Authority within the state

The Emir

The Emir is the Head of State. The present Emir is His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, son of the former Emir, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al-Thani.

The Emir is authorised to issues decrees on the advice of the Council of Ministers and in consultation with the Advisory Council.

The Emir, assisted by the Council of Ministers, has executive power within the State. The Emir thus holds both legislative and executive powers with the assistance of the Council of Ministers and the Advisory Council.

The Council of Ministers

The present government includes fifteen ministries. They are as follows:

Defence

Interior

Public Health

Finance, Economy & Commerce

Justice

Foreign Affairs

Endowments and Islamic Affairs

Municipal Affairs and Agriculture

Emiri Diwan Affairs

Transport & Communication

Education

Electricity & Water

Labour, Housing & Social Affairs

Energy & Industry

Information & Culture

The Council of Ministers is the supreme executive authority and is presided over by the Emir who directs, supervises and coordinates the work of the Ministers and the State Agencies. In addition, the Emir also issues instructions to the government and signs all resolutions passed by the Council of Ministers.

The Advisory Council

The formation of the Advisory Council is included in the Constitution of 19 April 1972. It consists of 30 members chosen for their good judgement and competence to represent all sectors of society all regions of the country.

The Advisory Council has the following responsibilities:

To debate the general policy of the State

To debate the social and cultural affairs of the State

To debate draft laws proposed by the Council of Ministers

To discuss the draft budget of major public projects

To request information from the Ministers and the ministries regarding matters within their control

To express its opinion in the form of recommendations and wishes

The Advisory Council has the following three main bodies:

The Presidency

The Council's Office

The Council's Committees

The Legal & Legislative Affairs Committee

The Financial & Economic Affairs Committee

The Public Services & Utilities Affairs Committee

The Domestic & Foreign Affairs Committee

The Cultural Affairs & Information Committee

Each committee must have at least five members and each member of the Council must serve on at least one committee. The Council may form other committees as needed. Committee meetings and debates are held behind closed doors.