The Cabinet meeting held in Doha, Qatar on May 22, 2024, saw the approval of various proposals and laws by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. One of the key decisions taken was to allow enrollment in kindergarten classes for children from the age of three instead of four years. This move is aimed at enhancing early childhood education and development in the country. Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani presided over the meeting, which took place at the Amiri Diwan.
During the meeting, Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs HE Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi issued a statement outlining the topics discussed. These included the approval of a draft law concerning the handling of regulated products by the Shura Council, as well as amendments to Law No. 25 of 2015 concerning civil defense. Additionally, a draft decision was approved by the Minister of Interior identifying facilities where QatarEnergy will implement civil defense provisions. Another draft decision was approved by the Minister of State for Energy Affairs regarding security and safety systems, electrical and water installation rules.
One of the key decisions taken during the meeting was the approval of a proposal by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to amend Article 6 of Law No. 9 of 2017 regulating schools. This amendment will allow children as young as three to enroll in kindergarten classes before the primary stage, instead of the previous age requirement of four years. This move is expected to have a positive impact on early childhood education in Qatar, providing children with a head start in their learning journey.
In addition to the education-related decisions, the Cabinet also approved a memorandum of understanding between the Government of the State of Qatar and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for cooperation in combating illicit drug trafficking. This highlights the government’s commitment to addressing global issues such as drug trafficking through international partnerships. The Cabinet also approved a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of sports between Qatar and Romania, as well as a memorandum of understanding for organizing mobile exhibitions between Qatar Museums and M+ Museum Limited in Hong Kong.
Furthermore, the Cabinet reviewed a report on the participation of the State of Qatar’s delegation in the Fifth Government Forum to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The delegation, headed by the Minister of Labor and Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking, presented the outcomes of the forum, and the Cabinet took appropriate decisions based on the report. Overall, the Cabinet meeting on May 22, 2024, saw a number of key decisions being made in various fields, reflecting the government’s commitment to progress and development in Qatar.