Business laws governing websites
Can anyone help me with reliable information on the laws and regulations covering websites doing business in Qatar?
I am looking into setting up a website covering the Middle East. It will enable members to download disocunt vouchers for use in shops, cafe etc. The website will cover Qatar initially, but quickly include Dubai Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.
The business will be registered abroad and no people will be emplyed in Qatar. I am seeking clarification on the business laws regarding what constitutes a Qatar business and therefore needs a sponsor.
So far I have had no luck telephoning the Ministry for Business and Trade - wrong numbers, answer phones and people who do not know!
Any help and official clarification would be greatly appreciated!!!
I think web businesses are global business with of course different stands taken by different governments on that business and you got to customize accordingly. The only thing you need to worry about is it does not promote anyting that is illegal or questionable. Even if your business is found to be promoting something that is perceived illegal in Qatar, the owners name should not be given to interpol instead your url might be fed into the local ISP's blocking filter. IMHO, if you don't operate your business from a brick and mortar office located in Qatar and you don't have a local representative you need not worry about any local legalities apart from the obvious ones. So hurry up, else your idea will be hijacked.
Exactly, it would make sense to have EVERYTHING written and clear....can't remember the amount of times I wondered aimlessly around various ministries trying to get information from anyone!You will NOT get a definitive answer, and that's a guarantee based on experience.As for your business, there is an opportunity here right now, but the window is closing fast. Aside from the Entertainer (not online vouchers I know), you have gonabit who as far as I know are looking to have a presence here. Being on the ground will give them a serious advantage. It's costly to set up an actual entity here, but it will also convince people you are serious about doing business in Qatar.Anyway, good luck with it. Doha is still quite an expensive place to live, so vouchers are always a welcome bonus!
Have you observed how many questions on visas are asked here? Wouldn't it be easy if the government would tell everybody what was required? How come they don't do it? They don't give a shyte, that's why.
Thanks Doha brit - the general feedback i have got is that it should be ok. But, I would feel more comfortable if i was able to get some sort of legal clarity before launching, as it would make me more at ease. Yes, vouchers will be printed online and payments via paypal.
how can it be so hard to get info from the Ministry?!!
(i don't expect a serious answer to that question!!)
I don't believe there is anything in place to stop this legally, and frankly, it would be very hard to police. I would say it will be almost impossible to find a trustworthy and accurate answer. That said, businesses to operate here online, such as amazon. As for phoning the ministry....forget it! It's hard enough to get information in person!I'm assuming your vouchers will be printed online, and payment will be by CC or PayPal...personally I don't see a problem.However, if someone here did get the hump....I guess they could block your site...
That's the problem - no-one seems to be clear on the laws but i do not want to launch the website then get pulled up on a legality in 6 months time! Someone in the Ministry must know - but getting tot hat person is proving difficult. Anyone got any business lawyers to recommend?
Man, if the guys in the Ministry don't know, who do you think will know?