Qatar has issued Amiri Decision No. 38 of 2026, a regulatory framework aimed at enhancing the country’s legislative drafting processes, the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers announced. The decision, effective from January 1, 2027, seeks to modernize and streamline legislative development, supporting national priorities in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030).
Replacing Amiri Decision No. 33 of 2000, which had guided legislative procedures for more than 25 years, the new decision introduces a comprehensive approach covering the entire legislative cycle. This includes stages from planning and identifying legislative needs to drafting, reviewing, impact assessment, public consultation, final approval, publication, implementation monitoring, and post-enactment evaluation.
The initiative reflects the General Secretariat’s strategic goal to promote legislative excellence and strengthen government decision-making quality. Assistant Secretary-General for Legislative Affairs, Abdulaziz Mubarak al-Buainain, explained that the updated system draws on accumulated institutional experience but adapts its tools and methodologies to meet evolving governance demands. Key features include an annual legislative plan, an integrated government legislative plan approved by the Council of Ministers, legislative dossiers, legislative reporters, and impact assessments conducted before and after legislation adoption.
Additionally, the framework emphasizes transparency and efficient coordination by incorporating public consultations, expedited legislative tracks, and an annual report on the legislative environment in Qatar. Digital platforms will facilitate drafting, review, feedback exchange, and document management, further supporting procedural standardization and quality assurance.
Al-Buainain emphasized that quality legislation is not just defined by precise legal drafting, but also by the effectiveness of laws in achieving their intended goals, ease of implementation, and ongoing impact measurement. The new system clarifies roles and responsibilities across the legislative process, aiming to improve clarity and coherence in government-issued legislation, enhance public confidence, and promote sustainable development outcomes.
Majid Hassan al-Ghanem, Director of the Legislation Department at the Council of Ministers Secretariat General, noted that the decision establishes a unified and practical framework for preparing government legislative instruments. It outlines coordination mechanisms and sets response deadlines for government entities reviewing draft legislation, thereby improving procedural efficiency and ensuring that legislative outcomes better align with governmental objectives.
The decision will be further supported by a detailed manual of legislative drafting procedures, to be issued by the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs following Council of Ministers approval, providing guidance on methodologies, templates, and implementation details.