{
  "id": 14161302,
  "title": "HH the Amir Inaugurates 55th Ordinary Session of Shura Council",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/hh-the-amir-inaugurates-55th-ordinary-session-of-shura-council",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-13T08:33:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf Times",
    "slug": "gulf-times",
    "url": "https://www.gulf-times.com/article/735659/qatar/hh-the-amir-inaugurates-55th-ordinary-session-of-shura-council"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani inaugurated the 55th ordinary session of the Shura Council, marking the second legislative term. The event took place at Tamim bin Hamad Hall, the Council's headquarters. Attending the inauguration were senior officials including HH Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Thani, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and other dignitaries were also present.\n\nIn his speech, HH the Amir expressed his pleasure at opening the 55th annual session, emphasizing the Council's constitutional responsibilities and the importance of constructive cooperation. He paid tribute to his late father, HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, whose leadership guided Qatar through a period of renaissance and development. The Amir highlighted the importance of safeguarding the achievements of his father and investing in the education and capabilities of the Qatari people.\n\nThe Amir acknowledged the extraordinary events that have affected the country and the region, praising the resilience of state institutions, society, and the ability to respond to crises. He commended citizens and residents for their awareness and solidarity, as well as the state institutions, armed forces, and security agencies for their courage and competence. The Amir emphasized Qatar's responsibilities during the crisis, which include protecting sovereignty, energy security, and diplomatic efforts. These responsibilities were met through four key elements: defending the homeland, maintaining essential services, contributing to ceasefire efforts, and urging peaceful negotiations.\n\nQatar supplies about one-fifth of the world's liquefied natural gas, and the Strait of Hormuz closure disrupted exports. However, non-hydrocarbon sectors continued to grow, contributing to 80% of real GDP. The state prioritized protecting people, securing their needs, and boosting economic activity, resulting in a real growth of 2.9% in 2025 and maintaining a current account surplus. Despite economic impacts, the state remained strong, with high sovereign credit ratings and growing foreign direct investment.",
  "summary": "His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani patronized the inauguration of the second ordinary session of the second legislative term, corresponding to the 55th annual session of the Shura C...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Peninsula Qatar",
        "title": "Amir’s speeches guide and inspire Shura Council’s work, priorities: Speaker",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/amirs-speeches-guide-and-inspire-shura-councils-work-priorities",
        "published": "2026-10-13T04:50:08.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}