Qatar Cabinet Approves Draft Water Law to Conserve Water Resources. On Wednesday morning, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, chaired the regular Cabinet meeting held at the Amiri Diwan. During this session, the Cabinet addressed a range of local, regional, and international issues, discussed ongoing efforts to tackle them, and took important decisions aimed at enhancing governance and cooperation in various sectors.
Addressing Local, Regional, and International Issues
At the beginning of the meeting, the Cabinet praised the insightful speech of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani at the opening of the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit in Doha. The speech focused on the theme of Sports Diplomacy, reinforcing Qatar’s commitment to fostering cooperation among Asian nations. HH the Amir also reiterated Qatar’s strong stance against the violence faced by the Palestinian people and the ongoing Israeli escalation in Lebanon, emphasizing Qatar’s dedication to peace, security, and stability in the region.
In addition to addressing regional concerns, HH the Amir highlighted Qatar’s interest in strengthening ties within Asia and making the most of its economic and human resources. The focus on sports diplomacy, cooperation, and mutual respect was presented as a pathway to achieving these goals.
Key Government Decisions: Water Security, Intellectual Property, and Real Estate Development
Among the most significant decisions taken during the Cabinet meeting was the approval of the draft water law. Prepared by the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation, the law is aimed at ensuring water security by preserving resources, preventing waste, and safeguarding them from pollution. The law also focuses on improving water services, ensuring their quality, and maintaining infrastructure efficiency, marking a step forward in Qatar’s long-term environmental sustainability efforts.
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The Cabinet also approved a draft decision from the Minister of Commerce and Industry to issue executive regulations for Law No. (10) of 2020 on the protection of industrial designs and models. This decision reinforces Qatar’s commitment to enhancing the legal framework surrounding intellectual property and innovation, aligning with the country’s broader goals of fostering creativity and protecting intellectual assets.
In addition, the Cabinet passed another draft decision amending Decision No. (29) of 2013, which established the grievances committee related to the expropriation of real estate for public benefit. This amendment, along with a decision on rules for Real Estate Development Dispute Resolution Committees, aims to streamline processes and ensure timely settlements in line with Qatar’s ongoing real estate boom.
Enhancing International Cooperation
Further strengthening its international partnerships, the Cabinet approved measures to ratify an agreement with the Hellenic Republic (Greece) on combating crime, as well as several memorandums of understanding (MoUs). These MoUs include a cooperation agreement on tourism and business events with Mauritania and joint news exchange with Greece’s Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA). Additionally, a draft executive program for sports and youth cooperation between Qatar and Bangladesh for 2024-2025 was also approved.
Preparing for the Rainy Season
On a local level, the Cabinet reviewed a proposal by the Shura Council regarding rainwater accumulation. The Ministry of Municipality and other relevant authorities were directed to take proactive measures to prepare for the upcoming rainy season and address infrastructure issues related to water management.
Conclusion
The Cabinet meeting chaired by HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani was a pivotal event in Qatar’s ongoing efforts to address critical national and international matters. From water security and real estate development to intellectual property and international cooperation, the decisions made reflect Qatar’s commitment to fostering sustainable development, protecting its resources, and strengthening its role in global partnerships.
Through strategic planning and international collaboration, Qatar continues to make strides in shaping a secure, innovative, and prosperous future in alignment with its Vision 2030.