Qatar Culture Ministry slashes licence fees for culture and media sector
Author: Paulina Zalewska-Dzieciuchowicz – Country Manager, Qatar, at PRO Partner Group
The Qatar Ministry of Culture announced, on 28 January, a wholescale reduction in all licence fees relating to the cultural and media sector, reflecting its commitment to supporting the cultural and media economy while enhancing the performance of cultural, media and creative industries.
For Advertising and Public Relations, the fee for issuing a business licence has been reduced by 80% from QAR25,000 (c. USD7,000) to QAR5,000. The renewal fee has also been halved from QAR10,000 to QAR5,000.
For Publishing Houses, the fee for issuing a business licence has been reduced by 98.5% from QAR100,000 to QAR1,500. The renewal fee has also been cut from QAR10,000 to QAR1,500.
For Cinemas, the fee has been reduced by 87.5% from QAR200,000 to QAR25,000. The renewal fee has also been cut from QAR50,000 to QAR25,000.
For Major Print Houses, the fee has been reduced by 87.5% from QAR200,000 to QAR25,000. The renewal fee has also been cut from QAR50,000 to QAR25,000.
For Artistic Productions, the fee has been reduced by 80% from QAR25,000 to QAR5,000. The renewal fee has also been cut from QAR10,000 to QAR5,000.
For Artistic Works, the fee has been reduced by 75% from QAR10,000 to QAR2,500. The renewal fee has also been cut from QAR5,000 to QAR2,500.
For Importing, Exporting and Distribution of Printed Materials, the fee has been reduced by 90% from QAR15,000 to QAR1,500. The renewal fee has also been cut from QAR3,000 to QAR1,500.
“As Qatar strives to continue its successes as a destination of choice for travel and tourism since hosting internationally spectated events such as the FIFA World Cup back in 2022, and most recently the AFC Asian Cup earlier this year. The significant reduction of licensing fees by the Ministry of Culture for the culture and media sector in Qatar is an indicator that the country is eager to support investment and entrepreneurship into this industry.
This encouragement and easing of access for culture and media-related business licenses aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030s aims to foster non-oil business activity, and economic development in the country.”
