Doha, Qatar – The Shura Council convened its regular weekly session on Monday, led by Speaker HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, where members lauded Qatar’s successful hosting of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025. Discussions also centered on a proposed amendment to the Labour Law and measures to bolster both national and foreign investment in the country. The session highlighted Qatar’s continued focus on economic development and social welfare.
The Council expressed strong approval of Qatar’s preparations and execution of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, recognizing the event as a demonstration of the nation’s capacity to host large-scale international competitions. They attributed the success to the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and the collaborative efforts of various local institutions. The tournament fostered a spirit of Arab unity and garnered significant regional attention, according to the Council.
Shura Council Focuses on Labour Law and Investment Strategies
A key item on the agenda was a draft law aiming to revise certain provisions of the existing Labour Law, originally enacted in 2004. The Council decided to refer this draft to the Social Affairs, Labour and Housing Committee for detailed examination. This committee will subsequently present a report with its findings and recommendations to the full Council for further deliberation.
The move to amend the Labour Law comes amid ongoing discussions about worker rights and employment regulations in Qatar. Recent years have seen reforms in this area, and this proposed amendment likely seeks to build upon those changes. The specifics of the proposed changes were not detailed in the Council’s statement.
Boosting Economic Growth
Additionally, the Shura Council reviewed a government statement concerning proposals for supporting national and foreign investment. Recognizing the importance of a thriving economy, the Council opted to forward this matter to the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee. This committee will analyze the government’s response to the Council’s initial proposals and offer its own conclusions.
Qatar has been actively seeking to diversify its economy away from its reliance on hydrocarbons, with a particular emphasis on attracting foreign direct investment. Sectors like tourism, technology, and finance are seen as crucial for future growth. The Shura Council’s involvement signals a commitment to creating a favorable environment for investors.
The Council also took note of reports detailing the participation of its members in international parliamentary events. HE Hamad bin Abdulla Al Mulla’s involvement in a delegation visit to the United Arab Emirates in September was reviewed, as was a report on the Shura Council delegation’s attendance at the Asian Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Moscow last October. These engagements underscore Qatar’s active role in regional and international diplomacy.
The review of these participation reports suggests the Shura Council values insights gained from international collaborations. Such interactions can inform domestic policy and strengthen Qatar’s position on global issues. The Council did not specify any immediate actions resulting from these reports.
The next step for the Labour Law amendment is the Social Affairs, Labour and Housing Committee’s report, which is expected to be presented at a future session. Similarly, the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee will begin its review of the government’s statement on investment proposals. The timeline for these reports remains uncertain, and the ultimate fate of the proposed legislation and investment strategies will depend on the Council’s subsequent decisions.
Further developments regarding the Labour Law revision and the investment support measures will be closely watched by businesses, labor organizations, and economic observers. The Ministry of Finance and related governmental bodies will likely play a significant role in shaping the final outcome, particularly concerning policies to attract capital and stimulate economic diversification.
The Shura Council’s ongoing deliberations reflect Qatar’s commitment to continuous improvement in its legal and economic frameworks.
