The Qatar Financial Centre (“QFC”) has taken a significant step towards updating its judicial procedures.
On 4 June 2025, it introduced a new set of procedural rules which reflect the specialist international Court’s desire to modify its procedures so to ensure they align with international standards and maintain processes that are efficient, transparent and user friendly. . The changes are welcomed by those using the specialist international commercial court;
What changes are being brought in?
Default Judgment
The introduction, for the first time, of the QFC’s power to issue a Judgment in Default in a monetary claim, without a hearing, where a Defendant has not responded to the Claim. The changes include a right, for the Defendant, to apply to set aside Judgment in Default, where the claim has a real prospect of being successfully defended or where there is another compelling reason for setting aside the Judgment in Default.
Reduced Claim Form Validity period
A claim form is now valid for service for only 60 days (it was previously four months), from the date of issue by the QFC. This is aimed at progressing litigation more promptly – a far shorter timeframe than is seen in other jurisdictions e.g. in England where Claimants have four months to serve a claim form.
Service
The rules add a new method of service to those previously prescribed by the rules. Namely, that service of proceedings at a party’s “national address” (i.e. that registered with the Ministry of Interior) will constitute good service under the QFC’s rules.
Electronic Service
The rules confirm that a Claim Form can be served electronically where the QFC has granted permission.
Court Hours
The QFC’s hours are now 08.00 – 16.00 (Doha time) and the updated rules confirm that filings received after 16.00 will be deemed lodged on the next business day.
Streamlined Appeal Process
The QFC have introduced a more streamlined appeal process which is intended to clarify and simplify the process for applying for permission for appeal. The rules confirm that a bench of three Judges will consider an application for permission to appeal, on the papers, before granting permission to appeal. This is with a view to ensuring that only appeals which have a genuine prospect of success take up court time / judicial resources.
The updated rules provide more clarity to QFC users and assist with litigation being conducted efficiently and more cost effectively.
Maria Koureas-Jones, Partner at Francis Wilks & Jones
At Francis Wilks & Jones, we monitor legal developments in key commercial courts around the world. As users of the QFC, we welcome the clarity that comes from the updated rules. These changes at the QFC are a welcome step towards a more efficient and internationally aligned dispute resolution process. If you are involved in cross-border disputes or are considering dispute forum clauses in international contracts, our experienced team can guide you through the options to protect your interests.
