Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has issued a public warning to citizens licensed to possess or carry firearms, reminding them that a firearms licence is personal and that weapons must not be lent, handed over or made available to another person who is not licensed.
The warning was issued on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, and refers to Law No. 14 of 1999 on Weapons, Ammunition and Explosives, as amended.
The key message is simple: having a firearm licence does not allow the weapon to be passed to someone else, even if that person is a relative.
What Did Qatar’s Ministry of Interior Say?
The Ministry urged licensed firearm holders not to lend, hand over or otherwise allow another person to possess their firearm, regardless of their relationship to the licence holder.
It stressed that the licence is issued specifically to the licence holder and is legally restricted to that person.
Under Article 4 of Qatar’s Law No. 14 of 1999, a licence is issued only to the licensee, and a licensed weapon cannot be handed to a third party before that person obtains the required licence.
Can You Lend a Licensed Firearm to a Family Member in Qatar?
The Ministry’s latest warning says no, unless the applicable legal licensing requirements are met.
The warning specifically says the restriction applies regardless of the degree of relationship between the licence holder and the person receiving the firearm.
That means being a:
- Family member
- Friend
- Relative
- Other person known to the licence holder
does not by itself give that person the legal right to possess the licensed firearm.
What Does Qatar’s Firearms Law Say?
Qatar’s Law No. 14 of 1999 concerning Weapons, Ammunition and Explosives regulates the possession and acquisition of firearms and ammunition. The law remains in force and has been amended over time.
The law requires licensing for the possession or acquisition of specified firearms and establishes conditions governing firearm licences.
Most importantly for the latest Ministry warning, Article 4 states that a licence is issued to the licensee only and that a licensed weapon cannot be handed over to a third party before that person obtains a licence under the law.
What Happens If Someone Violates the Rule?
The Ministry says a violation can expose both the licence holder and the unlicensed person possessing the firearm to criminal liability and the legally prescribed penalties.
According to the Ministry’s notice, consequences can include:
- Imprisonment
- A fine
- Revocation of the firearms licence
- Confiscation of the firearm
- A future ban on the licence holder obtaining another firearms licence
The exact penalty depends on the applicable legal provisions and circumstances. The Ministry’s notice does not specify a single fixed prison term or fine for every violation.
Firearm Licence Could Be Revoked
The warning goes beyond the immediate possession of the weapon.
The Ministry states that the firearms licence can be revoked, the firearm can be confiscated, and the licence holder can be barred from obtaining a firearms licence in the future.
Qatar’s firearms legislation also gives the competent authority powers concerning the withdrawal or cancellation of licences under specified circumstances.
Who Can Legally Possess a Firearm in Qatar?
Firearm possession is subject to licensing requirements under Qatar’s weapons legislation.
For firearms covered by Article 3, the law states that possession or acquisition is prohibited without obtaining the required licence from the Minister or authorised authority.
The law also sets eligibility conditions. For example, Article 9 includes restrictions relating to age, criminal convictions and other specified circumstances.
The important point from the latest Ministry announcement is that a licence belongs to the person to whom it was issued.
Qatar Firearm Warning: What Licence Holders Should Remember
If you hold a firearm licence in Qatar, the Ministry’s message is straightforward:
Do not lend your licensed firearm.
Do not hand it to another person.
Do not allow an unlicensed person to possess it.
Do not assume a family relationship makes possession legal.
The Ministry said it will take the necessary legal measures against anyone found violating the applicable laws and instructions.
Qatar Firearm Law 2026: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Authority | Qatar Ministry of Interior |
| Warning issued | September 29, 2026 |
| Subject | Firearm possession and lending |
| Key law | Law No. 14 of 1999 |
| Law covers | Weapons, ammunition and explosives |
| Licence | Personal to the licence holder |
| Can you lend a licensed firearm? | The Ministry says not to lend or hand it to another person |
| Family members exempt? | No exemption stated in the Ministry warning |
| Potential consequences | Criminal liability, imprisonment, fine, licence revocation and firearm confiscation |
| Future licensing | Ministry says the licence holder may be barred from obtaining another firearms licence |
What Is the Main Message From Qatar’s Ministry?
The latest Qatar Ministry of Interior firearm warning is essentially a reminder that a firearm licence is not transferable.
Even if someone is a relative or otherwise known to the licence holder, they cannot simply possess the firearm because the licence holder has given it to them.
Qatar’s Law No. 14 of 1999 specifically addresses third-party possession, while the Ministry has now reiterated the consequences of violating the rules.
For anyone who holds a firearm licence in Qatar, the safest takeaway from the September 29 notice is clear: keep the licensed firearm under the conditions permitted by your licence and do not hand it to an unlicensed person.
FAQs
Can I lend my licensed firearm to someone in Qatar?
The Ministry of Interior has warned licensed holders not to lend or hand their firearms to another person who is not licensed to possess them.
Can a family member use my licensed firearm?
A family relationship does not, by itself, give another person the right to possess a firearm licensed to you. Article 4 requires the third party to have the required licence before a licensed weapon can be handed over.
What happens if I give my firearm to an unlicensed person?
The Ministry says both the licence holder and the unlicensed person possessing the firearm may face criminal liability and legally prescribed penalties, including imprisonment and a fine. The licence may also be revoked and the firearm confiscated.
Can my firearm licence be cancelled?
Yes. The Ministry specifically states that violating the warning can result in revocation of the firearms licence.
Can I get another firearm licence after a violation?
The Ministry states that the licence holder will also be barred from obtaining a firearms licence in the future.
