01 · Participation
About Participation
Qatar Top Ten offers eligible establishments, companies, institutions and service providers the opportunity to take part in the annual rankings and to compete within the approved main and specialised categories. Participation aims to identify the most outstanding entities in the State of Qatar, highlight best practices, encourage establishments to develop the quality of their services, and elevate the experience of customers and visitors. All applications are subject to review and verification before acceptance. Registration or payment of fees does not guarantee inclusion in the Top Ten lists or winning any award.
02 · Participation
Who Can Participate?
Entities operating lawfully in the State of Qatar may apply to participate, provided that their activity falls within one of the categories approved by Qatar Top Ten. Entities eligible to participate include: • Hotels, resorts and tourism establishments. • Travel and tourism companies. • Restaurants, cafés and hospitality service providers. • Health clubs and sports and training centres. • Beauty salons, spa centres and personal care centres. • Car, bicycle, boat and yacht rental companies. • Luxury transport companies and services. • Entertainment cities and centres, museums and tourist attractions. • Organisers of events and artistic, entertainment and tourism activities. • Shopping complexes, markets and shopping centres. • Inbound tour operators organising trips to the State of Qatar. • Electronic applications, platforms and technology services. • Media accounts and platforms and tourism content creators. • Souvenir, handicraft and tourism product shops. Participation may also be accepted from: • Local branches of international brands. • Qatari companies providing their services inside or outside the State. • New establishments that have completed the minimum required period of operation. • Individuals in dedicated professional awards, such as chefs, tour guides, trainers, content creators and artisans. • Entities nominated by the evaluation committee or by competent authorities, in accordance with the approved nomination rules. Qatar Top Ten reserves the right to determine the categories activated in each cycle, and to suspend or merge any category in which there is an insufficient number of eligible entities.
03 · Participation
Conditions of Participation
The following are required for an application to be accepted: • The entity must be registered and licensed to carry out its activity in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. • The entity's actual activity must be consistent with the category in which it wishes to participate. • The entity must have carried out its activity for no less than the period specified in the cycle conditions, unless participating within the new establishments category. • Correct, complete and up-to-date information must be provided in the participation form. • All required documents and records must be attached within the specified period. • The entity must agree to undergo the verification and evaluation process, including document review, interviews and field or mystery visits, where the nature of the category so requires. • The entity must comply with the code of conduct and the integrity, transparency and conflict of interest policies adopted by Qatar Top Ten. • The entity must not submit any misleading information or incorrect documents, or attempt to influence members of the evaluation or judging committees. • The entity must disclose any direct or indirect relationship that may constitute a conflict of interest with members of the organisation, its committees or its evaluators. • The prescribed fees, if any, must be paid on the specified dates. • There must be no serious violations, final judgments or regulatory decisions affecting the integrity of the activity or customers' rights, unless these have been addressed, disclosed and accepted by the competent authority. • The entity must consent to the use of the information, logos and images submitted for the purposes of evaluation and of announcing participations and results, in accordance with the privacy and intellectual property policy. • The entity must maintain the confidentiality of evaluation materials, questions, templates and any information classified by Qatar Top Ten as confidential. • The entity must accept the final decisions issued in accordance with the regulations, while retaining the right to submit a formal objection within the specified procedures and timeframes. Any application that does not meet the conditions, contains incomplete or inaccurate information, or is proven to breach the principles of integrity and transparency may be declined or excluded.
04 · Participation
Choosing the Right Category
On registration, the entity selects: • One main category representing its core activity. • A limited number of subcategories related to the nature of its activity or specialisation. • The special excellence awards for which it wishes to be nominated, provided it meets their conditions. Example: A restaurant may apply for: • Top 10 Restaurants in Qatar, as its main category. • Top 10 Indian Restaurants, as a specialised category. • Top 10 Hotel Restaurants, where the restaurant operates within a hotel. An entity may not apply to a category that does not genuinely correspond to the nature of its activity. The management has the right to amend the selected category or transfer the application to the most appropriate category after notifying the applicant.
05 · Participation
Registration and Participation Steps
Step One: Create an Account The entity's representative creates an official account on the Qatar Top Ten platform using correct and verified contact details. The applicant must be authorised by the entity to submit information and documents and to communicate on its behalf. Step Two: Select the Category The entity specifies the main category, subcategories and excellence awards in which it wishes to participate. The platform displays the conditions and requirements of each category before the application is completed. Step Three: Complete the Participation Form The entity enters its basic information, including: • Legal and trade name. • Licensing and registration details. • Nature of activity. • Date of commencement of operations. • Locations and branches. • Details of the person responsible for the application. • An overview of the entity and its services. • Achievements and indicators related to the evaluation criteria. Step Four: Upload Documents All required documents are uploaded in clear and up-to-date formats, in compliance with the size and format specified on the platform. Step Five: Pay the Fees The prescribed fees are paid electronically or through the approved payment methods, if participation is subject to fees. The application is not considered complete until payment is confirmed, unless the entity is exempt by an official decision. Step Six: Initial Review The management reviews the application to verify: • Completeness of the data. • Validity of the documents. • Eligibility of the entity. • Suitability of the selected category. • Absence of apparent grounds for exclusion. Additional information or documents may be requested during this stage. Step Seven: Acceptance of the Application The entity receives a notification of the preliminary acceptance of its application and its transfer to the evaluation stage, a notification requesting completion of data, or a reasoned decision of ineligibility. Step Eight: Evaluation Depending on the nature of the category, the evaluation process may include: • Review of the file and documents. • Analysis of indicators and results. • Interviews with the entity's representatives. • An announced field visit. • A mystery evaluation visit or experience. • A customer experience survey. • Verification of reviews and published information. • Evaluation of digital platforms. • Requests for additional evidence. • Evaluation by the competent expert committee. Step Nine: Review and Approval Results are reviewed to verify the soundness of procedures and the consistent application of the criteria, and are then approved by the competent authority in accordance with the governance system. Step Ten: Announcement of Results The final lists and awards are announced at the time and through the channels determined by Qatar Top Ten. Qualifying entities are contacted in accordance with the announcement and confidentiality policy adopted for each cycle.
06 · Participation
Fees
Participation is subject to fees that vary according to the selected category. The fee amount is fully disclosed before the application is approved and payment is made. What Do the Fees Cover? Participation fees may include: • Assessment of the application's eligibility. • Review of the file and documents. • Management of the evaluation process. • Engagement of experts and evaluators. • Use of the digital platform. • Preparation of evaluation results. • Review and quality assurance procedures. • Issuance of the participation or ranking certificate, where earned. Fee Provisions • Payment of fees does not guarantee winning or inclusion in the Top Ten. • Fees may not be linked to the result or ranking obtained by the entity. • Fees are non-refundable once the evaluation process has begun, except in the cases specified in the refund policy. • If an application is declined for ineligibility before the evaluation begins, the approved refund policy applies. • Any advertising, sponsorship or brand-use licence purchases are financially and procedurally independent of the evaluation. • The purchase of any media or marketing services does not affect evaluation results. • Exemptions or reduced fees may be granted to non-profit entities, start-ups or artisans, in accordance with announced decisions and uniform criteria. Current Cycle Fees The fee amounts are listed on each category's page or in the official fee schedule when registration opens, in accordance with the approved and published fee schedule.
07 · Participation
Timeline
Each Qatar Top Ten cycle passes through a number of core stages: 1. Opening of Registration The available categories, participation conditions, fees and deadlines are announced. 2. Application Period Applications and documents are received through the electronic platform. 3. Initial Review Eligibility and file completeness are reviewed, and entities are contacted to complete any missing items. 4. Evaluation Stage Desk, field and digital evaluations are carried out, according to the category. 5. Review and Quality Assurance Stage Results and reports are reviewed to ensure that the criteria have been applied fairly and consistently. 6. Approval of Results Results are approved in accordance with the powers and procedures set out in the organisation's regulations. 7. Notification of Qualifying Entities Entities are notified in accordance with the approved announcement policy, while maintaining the confidentiality of results until the official date. 8. Announcement of Results and Awards Ceremony The final lists are published and the prescribed awards, certificates and licences are granted. Cycle Dates The dates for opening of registration, the registration deadline, completion of documents, the evaluation period, review and approval of results, announcement of the final lists and the awards ceremony are set according to the dates announced for each cycle. Dates may be amended where necessary, with updates announced through the website and official channels.
08 · Participation
Required Documents
Documents vary according to the nature of the entity and the category, and may include: Legal Documents • A valid copy of the commercial registration. • A copy of the trade licence. • The trademark registration certificate, where applicable. • Proof of the address of the establishment or its branches. Operational Documents • An introductory profile of the entity. • A list of branches or locations. • A list of services or products. Quality and Performance Documents • Quality or accreditation certificates, if any. • Initiatives relating to people of determination and accessibility. Media Materials • The official logo in high quality. • Approved images of the establishment or service. • Website links. • Links to official accounts. • Visual or introductory materials. • An approved short description for publication. Additional Documents by Category Additional documents may be requested, such as: • Menus and price lists for restaurants. • The establishment's classification and facilities for hotels. • Fleet data for transport and rental companies. • Maintenance and safety records. • Trip and tour programmes. • Viewership and engagement statistics for media platforms. • Data protection policies for applications and digital platforms. • Licences of guides, trainers and specialists. • Product lists and their sources for shops and artisans. The entity undertakes that all documents submitted are correct and up to date, and Qatar Top Ten may verify them with the issuing authorities or request to inspect the originals.
09 · Participation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does registration guarantee receiving an award? A: No. Registration only grants the entity the right to enter the evaluation process, and does not guarantee winning or inclusion in the Top Ten. Q: Does paying the fees affect the result? A: No. The fees are intended to cover the procedures for administering and evaluating the application, and do not give the entity any advantage in the ranking. Q: Is it possible to participate in more than one category? A: Yes. An entity may participate in the main category and a specified number of subcategories related to its activity, in accordance with the conditions of each cycle. Q: Can a new establishment participate? A: Yes, if it meets the minimum specified period of operation. Q: Can an entity be nominated without its knowledge? A: No. Q: Is participation open to individuals? A: Participation is open to individuals in the awards dedicated to them, such as awards for chefs, trainers, tour guides, content creators, artisans and others. Q: Are all categories available every year? A: Not necessarily. Qatar Top Ten announces the list of activated categories at the start of each cycle, based on the readiness of the criteria and the number of eligible entities. Q: What happens if there are not ten deserving entities? A: Fewer than ten winners may be announced. The organisation is not obliged to complete the number at the expense of the minimum quality required. Q: Are field visits announced? A: Some visits may be announced, and some evaluations may be carried out confidentially, depending on the nature of the category and the approved methodology. Q: Are all of a company's branches evaluated? A: The applicant specifies the branches or locations covered. Each branch may be considered an independent unit if its management, service or location differs substantially.
10 · Participation
More Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the application be amended after submission? A: The application may be amended before the deadline or before it moves to the evaluation stage, within the permissions available on the platform. Q: Is it possible to withdraw from participation? A: Withdrawal is not permitted after the application has been submitted and the fees paid. If the entity wishes to withdraw its application, the fees will not be refunded. Q: Can the result be appealed? A: An objection may be submitted on the grounds of a procedural or material error within the specified period. Dissatisfaction with the ranking alone is not sufficient grounds for an objection. Q: Are evaluation scores published? A: The policy of each cycle determines the level of disclosure of scores. The entity may receive a brief or detailed report without all information being published to the public. Q: Can the winner's logo be purchased? A: Winner status or a ranking cannot be purchased. A licence to use the logo is granted only to entities that have achieved the required result, under specified terms and for a specified period. Q: Is sponsorship linked to the evaluation? A: No. Qatar Top Ten separates sponsorship and commercial partnerships from evaluation, judging and results. Q: How is confidential information protected? A: Information is processed in accordance with the data protection and privacy policy, is used only for authorised purposes, and access to it is restricted on a need-to-know basis. Q: May the organisation exclude an entity after its acceptance? A: Yes, if new information emerges proving ineligibility, the submission of misleading data, the commission of a serious violation, or an attempt to influence the evaluation process. Q: How long is a ranking valid? A: A ranking is valid for the cycle or period specified in the certificate and usage licence, and is not renewed automatically without re-evaluation. Q: Can the Qatar Top Ten logo be used after the ranking expires? A: The logo may not be used after the licence expires, except after renewal or obtaining new written approval.
11 · Participation
Submitting an Application
Eligible entities may submit their participation application electronically through the Qatar Top Ten platform. Before you begin, please make sure that you have: • Selected the appropriate category. • Prepared the required documents. • Obtained authorisation from the entity. • Reviewed the conditions of participation. • Reviewed the fees and the refund policy. • Read the privacy policy and the integrity declaration. Declarations When submitting the application, the applicant declares the following: • The accuracy of all data and documents. • That they hold the legal authority to apply. • Agreement to the terms and conditions of participation. • Agreement to the verification and evaluation procedures. • Commitment to the code of integrity and conduct. • Disclosure of any potential conflict of interest. • Agreement to the data protection policy. • Responsibility for any incorrect or misleading information.
12 · Participation
Important Notice
Qatar Top Ten enjoys full independence in managing the admission, evaluation and results approval processes. Registration, nomination, payment of fees or entering into any commercial partnership does not guarantee winning or influence the decisions of the evaluation committees. All participations are subject to the organisation's regulations, the evaluation methodology, and the approved integrity, conflict of interest and privacy policies.
