Latest news with #AlGhanim
Qatar Tribune
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Cooperation between legislative and executive bodies key to Shura Council's success: Speaker
QNA Doha The strong cooperation and integration between the legislative and executive authorities constitute one of the most important factors for the success of the Shura concept in Qatar, which aims to achieve the nation's supreme interests, Speaker of the Shura Council HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim has said. Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the adjournment of the 4th session of the first legislative term, Al Ghanim said the relationship between the council and the esteemed government has been characterised by a spirit of constructive cooperation and institutional integration, reflecting the keenness of both sides to achieve the supreme interests of the nation. He added that the Shura Council's experience, spanning more than 50 years, represents a model consistent with the unique characteristics of Qatari society, establishing a clear partnership between the people and the government within a balanced constitutional and cultural framework that respects the deeply-rooted Qatari traditions of Shura and keeps pace with the times. He pointed out that the Shura Council's performance has always been characterised by a sense of responsibility and seriousness in discharging its constitutionally mandated powers, particularly with regard to legislative authority, approving the budget, and exercising oversight over the executive branch, in a manner that serves the public interest and preserves gains. He addressed the key legislative achievements of the council throughout the first legislative term of the annual session (50-53). He said that the council has played an effective legislative role and demonstrated remarkable activity that has contributed to supporting the national development process, in line with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the strategic plans. Al Ghanim noted that during the first legislative session, the council approved 83 draft laws, strengthening the country's legislative system, particularly those related to improving the economic environment and enhancing investment attractiveness, social development, and the development of the education and health sectors, as well as expanding the scope of public-private partnerships, in addition to developing infrastructure. He added that these legislations included developing the judicial system and supporting the efficiency of the state's administrative and financial performance, thus enhancing the effectiveness of institutions and keeping pace with the requirements of growth and development. He pointed out that, within the framework of the Shura Council's keenness to support the state's efforts and achieve the goals of the Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030), the council took the initiative during the first legislative term to host a number of ministers and senior officials in sessions that addressed the ministries' programmes and executive plans. He stressed that these meetings provided an important opportunity to closely monitor the progress made in implementing development initiatives and exchange views on challenges and future prospects. The Shura speaker added that from what was presented and discussed, the council sees that there are intensive efforts being made by government agencies to achieve the National Development Strategy indicators, particularly in the areas of economic diversification, human capital development, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure modernisation. This reflects a real commitment by state institutions to proceed in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030. He voiced the council's appreciation for the positive interaction shown by government agencies with the visions, observations, and suggestions submitted by the Council. He added that the council has witnessed a constructive response that reflects a shared understanding of the importance of integration between the legislative and executive authorities, and a belief in the council's role in contributing to improving the performance of government institutions and guiding public policies to achieve the aspirations of the nation and its citizens. Al Ghanim also emphasised that the council is keen to implement the lofty directives of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in the areas of legislation and development initiatives, by strengthening the legislative framework for investment and stimulating the economic and social environment, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. Regarding the council's efforts, through its stances and initiatives, to express the Qatari people's positions on various regional and international issues, Al Ghanim said that through its stances and official statements, the council has contributed to supporting the state's efforts and representing the views of the Qatari people on regional and international issues, reflecting a unified and balanced voice that supports the security and stability of the region. He also noted that the council has strengthened its parliamentary diplomacy in international parliamentary forums and engaged with numerous regional and international issues, in addition to hosting numerous council presidents and parliamentary officials, which reflects its commitment to employing parliamentary diplomacy to safeguard the country's interests and support the nation's causes. He stressed that the Shura Council's strategic vision for parliamentary diplomacy stems from a firm belief in the importance of integration between parliamentary work and the state's official diplomacy, and in the role of parliaments in promoting dialogue and understanding and building bridges between peoples, especially in light of current regional and international challenges that require comprehensive approaches based on pluralism and international cooperation. The Shura speaker affirmed that the council was keen to strengthen its presence in international parliamentary forums through active participation in the work of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Arab Parliament, the Arab Parliamentary Union, Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), and the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), in addition to its active participation and presence in regional and international conferences of a parliamentary nature. He also noted that, through these participations, the council expressed its stances consistent with those of Qatar on the key issues raised, particularly those related to human rights, sustainable development, the maintenance of international peace and security, and advocacy for just causes, foremost among them the Palestinian cause. He added that the Shura Council had witnessed a series of official visits during this period, hosting a number of heads of parliaments and legislative councils, as well as senior parliamentary officials from various countries around the world. He stressed that those visits provided an important platform for strengthening bilateral relations, exchanging parliamentary expertise, and affirming Qatar's supportive stance on dialogue and mutual respect. Al Ghanim added that these efforts are in line with the directives of the wise leadership, which places openness to the world and enhancing multilateral cooperation at the heart of its foreign policy. He highlighted that the Shura Council has demonstrated its commitment to contributing to the implementation of the directives of the wise leadership by enhancing Qatar's image as a responsible and influential player globally, and a supporter of peace, stability, and development. He emphasised that the council has consolidated its unique Shura experience and will continue to work with all sincerity and responsibility, interpreting the directives of the wise leadership and fulfilling the aspirations of the nation's people. The Speaker of the Shura Council expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the citizens and residents of Qatar, who have always been partners in the process of construction and progress. He said that their support, trust, and constructive interaction have been a source of strength for the Shura Council in performing its legislative and national duty, and a source of constant pride in everything the council accomplished to serve the nation.
Qatar Tribune
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Amendment to law on combating cybercrimes gets Shura approval
During the session, the Council approved a draft law amending certain provisions of Law No (14) of 2014 on Combating Cybercrimes, and a draft law amending provisions of the Shura Council's internal regulations issued under Law No. (8) of 2024. Subsequently, the Council reviewed the report of the Internal and External Affairs Committee regarding the government's statement on the Council's proposal related to regulating procedures for domestic workers departing the country, and adopted the appropriate decision. The Council also reviewed the report of the Social Affairs, Labour, and Housing Committee concerning the government's statement on the Council's proposal regarding the rising divorce rates in society, and issued its decision accordingly. Furthermore, the Council listened to reports on the participation of its delegations in a number of international parliamentary events, including visits to the Sultanate of Oman and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. Following this, HE Secretary-General of the Shura Council read Amiri Decree No. (58) of 2025 declaring the closure of the fourth regular session of the First Legislative Term, corresponding to the 53rd annual session of the Shura Council, effective Tuesday, 1 July 2025. At the conclusion of the session, Al Ghanim delivered an address in which he described the occasion as a significant national milestone, marking the conclusion of four years of diligent work under the wise leadership of HH the Amir, whose generous support and patronage provided a solid foundation for legislative and oversight practices. He noted that this legislative term represented a phase of development, institution-building, and activation of roles, during which the Council expanded its functions, engaged with society, and interacted with its regional and international surroundings, reflecting the State's aspirations to entrench the Shura (consultative) principle and enhance institutional work. He highlighted that the fourth regular session witnessed 81 committee meetings addressing 49 vital topics of national interest. The Council also passed several key draft laws during the term, including amendments to the Human Resources Law, the Law on Persons with Disabilities, and legislation related to legal practice, anti-money laundering, genetic fingerprinting, the State emblem, and landmark regulations in innovation, scientific research, water, mobility, and anti-doping in sports. He emphasised the Council's special attention to issues reflecting the daily concerns of citizens, including social values, national identity, family upbringing, student summer employment, senior citizen services, regulation of digital media content, healthcare services, medical appointments, and agricultural investment and production. He pointed out that these proposals stemmed from close monitoring and direct engagement with the community and were positively received by the esteemed government, in a clear expression of the principle of cooperation and integration between the legislative and executive branches, in line with the wise guidance of HH the Amir. He praised the fruitful cooperation between the Council and the government, noting that the Council hosted several ministers who presented their strategic plans and responded to members' inquiries and observations in sessions characterised by transparency, substantive dialogue, and a shared pursuit of harmonising planning, implementation, oversight, and follow-up. In the field of parliamentary diplomacy, he noted that the Council had a strong and impactful presence in regional and international parliamentary conferences, actively participating in discussions on human rights, food security, digital transformation, climate change, and international peace and security. He added that the Council received a number of parliamentary delegations and leaders of legislative bodies from sisterly and friendly nations, holding constructive meetings focused on experience-sharing, coordination, and building parliamentary partnerships that support intercommunal rapprochement and fruitful legislative cooperation. He continued, 'In the realm of external parliamentary engagement, several Council members assumed prominent positions in regional and international parliamentary unions and organizations, thereby elevating the Council's standing on the global stage and enabling it to contribute meaningfully to shaping global parliamentary agendas and decision-making.' He stressed that this reflects the State of Qatar's esteemed position regionally and internationally. The Speaker reaffirmed the Council's unwavering commitment to promoting Qatar's image in regional and international fora, voicing the country's principled positions, and defending causes important to the Arab and Islamic nations, foremost among them the Palestinian cause. He reiterated the Council's rejection of any attempts to undermine this just cause and called for an immediate end to the ongoing aggression and grave violations endured by the Palestinian people. He underscored the Council's position advocating for the Palestinian people's right to establish an independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant international resolutions and the principles of international law. He emphasized that the Council's work was guided by the national vision laid down by HH the Amir, citizens' aspirations, and the country's supreme interests. He described legislation and oversight as tools for development, and dialogue as a bridge for integration with society and state institutions, with a firm commitment to upholding Qatari identity, strengthening family values, and maintaining national cohesion amid evolving global dynamics. In conclusion, the speaker stated that the achievements of the First Legislative Term represent a distinguished national accomplishment worthy of recognition, made possible by the dedication and sincere efforts of Council members. He expressed his appreciation to all who contributed to these achievements that serve the nation and support its continued progress and development.
Qatar Tribune
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Shura Council approves draft law amending some provisions of Civil Human Resources Law
DOHA: The Shura Council has held its regular weekly session at the Tamim bin Hamad Hall at the Council's headquarters, chaired by Speaker of the Council HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim. During the session, the Council approved a number of draft laws and referred them to the government, the most prominent of which was a draft law amending some provisions of the Civil Human Resources Law issued by Law No. (15) of 2016, in its amended form, after reviewing what was stated in the report of the Social Affairs, Labour and Housing Committee, and discussing its details by the honorable members. The Council also approved a draft law amending some provisions of the Lawyers Law issued by Law No. (23) of 2006, and a draft law amending some provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Law issued by Law No. (20) of 2019. The Shura Council also approved two draft laws on biometric fingerprinting and genetic fingerprinting, and a draft law regulating the import, export, and transit of rough diamonds, after reviewing the reports of the relevant committees and discussing their details with the Council's members. The Council reviewed the report of the Education, Culture, Sports and Media Affairs Committee on the request for a general discussion submitted by a number of the Council members, regarding the teacher and his impact on instilling national identity. During the discussion of the report, Al Ghanim emphasized the importance of the role played by teachers in building students' personalities and instilling national values. He stressed that instilling national identity is a priority for the state, in line with the lofty directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the provisions of Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to preserve the cultural fabric of society and strengthen loyalty and belonging to the homeland. He explained that the Council attaches great importance to all issues related to education, given their direct connection to the nation's future. He emphasized that the proposal for a general discussion reflects the Council's engagement with the aspirations of society and its commitment to supporting the national education system in a way that enhances its identity and preserves its cultural identity. In this context, he pointed out that strengthening the role of teachers is not limited to the academic aspect, but extends beyond that to include them as an effective partner in building national identity. This requires examining the educational policies in place, particularly in private schools, to ensure they are consistent with the country's national values. For his part, Chairman of the Education, Culture, Sports and Media Affairs Committee HE Khalid bin Ahmed Al Obaidan, while reviewing the report, referred to the meetings held by the Committee to discuss the subject and the in-depth discussions that took place, during which members presented a number of proposals that contribute to supporting the role of teachers in consolidating national identity. He explained that during its meetings, the committee listened to the views of a number of specialists and reviewed the policies followed in private schools, stressing the need to address some gaps through practical proposals that would ensure the advancement of the educational process and strengthen its values and cultural dimension. After extensive discussion of the report, the Council decided to submit a proposal to the government, which includes a number of important recommendations, including amending contracts concluded in private schools to ensure that non-Qatari teachers adhere to national values, in addition to providing effective oversight mechanisms to monitor compliance with these provisions. The proposal also called for a focus, when conducting job interviews in private schools, on teachers' cultural and value standards, so that procedures are not limited to verifying official documents only, but extend to ensuring that teachers comply with the behavioral and professional standards associated with the teaching profession in the country. The visions also included the creation of specialized positions in matters of national identity and community culture, to monitor private schools' adherence to approved curricula and to monitor behaviors that violate national values by teachers or school administrations. The proposal also included the creation of a mandatory educational program for recruited teachers in all disciplines, addressing Qatari national values and identity. Completion of this program is a prerequisite for employment in private schools. The Shura Council also reviewed the reports of the Education, Culture, Sports and Media Affairs Committee on the government's statement on the two proposals submitted by the Council, regarding promoting values and national identity in society, and regulating the production and dissemination of media content on digital platforms, and took appropriate decisions regarding them. The Council also reviewed the esteemed government's statement on the proposals submitted by the Shura Council regarding the problem of increasing divorce rates in society, and its statement on the proposals submitted by the Council regarding procedures for domestic workers to leave the country. It decided to refer them to the two specialized committees for study and to inform it of their conclusions regarding them. At the conclusion of the session, the Council reviewed a number of reports on participation in regional and international parliamentary events.
Qatar Tribune
17-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QR270 bn invested to operate 1004 factories in Qatar: MoCI
Tribune News Network Doha The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) organised a ceremony to honour the companies and entities that contributed to the success of several national initiatives – including the National Product Week, the Foras (Opportunities) Initiative, the Discounted Consumer Goods List for Ramadan, and the Red Meat Support Initiative in Ramadan and Eid al-Adha of 1446 AH (2025). The event was attended by Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Affairs and Business Development Saleh Majid Al Khulaifi and Assistant Undersecretary for Consumer Affairs Hassan bin Sultan Al Ghanim along with representatives from participating entities, companies, and factories. In his speech, Al Khulaifi highlighted the ministry's efforts to empower the private sector as a key partner in driving economic growth and diversification. He noted that Qatar's industrial sector is experiencing rapid expansion, with 1,004 operational factories by the end of 2024 with cumulative investments to the tune of QR270 billion. Al Khulaifi also referenced the '1,000 Opportunities' initiative, launched in partnership with Qatar Development Bank in 2022. As one of the ministry's key digital tools under the Single Window platform, the initiative helps local investors identify and engage with existing and future investment opportunities, particularly in the industrial sector. He went on to explain that Qatar's National Manufacturing Strategy (2024–2030) aims to increase the added value of the manufacturing sector to over QR70.5 billion, grow non-hydrocarbon exports to QR 49 billion, and raise industrial investments to more than QR 326 billion by 2030. The strategy also focuses on diversifying manufacturing activities by 50 percent and accelerating the transition to smart, knowledge-based industries. Speaking at the ceremony, Al Ghanim praised the success of the Discounted Consumer Goods List for Ramadan 1446 AH, describing it as a successful example of public-private collaboration. He noted that the initiative helped ease financial pressure on citizens and residents, while contributing to greater market stability. He reported that around 18 retail outlets participated in the initiative, offering an average 10 percent discount and generating consumer savings of QR5,317,311 on total estimated sales of QR52,712,765. Al Ghanim also highlighted that total sales of consumer goods during Ramadan reached QR 47,395,454, reflecting strong demand for discounted products. He added that 2025 saw the highest sales since the initiative was launched, underlining a growing public awareness of the benefits of such national programmes. He emphasised that the success of the initiative demonstrates increased recognition of the importance of partnership in protecting consumers. 'Consumer protection is not the responsibility of a single entity, but a shared duty that requires coordinated action from all stakeholders,' he said reaffirming the Ministry's commitment to creating a fair, transparent, and secure consumer environment. Meanwhile, Mohammed Ahmed Al Buhashem Al Sayyid, director of the National Product Competitiveness Support Department, expressed his pride in the achievements of the National Product Week. He described it as a flagship annual event that showcases the quality of Qatari products and boosts their visibility in the local market. Al Sayyid noted that the most recent edition saw significant consumer participation, with some outlets reporting up to a 75 percent increase in sales. This, he said, reflects growing consumer confidence in locally made products and increasing awareness of the importance of supporting national industries. He also announced the launch of a dedicated webpage for Qatari products on the ministry's official website – allowing factories to apply for the 'Qatari Product' label and to file complaints regarding harmful commercial practices and industrial obstacles, reinforcing fair competition. Reviewing the growth of the industrial sector, Al Sayyid stated that the number of national products has risen to 1,815—evidence of the success of the Ministry's industrial policies in line with Qatar NationalVision 2030. The ceremony included a video presentation highlighting the ministry's key national initiatives launched over the past year, along with their developmental and economic goals. The event concluded with the formal recognition of participating companies and entities in appreciation of their valuable contributions to national development and community partnership.
Observer
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Observer
‘Al Ghanim' secures first place in France's Montauban race
MUSCAT: The Royal Court Affairs, represented by the Royal Cavalry continued its impressive show on the European racing circuit after 'Al Ghanim' won first place in the seventh race at Montauban Racecourse in southern France. The race, held on Sunday, was for purebred Arabian horses over a distance of 2250 metres. 'Al Ghanim' , ridden by French jockey Sami LeQollieux and trained by seasoned trainer Élisabeth Bernard, delivered a commanding performance, showcasing stamina and precision. As the race unfolded, 'Al Ghanim' maintained a strong pace before launching a decisive surge in the final stages to clinch the first place, reinforcing the growing status of Omani horses in European events. The Montauban event is part of a prominent series of international Arabian horse races hosted by France each year. This edition attracted horses and stables from several top racing nations including Oman, France, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Belgium and Italy. These races are recognised for their highly competitive standards, and serve as crucial platforms for evaluating horses ahead of Grade 1 international contests. The inclusion of elite Arabian thoroughbreds, trained under various international systems, offers a dynamic competitive atmosphere, further adding to the value of victories such as 'Al Ghanim'. Recent Success of 'Al Rasha' Adds to Royal Cavalry Momentum, when 'Al Rasha' secured victory in the eighth race at Bordeaux Racecourse, a 1600-metre contest also reserved for purebred Arabian horses. Under the guidance of jockey Michael Forest and trainer Élisabeth Bernard, 'Al Rasha' delivered a similarly strong performance, highlighting the consistent preparation and quality within the Omani team. With back-to-back victories at two major French racecourses, Oman's Royal Cavalry continues to strengthen its footprint in international equestrian sport. These wins reflect not only athletic excellence but also strategic planning and investment in breeding, training, and global engagement. As the European racing season progresses, Oman remains a name to watch among the elite of Arabian horse racing.
