DOHA — His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani inaugurated the fourth ordinary session of the first legislative term of the Shura Council on Tuesday morning, marking the 53rd annual session of the body. The event took place at the Shura Council’s headquarters, attended by a host of distinguished officials, including His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and several prominent members of the ruling family and government.
In his speech, HH the Amir addressed key economic developments, legislative reforms, and Qatar’s foreign policy, setting the tone for the country’s future direction. The Amir lauded the legislative efforts made by the Shura Council in the past year and urged continued dedication to strengthening Qatar’s legislative framework.
Economic Growth Amid Challenges
HH the Amir acknowledged the slowdown in growth following the completion of World Cup projects but highlighted that Qatar’s economy still expanded in 2023. The GDP grew by 1.2%, supported by the hydrocarbon sector’s 1.4% growth and a 1.1% rise in the non-hydrocarbon sector. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Qatar’s economy is projected to grow by 2% by the end of the year, with a significant uptick to 4.1% annually from 2025 to 2029.
Inflation also saw a notable decline, dropping to 1.4% by the end of July 2023, compared to 5% in 2022. The Amir attributed this to the success of Qatar’s fiscal policies, which stabilized supply chains and controlled prices. He emphasized that surpluses from the state budget have been used to reduce public debt and bolster financial reserves, with the debt level decreasing from 73% of GDP in 2020 to less than 44% by the end of 2023.
Legislative Reforms and Equal Citizenship
On the legislative front, HH the Amir spoke about the need for constitutional and legal amendments to promote equal citizenship. These amendments, developed by the Cabinet, aim to ensure justice, equality, and a unified society. The Amir stressed the importance of professionalism, efficiency, and accountability in public affairs, with a special focus on the development of human capital in line with Qatar’s long-term vision for economic diversification and sustainability.
HH the Amir announced that these amendments, including a return to the system of appointing Shura Council members, will be referred to the Council for necessary action. The amendments will eventually be put to a popular referendum, with the Amir urging all citizens to participate.
Foreign Policy and Regional Stability
Turning to foreign policy, HH the Amir reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy in the face of regional challenges. He reiterated Qatar’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, condemning Israel’s continued aggression against Gaza and the West Bank. The Amir also called for an end to Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, warning of the dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability.
The session highlighted Qatar’s forward-looking economic policies, commitment to legislative reforms, and its proactive stance on regional issues, setting the stage for a year of continued growth and strategic decision-making.
