{
  "id": 15801953,
  "title": "Shura unveils new website, calls for more public participation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/shura-unveils-new-website-calls-for-more-public-participation",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-19T21:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf Times",
    "slug": "gulf-times",
    "url": "https://www.gulf-times.com/article/736272/qatar/shura-unveils-new-website-calls-for-more-public-participation"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Tuesday, the General Secretariat of the Shura Council unveiled a newly redesigned website, aiming to boost digital transformation and enhance communication with the public, as announced by His Excellency the Speaker of the Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim. The council's Secretary-General, Nayef bin Mohammed al-Mahmoud, revealed that the website's introduction was part of the General Secretariat's strategic plan, which emphasizes expanding public engagement and improving operational efficiency via digitalization and innovation.\n\nThe website's main electronic services are categorized into two groups. The first category enables users to submit requests to the council, such as requesting to attend a session, visit the council, arrange media coverage, or conduct a press interview. The second category centers on public engagement through the \"Sawtak\" service, which empowers citizens to raise issues and submit proposals to the council. \"Sawtak\" offers three features: \"Issues for Discussion,\" where the council can present topics for public debate, allowing people to share their views and proposals; \"Opinion Poll,\" enabling the council to conduct polls on specific topics and allowing the public to vote, with the results published after council approval; and \"Suggested Topics,\" where members of the public can propose topics related to the Shura Council's work, encouraging community participation and idea exchange. The relevant department receives and reviews proposals, referring them to the responsible authorities for consideration and appropriate action.\n\nAll these services operate through Qatar's National Authentication System, requiring citizens and residents to register their details before participating. The launch of the redesigned website is part of the General Secretariat's commitment to enhancing digital services and expanding opportunities for public participation, fostering direct communication with citizens and residents, and supporting the council's role in addressing community concerns and aspirations.",
  "summary": "The General Secretariat of the Shura Council Tuesday launched the council's redesigned website in the presence of His Excellency the Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, as...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}