Doha: The Shura Council conducted its regular weekly meeting on Monday, presided over by HE the Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim. The session commenced with the council lauding HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s involvement in the Second Summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), held on May 27 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
According to Qatar News Agency, the council emphasized that this participation underscores Qatar’s dedication to strengthening strategic relations with Asian nations and enhancing communication and cooperation channels. This commitment contributes to mutual interests and supports initiatives focusing on sustainable development and regional stability.
During the meeting, HE Shura Council Secretary-General Nayef bin Mohammed Al Mahmoud presented the agenda, and the minutes from the previous session were approved. The council proceeded to discuss the report from the Social Affairs, Labor, and Housing Committee regarding a general discussion request on the conditions of persons with disabilities.
HE Al Ghanim noted that the progress in supporting and empowering persons with disabilities results from the government’s continuous efforts, aligned with HH the Amir’s directives and Qatar National Vision 2030. He stressed the necessity of providing a comprehensive environment for persons with disabilities to participate actively in society, while addressing ongoing challenges.
HE Chairman of the Social Affairs, Labor, and Housing Committee Abdulrahman bin Yousuf Al Khulaifi highlighted the meetings and consultations conducted by the committee, including expert opinions and recommendations to develop policies for persons with disabilities and improve service quality.
Following an extensive discussion, the council resolved to propose several recommendations to the government aimed at enhancing conditions for persons with disabilities. These include creating a unified database, reducing working hours, offering special leave to parents, and establishing positions for sign language interpreters and specialists.
Additional recommendations aimed at integrating persons with disabilities into society involve developing university curricula, establishing specialized institutes, rehabilitation centers, and social clubs, as well as including them in the health insurance system and increasing social security pensions.
The council approved the draft law on persons with disabilities in its amended form and forwarded it to the government, after reviewing the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee’s report and discussions with members. A draft law amending provisions of Law No. (7) of 2021 regarding the Shura Council was also approved and sent to the government.
Furthermore, the council reviewed a proposal to amend provisions of the Shura Council’s internal regulations, issued by Law No. (8) of 2024, referring it to the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee for further examination.
Additionally, the council reviewed reports on its participation in a session organized by the Coalition of Women Parliamentarians from Arab Countries to Combat Violence against Women and the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development (AFSD) 2025 in Beirut.
The meeting was attended by officials from ministries, care and rehabilitation centers for persons with disabilities, as well as stakeholders and activists in the field.