In chapter 2 we discussed contract formation in general, whereas here we shall dive deeper into formality and delivery in particular. Before doing so, we need to lay the foundations by which to evaluate the legal impact of formality and delivery on civil and commercial contracts. It will be recalled that under the civil law tradition, contracts are predicated on three general pillars, namely: (i) consent, consisting of offer, acceptance and intention to be legally bound; (ii) subject-matter; and (iii) cause. In addition, there may, although not necessarily, exist two further requirements (special pillars), namely: (iv) formality; and (v) delivery

This chapter will examine three distinct issues. The first concerns agreements whereby the creditor or debtor to an existing contract is substituted by a new (third) party. Two types of substitution are envisaged, namely: assignment of rights (assignment) and assignment of debt (novation). The second focus of the chapter is on the effects of contracts on bona fide third parties and how the law mitigates any adverse impact. The third is an innovation of the Qatari CC, examining agreements the sole object of which is to attract third parties. This chapter will not deal with the rights of successors (heirs) to a contract following the death of the contracting party

In chapter 8 we discussed the defects of consent, whereas here we shall dive deeper into the effects of defects in general. Before doing so, we need to lay the foundations by which to evaluate the legal impact of each defect on civil and commercial contracts. It will be recalled that under the civil law tradition, contracts are predicated on three general pillars, namely: (i) consent, consisting of offer, acceptance and intention to be legally bound; (ii) subject-matter; and (iii) cause. In addition there might, but not necessarily, exist two further requirements (special pillars), namely: (iv) form and (v) delivery.