His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani is set to inaugurate the second regular session of Qatar’s Shura Council today at the Tamim bin Hamad Hall, marking the 55th annual session of the legislative body. The Amir will address the members, providing guidance and setting priorities that are expected to serve as a roadmap for the Council’s work throughout the year.
The Shura Council, Qatar’s legislative authority, places significant emphasis on the development of the country’s legislative framework in line with constitutional principles. Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem, Speaker of the Shura Council, highlighted that under the Amir’s directives, the Council prioritizes development sectors while considering societal aspirations and the needs of the current phase. He affirmed that draft laws undergo comprehensive examination from various perspectives within the Council, ensuring their consistency with development goals and citizens’ interests.
The Speaker elaborated on the Council’s legislative process, stressing the importance of consulting experts and clarifying proposals submitted by relevant authorities to empower informed decision-making. He noted that the Amir’s speeches at the opening of legislative sessions serve as a cornerstone, offering political guidance on domestic and foreign affairs, reflecting Qatar's current reality, and highlighting progress toward comprehensive development. These insights inform the Council’s vision and priorities, providing a framework within which the Council operates.
Al-Ghanem underscored the complementary relationship between the Shura Council and the executive branch, with strong cooperation aimed at implementing strategic plans aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. The legislative work is characterized by close coordination to support national development objectives. He emphasized that the Council’s constitutional mandate guides its legislative and oversight roles, translating societal aspirations into productive discussions that strengthen the country’s legal structure.
Reflecting on the Council’s recent achievements, the Speaker cited its active schedule during the previous session, including 37 ordinary sessions and 81 committee meetings. During that period, the Council reviewed and approved 23 government-submitted draft laws and introduced a legislative proposal focused on digital child protection, addressing emerging risks from increased use of technology by children. The Council also approved the state budget ahead of each fiscal year and engaged ministers, officials, and experts through hearings and committee meetings to examine draft laws thoroughly.
Coordination between the Shura Council and the government was described as effective and continuous, fostering joint efforts to address national priorities. The Council aims to maintain and strengthen this cooperation in the current session, focusing on monitoring the progress and implementation of development projects under constitutional oversight.
Outside domestic affairs, the Shura Council maintains a dynamic presence in regional and international parliamentary assemblies, reinforcing Qatar’s foreign policy objectives. The Council actively promotes peace, dialogue, coexistence, and Arab and Islamic causes. Notably, it successfully submitted an emergency agenda item at the 152nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul, focusing on ceasefires, peace agreements, and protection of international waterways.
The Speaker highlighted the Council’s commitment to advancing its parliamentary diplomacy by enhancing partnerships with counterpart bodies, expanding cooperation, and developing qualified national cadres. This diplomatic engagement aligns with Qatar’s broader goals of fostering international peace, coexistence, and sustainable development while projecting a positive image of the country on the global stage.
Preparations for the new session reportedly reflect a forward-looking institutional vision, with technical and logistical arrangements finalized to ensure smooth proceedings. The second regular session is expected to continue the Council’s ongoing efforts to align legislation with the nation’s strategic goals and societal needs.