In Qatar, Islamic insurance has been a segment regulated by Qatar Central Bank since Law No. 13 of 2012. According to the QFC, takaful contributions reached 1.9 billion dollars at the end of 2024, or 11% of the country's total premiums.
Supervision entrusted to the central bank
Since Law No. 13 of 2012, Qatar Central Bank has supervised both conventional insurance and takaful through its Insurance Supervision Department. Article 78 of that law contains the first provisions specific to takaful, which gave the sector an explicit legal basis.
The special case of the Qatar Financial Centre
Companies established in the Qatar Financial Centre fall under the QFC Regulatory Authority, which is itself bound by central bank decisions; Article 77 of the 2012 law covers takaful carried out within the QFC. Listed insurers also answer to the QFMA.
An older general insurance law
The foundation of Qatari insurance law remains Law No. 1 of 1966, amended in 1971 and again in 2008. The 2012 takaful provisions sit on top of it, so an Islamic contract must comply with both the common rules and sharia requirements.
A mandatory sharia committee
Every Qatari takaful company must have its own sharia committee, responsible for approving products and investments. Before signing, ask about its membership and rulings, then compare them with the role described in the sharia committee of a takaful operator.
Qatar Islamic Insurance Company, a pioneer since 1995
Active since 1995, QIIC is the largest takaful operator in the country, with 29% of contributions in 2024. Together with Damaan Islamic Insurance Company, known as Beema, and Al Khaleej Takaful, it holds around 81% of the market, according to the QFC report.
Other companies in the market
Beema has been listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange since January 2023. General Takaful belongs to Qatar General Insurance & Reinsurance, and Doha Takaful, founded in 2018, to Doha Insurance Group, while MedGulf Takaful and Seib Insurance & Reinsurance are licensed by the QFCRA.
A subsidiary in liquidation worth watching
Al Khaleej Takaful is still listed, but its subsidiary Qatar Takaful is in liquidation. This detail is a reminder to check with the QCB or the QFCRA the exact status of the entity signing the policy, not just the group's brand.
Faster growth than conventional insurance
Between 2020 and 2024, Qatari takaful contributions grew by 13.5% a year and their share of premiums rose from 6% to 11%. Oxford Business Group cites 7% of revenue in the third quarter of 2024, on a different calculation basis.
Health and family, the leading lines
In 2024, family and health takaful accounted for 52% of contributions. Health insurance has been mandatory since Law No. 7 of 2013 and the law of May 2022; compliant plans are covered in Islamic health insurance.
Short-term visitors to Doha
Visitors must buy mandatory health insurance on arrival, costing around 50 Qatari riyals. A traveller who prefers takaful can ask whether an Islamic option is available, bearing in mind that this short cover does not replace full repatriation protection.
Digital takaful regulated since 2024
Regulations on digital insurance and digital takaful have applied in Qatar since April 2024. Online subscription therefore remains subject to QCB rules: the app or website must identify the licensed operator and give access to the full contract.
Comparing with Gulf neighbours
In April 2025, seven insurers and takaful companies were listed on the QSE and nine firms were licensed at the QFC. Those working in several countries can compare with the takaful framework in Bahrain or the Emirati market.
Taking out a takaful policy in Qatar
- Check that the company is licensed by Qatar Central Bank or, for a QFC entity, by the QFCRA.
- Identify the exact legal entity issuing the policy, particularly within a group such as Al Khaleej Takaful.
- Ask which management model applies, wakala or mudaraba, and request the rulings of the Qatari company's sharia committee.
- Compare the contribution, the management fee percentage and the written surplus distribution rule across several operators.
- Check exclusions, limits and the healthcare network for any mandatory health cover.
- Report any claim promptly with the requested supporting documents and keep the file reference.
Price components of a Qatari takaful policy
| Component | Role | What makes it vary |
|---|---|---|
| Tabarru contribution | Funds the participants' common pool | Line of cover, age, vehicle or property insured |
| Wakala fee | Pays the managing operator | Percentage set by each company |
| Mudaraba share | Goes to the operator from investments | Return on compliant investments |
| Surplus | May be redistributed to participants | Claims experience for the year and contract terms |
| Visitor health insurance | Mandatory cover on arrival | Around 50 QAR, indicative |
Documents requested by Qatari operators
- Qatari ID card or passport with visa
- Proof of address in Qatar
- Vehicle registration card for car insurance
- Title deed or lease for home insurance
- Medical questionnaire for family or health takaful
- Islamic financing contract (murabaha, ijara) if the policy secures it
Common mistakes made by policyholders in Qatar
- Signing with an entity whose QCB or QFCRA licence has not been checked, relying only on the group's trade name.
- Confusing the listed Al Khaleej Takaful with its subsidiary Qatar Takaful, now in liquidation, when signing or renewing.
- Believing a "halal" label is enough, without consulting the sharia committee the law requires of every Qatari takaful company.
- Forgetting that health insurance is mandatory in Qatar, including for visitors from the moment they arrive.
- Accepting a verbal promise of surplus distribution that does not appear in the contract terms.
Your questions about takaful in Qatar
Who issues takaful licences in Qatar?
Qatar Central Bank, through its Insurance Supervision Department, for the domestic market. Companies in the Qatar Financial Centre are licensed by the QFCRA, which remains bound by central bank decisions. Listed companies are also monitored by the QFMA.
How large is the Qatari takaful market?
According to the QFC report published by Gulf Times in June 2025, contributions reached 1.9 billion dollars at the end of 2024, after annual growth of 13.5% since 2020, representing about 11% of the country's total premiums.
Who are the main takaful operators in Qatar?
QIIC, Beema and Al Khaleej Takaful hold around 81% of contributions. The market also includes General Takaful, Doha Takaful, and MedGulf Takaful and Seib Insurance & Reinsurance, licensed at the QFC. Always check the status of the entity issuing your contract.
Can an expatriate choose takaful for health cover in Qatar?
Yes, provided a licensed takaful operator offers a health plan that complies with the 2013 and 2022 laws. The family and health line accounted for 52% of takaful contributions in 2024, making it the most developed offering in the Qatari market.
Takaful operators and organisations
Qatar Islamic Insurance Group (QIIC)Listed Qatari Islamic insurance group, among the oldest takaful operators in the Gulf, active in general and family takaful.Damaan Islamic Insurance Company (Beema)Qatari Islamic insurance company offering Sharia-compliant general and family takaful products to individuals and businesses.AlKhaleej Takaful InsuranceListed Qatari takaful insurer providing motor, health, property and liability cover according to Islamic finance principles.Takaful MalaysiaPioneering Malaysian takaful group active in family and general takaful for individuals and businesses.Indicative list: assuranceislamique.com has no commercial link with these organisations. Always check the licence with the local regulator.