Qatar’s Shura Council Opens New Session and Elects Committee Leaders

Opening of the Session

Qatar’s Shura Council convened the first sitting of its second ordinary session of the second legislative term, which corresponds to the 55th annual session, at the Tamim bin Hamad Hall in the council’s headquarters on Tuesday.

The session was opened by the Speaker, His Excellency Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem, who welcomed the earlier address by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani delivered at the parliamentary opening.

Speaker’s Remarks and Committee Overview

Al‑Ghanem noted that the Amir’s speech set out Qatar’s policies on domestic and international developments and reflected the country’s stance on major global issues.

He also pointed out the government’s achievements, saying they serve the nation and its citizens.

He thanked the council members for their dedication to legislative and oversight duties and for turning the leadership’s directives into actions that support sustainable development, justice and broader public participation.

Al‑Ghanem also praised the permanent committees for reviewing and completing the matters referred to them, adding that average attendance across all committees reached 87.37 %, a figure he said showed members’ commitment to following the agenda and serving the national interest.

Decree and Election of Committee Heads

The Speaker urged continued efforts to strengthen dedication to public service and to uphold the values of the Shura institution and responsible citizenship.

He reaffirmed Qatar’s established positions on Arab and Islamic affairs, especially the Palestinian cause, which he said will remain a central parliamentary and humanitarian priority.

During the sitting, the Secretary‑General, His Excellency Nayef bin Mohammed al‑Mahmoud, read out Decree No. 58 of 2026, which summons the council to hold its second ordinary session of the second legislative term.

Following the reading, members elected the heads of the six permanent committees without opposition, in line with the council’s internal regulations. Khalid bin Ghanem al‑Ali was chosen to chair the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee, while Yousef bin Ali al‑Khater will head the Internal and Foreign Affairs Committee. Mohammed bin Yousef al‑Mannai was appointed chairman of the Economic and Financial Affairs Committee, and Abdullah bin Nasser bin Turki al‑Subaie will lead the Health, General Services and Environment Committee. Khalid bin Ahmed al‑Obaidan was elected chairman of the Education, Culture, Sport and Media Committee, and Dr Sultan bin Hassan al‑Dhabit al‑Dosari will head the Social Affairs, Labour and Housing Committee.

Session Significance

The session marks the beginning of the council’s latest annual legislative period, with members set to continue their legislative and oversight work across various national policy areas.