AGP Executive Report

Qatar diplomacy & security: Qatar strongly condemned Iranian attacks on civilian targets in Bahrain and Kuwait, calling them a breach of sovereignty and international humanitarian law, and urged de-escalation while wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. Regional conflict & ceasefires: Despite US-brokered ceasefire efforts, violence in West Asia has continued, with Trump saying ceasefires are “shooting in a more moderate manner,” while analysts warn the situation remains fragile. Energy shock risk: The IEA warned the global economy is nearing a “red zone” as the Hormuz crisis drains oil buffers; the OECD also warned prolonged Gulf disruption could push economies toward recession. Trade & tariffs: Trump said a US-India trade deal is “soon” and called Modi a “good friend,” while the US expands forced-labour-related tariffs that include Qatar among listed economies. Qatar in finance & regulation: WTW received DIFC approval to expand regulated investment advisory and fund access across the region, building on existing Qatar-linked advisory work. World Cup governance & Qatar links: FIFA’s rules and venue conduct measures are tightening ahead of the 2026 tournament, while Qatar’s World Cup squad continues to draw attention, including the selection of Malayali-origin Tehseen Mohammad Jamshed.

Regional Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM and Foreign Minister, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, spoke by phone with Türkiye’s FM Hakan Fidan on boosting cooperation and supporting US-Iran mediation to reduce escalation and restore stability. UN & Lebanon: Qatar condemned an attack targeting a UNIFIL site in southern Lebanon that killed a Serbian soldier and injured two others, calling it a serious breach of international humanitarian law and urging investigation and accountability. EU-Gulf Dialogue: In Berlin, Advisor to the PM and MoFA spokesperson Dr. Majed Al Ansari urged respect for state sovereignty, an end to the war in Lebanon, and highlighted European support for Qatar amid regional crises. Transport Enforcement: Qatar’s Ministry of Transport inspected 66 Eid Al Adha limousine vehicles; three were found violating safety/service rules and faced legal action. Economy & Diversification: Qatar’s economy remains resilient, with GDP up 38-fold over three decades and sustained growth, while FDI inflows and diversification efforts continue under Qatar National Vision 2030. Environment: On World Environment Day, the environment minister said Qatar’s protection approach is proactive, science-based, and tied to quality of life and future resource security.

Qatar Football Focus: Hassan Al Haydos urged Qatar to stay hungry for World Cup 2026, calling Group B “tough” with Switzerland and Canada at home, while Qatar’s opening match against Switzerland is the team’s priority. Qatar Sports Diplomacy: Qatar’s US ambassador said the 2022 hosting legacy is feeding into preparations for the 2026 tournament, including a Foreign Policy Sports Diplomacy Summit in Washington. Olympics 2036 Bid: Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari was appointed CEO of Qatar’s 2036 Olympic and Paralympic bid file, tasked with leading strategy and coordination with partners. Transport & Standards: Ashghal said it has completed 3,430 km of cycling paths since 2013 and launched an updated Qatar Bicycle Master Plan; QGOSM adopted new tyre sales-period regulations tied to compliance and warranty rules. Education & Research: Education Above All marked the graduation of 74 Afghan scholarship students in the US; Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar won a $9m Parkinson’s research grant; and a Lifeline Hackathon pushed offline tech solutions for health and sustainability. Regional Security: Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson discussed mediation efforts in Berlin as Iran-US talks face fresh strains and Kuwait’s airport attack left dozens injured.

Olympics 2036 Bid: Qatar appointed Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari as CEO of the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2036 bid file, tasking her with leading the bid’s strategy and coordination with partners. Regional Security: Qatar’s Cabinet condemned Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain, calling them violations of sovereignty and international law, while Qatar’s FM Abbas Araghchi said Iran will keep striking sites used by the US to attack civilian shipping. Gulf Ceasefire Strain: Kuwait reported a drone/missile attack on its airport that killed an Indian national and injured 63, and Iran’s strikes on Gulf states have surpassed 7,000 since the war began. Qatar Governance & Law: The Cabinet approved measures including an Owners’ Association bill to regulate property management in jointly owned developments. Transport & Standards: Qatar’s Ministry of Transport published an updated Qatar Bicycle Master Plan, and QS extended permitted tire sales periods by six months (with longer warranties) under new technical rules. World Cup Build-Up: FIFA World Cup 2026 watch parties are set for Gulfstream Park’s Carousel Club, and Messi was named the 2026 Princess of Asturias Sports Award winner.

Qatar Mediation Push: Qatar reiterated at the UN General Assembly that mediation, dialogue and preventive diplomacy are key tools for de-escalation and conflict prevention, with Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani stressing the growing need for stronger mediation as armed conflicts rise. Al-Aqsa Condemnations: Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE issued a joint statement condemning Israeli settler incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque and the raising of an Israeli flag, calling it a violation of international law and the holy site’s status quo. Defense Ties with Indonesia: Qatar and Indonesia moved closer to deeper defense cooperation after talks in Jakarta, including a memorandum and plans for expanded training and defense industry collaboration. Qatar-Indonesia Dealmaking: Deputy PM and Indonesia’s defense leadership also witnessed agreements tied to Barzan Holdings and Indonesia’s Republikorp, aimed at building weapons systems capabilities. Sidra-Zulal Wellness Partnership: Sidra Medicine and Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som signed an MoU to launch integrated, medically supervised wellness and preventive healthcare programmes. World Cup Focus: FIFA confirmed final World Cup squads, while Qatar’s football ecosystem continues to gear up for the tournament’s start. Regional Security Shock: Kuwait suspended air traffic after Iranian attacks hit Kuwait International Airport’s Terminal One, injuring people and damaging facilities. Afghan Refugee Update: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at least five countries are open to accepting stranded Afghan refugees currently in Qatar’s Al Sailiya camp.

Al-Aqsa Condemnation: Qatar and seven other Arab and Islamic states issued a joint foreign-ministers statement condemning extremist Israeli settler incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque and the raising of an Israeli flag in its courtyards, calling it a violation of international law and urging preservation of the holy site’s historical and legal status. Lebanon Ceasefire Diplomacy: Sources say Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri’s aide, Ali Hassan Khalil, is holding meetings in Doha with Qatari officials, including the foreign ministry and the prime minister, to push de-escalation and a comprehensive ceasefire. Qatar Humanitarian Readiness: Lekhwiya and UN OCHA’s INSARAG signed a cooperation framework to host and organize the 2026 search-and-rescue exercise in Qatar in October, aimed at boosting international response coordination. Trade Talks: Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed met Pakistan’s commerce minister Jam Kamal Khan to review bilateral commercial and investment cooperation. World Cup Security & Logistics: Qatar’s World Cup security contingent says it has completed preparations for the 2026 mission, while FIFA confirmed a record 1,248 players from 48 nations for the tournament. Education Opportunity: Qatar’s MoEHE opened applications for the Amiri Scholarship Programme starting July 1, with set registration windows and stipends for approved universities.

Qatar-Iran Mediation: Qatar’s PM and foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held a phone call with Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi, reviewing regional developments and mediation efforts aimed at reducing tensions, including the Lebanon track. Shura Council: The Shura Council approved a draft food law in amended form and referred it to the government, while also reviewing social policy input on family upbringing and national values. Labour Heat Rules: Qatar’s Ministry of Labour launched a nationwide heat-stress awareness campaign ahead of the summer working-hours restrictions (June 1–Sept 15), urging employers to schedule outdoor work around the 10:00am–3:30pm ban. Business Regulation: MoCI began a phased update to unify GCC economic activity classifications under Qatar’s Unified Economic Guide to improve transparency and data consistency. Environment & Health: MoECC highlighted coral reef protection progress, while MoPH ran International Coaching Week events on resilience and workplace wellbeing. Humanitarian Aid: Qatar Charity distributed food baskets in Somalia under “The Greatest Days,” reaching 1,854 people. World Cup Qatar: Qatar finalised its 26-man squad for the 2026 tournament, including Malayali-origin Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, and Qatar’s Gene Bank marked major biodiversity milestones. Regional Security: Indonesia and Qatar deepened defence ties in Jakarta, expanding joint cooperation amid global security concerns.

Qatar-Iran Gulf diplomacy: Qatar strongly condemned repeated Iranian attacks on Kuwait, calling them a violation of sovereignty and international law, and urged de-escalation while reaffirming solidarity with Kuwait. Labour & public safety: Qatar’s Ministry of Labour launched a summer heat-stress awareness campaign ahead of rules taking effect June 1–Sept 15, restricting outdoor work between 10:00am and 3:30pm unless ventilation is available, with employers required to post schedules. Regional security update: Kuwait’s army said its air defences are intercepting hostile missile and drone attacks and urged residents to follow safety instructions. Maritime trade: Mwani Qatar reported a sharp May rise in port activity, including a 44% month-on-month jump in container handling to 73,173 TEUs, alongside higher cargo and vessel arrivals. World Cup build-up (Qatar-linked): FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 group-stage schedule was released, with Qatar set to open against Egypt in Group A at Aspire Zone, and the final set for Dec 13 at Khalifa International Stadium. Sports governance: Qatar’s National Sports Day Committee said it is accepting entries for the National Sports Day Award 2026, with winners due Feb 1 next year. Court ruling: Qatar’s Investment and Commerce Court upheld a refund and compensation for a bride whose wedding was cancelled during COVID-19 restrictions.

Qatar-Lebanon: Qatar’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Israel’s continued attacks and the widening ground incursion in southern Lebanon, calling it a dangerous escalation and a breach of international humanitarian law, and urged the international community to pressure Israel to stop targeting civilians. Qatar-Palestinian Holy Sites: Qatar also condemned Israeli extremists’ storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque, saying it violates international law and warns that repeated provocations will fuel more violence. Gulf Security: As Iran-US tensions persist, Kuwait reported its air defences were confronting hostile missile and drone attacks, while the US said it carried out self-defence strikes on Iranian radar and drone control sites after Tehran shot down a US drone. Qatar Tech & Cybersecurity: Ooredoo Qatar, HBKU and the Ministry of Defence announced Qatar’s first quantum-safe communications link using quantum key distribution to strengthen secure communications. Digital Economy: Qatar’s push for innovation continues with STEM HUB plans to turn schools into innovation hubs, while Qatar also backed digital trust and cybersecurity training. World Cup Politics & Qatar: Argentina’s World Cup base-camp preparations in Kansas City included Messi’s arrival, as Qatar’s own World Cup build-up continues in parallel.

Qatar–Lebanon Diplomacy: Qatar’s Foreign Ministry Minister of State Dr. Mohammed Al Khulaifi held a phone call with Lebanon’s FM Tarek Mitri, condemning Israel’s expanding attacks and urging an immediate halt, full ceasefire implementation and UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Cybersecurity Push: Ooredoo Qatar, with HBKU and the Ministry of Defence, announced the first quantum-safe communications link in Qatar using quantum key distribution to detect interception attempts. Hormuz Transit Position: Deputy PM and Defence Minister Sheikh Saoud Al Thani told Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue Qatar opposes any permanent Strait of Hormuz toll, but says a temporary, negotiable fee could help restore normal passage. Regional Energy Update: Iran says it has restored gas production at three South Pars offshore platforms after attacks, routing output while repairs continue. Hajj Operations: Qatar’s Hajj mission will return home on Monday after a “successful” season, with all pilgrims confirmed back in Qatar. Defence Industry Visit: Sheikh Saoud visited Singapore’s ST Engineering, including the 8x8 armored vehicle factory, on the sidelines of Shangri-La Dialogue. Finance Link: Qatar Central Bank Governor met Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan to discuss global finance and investment.

Qatar–Singapore Defence Links: On the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Singapore’s PM Lawrence Wong met Qatar’s Deputy PM and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, reviewing regional security and ways to deepen cooperation, including defence and energy security. Qatar–Digital Economy Push: A Qatar TV report says Qatar Digital Agenda 2030 earmarks QR40bn for the non-hydrocarbon economy, aiming to create about 26,000 jobs, with major tech partnerships and a Digital Incubation Center backing hundreds of start-ups. Public Health Campaign: Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health launched a national awareness drive on hand hygiene and infection prevention, including WHO-backed webinars reaching thousands of healthcare workers. Regional Security Framework: Malaysia, Singapore and 15 other states launched GUIDE at Shangri-La to strengthen defence cooperation for protecting critical underwater infrastructure. World Affairs Spillover: The U.S. said it disabled another ship trying to breach its Iran blockade; separately, Iran signaled it is moving to formalize control of Hormuz shipping.

Qatar Energy Leadership: Qatar mourns former Deputy PM and Energy Minister Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, with a large funeral turnout in Doha and condolences from regional leaders, underscoring his decades-long role in shaping the country’s energy standing. Pakistan-Israel Line in the Sand: In Washington, Pakistan FM/Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and US Secy of State Marco Rubio left without answering a reporter’s question on whether Pakistan would recognise Israel, as Dar reiterated Pakistan’s position: no shift without a Palestinian state. Iran-US Deal Stalls: Iran rejects “must” language and says no final agreement is reached, after Trump signalled a potential Iran ceasefire extension and Hormuz steps; Tehran also disputes claims about frozen funds and nuclear terms. Regional Security & Shipping: With Hormuz transits reportedly rising as US provides navigation advice, shipping firms weigh whether the uptick signals easing risk—or just a temporary lull. Sports Diplomacy Fallout: Ireland’s Qatar friendly was disrupted by pro-Palestinian tennis-ball protests tied to planned Israel fixtures, while Ireland players and officials weigh whether to issue statements or push for neutral venues. Environment & Culture: Qatar highlights dugong monitoring and protection efforts, and Katara wraps Eid Al Adha celebrations with major crowds and fireworks.

Qatar’s security diplomacy: Deputy PM and Minister of State for Defence Affairs HE Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met Singapore’s FM/defence leadership on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, reviewing regional security and cooperation. Hormuz talks in focus: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi held a “very productive” call with Oman on legal management of the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Tehran trusts “actions, not words” and that concessions come “through missiles.” US-Iran ceasefire uncertainty: US President Trump says he’s in the Situation Room for a “final determination” on extending the Iran ceasefire by 60 days and reopening Hormuz, with conditions including no Iranian nuclear weapon and destruction of sea mines. Regional backlash to Abraham Accords push: Iran rejected Trump’s push to expand the Abraham Accords, calling it foreign-pressure “political show,” and said peace must be built on “ground realities.” Qatar-linked Gulf condemnation: Kuwait condemned Iranian missile/drone attacks; Qatar backed Kuwait and called the strikes a breach of international law. Sports and politics collide: Ireland’s FAI faces renewed pressure after pro-Palestinian tennis-ball protests disrupted a Qatar friendly; the FAI board is set to discuss Israel fixtures next week. World Cup planning: Argentina named Messi-led squad for a record sixth World Cup.

Eid Al-Adha Culture & Family Life: Katara’s Cultural Village Foundation kept the Eid spirit going for a second day with performances, beach activities and science shows at Al Thuraya Planetarium, including “The Great Adventure of the Solar System” and “Polaris.” Public Health: Qatar’s MoPH renewed its RSV warning for infants, stressing vaccination during pregnancy (weeks 28-36) and noting the vaccine is free at PHCC and HMC facilities. Tourism & Retail Boost: Hotels reported a surge in Eid bookings driven by staycations, while retail and wholesale markets saw higher demand for groceries, clothing, gifts and festive essentials. Eid Crowd Management at HIA: Hamad International Airport outlined Scan & Go e-gate use, baggage reclaim guidance for oversized items and Zamzam collection points, plus ground transport access. Visa Rules Tighten: Qatar’s Ministry of Interior ended the temporary entry-visa extensions effective June 7, urging residents and visitors to renew or leave on time. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamim spoke by phone with US President Trump on Middle East de-escalation, highlighting Qatar’s mediation role via Pakistan. Energy/Procurement: Serbia’s EPS suspended a solar supervision tender again after bids failed tender conditions.

Gulf Security: Qatar condemned missile and drone attacks targeting Kuwait, calling them a blatant breach of sovereignty and international law, as Saudi and UAE also issued strong condemnations. US-Iran Diplomacy: A tentative US-Iran 60-day ceasefire extension and nuclear talks framework was reported, but Trump’s final approval is still pending and fresh strikes and mutual accusations are rattling the truce. Regional Messaging: Trump again warned Oman over Strait of Hormuz control, while Iran’s Supreme Leader directed parliament to prioritize post-war economic stability, inflation control, and liquidity management. Gaza Ceasefire Strain: Hamas said Israel is escalating toward a “genocide war” pace after more than 20 Palestinians were killed in 48 hours, alleging renewed violations of the Sharm el-Sheikh ceasefire. Qatar Governance & Services: Qatar reaffirmed commitment to the UN Charter amid ongoing violations; meanwhile Hamad International Airport rolled out Eid Al Adha and Hajj arrival guidance, including Scan & Go e-gates and baggage procedures. World Cup Politics & Business: FIFA World Cup ticketing is under investigation after major price hikes and dynamic pricing sparked outrage, with US state attorneys general probing FIFA’s sales practices.

Qatar’s Eid Al-Adha at Katara: Katara Cultural Village kicked off Eid celebrations with heritage performances like Ardah on the Corniche, family-friendly shows, and “Katara Eid gifts” for children, drawing praise for organization and cultural variety. US-Iran talks under strain: The White House rejected an Iranian state TV report of a draft US-Iran MOU to restore Strait of Hormuz shipping, calling it “total fabrication,” as negotiations reportedly hinge on military withdrawal, lifting blockades, and reopening the strait while nuclear issues remain unresolved. New strikes near Hormuz: US forces carried out defensive strikes after downing Iranian drones and hitting a ground control station near Bandar Abbas, with Iran warning of consequences and accusing ceasefire violations. Hormuz control row: Trump said no single country would control the Strait and the US would “watch over it,” casting doubt on any quick breakthrough. Regional labor impact: The ILO warned the West Asia crisis is spreading into global labour markets via energy costs, transport disruption, tourism hits, and migration pressures. Qatar in the mediation picture: Multiple reports keep Qatar in the center of US-Iran de-escalation efforts, including talks tied to frozen assets.