OBJECTIVES: Active domestic pharmacovigilance programs are necessary as adverse drug reaction (ADR) data from other countries may overlook safety patterns in local populations. The success of any surveillance system relies upon active participation of reporters. The objective of this study was to describe pharmacist reporting of suspected ADRs in Qatar to inform policy recommendations to the Supreme Council of Health. METHODS: A 27-item survey was developed following comprehensive literature review of relevant published research.  Questions encompassed broad domains including: pharmacist knowledge of and experiences in reporting suspected ADRs; attitudes towards health professional pharmacovigilance roles; perceived barriers and facilitators to reporting; and recommendations for improvements in this process. The web-based survey was formatted for electronic delivery and response for self-administration in English or Arabic by a convenience sample of over 500 Qatar pharmacists.  RESULTS: The survey remained open for two months between April 30 and June 30, 2011. Of the 142 (25%) total responses, 116 (81.6%) surveys were completed beyond demographic data and included information about prior suspected ADR reporting experiences. Knowledge of ADR terminology and reporting purpose among the 116 (20%) responding pharmacists was high, but only 34 (30%) had ever made a suspected ADR report in Qatar.  Most respondents expressed positive attitudes towards pharmacist roles in pharmacovigilance activities, but inability to recognize a potential ADR or subsequently access a reporting form were perceived barriers, with enhanced training and efficiency in report submission corresponding identified facilitators to future participation. Hospital pharmacists were 7 times more likely than ambulatory-care based pharmacists to have reported a suspected ADR in Qatar. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacists in Qatar are willing to engage in pharmacovigilance activities if supported by increased training and transparency in the reporting process.  A national infrastructure with capacity to collect and manage suspected ADR reports and promote patient and medication safety is exigent.