Adoption of IFRS by listed companies in Qatar: challenges and solutions

Abstract

The importance of adopting International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) has been increasing owing to the fact that companies and businesses are conducting their operations outside their national boundaries and becoming more global. This study investigates the extent of adopting IFRS by the 44 listed companies in Qatar Exchange. In addition, it examines the challenges that are experienced by these companies in the process of adopting and implementing these standards. Furthermore, this study found the four main challenges in the adoption process in Qatar are level of education, professional skills of the staff, requirement of external support (such as the involvement of external auditors and professional consultants), and the increased judgement that may lead to manipulations. The study recommends that in order to have a better monitoring of adopting IFRS in Qatar, laws should mandate the adoption of IFRS and a central body should enforce the adoption of IFRS by companies.