The Shura Council has concluded its First Legislative Term of the annual session (50-53), adding to its legacy of over five decades a new chapter of achievements that reflect its firm commitment to its constitutional mission. The Council remains dedicated to strengthening participation in decision-making and solidifying the foundations of the Shura system in the country, in a manner that ensures the homeland’s best interests are upheld.
Throughout successive sessions, the Council has played an important and vital legislative role in serving the interests and aspirations of the Qatari people. This has been achieved through its discussion, approval, and amendment of laws and legislation, all in accordance with the rule of law and aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Permanent Constitution of Qatar, which serves as the legal framework for these ambitions.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has consistently emphasised in his addresses inaugurating the Shura Council’s annual sessions the Council’s vital legislative and oversight roles. His Highness highlights the Council’s effective handling of key draft law packages, through which essential legislation has been completed governing various aspects of life and transactions in the State in a manner that serves the best interests of both the country and its citizens.
His Highness the Amir’s directives continue to serve as a guiding light for the Council’s work, motivating further efforts to meet the aspirations of Qatari citizens and contribute to nationwide development and prosperity.
Through its deliberations and sessions which totalled 140, including two extraordinary sessions, the Council addressed numerous pressing national issues, both those directly affecting citizens and those related to legislation and policies that promote sustainable development in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. These efforts represent a concrete translation of the wise leadership’s goals and the Qatari people’s hopes.
Throughout its first legislative term, the Council maintained its tradition of active legislative engagement, significantly contributing to the country’s development journey in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.
In this context, the Council approved 82 draft laws during its term. These laws addressed crucial issues aimed at improving the economic environment, enhancing investment attractiveness, expanding public-private partnerships, and developing infrastructure.
Additionally, the legislation encompassed reforms to the judicial system, improvements in administrative and financial performance, and increased institutional efficiency to keep pace with national growth and evolving needs.
Among the most significant accomplishments of the Shura Council during the last legislative session was the approval of the draft constitutional amendments during its fourth regular session of the first legislative term, corresponding to the 53rd annual session.
The Council unanimously approved the proposed amendments and submitted them to His Highness the Amir, following a review of the report by the committee concerned with studying the amendment of certain articles in the constitution. The approval came after in-depth and constructive discussions reflecting the Council members’ commitment to national unity, the principles of justice and rule of law, and the supreme interests of the country all in line with the directives of His Highness the Amir.
On this occasion, HE the Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem emphasised that the draft constitutional amendments, which came in accordance with the Amir’s directives, mark an important phase that will position of Qatar at an advanced stage of development, opening new prospects for growth and prosperity. He added that future generations will look back on this milestone with pride.
He also noted that the amendments are an important step in strengthening national unity and reinforcing the rule of law. As His Highness the Amir indicated in his address to the Council, the purpose of these amendments is to preserve the unity of the people and promote equal citizenship in both rights and responsibilities.
HE al-Ghanem stressed that the amendments reflect Qatar’s commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law across all areas of life, and to meeting the Qatari people’s aspirations for a better future underpinned by law.
Approving these amendments, and the noble goals they seek to achieve, place the country in a historic moment in the path toward development, he said, adding that the country was inherited as a safe and socially cohesive nation free from division, and the responsibility now is to ensure that future generations receive an even stronger and more unified homeland.
HE the Speaker praised the fruitful co-operation with the government and acknowledged its support and attention to the draft constitutional amendment.
During this legislative term, the Council also approved its new internal regulations, aimed at organising its work, managing sessions, decision-making processes, and the organisation of its various committees.
The Council’s internal regulations consist of 244 articles divided into eight chapters, governing the various working rules and internal procedures of the Council.
The new internal regulations, which replaced Law No 6 of 1979, outline the internal order and workflow of the Council, the functions of its committees, the organisation of sessions, rules of discussion and voting, and all other powers stipulated in the constitution.
The new internal regulations also aim to strengthen the Council’s legislative and oversight functions. They include mechanisms to ensure the smooth conduct of the Council’s work, such as organising sessions and establishing rules for discussion and voting.
Under the new internal regulations, the Shura Council’s legislative and oversight roles are strengthened, with clear mechanisms established for exercising its authorities in accordance with the powers granted by the constitution and relevant laws.
HE al-Ghanem affirmed that issues concerning citizens remain at the forefront of the Council’s priorities, guided by the wise leadership’s directives and its aspirations to develop national legislation that meets all requirements for comprehensive development, thereby supporting the implementation of Qatar National Vision 2030.
He further noted that the Council approached public issues with great care and attention, as reflected in the productive discussions held at “Tamim Bin Hamad” hall, the resulting recommendations, and the amendments made to draft laws submitted to the Council by the esteemed government.
In terms of its general discussions and proposals, the Shura Council’s work during its first legislative term, corresponding to its annual session, provided numerous proposals and recommendations that respond to the demands of the current phase and address citizens’ concerns in the areas of health, education, the economy, housing, the environment, and sustainability. These proposals also address the enhancement of governance, transparency, preservation of identity, and the challenges associated with modern means of communication.
During its 50th annual session, the Council raised important and fundamental topics and issues, most notably a session on Qatari job seekers, identifying the country’s needs for specialisations required by the labour market, and another on inflation, the rising cost of living, and the increasing financial burdens on families. It also discussed the phenomenon of Qataris’ reluctance to pursue teaching.
Other issues discussed during the Council’s deliberations included the implementation of Law No 7 of 2019 on the protection of the Arabic language, the promotion of Islamic and societal values, and the preservation of national identity. The Council also discussed marriage demonstrations, which lead to increased costs, as well as other societal challenges.
The first regular session of the first legislative term, corresponding to the 50th annual session of the Shura Council, was characterised by constructive work, discussions and recommendations. During 35 plenary sessions and several committee meetings, the Council addressed many vital issues and topics of interest to the nation and its citizens, and presented appropriate proposals regarding them, whether related to legislative tools that regulate the temporary expropriation of private property for the public good, and the regulation of the ownership of real estate by diplomatic missions accredited to the state, or other important topics that touch the lives of citizens, such as the draft laws on social insurance and military retirement. In addition, the Council discussed proposals related to inflation, the rising cost of living, the increasing burdens on citizens, Qataris’ reluctance to pursue teaching, the negative aspects associated with marriage, Qatari job seekers, promoting national values and identity, and other topics.
Among the draft laws discussed by the Shura Council during the first session, corresponding to the 50th annual session, were the draft state general budget for the 2022 fiscal year, and the approval of the draft law to adopt it, a draft law regulating the right to access information, and a draft law amending some provisions of Law No 4 of 2008 regarding real estate rents and others.
During its 51st annual session, the Council continued its constitutional role in discussing issues of concern to the nation and its citizens, most notably reorganisation and monitoring of domestic worker recruitment agencies, violations committed by some individuals and companies and their impact on wildlife, benefiting from retirees in the labour market, delayed medical appointments in the Public Health Sector, high divorce rates, the dangers of using technology on youth, and the cultural heritage project for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
This session was also full of discussions on a number of draft laws and taking appropriate decisions regarding them, including a draft law approving the state’s general budget for the 2023 fiscal year, a draft law amending some provisions of the Income Tax Law issued by Law No 24 of 2018, a draft law on combating the concealment of non-Qataris’ illegal practice of commercial, economic and professional activities, a draft law on documentation, and other draft laws.
