The Shura Council on Monday held the closing session of its fourth regular meeting of the First Legislative Term, corresponding to the 53rd annual session.
The session was chaired by HE the Speaker, Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim.
At the outset, the Council renewed its strong condemnation of the missile attack on Al-Udeid Air Base last Monday, carried out by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Council stressed that the attack constitutes a blatant violation of the sovereignty of Qatar and its airspace, as well as a grave breach of international law and the UN Charter.
The Council affirmed that such aggressive behaviour runs counter to the principles of good neighbourliness and undermines the foundations of relations that should be based on mutual understanding and respect, in a manner that promotes regional security and stability.
The Council expressed its deep appreciation to the Qatari Armed Forces, under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (may Allah protect him), for their prominent role in responding to the attack. It praised the high level of preparedness and swift response of the competent authorities, whose professionalism helped contain the incident and reassure citizens and residents.
The Council also expressed its gratitude for the solidarity expressed by regional and international parliamentary organisations, as well as by sisterly and friendly countries. In the same context, the Council welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel, and commended the intensive diplomatic efforts undertaken by Qatar to enhance prospects for peace in the region.
During the session, the Council approved a draft law amending certain provisions of Law No 14 of 2014 on Combating Cybercrimes, and a draft law amending provisions of the Shura Council's internal regulations issued under Law No 8 of 2024.
Subsequently, the Council reviewed the report of the Internal and External Affairs Committee regarding the government's statement on the Council's proposal related to regulating procedures for domestic workers departing the country, and adopted the appropriate decision.
The Council also reviewed the report of the Social Affairs, Labour, and Housing Committee concerning the government's statement on the Council's proposal regarding the rising divorce rates in society, and issued its decision accordingly.
Following this, HE Secretary-General of the Shura Council read Amiri Decree No 58 of 2025 declaring the closure of the fourth regular session of the First Legislative Term, corresponding to the 53rd annual session of the Shura Council, effective Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
At the conclusion of the session, HE al-Ghanim delivered an address in which he described the occasion as a significant national milestone, marking the conclusion of four years of diligent work under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, whose generous support and patronage provided a solid foundation for legislative and oversight practices.
He noted that this legislative term represented a phase of development, institution-building, and activation of roles, during which the Council expanded its functions, engaged with society, and interacted with its regional and international surroundings, reflecting the State's aspirations to entrench the Shura (consultative) principle and enhance institutional work.
He highlighted that the fourth regular session witnessed 81 committee meetings addressing 49 vital topics of national interest.
He emphasised the Council's special attention to issues reflecting the daily concerns of citizens, including social values, national identity, family upbringing, student summer employment, senior citizen services, regulation of digital media content, healthcare services, medical appointments, and agricultural investment and production.
In the field of parliamentary diplomacy, HE the Speaker noted that the Council had a strong and impactful presence in regional and international parliamentary conferences, actively participating in discussions on human rights, food security, digital transformation, climate change, and international peace and security.
"In the realm of external parliamentary engagement, several Council members assumed prominent positions in regional and international parliamentary unions and organisations, thereby elevating the Council's standing on the global stage and enabling it to contribute meaningfully to shaping global parliamentary agendas and decision-making."
He stressed that this reflects Qatar's esteemed position regionally and internationally.
HE the Speaker reaffirmed the Council's unwavering commitment to promoting Qatar's image in regional and international fora, voicing the country's principled positions, and defending causes important to the Arab and Islamic nations, foremost among them the Palestinian cause. He reiterated the Council's rejection of any attempts to undermine this just cause and called for an immediate end to the ongoing aggression and grave violations endured by the Palestinian people.
He underscored the Council's position advocating for the Palestinian people's right to establish an independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant international resolutions and the principles of international law.
He emphasised that the Council's work was guided by the national vision laid down by His Highness the Amir, citizens' aspirations, and the country's supreme interests.
In conclusion, HE the Speaker said the achievements of the First Legislative Term represent a distinguished national accomplishment worthy of recognition, made possible by the dedication and sincere efforts of Council members.
