Doha: Al-Arab newspaper affirmed that the Shura Council prioritizes issues affecting citizens' lives through discussing proposals related to numerous files and issues for which it issued appropriate proposals. The newspaper noted that the Council approved several draft laws during its last session, following discussions, dialogue, and the equal opportunities afforded to the Council's members, all within a framework of freedom and mutual respect.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Shura Council concluded its first regular session of the second legislative term, corresponding to its 54th annual session on Monday. During this session, the Council was keen to fulfill its role in serving the interests of the nation and its citizens by discussing numerous priority national issues, including matters related to society and national development, Al-Arab said.
The paper added that the Council held 37 regular sessions, during which it completed the review of 23 draft laws. In addition, it held general discussion and hearing sessions, hosting a number of ministers and senior officials. This strengthened its oversight role and contributed to monitoring the performance of government agencies and discussing priority national issues.
The Council journey was characterized by positive and fruitful cooperation with the government, which adopted many of its proposals and worked to follow up on their implementation, stressing that this cooperation contributed to the enactment of legislation and laws that supported the nation-building process and strengthened the state of institutions and the rule of law, Al-Arab concluded.
In turn, Al-Watan said that the Shura Council held its final session yesterday for the first regular session of the second legislative term, corresponding to the 54th annual session. The Council approved the draft law on state property in its amended form and the draft law issuing the traffic law, referring them to the esteemed government after reviewing the reports of the two relevant committees and discussing their details among the Council members.
The newspaper affirmed in its editorial that the Council exercised its legislative and oversight responsibilities with a high sense of patriotism and an institutional approach based on the supreme interest of the state. It was keen to discuss issues that affect society and keep pace with citizens' aspirations by following up on priority national files, especially those related to social issues that received prominent attention in the Council's work, foremost among them family.
For its part, The Peninsula said that Qatar's decision to introduce a tiered excise tax on sweetened drinks marks a thoughtful shift in how governments can address public health challenges. The new system links taxation directly to the amount of sugar or added sweeteners in a product. This approach rewards healthier choices and sends a clear message to manufacturers that reducing sugar content is no longer just a marketing advantage but also a financial incentive.
The paper said that by making high-sugar beverages more expensive while allowing lower-sugar alternatives to avoid additional taxation, Qatar is encouraging consumers to rethink their purchasing habits without completely limiting their choices.
One of the strongest aspects of the new policy is its fairness. Rather than imposing a blanket tax on all beverages, the tiered volumetric model considers the actual sugar content of each product. This means companies that invest in reformulating recipes and cutting sugar levels are rewarded with lower or even zero tax liability, the paper noted.
The Peninsula concluded by stressing that consumers will need greater awareness about why prices may change and how healthier alternatives can benefit both personal health and long-term healthcare costs. Indeed, Qatar's new excise tax mechanism represents a more targeted and modern approach to public health policy. If it successfully encourages manufacturers to reduce sugar and motivates consumers to make healthier choices, the benefits could extend well beyond tax revenue, contributing to a healthier population and a stronger healthcare system in the years ahead.