The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced a new law requiring all commercial, industrial and public establishments in Qatar to close for one and a half hours during Friday (Jumma) prayers.

However, 12 essential services, including hospitals, health centers, private clinics, hotels, gas stations, bakeries, telecom companies, land, sea and air transport services, have been exempted. Shops at airports, ports and border crossings have also been exempted.

The decision, published in the Official Gazette, will come into effect next Friday. The ministry has asked all authorities to ensure that the law is implemented.