http://www.simmons-simmons.com/docs/10keypoints.pdf
http://www.qatarvisitor.com/index.php?cID=440&pID=1412
http://ezinearticles.com/?Essential-Steps-to-Starting-a-Business-in-Qata...
http://www.ehow.com/how_6868678_start-business-qatar.html

Do we need to register with the procurement and wait for RFPs.
supply management/ vendor registration - Depends on company, some company require registration and some non government companies directly u can contact the procurement department(say fix appointment and explain ur products)

how does it work when you work with a local partner who is a Qatari registered company. how can we bid for tender with them ?
1.Joint venture but again your company has to registered first
2. bid as a sub-contracting company with partners while the profit and responsibility shared(again depends on term n condition both company stipulate)

how abt direct selling to government customers,is it allowed.
Firstly mention what product you are selling..

Nope u cant sell the product directly to the government, all has to go through proper channel i.e RFQ - quotation submission- best bidder/quotation selection- contracts- work-order/execution

Again all the tender related to government is mentioned in their website like QP/GTC/LTC etc.

possibly this wud help you