The Shura Council

Learn about the Shura (Advisory) Council’s mandate, formation and key historical milestones.

The Shura Council, the State of Qatar’s legislative authority, approves the state’s general budget and exercises control over the executive branch, as outlined in the constitution.

The Council also plays a distinctive role domestically, serving as a bridge between Qatar’s wise leadership and its people, ensuring that the nation’s development trajectory remains inclusive of and responsive to public needs.

Responsibilities

 

The Council’s mandate covers a wide range of areas, including:

  • Examining draft laws and decrees shared by the Cabinet
  • Discussing state policies across political, economic and administrative domains
  • Addressing state affairs in social and cultural fields, either on its initiative or when referred to by the Cabinet
  • Reviewing and approving the state’s draft budget for public projects
  • Managing the Shura Council’s budget and financial accounts
  • Monitoring state activities and achievements across all sectors, as instructed by the Cabinet or on the Council’s own accord
  • Directing questions to ministers to seek clarifications on matters within their ministry’s jurisdiction
  • Consulting and offering recommendations to the government on the aforementioned issues

Shura Council Formation

 

The Shura Council comprises 45 members, appointed through an Amiri decree.

Members’ tenure on the Shura Council can end in the case of death, total disability, expiration of membership term, voluntary resignation, termination or the Council’s dissolution.

A Council’s term of office is four calendar years, commencing from their inaugural meeting.

Appointments are scheduled 60 days preceding the current term’s conclusion.

In the event of delayed appointment, the existing council remains in office until a new one is formed.

A Council’s term may only be extended by an Amiri decree, provided that it does not exceed a single legislative term extension.

History

The Shura Council was established in 1972, after the Amended Provisional Basic Law of Rule in the State of Qatar was passed on 19 April 1972. The Council was originally formed with 20 members, a composition which has been subsequently amended on several occasions:

  • 1975: 10 additional members were appointed, increasing the total to 30
  • 1990: First change in Council structure, with 11 members renewed and 19 new members were appointed
  • 1995: Second re-formation of Council, where 22 members renewed and 8 new members were appointed
  • 1996: Membership increased to 35
  • 2004: 21 members renewed and 14 new members appointed
  • 2017: 13 members renewed and 28 new members appointed, bringing the total to 41
  • 2021: Shura Council elections held for the first time
  • 2024: Referendum on constitutional amendments unanimously approved

In November 2020, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani announced that Shura Council elections would be taking place for the first time in 2021.

In October 2024, His Highness the Amir issued Decree No. (87) of 2024, inviting all citizens aged 18 and above to participate in a general referendum on the constitutional amendments to the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar, which have been unanimously approved by the Shura Council.

In Qatar, the people and the government have a direct civic relationship, and there are recognized norms and mechanisms for direct communication between the people and the governance. The honorable members of the Shura Council were only appointed or elected to debate laws and actions of the executive authority with impartiality and without ulterior or parochial interests, with wisdom and reason, and to present the recommendations to the Amir. You do this to the fullest, and this does not change by altering the mechanism of selecting the members of this council.

 

 

HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Amir of the State of Qatar

Legislative Authority

The Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar establishes the Shura Council as the primary legislative authority. The Council is responsible for proposing new laws, reviewing and approving draft legislation and decrees, as well as approving the state’s general budget.

Jurisdiction

As per Article (76) of the Permanent Constitution of Qatar, the Shura Council exercises control over the executive branch of government. This oversight extends to ministries and their subordinate entities, however excludes special entities established by His Highness the Amir for high-level policy consultation.

  • Directing Questions: Any Shura Council member may direct questions to the Prime Minister or ministers to seek clarification on matters within their purview. Only the member who asked the question is permitted to comment once on the response
  • Directing Interpellations: Council members can submit their interpellations to ministers regarding issues within their jurisdiction. This process requires the approval of one-third of the Council members. Typically, interpellations are discussed no earlier than 10 days after their submission, except in urgent cases where ministers agree to expedite the process

Women in the Shura Council

 

The State of Qatar has made significant strides in boosting women’s participation across sectors, including in governance. In 2017, under Amiri Decree No. (22) of 2017, four women were appointed to the Shura Council for the first time, underscoring the country’s commitment to women’s empowerment.

Notably, Her Excellency Dr Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti became the first woman to be elected as Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council.

Membership Requirements

 

Shura Council appointees must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a Qatar national
  • Be proficient in reading and writing in Arabic
  • Not convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude or dishonesty, unless rehabilitated in accordance with the law
  • Possess expertise, demonstrate extensive knowledge and remain well-informed

Parliaments and International Organisations

 

  • The Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union
  • The Parliamentary Union of OIC Member States
  • The Inter-Parliamentary Union
  • The Arab Parliament
  • The Asian Parliamentary Assembly
  • The Association of Secretaries General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union
  • GCC Parliamentary Council Periodic Meeting
  • GCC Secretaries General of the Parliamentary Assemblies Meeting
  • African Parliamentary Union (Observer)
  • Parliamentary Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (Observer)
  • Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean

Parliamentary Friendships

 

  • Qatar-Arab Parliamentary Friendship Group
  • Qatar-Asian Parliamentary Friendship Group
  • Qatar-Africa Parliamentary Friendship Group
  • Qatar-Europe Parliamentary Friendship Group
  • Qatar, America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand Parliamentary Friendship Group
  • Qatar-Latin America and the Caribbean Parliamentary Friendship Group

Official Shura Council Website

For more information, please visit the official Shura Council website:

Official Shura Council website
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