New digital platforms to bring legislation closer to the public

Qatar is rolling out two innovative digital platforms to bring legislation closer to the public, as part of its efforts to align with the country's Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030. On the launch day, the country's Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, HE Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi, introduced the Official Gazette website and the Al Meezan portal, both aimed at expediting the dissemination of legal information and enhancing public engagement in governance matters.

Dr Abdulla al-Khaldi, Director of the Official Gazette Department, highlighted that the new Official Gazette website will revolutionize the way legislation reaches the public by eliminating the delay associated with waiting for a new issue to be published. "Previously, we had to wait for an issue to be published before we could access the legislation," he noted, "but now, the legislation and law will be published immediately upon receipt, without having to wait for a new issue to be released."

The initiative is expected to make legal information more accessible, enabling users to stay informed about new legislative updates. Dr al-Khaldi mentioned that the platform will also incorporate mobile notifications, alerting users when new articles are published, thereby streamlining the process and making it easier for individuals to follow updates without the need for constant website checks.

Furthermore, the Official Gazette website is set to introduce modern technologies, marking a pioneering move for the platform. Dr al-Khaldi emphasized that the department drew inspiration from international examples, particularly the Official Gazette website, the comparative studies, and the Official Journal of the European Union, to incorporate state-of-the-art technologies that align with the highest standards and best practices.

These digital platforms are designed to offer convenient access to legal knowledge for both residents and those outside Qatar, while also reinforcing the principles of open government by simplifying the exploration of legislation and advisory materials. The move reflects Qatar's broader digital transformation efforts, aiming to enhance government transparency and accessibility through advanced digital services.

By prioritizing timely publication and improved accessibility, these platforms are expected to bridge the gap between the availability of legislation and the public's ability to efficiently locate and utilize it.