01 · Policies
Participation Fees
Participation Fees: Fees may be set for participation in the award according to the sector, classification or category, and the approved fees are announced before registration opens for each cycle. Clarity of Fees: All fees relating to participation and additional services are clearly stated before the registration or payment process is completed. Main Classification Fees: Registration fees may cover participation in the establishment's main classification in accordance with the package or fee structure approved for the cycle. Subcategory Fees: Additional fees may be charged for participation in subcategories, and the fee amount is stated before the choice of category is confirmed.
02 · Policies
Payment, Invoicing and Taxes
Payment Methods: Fees are paid through the payment methods approved and announced by the management, and payment is considered complete once successful receipt of the amount has been confirmed. Invoices and Receipts: An invoice or receipt is issued to the establishment in accordance with the approved financial procedures. Taxes and Government Fees: Any applicable taxes or government fees are added in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in the State of Qatar, where due. Currency: All fees are set in Qatari Riyals unless otherwise stated.
03 · Policies
Independence of Evaluation from Payments
Positions Cannot Be Bought: Paying participation fees does not guarantee winning, qualifying or obtaining any position. No position, ranking or result within the award may be bought in any direct or indirect way. Separation of Payment and Evaluation: Payments and commercial activities are managed separately from the evaluation and judging process. Evaluators and jury members are not given information about the value of commercial services purchased by the establishment, unless there is an operational necessity that does not affect the evaluation. Sponsorship and Advertising: Sponsorship, the purchase of advertising or promotional services does not grant any additional points or preference in evaluation, judging or ranking.
04 · Policies
Refunds
No Refund of Participation Fees After Evaluation Begins: Once an establishment's application has formally moved to the evaluation stage, participation fees become non-refundable, unless the management decides otherwise due to exceptional circumstances. Withdrawal Before Evaluation Begins: If an establishment requests to withdraw before the evaluation process begins, the request for a refund of fees is handled in accordance with the refund policy announced for the cycle. Application Not Accepted: If the application is not accepted before the evaluation process begins because the eligibility conditions were not met, the fees are handled in accordance with the approved refund policy. Incomplete Requirements: If the establishment does not complete the required documents or information within the specified period and its application is closed, the registration fees may be considered non-refundable if the application review has already taken place. Not Winning: An establishment not obtaining a position or award does not entitle it to a refund of participation fees. The fees relate to the registration, administration and evaluation procedures and are not consideration for guaranteeing a particular result. Exclusion Due to a Violation: If an establishment is excluded for submitting incorrect information, manipulation or breaching the participation conditions, it is not entitled to claim a refund of the fees paid.
05 · Policies
Cancellation or Merger of Categories
Cancellation of a Category by the Management: If a category is cancelled by the management and the establishment is not moved to an alternative category with its consent, the establishment is entitled to a refund of the fees paid for that category or to have them transferred to another cycle or service with its consent. Merger of Categories: If a category is merged with another category, this does not necessarily entail a refund of fees, provided the establishment continues in the evaluation process within the new category.
06 · Policies
Additional and Commercial Services
Additional Services: Optional paid services may be offered, such as detailed reports, media services, advertising space, promotional services or any other announced services. Making use of any paid service does not affect the evaluation result or the establishment's ranking. Services Unrelated to Evaluation: An establishment may purchase commercial, media or promotional services independent of participation in the award, and these services are subject to their own terms and prices. Detailed Reports: A detailed evaluation report may be provided to the establishment for an additional fee if the report is not included in the participation fees. The report aims to help the establishment understand its strengths and opportunities for improvement, and requesting it does not lead to an amendment of the result or a re-evaluation.
07 · Policies
Discounts and Changes to Fees
Discounts and Offers: Registration discounts or offers may be provided during specific periods or for certain categories in accordance with the approved commercial policy, provided that the discount has no effect on the evaluation or the result. Change of Fees: Participation and service fees may be amended from one cycle to another. Any subsequent amendment does not affect fees that have already been confirmed and paid for an existing participation, unless otherwise agreed with the establishment.
08 · Policies
Acceptance of the Fees Policy
Acceptance of the Fees Policy: Completing the payment process constitutes the establishment's acceptance of the fees and of the payment and refund policy approved for the cycle.
