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The General Secretariat of the Shura Council Wednesday launched its institutional strategy for 2025-2030, in the presence of His Excellency Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim; His Excellency Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi and His Excellency President of the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau and Secretary‑General of the National Planning Council Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser al-Khalifa, along with several Their Excellencies members of the Council.**media[389290]**The strategy is designed to strengthen the Council's legislative and oversight functions, raise the efficiency of administrative and operational work, and promote digital transformation and institutional innovation in line with international best practices. It is anchored in a vision of consolidating the Council's institutional presence, guided by values of efficiency, responsibility, teamwork, excellence, and sustainability.**media[389292]**In remarks at the ceremony, His Excellency Secretary‑General of the Shura Council, Nayef bin Mohammed al- Mahmoud, said the strategy was the product of institutional work and a comprehensive development programme based on a clear vision for advancing the Council's mission. He noted that its foundations were inspired by the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and that its preparation involved a review of documents and legislation governing the Council's work to ensure alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy.**media[389291]**Al-Mahmoud explained that the plan sets out six main objectives: strengthening governance in institutional administration, improving operational efficiency through digital transformation and innovation, supporting legislative and oversight work, developing partnerships and cooperation at local and international levels, building future‑ready human capital, and enhancing community engagement. He added that the strategy includes 46 projects to be implemented over the next five years, describing it as a new phase in institutional development that provides a practical framework to support the Council's work and reinforce its role in public life. Concluding his speech, al-Mahmoud expressed appreciation to the Speaker, members of the Council, and all contributors to the strategy, voicing hope that its implementation will strengthen parliamentary work and the Council's national role in the coming period, noting that this step builds on an institutional journey dating back to the Council's establishment in 1972.

The Shura Council held its ordinary weekly session on Monday at the Tamim bin Hamad Hall at the Council's headquarters, chaired by HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim.At the outset of the session, the Shura Council welcomed Qatar's hosting of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, which kicks off later on Monday, praising the comprehensive organizational and operational preparations that underscore the State's ability to manage major sporting events efficiently and competently.The Council affirmed that, under the wise directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, this tournament stands as a significant Arab sporting event hosted by Doha. It added that the championship reinforces Arab unity, broadens opportunities for closer ties and the exchange of experiences, and positions sports as a platform for communication and the strengthening of human connections.Afterward, HE Secretary-General of the Shura Council Nayef bin Mohammed Al Mahmoud read out the session's agenda, and the Council approved the minutes of the previous session.During the session, the Council endorsed the State's draft general budget for the fiscal year 2026, along with the draft law approving the budget. Both were referred to the esteemed government after the Council reviewed the report of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee and discussed its details.The Council also reviewed a draft law amending certain provisions of Decree-Law No. (24) of 2019 on the regulation and management of the strategic stock of food and consumer goods, which had been referred by the esteemed government. The draft law was then forwarded to the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee for study and to submit its report to the Council.Additionally, the Shura Council reviewed the government's statement regarding the Council's proposal titled "The Teacher and His Role in Instilling National Identity Values," and decided to refer the matter to the Education, Culture, Sports, and Media Affairs Committee for further study and to submit its findings to the Council.The Shura Council reviewed the report on the participation of HE Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti, Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, in the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament and the meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments, both held in Geneva in July. The Council also examined the report on the participation of HE Dr. Sultan bin Hassan Al Dhabit Al Dosari, a member of the Council, in the meeting of the Parliamentary Diplomatic Committee of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union, held in July, as well as the report on HE Abdullah bin Nasser bin Turki Al Subaie, a member of the Council, in the seventh meeting of the Coordination Mechanism for Parliamentary Assemblies on Counter-Terrorism, which was held virtually last July.

The Shura Council took part in a three-day parliamentary conference held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, under the theme "The Role of Parliaments in Shaping the Future of Responsible Artificial Intelligence." The event was jointly organised by the Malaysian House of Representatives, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the UN Development Programme, and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.Shura Council members His Excellency Abdulla bin Jaber al-Lebdah and His Excellency Mohammed bin Omar al-Mannai represented the council at the conference.Participants discussed a range of issues related to the development of artificial intelligence, including its impact on societies, accompanying economic shifts, and ways to establish effective regulatory and legislative frameworks to ensure its safe and responsible use.Discussions also addressed digital governance, privacy and data protection, and the role of parliaments in oversight, narrowing the digital divide, and strengthening public trust. Participants highlighted the need for international co-operation and unified standards to confront cross-border challenges.In their final statement, participants underscored the need for global AI regulation that ensures responsible and equitable use of the technology, prevents monopolisation, and avoids its misuse in ways that could undermine institutional trust. They also called for accelerated legislation and oversight, harmonising laws with international standards, boosting transparency, governance and data protection, building parliamentary capacities, launching national dialogues and clear ethical frameworks, raising public awareness, establishing specialised regulatory bodies, and sharing expertise through international co-operation. 

His Excellency Chairman of the Internal and External Affairs Committee of the Shura Council Yousef bin Ali Al Khater praised the distinguished relations and growing partnerships that bind the State of Qatar to the countries of the African continent, based on mutual respect and convergence of interests in the economic, political, labor and other fields.In a special statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), His Excellency explained, on the occasion of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's visit to the Republic of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, that the African tour reflects His Highness’ vision of strengthening relations with countries of the continent and enhancing the presence of the State of Qatar in Africa as a reliable partner that contributes to development, peace and stability.His Excellency pointed out that Qatari-Rwandan relations have witnessed significant development over the past years, including in the fields of education, innovation and modern technologies. He stressed that the close cooperation between Doha and Kigali embodies a model of relations based on partnership and mutual interests.Regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo, HE Chairman of the Internal and External Affairs Committee of the Shura Council explained that relations between the two countries are witnessing increasing growth in light of the Qatari leadership’s interest in strengthening cooperation with African countries rich in natural resources in order to achieve sustainable development and enhance economic and humanitarian cooperation.His Excellency stressed that HH the Amir's visit to Kinshasa is of particular importance as it represents a significant step towards diversifying regional partnerships and deepening cooperation with Central Africa, noting that parliamentary cooperation between the Shura Council and African parliaments constitutes an important bridge to support bilateral relations and expand the horizons of understanding and joint action on regional and international issues. 

His Excellency Chairman of the Internal and External Affairs Committee of the Shura Council Yousef bin Ali al-Khater praised the distinguished relations and growing partnerships that bind Qatar to the countries of the African continent, based on mutual respect and convergence of interests in the economic, political, labor and other fields.In a special statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE al-Khater explained, on the occasion of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani's visit to the Republic of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, that the African tour reflects His Highness’ vision of strengthening relations with countries of the continent and enhancing the presence of the State of Qatar in Africa as a reliable partner that contributes to development, peace and stability.He pointed out that Qatari-Rwandan relations have witnessed significant development over the past years, including in the fields of education, innovation and modern technologies. He stressed that the close co-operation between Doha and Kigali embodies a model of relations based on partnership and mutual interests.Regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo, HE Chairman of the Internal and External Affairs Committee of the Shura Council explained that relations between the two countries are witnessing increasing growth in light of the Qatari leadership’s interest in strengthening co-operation with African countries rich in natural resources in order to achieve sustainable development and enhance economic and humanitarian co-operation.He stressed that His Highness the Amir's visit to Kinshasa is of particular importance as it represents a significant step towards diversifying regional partnerships and deepening co-operation with Central Africa, noting that parliamentary co-operation between the Shura Council and African parliaments constitutes an important bridge to support bilateral relations and expand the horizons of understanding and joint action on regional and international issues.

The Shura Council held its weekly session Monday at the Tamim bin Hamad Hall, chaired by its Speaker His Excellency Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem. At the outset of the session, His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Shura Council Nayef bin Mohammed al-Mahmoud read out the session’s agenda, and the Council approved the minutes of its previous meeting.During the session, the Council reviewed a draft law on Owners’ Association, referred by the government, and decided to refer it to the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee for further study and to submit its report on the matter. The Council also reviewed the esteemed government’s statement concerning the proposal submitted by the Shura Council on the situation of persons with disabilities, and referred the matter to the Social Affairs, Labour, and Housing Committee for study and to submit its findings.At the conclusion of the session, His Excellency al-Ghanem briefed the Council on his participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), held last week in Islamabad, Pakistan. He noted that the conference discussed issues related to peace, security, and development, as well as the role of parliaments in supporting international efforts to resolve conflicts and promote intercultural dialogueHe also highlighted his meetings with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, and the Speaker of the House of Councillors of Morocco, noting that discussions focused on parliamentary relations, prospects for strengthening them, and co-ordinating positions on the topics addressed during the conference.His Excellency the Speaker additionally reviewed his participation in the 19th Meeting of Speakers of Legislative Councils of GCC States, hosted by Bahrain last Thursday. He explained that the meeting underscored the importance of enhancing Gulf parliamentary co-operation, developing mechanisms for consultation and co-ordination, and supporting the integration process among GCC states.He further referred to his remarks emphasising Gulf unity and shared destiny, noting that the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain received the GCC legislative council speakers participating in the meeting, which reaffirmed support for joint Gulf parliamentary work and the development of co-ordination mechanisms to serve the best interests of the peoples of the GCC states.

The Shura Council held its weekly session on Monday at the Tamim bin Hamad Hall, chaired by His Excellency Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim. At the outset of the session, HE Secretary-General of the Shura Council Nayef bin Mohammed Al Mahmoud read out the session's agenda, and the Council approved the minutes of its previous meeting. During the session, the Council reviewed a draft law on Owners' Association, referred by the esteemed government, and decided to refer it to the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee for further study and to submit its report on the matter. **media[382727]** The Council also reviewed the esteemed government's statement concerning the proposal submitted by the Shura Council on the situation of persons with disabilities, and referred the matter to the Social Affairs, Labor, and Housing Committee for study and to submit its findings. At the conclusion of the session, HE Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim briefed the Council on his participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference (ISC), held last week in Islamabad, Pakistan. His Excellency noted that the conference discussed issues related to peace, security, and development, as well as the role of parliaments in supporting international efforts to resolve conflicts and promote intercultural dialogue His Excellency also highlighted his meetings with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, and the Speaker of the House of Councillors of Morocco, noting that discussions focused on parliamentary relations, prospects for strengthening them, and coordinating positions on the topics addressed during the conference. HE the Speaker additionally reviewed his participation in the 19th Meeting of Speakers of Legislative Councils of GCC States, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain last Thursday. He explained that the meeting underscored the importance of enhancing Gulf parliamentary cooperation, developing mechanisms for consultation and coordination, and supporting the integration process among GCC states. He further referred to his remarks emphasizing Gulf unity and shared destiny, noting that HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain received the GCC legislative council speakers participating in the meeting, which reaffirmed support for joint Gulf parliamentary work and the development of coordination mechanisms to serve the best interests of the peoples of the GCC states.

The Shura Council's Education, Culture, Sport and Media Affairs Committee held a meeting Sunday under the chairmanship of His Excellency Khalid bin Ahmed al-Obaidan.The committee discussed the government's statement regarding the Council's proposal on the cultural legacy project associated with Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.The committee decided to submit its report on the matter to the Shura Council.

His Excellency the Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim met separately Sunday with Mauritanian ambassador Mohamed Mohamed Abdullah Bebane and French ambassador Arnaud Pescheux.**media[382327]**Discussions during the meetings addressed Qatar's relations with Mauritania and France, and ways to further develop them, particularly in the field of parliamentary co-operation.

His Excellency Speaker of the Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim affirmed the belief of the State of Qatar under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, that Gulf unity constitutes a fundamental pillar for preserving the region's security and stability and for strengthening cooperation to achieve prosperity for its peoples. Addressing the 19th meeting of the Speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National, and Ummah Councils of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries, held today in the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Excellency emphasized that the deep-rooted fraternal ties uniting the GCC countries transcend geographical boundaries and immediate interests. These ties are rooted in profound historical, cultural, and social relations, making a shared destiny and common interest a reality, not merely a slogan. He stressed that the Gulf legislative councils, through their regular meetings and ongoing coordination, have proven themselves to be a powerful voice for this Gulf unity, in addition to their unwavering support for unified Gulf policies and positions on various regional and international issues. His Excellency noted that the continued convening of GCC meetings reflects a shared understanding of the importance of parliamentary coordination and the necessity of unifying positions on major issues affecting the security and stability of the region and the world. He emphasized that the increasing political, economic, and security challenges make joint parliamentary action a necessity, not an option, and amplify the responsibility to defend the interests of the GCC states and their people, and to solidify the image of unified Gulf cooperation in various international forums. In his address, HE the Speaker of the Shura Council touched on the Doha Declaration issued by the Second World Summit for Social Development, hosted by the State of Qatar in November of this year. He highlighted its international call for achieving more equitable and sustainable development based on eradicating poverty and promoting social justice. He stressed that achieving these goals requires an active role for legislative councils in supporting policies that promote human development and monitoring the implementation of international commitments, thus embodying a genuine partnership between parliaments and governments in serving humanity and enhancing its well-being. On the regional front, His Excellency stressed that Gulf security is indivisible, and that the security of any member state is the security of all. He then addressed the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip, reaffirming the principled and unwavering stance of supporting the steadfastness of the brotherly Palestinian people and condemning the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against innocent civilians, which constitute a flagrant violation of all humanitarian and international laws and norms. In this context, His Excellency commended the honorable positions of the GCC states in supporting the Palestinian cause and standing with the Palestinian people in Gaza. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the fraternal solidarity shown by the GCC member states towards the State of Qatar following the Israeli aggression against its territory, as this solidarity embodies the depth of Gulf unity and the shared position and destiny. HE the Speaker of the Shura Council also emphasized the current need to activate the tools of Gulf parliamentary diplomacy and strengthen dialogue and coordination with Arab and Islamic legislative councils to formulate a unified vision that reflects collective positions and supports the goals of the GCC states in achieving security, stability, and sustainable development. He considered that the strength of the Gulf position in international forums stems from unity and the ability to present a consistent message that reflects the aspirations of the people and defends shared values. His Excellency began his address by expressing his sincere thanks and appreciation to the House of Representatives of the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain for its generous hospitality and excellent organization, wishing it success in presiding over the current session and in achieving the aspirations of the legislative councils to enhance joint Gulf cooperation. His Excellency Speaker Al Ghanim, extended thanks and appreciation to the sisterly United Arab Amirates, represented by the Federal National Council, for the remarkable efforts it made during its presidency of the previous session, and for the qualitative initiatives it achieved that contributed to strengthening Gulf parliamentary work and unifying positions in regional and international forums. At the same time, he praised the efforts of the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf for its diligent work in supporting the joint Gulf action and developing mechanisms of cooperation between the Council's institutions.

Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa met Wednesday with His Excellency the Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, speakers of the Legislative Councils of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and Speaker of the Arab Parliament Mohammed bin Ahmed al-Yamahi. **media[381073]** The meeting took place ahead of the 19th periodic meeting of the speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National, and Ummah Councils of the GCC countries, scheduled to be held in Manama today. Discussions during the meeting dealt with ways to enhance co-operation and integration among the GCC countries in various fields, in addition to a number of issues of common interest, most notably prospects for developing joint GCC action to achieve the aspirations of the region's peoples.

The Shura Council will take part in the 19th periodic meeting of the leaders of Shura, Representatives, National and Ummah Councils of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, scheduled to be held today in Bahrain. **media[381069]** His Excellency Speaker of the Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, chairs the Qatari delegation to the meeting. The meeting will address a range of parliamentary issues of common interest, including ways to strengthen co-operation among GCC legislative bodies and between these councils and the European Parliament, as well as other parliaments worldwide.