Blockchain Technology In Qatar

The Qatar Communication Regulatory Authority ("CRA") recently posted a public consultation document seeking input and comments from relevant stakeholders and other parties regarding its national blockchain blueprint ("Blueprint"). The Blueprint identifies the key elements and requirements of the technology, proposals for the underlying regulatory foundation, the adoption framework, and the ways in which the technology may be adopted. It also provides a set of recommendations for creating a supportive environment for creativity and innovation.

Issuance of the Blueprint follows from the Qatar Investment Authority's ("QIA") recent statement that while it had no interest in investing in cryptocurrencies, it was exploring opportunities in blockchain technology ("blockchain"). The QIA statement was interesting because to many people, cryptocurrency and blockchain are inextricably linked, and since the Qatar Central Bank and the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory