Project-Based Contract Template for Qatar

A Project-Based Contract sets out the terms for completing a specific project or deliverable in Qatar, rather than ongoing work. These agreements specify exactly what the contractor must deliver, when it's due, and how much they'll be paid - usually with clear milestones and a fixed end date.

Under Qatar's Civil Code and Commercial Law, these contracts must include detailed scope descriptions, payment schedules, and quality standards. They're commonly used in construction, IT development, and consulting projects where clients need precise control over deliverables and timelines. The contract ends once the project is successfully completed and accepted.

Use a Project-Based Contract when you need a contractor to deliver specific, measurable results within a defined timeframe in Qatar. This agreement works perfectly for one-off projects like building construction, software development, or consulting assignments where you can clearly outline the deliverables and completion criteria.

These contracts are especially valuable for projects under Qatar's major development initiatives, including infrastructure works for the National Vision 2030. They help protect both parties by setting clear expectations, milestone payments, and quality standards upfront. For complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, the contract's detailed scope helps prevent misunderstandings and scope creep.

• Fixed-Price Project Contracts: Set a predetermined total cost for the entire project scope, common in Qatar's construction and infrastructure projects
• Time-and-Materials Contracts: Charge based on actual hours worked plus material costs, ideal for IT and consulting projects with flexible scopes
• Milestone-Based Contracts: Break payment into predetermined stages of completion, popular in large development projects under Qatar's Vision 2030
• Cost-Plus Contracts: Cover actual costs plus an agreed profit margin, often used in complex engineering projects with uncertain scopes
• Unit-Price Contracts: Price work by standardized units, common in Qatar's government infrastructure and maintenance projects

• Project Owners: Qatari companies, government entities, or individuals who commission and fund the project, responsible for defining requirements and approving deliverables
• Contractors: Local or international companies executing the project work, bound by the contract's terms and quality standards
• Legal Teams: In-house or external lawyers who draft and review Project-Based Contracts to ensure compliance with Qatar's laws
• Project Managers: Professionals who oversee contract implementation, monitor milestones, and manage deliverables
• Technical Experts: Specialists who help define project specifications and quality requirements in the contract

• Project Scope: Define exact deliverables, technical specifications, and quality standards required under Qatar's construction and commercial regulations
• Timeline Details: Map out key milestones, completion dates, and any penalties for delays according to local project management standards
• Payment Structure: Outline payment terms, milestone-based disbursements, and currency requirements that comply with Qatar's financial laws
• Party Information: Gather complete legal details of all involved parties, including commercial registration numbers and authorized signatories
• Risk Assessment: Identify potential project risks, necessary insurance coverage, and liability limitations under Qatari law

• Identification Section: Full legal names, addresses, and commercial registration numbers of all parties under Qatar Commercial Law
• Project Scope: Detailed description of deliverables, specifications, and quality standards as required by Qatar Civil Code
• Payment Terms: Clear payment schedule, amounts, currency, and milestone-based disbursement conditions
• Timeline Clauses: Project duration, completion dates, and delay penalties aligned with local construction laws
• Dispute Resolution: Specific procedures for conflict resolution, including Qatar court jurisdiction or arbitration options
• Force Majeure: Provisions for unforeseen circumstances according to Qatar's Civil Code Article 171

A Project-Based Contract differs significantly from a Project Agreement in several key aspects under Qatar law. While both documents relate to project execution, their scope and application vary considerably.

• Legal Scope: Project-Based Contracts are specific, detailed arrangements focusing on deliverables and timelines, while Project Agreements often serve as broader framework documents outlining general terms of collaboration
• Payment Structure: Project-Based Contracts typically include fixed prices or milestone-based payments, whereas Project Agreements might contain more flexible compensation arrangements
• Duration: Project-Based Contracts end with project completion, but Project Agreements can extend beyond single projects to cover ongoing relationships
• Risk Allocation: Project-Based Contracts usually have detailed risk distribution clauses, while Project Agreements often defer specific risk allocation to subsequent contracts