Overview
Introduced: 2016 (QSE ESG Reporting Guidance)
Effective from: Voluntary (since 2016); mandatory expected 2026-2027
Last modified: 2024 QSE statement confirming a forthcoming ESG rule
Region(s): Qatar
About the initiative
The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) currently offers voluntary ESG guidance for listed companies, aligned with 34 key performance indicators (KPIs) covering environmental, social, and governance topics.
While reporting is not yet enforced, the Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) have made clear that mandatory QTE ESG reporting disclosure is imminent, likely beginning with IFRS S1/S2-aligned reporting requirements by 2026 or 2027.
This shift supports Qatar’s broader climate and transparency objectives under Qatar National Vision 2030, and aligns the country with GCC peers who have already implemented climate-related financial disclosure frameworks.
Criteria for compliance
Today
All companies listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange (~50 issuers) may voluntarily report using the QSE ESG template or Sustainability Dashboard.
Future (expected 2026+)
All QSE-listed companies will be subject to mandatory ESG disclosure requirements under new listing rules aligned with ISSB standards.
Compliance timelines
2016-2024
Voluntary participation with low to moderate uptake
2025 (expected)
Formal proposal to adopt ISSB-aligned mandatory disclosure
2026/2027
First required ESG reports under revised QSE listing obligations
Disclosure requirements
Current voluntary guidance
- Environmental: Scope 1 & 2 emissions; Scope 3 if material; energy, water, waste
- Social & Governance: board diversity, independence, ethics, labor metrics
- Climate Risk: narrative encouraged on strategy, risks, and governance (TCFD-style)
Expected under ISSB-aligned rule
- Full alignment with IFRS S2 (climate), including quantitative emissions data, scenario analysis, transition plans, and targets
- Broader ESG disclosures per IFRS S1, including double materiality where applicable
Key obligations (future state)
- Include ESG data in the Annual Report or submit via the QSE Sustainability Dashboard
- Provide emissions metrics, climate risk strategy, and ESG governance structure
- Obtain board-level sign-off and publish to investors in machine-readable format
Third-party assurance
Not currently required. However, limited assurance on ESG or emissions data is likely to become a regulatory expectation post-mandate, in line with trends across the GCC.
Penalties for non-compliance
- Monetary fines from QFMA
- Public reprimands, listing suspension, or other trading penalties by QSE
- Reputational risk with state-backed institutional investors and ESG-sensitive stakeholders
