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History

The Shura experience as a system of rule in the State of Qatar is a rich and distinguished experience, considering the peculiarity and distinguished cultural heritage of the Qatari society, which respects the principle of Shura and attaches great importance to it as a principle rooted in the system of government since the era of the founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, may his soul rest peace.

As part of organization of the structures and institutions of the modern state, the Shura Council was established in 1972 under the Amended Interim Statute of Rule, a year after the independence of the State of Qatar, to assist His Highness the Amir and the Council of Ministers in performing their duties. At the time of its establishment, the Shura Council included 20 appointed members, and since then its composition has undergone a series of amendments on more than one occasion:

 

In 1975, ten additional members were appointed, bringing the number of members to thirty. 
In 1990: The first change of the sessions in the Council was made under which (11) members were renewed and (19) new members were appointed.
In 1995: The second change of the sessions was made under which (22) members were appointed and (8) new members were appointed.
In 1996: The number of members increased to (35) members.
In 2004: Membership was renewed for (21) members and (14) new members were appointed.
In 2017: Membership was renewed for 13  members and (28) new members were appointed, bringing the total number of members to 41.
In 2021: The Shura Council witnessed an electoral process for the first time, under which 30 members were elected to the 45-member Council, and His Highness the Amir appointed 15 members.
In 2024: The Shura Council unanimously approved the draft constitutional amendments to the permanent constitution of the State of Qatar, which stipulated that the Shura Council shall consist of at least 45 members and shall be appointed by an Emiri decree. 
In 2025: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued Amiri Decree No. 42 of 2025 appointing the members of the Shura Council, which numbered 49 members.

 

On October 21, 2025, the Shura Council held its first plenary session in its first ordinary session of the second legislative term, corresponding to the fifty-fourth annual session. The Council elected by acclamation HE Speaker of the Shura Council for the legislative term, and HE Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al-Sulaiti as Deputy Speaker.
The Shura Council assumes the power to legislate, approve the general budget of the State, and exercise control over the executive branch. The term of the Council is four calendar years starting from the date of its first ordinary session of each term.