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Qatar Central Bank directed insurance companies, exchange houses and financing companies to raise awareness among employees about the specific needs of customers with disabilities and the elderly according to an announcement reported by Qatar News Agency. The instructions mandate that these institutions give priority to the targeted groups when they conduct transactions and train staff to identify and respond to indicators of financial exploitation the regulator stated. Branches must also train a number of customer service employees in the basics of sign language QCB added in the guidance issued on October 7 2026. These steps seek to streamline procedures and service delivery channels for the affected customers.
The new requirements align with the Third Financial Sector Strategy and the Financial Sector Environmental Social and Governance and Sustainability Strategy a post by QCB on X indicated. They extend regulatory efforts that the central bank initiated in 2025 through instructions to banks operating in the state according to the 2025 circular. That earlier document defined the targeted groups as customers with disabilities able to make their own decisions from age 18 and elderly customers aged 60 and above QCB specified.
Physical accessibility measures formed a core part of the 2025 instructions to banks according to the circular posted on the QCB website. Banks were required to install ramps electronic doors and tactile floor signals at all branches and ATM locations while ensuring ATM heights accommodate wheelchair users the regulator directed. In addition 15 percent of ATMs had to feature Braille keyboards audio headsets and clear signage indicating the supported disability types QCB data from the circular shows.
Qatar government portal figures place the number of individuals with disabilities at less than 0.5 percent of the total population. Qataris with disabilities outnumber non-Qataris because most expatriate workers are medically fit and men account for a higher share than women the portal reported. Congenital factors and diseases rank as the most common causes according to the official statistics.
His Highness the Amir issued Law No 22 of 2025 on Persons with Disabilities in October 2025 which the Ministry of Social Development and Family oversees in coordination with other authorities the ministry stated. The law establishes a unified national database for persons with disabilities and provides for special identification cards that ease access to privileges and services according to ministry announcements. It holds administrative officials accountable for any failure to implement its provisions the legislation specifies.
A United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia review of financial inclusion in the Arab region identified physical inaccessibility limited financial literacy and inadequate regulatory frameworks as key barriers for persons with disabilities. The 2025 ESCWA report found that many Arab states including those in the GCC address disability needs mainly through central bank circulars rather than integrated national strategies. Qatar’s sequential approach via QCB instructions complements national policies aimed at equal opportunity across sectors the review context shows.
QCB applied the 2025 bank instructions after a five-month compliance period and has now broadened the framework to non-bank financial entities according to the sequence of announcements. The regulator continues to monitor implementation across the expanded list of institutions it stated in the latest guidance.
