His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State, issued Law No. (22) of 2025 regarding Persons with Disabilities, following its ratification by the Council of Ministers and approval by the Shura Council. The Law assigns the Ministry of Social Development and Family the responsibility of overseeing its implementation, in coordination with the competent authorities across the State.

This Law reflects the State of Qatar's firm commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and ensuring their full and effective participation in society. It does so through an integrated system of legislation and policies that institutionalize the principles of social justice and equal opportunities.

The Law’s provisions apply to all relevant entities, including Ministries, government agencies, public bodies and institutions, the National Committee concerned with Women, Children, the Elderly, and Persons with Disabilities, organizations for persons with disabilities, special education institutions, and medical, social, and vocational rehabilitation centers, in addition to digital accessibility authorities.

The Law stipulates a number of fundamental principles, notably:

• Enabling persons with disabilities to access the physical environment and transportation, while ensuring that public designs are suitable for their use.
• Prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability and mandating reasonable accommodation.
• Guaranteeing the independence of persons with disabilities and their right to freely make their own choices.

The Law aims to fully integrate persons with disabilities into all sectors of society by:

• Providing educational opportunities at all stages commensurate with their abilities.
• Making employment opportunities available in the government and private sectors, and allocating specific quotas of jobs for them according to mechanisms adopted by the Council of Ministers.
• Issuing special identification cards that allow them to benefit from legally prescribed facilities and advantages.
• Ensuring access to healthcare, medical, social, and vocational rehabilitation services.
• Securing digital accessibility and facilitating their access to information technology.
• Supporting their participation in cultural, sports, and recreational life.

The Law emphasizes safeguarding the civil and political rights of persons with disabilities, including freedom of movement, opinion and expression, forming a family, and participation in elections, associations, and institutions. It confirms that the freedom of a person with a disability may not be restricted except within the limits required by their condition, while explicitly prohibiting all forms of violence or exploitation.

The Law also includes deterrent penalties to protect these rights, stipulating punishment for any violation with imprisonment for up to six months and a fine not exceeding QR 100,000. In certain cases, especially those involving neglect, exploitation, or abuse, the fine may reach up to QR 500,000. Furthermore, the Law holds officials in administrative bodies accountable for any failure or negligence in applying its provisions.

The Law mandates competent authorities to establish a unified national database for persons with disabilities and to issue identification cards that facilitate their access to privileges and services. This embodies Qatar's vision to promote social justice, entrench the values of inclusion and empowerment, and ensure a dignified life for all.

On this occasion, Her Excellency Mrs. Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Social Development and Family, affirmed that the issuance of the new Law on Persons with Disabilities marks a pivotal point in the State of Qatar's journey to protect and promote human rights. She emphasized that the Law goes beyond care, firmly establishing the principle of empowerment and full participation for persons with disabilities in all areas of life, recognizing them as active partners in development and future-building. This legislation reflects the State of Qatar's unwavering commitment to upholding the values of justice and equality for all members of society, affirming that everyone is a partner in shaping a better tomorrow.

The Ministry of Social Development and Family is committed, in coordination with relevant authorities, to establishing a unified national database for persons with disabilities, preparing the approved national classification, and issuing their special identification cards, which will contribute to providing accurate statistics to support future policies and plans. Additionally, persons with disabilities are exempted from taxes and fees on specialized rehabilitative, medical, educational, and technical equipment and tools, as well as on adapted private transport vehicles. Special education and rehabilitation centers and their organizations are also exempted from registration, licensing, and renewal fees.

The issuance of this Law is a strategic step towards building a more inclusive and just society. The Ministry of Social Development and Family seeks to translate it into a tangible reality in collaboration with all national partners, making it a significant landmark in the State's journey towards empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring a brighter future for them and their families, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and its humanitarian and international commitments.