Shura Council plays an effective legislative role, says Speaker

HE the Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem has emphasised that co-operation and integration between the legislative and executive authorities constitute one of the most important factors for the success of the Shura concept in Qatar, which aims to achieve the nation’s supreme interests, embodying and implementing the directives of the country’s wise leadership.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the adjournment of the 4th session of the first legislative term, corresponding to the 53rd annual session of the Shura Council, HE al-Ghanem said that the relationship between the Council and the government has been characterised by a spirit of constructive co-operation and institutional integration, reflecting the keenness of both sides to achieve the supreme interests of the nation.

In this context, he noted that the Shura Council’s experience, spanning more than 50 years, represents a model consistent with the unique characteristics of Qatari society, establishing a clear partnership between the people and the government within a balanced constitutional and cultural framework that respects the deeply rooted Qatari traditions of Shura and keeps pace with the times.

He pointed out that the Shura Council’s performance has always been characterised by a sense of responsibility and seriousness in discharging its constitutionally mandated powers, particularly with regard to legislative authority, approving the budget, and exercising oversight over the executive branch, in a manner that serves the public interest and preserves gains.

HE al-Ghanem addressed the key legislative achievements of the Council throughout the first legislative term of the annual session (50-53). He said that the Council has played an effective legislative role and demonstrated remarkable activity that has contributed to supporting the national development process, in line with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the strategic plans.


He noted that during the first legislative session, the Council approved 83 draft laws, strengthening the country’s legislative system, particularly those related to improving the economic environment and enhancing investment attractiveness, social development, and the development of the education and health sectors, as well as expanding the scope of public-private partnerships, in addition to developing infrastructure.

HE al-Ghanem indicated that these legislations included developing the judicial system and supporting the efficiency of the state’s administrative and financial performance, thus enhancing the effectiveness of institutions and keeping pace with the requirements of growth and development. He pointed out that, within the framework of the Shura Council’s keenness to support the state’s efforts and achieve the goals of the Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030), the Council took the initiative during the first legislative term to host a number of ministers and senior officials in sessions that addressed the ministries’ programmes and executive plans. He stressed that these meetings provided an important opportunity to closely monitor the progress made in implementing development initiatives and exchange views on challenges and future prospects.

He added that from what was presented and discussed, the council sees that there are intensive efforts being made by government agencies to achieve the National Development Strategy indicators, particularly in the areas of economic diversification, human capital development, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure modernisation. This reflects a real commitment by state institutions to proceed in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030.

HE al-Ghanem voiced the Council’s appreciation for the positive interaction shown by government agencies with the visions, observations, and suggestions submitted by the Council.

He added that the council has witnessed a constructive response that reflects a shared understanding of the importance of integration between the legislative and executive authorities, and a belief in the council’s role in contributing to improving the performance of government institutions and guiding public policies to achieve the aspirations of the nation and its citizens.

He also emphasised that the Council is keen to implement the lofty directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in the areas of legislation and development initiatives, by strengthening the legislative framework for investment and stimulating the economic and social environment, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

Regarding the Council’s efforts, through its stances and initiatives, to express the Qatari people’s stances on various regional and international issues, HE al-Ghanem said that through its stances and official statements, the Council has contributed to supporting the state’s efforts and representing the views of the Qatari people on regional and international issues, reflecting a unified and balanced voice that supports the security and stability of the region.

He also noted that the Council has strengthened its parliamentary diplomacy in international parliamentary forums and engaged with numerous regional and international issues, in addition to hosting numerous council presidents and parliamentary officials, which reflects its commitment to employing parliamentary diplomacy to safeguard the country’s interests and support the nation’s causes.

He indicated that the Shura Council’s strategic vision for parliamentary diplomacy stems from a firm belief in the importance of integration between parliamentary work and the state’s official diplomacy, and in the role of parliaments in promoting dialogue and understanding and building bridges between peoples, especially in light of current regional and international challenges that require comprehensive approaches based on pluralism and international co-operation.

In this context, HE al-Ghanem affirmed that the Council, during the first legislative term, was keen to strengthen its presence in international parliamentary forums, through active participation in the work of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Arab Parliament, the Arab Parliamentary Union, Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), and the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), in addition to its active participation and presence in regional and international conferences of a parliamentary nature.

He also noted that, through these participations, the Council expressed its stances consistent with those of Qatar on the key issues raised, particularly those related to human rights, sustainable development, the maintenance of international peace and security, and advocacy for just causes, foremost among them the Palestinian cause.

In the same context, HE al-Ghanem noted that the Shura Council had witnessed a series of official visits during this period, hosting a number of heads of parliaments and legislative councils, as well as senior parliamentary officials from various countries around the world.

HE the Speaker stressed that those visits provided an important platform for strengthening bilateral relations, exchanging parliamentary expertise, and affirming Qatar’s supportive stance on dialogue and mutual respect.

He added that these efforts are in line with the directives of the wise leadership, which places openness to the world and enhancing multilateral co-operation at the heart of its foreign policy.

He highlighted that the Shura Council has demonstrated its commitment to contributing to the implementation of the directives of the wise leadership by enhancing Qatar’s image as a responsible and influential player globally, and a supporter of peace, stability, and development. He emphasised that the council has consolidated its unique Shura experience and will continue to work with all sincerity and responsibility, interpreting the directives of the wise leadership and fulfilling the aspirations of the nation’s people.

HE the Speaker of the Shura Council voiced his sincere thanks and appreciation to the citizens and residents of Qatar, who have always been partners in the process of construction and progress. He said that their support, trust, and constructive interaction have been a source of strength for the Shura Council in performing its legislative and national duty, and a source of constant pride in everything the Council accomplishes to serve the nation.