The Shura Council State of Qatar

It is an established practice to consider the Legislative Power, in any modern political system, as a constituent and one of the three main pillars of any system of rule. 

The Shura Council of the State of Qatar, is one of the two main branches of Qatar's legislative body. The laws to have effect, they shall be presented before the Shura Council, for consideration and suggestions. The other organ, is the Cabinet, which proposes bills, prepares draft laws and refers them to the Council, for due consideration and recommendations thereafter.

The State of Qatar is one of the pioneering Arab countries, that based their Legislative Power on the Islamic “Shura”, i.e. a consultation system, which draws its principles from the sublime Islamic ‘Shariat” i.e. Islamic code of law and conduct.

Through the power entitled to it, the Shura Council practices its power by either approving, accepting or even rejecting the draft bills and other matters presented to the Shura Council. In addition, the Shura Council may propose and consider by itself issues that of public concern, including inviting ministers and the government officials to discuss such matters with them. 

The Shura Council was established in 1972

The Amended Provisional Basic Law of Rule in the State of Qatar was passed on April 19th 1972, in order to organize the public powers of the modern state including the Shura Council

Shura Council was formed in 1972 with (20) appointed members.
In the year 1975 additional (10) members of the Shura Council were appointed. Thus the number of members increased to (30).
In 1990 the first change in membership of the Council took place, whereby membership of (11) members was renewed and new (19) members were appointed.
In the year 1995 the second reformation of the membership of the Council took place, whereby membership of (22) was renewed and new (8) members were appointed.
In 1996 the number of the members of the Council was increased to (35) members.
In 2004 a fourth change took place, whereby the membership of (21) was renewed and new (14) members were appointed.
In the 2017 the latest change in the membership of the Council took place, whereby membership of (13) was renewed.