Shura Council Wraps Third Regular Session of First Legislative Term, Approves Draft Laws

Doha: The Shura Council on Monday held its closing session for the third regular session of the first legislative term, corresponding to the 52nd annual session, in the 'Tamim bin Hamad Hall' at the Council's headquarters. The session was presided over by HE Speaker of the Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim. After reviewing the reports of the competent committees and discussing the provisions of various draft laws, the Council approved several significant legislative measures. These included a draft law amending certain provisions of the Penal Code (issued by Law No. 11 of 2004), a draft law regulating district cooling services, a draft law on the protection of public electrical and water facilities, and a draft law establishing a unified industrial regulation law system for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The Shura Council also approved its final account for the fiscal year 2023 and the Council's draft budget for the fiscal year 2025, following a review of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee's report. During the session, the Council reviewed numerous reports on the participation of its members in regional and international parliamentary meetings and events. It also approved three requests to extend the work of its permanent committees to study the topics referred to them by the Council. Subsequently, Secretary-General of the Shura Council, Nayef bin Mohammed Al Mahmoud, read out Amiri Decree No. 40 of 2024, officially adjourning the third regular session of the first legislative term, corresponding to the 52nd annual session of the Shura Council, effective from Tuesday, July 2, 2024. At the session's conclusion, HE Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim delivered a speech marking the adjournment. He expressed, on behalf of himself and the Council members, profound gratitude to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for his unwavering support and patronage of the Shura Council, as well as his commitment to fostering popular participation in decision-making. HE Al Ghanim h ighlighted that during the 52nd annual session, the Council examined and discussed 24 draft laws and amendments to existing laws. He praised the productive cooperation between the Council and the esteemed government, acknowledging the government's receptiveness to the Council's proposals and the responsiveness of ministers and officials to the Council's invitations to present strategic plans and answer members' inquiries. He also outlined the Council's accomplishments, noting the approval of 15 draft laws after thorough discussion, including the draft state budget for the fiscal year 2024, and significant laws related to real estate registration, judicial enforcement, and job localization in the private sector. Additionally, the Council discussed nine draft laws amending existing provisions and submitted 13 general discussion requests and a proposal addressing various issues such as rainwater accumulation, tourism economy development, investment support, and domestic worker departure procedures. In the real m of community engagement, HE Al Ghanim emphasized the Council's interaction with educational institutions and collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth in implementing the 'Simulation of Shura Council Sessions' program, aimed at enhancing youth involvement in decision-making. He also underscored the Council's active participation in Gulf, Arab, and international parliamentary activities, reiterating its support for just causes, particularly the Palestinian cause, condemning the aggression on Gaza, and urging other parliaments to support peace efforts. HE Al Ghanim concluded his speech by expressing gratitude to the heads and members of the standing committees for their dedication, the media for their professional coverage of the Council's activities, and the General Secretariat for its continuous support of the Council's efforts. Source: Qatar News Agency