Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Heads of terms
I need a heads of terms document for a joint venture agreement between two companies in the energy sector, outlining the key terms such as profit-sharing, management responsibilities, and initial capital contributions, with a focus on compliance with local regulations and a dispute resolution mechanism.
What is a Heads of terms?
Heads of terms outline the key points of a future contract before the parties create the final, detailed agreement. In Qatar's business landscape, they're often called memoranda of understanding (MOUs) or letters of intent, serving as a roadmap for major commercial deals and joint ventures.
While not usually legally binding under Qatari civil law, these documents help parties agree on essential elements like price, timeline, and core obligations before investing in detailed negotiations. They're particularly valuable in complex transactions governed by Qatar Financial Centre regulations, where businesses need to document their initial understanding while maintaining flexibility to adjust terms.
When should you use a Heads of terms?
Use Heads of terms when negotiating major business deals in Qatar, especially for complex transactions like joint ventures, property developments, or significant commercial contracts. They're particularly valuable when dealing with international partners or Qatar Financial Centre-regulated entities, where you need to lock in the main commercial points before spending time and money on detailed agreements.
Creating Heads of terms makes sense during initial discussions with potential business partners, when you've agreed on key elements but need time to work out the details. They help prevent misunderstandings, guide legal teams drafting final contracts, and provide a clear framework for moving forward—especially important under Qatar's civil law system where preliminary agreements carry specific legal implications.
What are the different types of Heads of terms?
- Basic Term Sheet: A simple outline covering essential deal points, commonly used for straightforward commercial agreements in Qatar's SME sector
- Detailed MOU: A comprehensive version including binding confidentiality and exclusivity provisions, typical in Qatar Financial Centre transactions
- Property Development Terms: Specialized format focusing on construction milestones, payments, and permits under Qatari real estate law
- Joint Venture Heads: Structured outline addressing corporate governance, profit sharing, and management rights under Qatar Companies Law
- Investment Term Sheet: Focused version for funding rounds and acquisitions, commonly used in Qatar's banking and finance sector
Who should typically use a Heads of terms?
- Business Owners & Executives: Lead negotiations and set key commercial terms for major deals in Qatar, especially for joint ventures and property developments
- Corporate Lawyers: Draft and review Heads of terms to ensure alignment with Qatari law and protect client interests
- Investment Bankers: Structure financial terms for Qatar Financial Centre transactions and major acquisitions
- Real Estate Developers: Use them to outline construction projects and development agreements under local property laws
- Commercial Directors: Negotiate and approve key business points before detailed legal documentation begins
How do you write a Heads of terms?
- Core Deal Points: Gather essential business terms, including price, timeline, and key obligations under Qatar law
- Party Information: Collect accurate legal names, registration numbers, and authorized signatories for all entities involved
- Legal Framework: Identify applicable Qatar regulations, especially for Qatar Financial Centre entities
- Deal Structure: Outline proposed transaction mechanics, payment terms, and conditions precedent
- Binding Elements: Clearly mark which provisions are legally binding versus non-binding under Qatari civil law
- Document Generation: Use our platform to create a legally sound Heads of terms that meets local requirements
What should be included in a Heads of terms?
- Party Details: Full legal names, registration numbers, and authorized representatives as per Qatar Commercial Registry
- Transaction Scope: Clear description of the proposed deal structure and key commercial terms
- Binding Provisions: Explicit statements on confidentiality and exclusivity obligations under Qatar law
- Timeline Section: Key dates, milestones, and duration of the preliminary agreement
- Governing Law: Clear statement choosing Qatar law or QFC regulations as applicable
- Non-Binding Statement: Clear language indicating which terms are not legally binding
- Signature Block: Proper format for Qatar-based signatories with official company stamps
What's the difference between a Heads of terms and a Terms and Conditions?
Heads of terms are often confused with Terms and Conditions in Qatar's business environment, but they serve distinctly different purposes. While both documents outline agreements, their scope, timing, and legal effect vary significantly.
- Legal Enforceability: Heads of terms are primarily non-binding preliminary agreements, except for specific confidentiality clauses. Terms and Conditions create immediate, binding obligations between parties.
- Timing and Use: Heads of terms come early in negotiations to outline future deals. Terms and Conditions govern ongoing business relationships or completed transactions.
- Detail Level: Heads of terms capture key commercial points briefly. Terms and Conditions provide comprehensive rules and obligations.
- Party Relationship: Heads of terms typically involve equal business partners negotiating major deals. Terms and Conditions usually govern business-to-customer relationships under Qatar's consumer protection laws.
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.