DOHA: Qatar is entering a new era of corporate transparency and accountability as recent regulatory reforms and global reporting standards reshape the nation’s financial and business landscape, an expert said.
With the implementation of updated International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), new sustainability disclosure requirements, and the introduction of a strengthened governance code for listed companies, the country is reinforcing its commitment to aligning with international best practices.
These developments mark a significant step in Qatar’s journey toward building a more resilient, responsible, and globally competitive corporate environment.
“IFRS reshapes how an entity’s financial performance is presented, and its application is mandatory in Qatar,” Midhat Salha, Partner, Audit and Assurance Leader at Deloitte Middle East, told The Peninsula.
“A few requirements are worth emphasising. The first one relates to the aggregation and disaggregation of data, which addresses inconsistent practices related to the level of information provided to the users of financial statements.”
Recently, Deloitte held its 10th annual seminar in Qatar, bringing together finance professionals, regulators, and business leaders to discuss major developments in international accounting standards, sustainability reporting, and corporate governance.
Salha said, “The seminar acquires particular importance every year as it delves into key changes to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the local regulatory landscape, and key developments in the business world.
“This year was mostly about AI adoption by businesses in different industries and across business segments.”
Salha highlighted that the global business environment continues to evolve rapidly, emphasising that “the only constant is change as standards continue to evolve.”
The new standard is designed to enhance transparency and comparability across financial statements, enabling investors and regulators to more effectively assess the performance of companies operating in diverse sectors and jurisdictions.
Salha also discussed the introduction of IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, developed by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), a specialised body established in 2021 to create a global baseline for sustainability-related disclosures.
Salha underlined the issuance of a new governance code for listed entities by the Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) as a major step forward in enhancing transparency and investor confidence.
“One of the recent changes in the regulatory environment in the State of Qatar is the issuance of the new governance code for listed entities,” he said.
With global and regional governance frameworks continuing to evolve, the QFMA introduced a new governance code in August 2025, aligning Qatar’s practices more closely with international standards.
Salha further added, “As AI, sustainability, and digital transformation reshape industries, businesses must ensure they are not only compliant but also strategically positioned to leverage these changes for long-term growth.”
As Qatar continues to strengthen its financial ecosystem and align with international standards, experts agree that integrating advanced technology with robust governance frameworks will be vital in driving transparency, accountability, and investor confidence.
