Qatar’s Supreme Judiciary Council (SJC) commenced the 2026-2027 judicial year as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance the country’s judicial system. This marks a continuation of the council’s Strategy for 2025-2030, which aims to improve judicial efficiency, expedite case resolution, and integrate advanced technologies to meet national development goals and societal needs.
The SJC outlined priorities focused on refining the quality of judgments, advancing digital transformation, improving judicial enforcement, strengthening institutional governance, and fostering a more effective and sustainable justice system. These initiatives align with the broader objectives of the National Initiative for Developing Justice Systems and Qatar National Vision 2030.
Dr. Hassan bin Lahdan al-Hassan al-Muhannadi, SJC President and President of the Court of Cassation, emphasized that the new judicial year represents a critical phase in the systematic development of judicial performance. He highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce litigation duration, enhance services to litigants, and expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools. The council also plans to broaden restorative justice programs and refine judicial governance frameworks.
The SJC noted that courts, judicial chambers, and administrative departments are prepared to implement integrated operational plans to ensure efficient service delivery. The judicial system now comprises 156 chambers across various courts, including six in the Court of Cassation, 14 in the Court of Appeal, and 33 in the Investment and Commerce Court. The Court of First Instance operates 85 chambers spanning civil, criminal, family, and family documentation matters, while the Execution Court maintains 18 chambers.
Performance indicators reflect notable progress, with the courts achieving a case disposition rate of approximately 98.85% for the 210,513 cases filed in 2025. Over 50,000 new cases were recorded in the first quarter of 2026 alone. The council affirmed that digital transformation remains a central focus, with growing adoption of electronic litigation and service platforms. In 2025, nearly 110,000 requests were submitted through online portals and applications, supplemented by thousands of additional electronic transactions across the judicial system in early 2026.
Remote litigation capabilities have been increasingly utilized, with courts handling more than 5,000 cases via video communication. The Court of Cassation has incorporated virtual hearings, demonstrating the robustness of the digital infrastructure. The SJC plans further enhancements to electronic litigation regulations and expanded guidelines for remote proceedings.
In expanding service accessibility, the council intends to augment judicial service delivery through WhatsApp, utilizing automated processes that allow users to complete procedures and obtain documents without accessing the traditional court portal.
The integration of AI technologies continues to advance following the launch of the Smart Assistant in the Criminal Court. This tool aids judges by benchmarking precedents, identifying relevant legal provisions, and summarizing cases securely. Future developments include extending AI applications to civil courts and leveraging the technology for analytical support and litigant services, along with improved connectivity with government entities.
Legislative reforms remain a key aspect of Qatar’s judicial development, with ongoing modernization of laws governing civil, commercial, criminal, and family matters as part of the initiative’s second phase. The council also plans to review the impact of previously updated legislation and refine guidelines for judicial timelines and electronic procedures.
The 2026-2027 judicial year will see courts operating at established hours across Lusail, Dafna, Al Sadd, and other judicial branches. Electronic and digital services will continue to facilitate access to judicial resources, reflecting the council’s commitment to efficiency, transparency, and justice accessibility.