Development, Status and Opportunities of Acupuncture in Qatar

This paper presents an outline of the current status, regulations, and qualifications required for the practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in Qatar. The paper also provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities that face practitioners of Acupuncture as a complimentary medicine in Qatar and the recent licensing mechanisms introduced in January 2016. Qatar's 2030 vision and demand for continued development and sustainable growth includes the Chinese initiative 'One Belt, One Road' project which offers a golden opportunity for the further development of TCM in Qatar. The findings of this paper suggest that there are now real possibilities China and Qatar to cooperate in the exchange of medical services, training and education in the field of TCM.