Qatar activates GCC funds passporting regime from December 2026

The Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) has implemented Qatar's participation in the GCC framework for passporting financial products. This will enable investment funds established in Qatar to be marketed and sold in other GCC states, and for funds established in other GCC states to be sold in Qatar, subject to meeting local regulatory requirements. The Framework is expected to come into effect on 1 December 2026.

Key aspects of the new regime include: Fund managers in other GCC states that wish to passport funds into Qatar must register with the QFMA and appoint a local representative in Qatar. Fund managers in Qatar that wish to passport funds out of Qatar must register with the QFMA and comply with the requirements of the target GCC state. The QFMA may object to the registration of an incoming fund on certain grounds, including if the fund's documentation is incomplete or if the fund manager is not regulated in its home state.

The decision also sets out ongoing obligations for passporting fund managers, such as the requirement to notify the QFMA of any material changes to the fund or its manager. The Framework is expected to increase competition and choice for investors in the region.