Qatar Shura Council Opens New Session and Elects Committee Leaders

Qatar’s Shura Council gathered for the inaugural meeting of its second ordinary session during the second legislative term, which is also recorded as the 55th annual session, held in the Tamim bin Hamad Hall at the council’s headquarters in Doha.

The gathering underscores Qatar’s role in shaping legislative priorities within the Gulf region.

Opening Proceedings

At the outset, Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim welcomed the earlier remarks made by Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani when he opened the parliamentary session.

He noted that the Amir’s address set out Qatar’s stance on current domestic and international developments, underscoring the nation’s position on significant global matters.

The speaker also pointed out the accomplishments of the government, emphasizing that they serve the interests of the state and its citizens.

Al Ghanim expressed appreciation to the council members for their dedication to legislative and oversight duties, and for turning the leadership’s guidance into actions that promote sustainable development, justice and broader public involvement.

He further praised the permanent committees for their work in examining and finalizing the issues referred to them, noting that average attendance across all committees reached 87.37 percent, a figure he said reflects members’ commitment to tracking agenda items and addressing national concerns.

Calling for sustained effort, Al Ghanim urged members to deepen their devotion to public service and to preserve the principles of Shura and responsible citizenship.

He reiterated Qatar’s longstanding positions on Arab and Islamic affairs, highlighting the Palestinian cause as a continuing priority for parliamentary and humanitarian action.

Committee Elections

During the meeting, Secretary-General Nayef bin Mohammed Al Mahmoud read Decree No. 58 of 2026, which summons the council to hold its second ordinary session of the second legislative term.

Following the reading, the members elected the chairs of the six permanent committees without opposition, in line with the council’s internal rules.

Khalid bin Ghanem Al Ali was chosen to lead the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee, while Yousef bin Ali Al Khater took charge of the Internal and Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mohammed bin Yousef Al Mannai was appointed head of the Economic and Financial Affairs Committee, and Abdullah bin Nasser bin Turki Al Subaie was assigned to oversee the Health, General Services and Environment Committee.

Khalid bin Ahmed Al Obaidan received the position of chairman of the Education, Culture, Sport and Media Committee, and Dr Sultan bin Hassan Al Dhabit Al Dosari was named to head the Social Affairs, Labor and Housing Committee.

Future Outlook

This gathering opens the council’s newest annual legislative cycle, during which members will carry on their lawmaking and supervisory responsibilities in various national policy fields.