacy and skills across various demographics, promoting equitable participation in the digital governance landscape.
For more information about the specific measures for enabling the participation of vulnerable groups, please read more about Digital Inclusion in Qatar for All page.
By integrating e-participation mechanisms with its inclusion policies, Qatar ensures that all individuals, regardless of age, gender, or background, have a platform to influence governance. This digital approach to participatory democracy fosters transparency, inclusivity, and collective growth in alignment with Qatar's Sustainable Development Goals.

Live and Upcoming Events

Explore current and future E-participation events through the homepage of Sharek platform.

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