Civil Code.

The Civil Code currently in force in Qatar was adopted by Law No. 22 of 2004. It replaces the Civil and Commercial Law promulgated by Law No. 16 of 1971, whose provisions are now repealed. The Code lays down a comprehensive legal framework that governs civil transactions and legal relations in Qatar. It is composed of the following Books: I) General provisions (this Part lays down definitions, scope, and application of the law, and sets out rules on the formation, interpretation and validity of legal acts); II) Obligations and contracts; III) Real rights; IV) Family law; V) Property and personal rights; VI) Civil liability; VII) Miscellaneous.
OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS. As mentioned, Book II establishes general principles of obligations, including their sources and types. As to contracts, the Code regulates their formation, execution and termination. Rules for various types of contracts such as sales, leases, loans and insurance are laid down. It is worth noticing that, among certain types of lease, special provisions regulate lease of agricultural lands (see article 638). As a general rule, leased lands shall be utilized as agreed. In the absence of such agreement, the tenant shall utilize them according to their nature and as required by farming practice and, in particular, he shall ensure that such lands remain productive. Without the consent of the landlord, the tenant may not make to the applicable means of utilization thereof any material change that may survive the lease.Lease of farming lands shall not, unless the lease contract provides otherwise, include the cattle, tools and equipment associated with farming. Where the lease includes the foregoing, the tenant shall take good care thereof and attend to their proper maintenance.
PROPERTY AND REAL RIGHTS. Book III regulates: a) rights and obligations related to ownership; b) principles governing possession and its legal protection; c) real securities, including mortgages and pledges. Further provisions on movable and immovable property are laid down under Book V, which also covers intellectual property.
INHERITANCE. Inheritance and wills are regulated under Book IV.
LIVESTOCK. Cattle and farming tools owned by the landlord which are found on the land at the time of contracting shall form part of the crop-sharing contract (article 651).
WATER. According to article 642 on lease, the tenant shall make such repairs as required for the usual utilization of the leased land and, in particular, he shall undertake the usual maintenance of the wells, waterways and buildings allocated for accommodation or utilization.