Sayed Hussein Al-Qassab
The “Press” Law is a turning point for promoting responsible freedom of opinion and expression
Employing artificial intelligence to support legislative work and enhance national innovation
The Speaker of the Shura Council, Ali Al-Saleh, confirmed during the procedural session of the fourth session of the sixth legislative term, that the convening of the legislative authority constitutes the embodiment of a solid constitutional process under the wise leadership of His Majesty the King, and a continuation of the tireless national efforts aimed at strengthening the legislative system and achieving the visions and aspirations of the nation and its citizens.
This came during his presidency of the first procedural session of the fourth regular session, which was held yesterday evening, in the presence of a number of ministers.
The Secretary-General of the Shura Council, Karima Al-Abbasi, read Royal Order No. 30 of 2025, calling on the Shura and Representatives Councils to convene for the fourth regular session of the sixth legislative term. She also read the text of Royal Decree No. 32 of 2025, regarding the appointment of His Highness Sheikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa as Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office.
Al-Saleh expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for his highness’s favor and honoring the opening ceremony of the fourth regular session of the sixth legislative term, stressing that this attendance embodies His Highness’s continued support for the process of legislative work and the integration of efforts between the legislative and executive authorities.
He explained that the Shura Council will pay special attention to the draft law regulating the press, printing and publishing, stressing that its discussion will take place in depth, to constitute a prominent milestone in the march of the media and journalistic sector, and an advanced step towards consolidating responsible freedom of opinion and expression.
He pointed out the Council’s keenness to support legislation that contributes to strengthening national security and developing the national economy, noting the purposeful initiative announced by His Highness the Crown Prince, Prime Minister, directed at the nation’s people searching for job opportunities, as it represents an essential tributary in raising national participation rates in the labor market.
He praised the royal directives that stressed consolidating national identity, strengthening societal unity, and rejecting all forms of intolerance and hatred, stressing the importance of developing the education and knowledge system, and supporting the industrial and productive sectors that support economic growth. He pointed out that the Council is guided in its work by the royal directives calling for the use of artificial intelligence and digital transformation to support legislative work, a translation of the aspirations of His Majesty the King to invest in technical progress in various fields, in a way that enhances the competitiveness of the Kingdom of Bahrain and its leadership in innovation and sustainable development.
Al-Saleh praised the great role played by Bahraini youth in various fields of national work, appreciating the support of His Highness Lieutenant General Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs and National Security Advisor, in encouraging national cadres to innovate and excel, noting that the launch of the Bahraini satellite “Al-Mundhir” represents a national achievement that reflects Bahrain’s position in the path of competitiveness and innovation.
The Shura Speaker also reaffirmed Bahrain’s firm position on the Palestinian issue, its support for establishing a just and comprehensive peace and stopping the war in Gaza, and its adherence to the two-state solution and the restoration of the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights.
Al-Saleh expressed his appreciation for the security, stability and prosperity that Bahrain enjoys thanks to the wise leadership of His Majesty the King, and the efforts of the Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and the men of the Bahrain Defense Force and security services in protecting the nation and preserving its gains.
He stated that the members of the Council are beginning the fourth session with determination and determination to continue cooperation and integration with the House of Representatives, headed by Ahmed Al-Muslim, and with the Ministry of Shura and Representative Council Affairs, to achieve the lofty aspirations of His Majesty the King, and to establish the priority of the citizen in services and entitlements, asking God Almighty to grant everyone success in serving the nation and the citizen.
After that, the process of electing the First Vice-President of the Shura Council took place, where Jamal Fakhro was recommended to assume the position of First Vice-President of the Council, and the Second Vice-President of the Shura Council was also elected, where Dr. Jihad Al-Fadil was recommended for the position of Second Vice-President of the Council.
After that, the Speaker of the Council notified the members that the Council’s office would select a committee of Council members to prepare a draft response to the high royal speech. The office would coordinate between the members’ requests to determine the nomination lists for membership in the permanent specific committees in the Council, and the members of the Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Division, and this formation would be presented to the Council in its next session for approval.
