Doha: The Shura Council has extended its warmest congratulations to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, HH the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani, and the Qatari people and residents on the occasion of Qatar National Day, observed annually on December 18. At the outset of its weekly session, held Monday in Tamim bin Hamad Hall at the Council's headquarters, under the chairmanship of HE the Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, the Council affirmed that this year's National Day slogan, 'With You It Rises, and From You It Awaits,' embodies the national vision that places human beings at the heart of development and reflects the pivotal role of youth in continuing the journey of building and progress. The Council wished the nation continued growth and prosperity, under the wise leadership of HH the Amir.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Council commended the outcomes of the eighth meeting of the Qatari-Saudi Coordination Council, co-chaired by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, last Monday in Riyadh. The Council affirmed that the meeting's conclusions reflect a shared commitment to developing mechanisms for bilateral coordination and expanding areas of joint work in the political, security, defense, economic, investment, energy, technology, and development sectors. It noted that the high-speed electric rail link between the two countries is one of the key strategic initiatives to emerge from the meeting, given its role in facilitating the movement of people and goods, enhancing tourism and trade, and supporting economic integration. This project, along with the signed agreements, constitutes a significant step in consolidating the strategic partnership between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, fulfilling the aspirations of the two brotherly nations and supporting security, peace, and prosperity in the region.
Following this, HE Secretary-General of the Shura Council Nayef bin Mohammed Al Mahmoud read out the agenda and the Council approved the minutes of its previous session. During this week's session, the Shura Council hosted HE Secretary-General of the National Planning Council Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, to discuss a range of national strategic themes related to the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, including its developments and updates. At the beginning of the session, HE Al Ghanim welcomed HE Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, praising the national planning methodology adopted by the State under the leadership of HH the Amir.
HE Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa delivered a detailed briefing on the pillars of the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, explaining that it was built on a comprehensive assessment of national challenges and an in-depth analysis of regional and global changes. He noted that the strategy is based on seven main national outcomes, including sustainable economic growth, fiscal sustainability, a future-ready workforce, a cohesive society, quality of life, environmental sustainability, and high-performing government institutions. His Excellency highlighted the importance of the data ecosystem, stressing that the establishment of an integrated central database represents a national priority in the implementation of the directives of HH the Amir.
Members of the Council, in their interventions, expressed their appreciation for the detailed presentation delivered by HE the Secretary-General of the National Planning Council, underscoring the importance of aligning the strategy's programs with the real needs of the community. The Council members also stressed the importance of strengthening institutional integration among government entities, unifying the data system, and accelerating digital transformation. They emphasized the necessity of enhancing implementation efficiency, strengthening governance, and expanding community participation.
At the conclusion of the discussions, HE Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa expressed his appreciation for the observations raised by Their Excellencies the Council members, affirming that all views and proposals would be taken into consideration within the follow-up processes and updates related to the Third National Development Strategy. He commended the important role played by the Shura Council and the added value of members' discussions in enhancing the efficiency of national planning and strengthening coordination among relevant entities.
Under another item on the session's agenda, HE Al Ghanim briefed the Council on the referral of a draft law amending certain provisions of Law No. (25) of 2018 on Excise Tax to the Economic and the Financial Affairs Committee for review, in accordance with Article (114) of the Council's Rules of Procedure.