01 · Participation
Eligibility to Participate
Establishments, institutions and service providers lawfully operating in the State of Qatar may apply to participate in Qatar Top Ten, provided that the establishment holds the licences and approvals required to carry on its activity and that its activity corresponds to the sector or category to which it applies. The establishment must be active and operating throughout the evaluation period, and must submit all required information and documents correctly and in up-to-date form. The Qatar Top Ten Management reserves the right to verify the eligibility of any participant and to request any additional documents or information before accepting the application or during the evaluation stages.
02 · Participation
Registration and Application
Registration and Application: Applications are submitted through the official channels approved by Qatar Top Ten during the registration period announced for each cycle. The establishment must select the sector and main classification appropriate to the nature of its activity, and may apply to a maximum of two additional subcategories, according to the categories available in the cycle. Submitting an application constitutes the establishment's acceptance of the terms and conditions of participation and the approved evaluation methodology. Registration or acceptance of an application does not guarantee winning or obtaining a ranking in the Top Ten list. Required Information and Documents: Application requirements may include the commercial registration, the trade licence, sector-specific licences where required, the establishment's details and contact information, a description of its products or services, branch information, and any certificates, accreditations or supporting documents relevant to the evaluation criteria. The Qatar Top Ten Management may request additional evidence to verify the information submitted. The establishment is responsible for the correctness and accuracy of all information and documents submitted.
03 · Participation
Category Selection
Qatar Top Ten determines the sectors, main classifications and subcategories available in each cycle. An establishment may participate in the main classification applicable to its activity, in addition to a maximum of two subcategories, provided that it meets their requirements. Each category has its own evaluation criteria, suited to the nature of the activity and the service or product being evaluated. The Qatar Top Ten Management may add, amend or merge certain categories from one cycle to the next in line with market developments, and may also launch seasonal categories or categories dedicated to national occasions and events.
04 · Participation
Evaluation Methodology and Criteria
Evaluation Methodology: Entries are subject to a unified and documented evaluation methodology designed to achieve fairness, transparency and objective comparison between participants. The evaluation process may include a review of documents and data, technical assessment, assessment of product or service quality, customer experience, field visits, mystery shopping where applicable, verification of information, and assessment by the judging panel. Criteria weightings and measurement mechanisms vary by sector and category. Evaluation Criteria: Depending on the nature of each category, the evaluation criteria may include product or service quality, customer experience, level of professionalism, innovation and development, compliance with standards and regulations, sustainability and responsibility, value delivered to the customer, customer satisfaction, the quality of the facilities or environment in which the service is provided, and ease of access to the service. Not all criteria need be applied with the same weighting across all sectors; an evaluation model is prepared to suit the nature of each sector and category.
05 · Participation
Judging Panel and Public Evaluation
Judging Panel: Qualifying entries are reviewed by judging panels or specialist experts according to the nature of each sector. The panels adhere to the approved evaluation criteria, and the evaluation process is subject to governance, integrity and conflict of interest procedures. Independent experts or bodies, or representatives of relevant authorities, may be engaged to take part in or oversee the evaluation process. Public Evaluation: Qatar Top Ten may use customer ratings or public voting in certain categories or awards. Where public voting is used, its mechanism, weighting and method of calculation are clearly announced. Public voting is not combined with the judging panel's evaluation unless the category methodology clearly provides for this in advance. Separate awards may also be designated as Public Choice Awards, or an equivalent, based mainly on public voting.
06 · Participation
Minimum Qualification, Ranking and Results
Minimum Qualification: The presence of ten participants in a given category does not necessarily mean that ten winners will be selected. An establishment must achieve the minimum score or quality level set for the category in order to qualify for inclusion in Qatar Top Ten. If fewer than ten participants meet the required minimum, fewer than ten winners may be announced. No ranking may be awarded in a given category if the entries do not reach the required level. Ranking and Results: Final results are determined on the basis of the approved scores in accordance with the methodology of each category. Qualifying establishments are ranked according to the final evaluation results, subject to the minimum qualification threshold. The final results approved by Qatar Top Ten are the official results of the cycle.
07 · Participation
Integrity and Accuracy of Information
Integrity and Conflicts of Interest: Members of judging panels, experts and evaluators must disclose any potential conflict of interest. No evaluator may take part in evaluating an establishment with which they have a direct relationship that could affect the independence of the evaluation. The Qatar Top Ten Management takes the necessary measures to ensure the confidentiality of information and the integrity of the evaluation process. Incorrect or Misleading Information: The Qatar Top Ten Management may exclude any entry if it is found that the establishment submitted incorrect or misleading information or documents, or attempted to improperly influence the evaluation process. An award or ranking may also be withdrawn after its announcement if material information later emerges showing that the establishment was not entitled to the result it obtained.
08 · Participation
Visits and Field Evaluation
Announced or unannounced visits may be made to participating establishments where the nature of the category requires it. Mystery shoppers or other means may also be used to measure the customer experience independently. The results of these visits form part of the evaluation where they are included in the category methodology.
09 · Participation
Appeals and Complaints
An establishment may submit an appeal against the procedures or the result within the specified period following the announcement of the results. The appeal must be in writing, state its grounds and be supported by the relevant information or evidence. The appeal is reviewed through an independent and approved mechanism, and the final decision is issued in accordance with the Qatar Top Ten governance procedures.
10 · Participation
Use of Name and Logo and Validity of Classification
Use of Name and Logo: Participants may not use the Qatar Top Ten name or logo in a way that suggests they have won or obtained a ranking before the official announcement of the results. Winners may use the logo or mark specific to the year and category in which they won, in accordance with the approved usage guidelines. The logo may not be modified or used outside the scope of the licence granted. Withdrawal or Suspension of Classification: Qatar Top Ten may suspend or withdraw a classification or award if a material breach of the terms, the submission of misleading information, misuse of the mark, or material circumstances affecting the establishment's eligibility are established. Duration of Classification: A classification is tied to the cycle and year in which the evaluation took place; an establishment's ranking does not guarantee that the same ranking will continue in subsequent years. Establishments are re-evaluated in each new cycle according to the criteria and methodology approved for that cycle.
11 · Participation
Reports and Amendments to the Terms
Reports and Feedback: Qatar Top Ten may issue annual reports containing general findings on sectors, performance levels and customer experience trends, without disclosing participants' confidential information. Evaluation reports or feedback may also be provided to participating establishments in accordance with the system approved for each cycle. Amendment of Terms and Categories: The Qatar Top Ten Management may develop or amend the participation terms, evaluation criteria or categories in a manner that serves the objectives of the project and preserves the quality and reliability of the classification. The terms and criteria announced for each cycle apply to the entries for that cycle.
12 · Participation
Acknowledgement
By submitting an application to participate, the establishment acknowledges that it has read the participation terms and the relevant evaluation methodology, that all information it has provided is correct, and that it agrees to be subject to the verification and evaluation procedures approved by Qatar Top Ten. It further acknowledges that participation does not guarantee winning or obtaining a position in the Top Ten list, and that results depend on meeting the eligibility criteria, achieving the required minimum and the final evaluation results.
