Subject Matter of Protection

Article 1 - Definitions

National Folklore: Any expression which consists of distinctive elements of the traditional artistic heritage, originating or developed in the State of Qatar and reflects its artistic heritage, shall be considered as national folklore, including in particular the following expressions:
(1) oral expressions such as tales, popular poetry and riddles;
(2) musical expressions such as popular songs accompanied by music;
(3) motion expressions such as popular dances, plays, artistic forms and rituals, whether or not incorporated into material form;
(4) tangible expressions such as:
(a) products or popular art particularly drawings with lines and colors, engravings, sculptures, ceramics, pottery, woodwork, mosaic, metal, jewelry, hand-woven bags, knitting, carpets, textiles, and;
(b) musical instruments;
(c) architectural forms.

Beneficiaries or Rightholders

Article 32

National folklore shall be the public property of the State.

Scope of Protection

Article 32

The State, represented by the Ministry shall protect national folklore by all legal means, and shall act as the author of folklore works in facing any deformation, modification or commercial exploitation.