Cabinet approves draft law on conserving water resources

HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, chaired the Cabinet weekly meeting today at the Amiri Diwan.

In a statement after the meeting, HE Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi, Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, said that the Cabinet addressed several topics of local, regional and international importance, ongoing efforts in this regard and made the appropriate decisions.

From the outset, the Cabinet lauded key points made by HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, during his speech at the opening of the 3rd Asian Cooperation Dialogue Summit. The event, held in Doha under the theme ‘Sports Diplomacy,’ featured the participation of several ministers, heads of state, and delegations from friendly nations. HH the Amir reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s position on what our Palestinian brothers and sisters are facing, from killing and destruction, as well as the escalating situation in Lebanon.

HH the Amir’s speech also reflected the importance that the State of Qatar places on Asia, strengthening bilateral relations and maximising benefits from its economic potential, vast human resources and political influence. This aims to boost development and ensure the well-being of its people, maintaining safety, stability and peace in Asia and beyond. HH the Amir also affirmed the significance of sports in promoting peace, values of tolerance, collaboration and mutual respect.

During the meeting, the Cabinet approved a draft law on water conservation and referred it to the Shura Council. The draft law, prepared by the Qatar General Electricity & Water Cooperation, aims to achieve water security, promote water conservation and prevent resource depletion, waste or pollution. It also strives to optimise the use of water services while upholding infrastructure quality, maintenance and operation.

The Cabinet also approved a draft decision by the Minister of Commerce and Industry to issue executive regulations for Law No. (10) of 2020 on the protection of industrial designs and models. The draft decision aims to enhance legal frameworks to protect intellectual property and creativity.

From there, the Cabinet ratified a draft Cabinet decision to amend certain provisions of Decision No. (29) of 2013 on forming the Grievance Committee, related to the expropriation of real estate, for public benefit and defining its functions. The Cabinet also approved a draft Cabinet decision on guidelines and procedures for the Real Estate Development Dispute Resolution Committees. Developed in accordance with the provisions outlined in Law No. (6) of 2014 on regulating real estate development, the draft law aims to establish guidelines for applications submitted to the committees, streamline operations and expedite dispute settlements, thereby supporting the country’s thriving real estate sector.

The Cabinet went on to review the Shura Council’s proposal on rainwater accumulation and directed that the Shura Council receive an explanatory memo to showcase government efforts on this matter.

The Cabinet also issued directions to the Minister of Municipality, Public Works Authority (Ashghal) and other relevant entities to take the necessary measures to prepare for the rainy season.

Further, the Cabinet took the necessary measures to ratify a partnership agreement between the State of Qatar and the Hellenic Republic focused on combating crime.

The meeting also saw the Cabinet approve a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to collaborate on tourism and business activities and a draft news collaboration and exchange MoU between the Qatar News Agency and the Athens-Macedonian News Agency n The Cabinet also approved a draft sports and youth executive program between the State of Qatar and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for 2024-2025.

To conclude, the Cabinet reviewed three reports and took the appropriate decisions. These included the 14th annual report on the Qatari Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations’ operations in 2023; a report detailing the State of Qatar’s participation, led by HE the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, at the 9th Conference of Ministers of Awqaf (Endowments) and Islamic Affairs in Islamic Countries; as well as outcomes of Qatar’s involvement at the 12th St. Petersburg International Legal Forum, which was headed by HE the Minister of Justice.