AGP Executive Report

Qatar-UK Diplomacy: Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met UK Secretary of State Ed Miliband, stressing dialogue and support for US-Iran de-escalation efforts, including freedom of navigation at the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime & Travel Disruptions: Qatar Airways temporarily suspended passenger flights to Bahrain, Erbil and Kuwait until July 31, as some Gulf carriers cancelled services amid the regional situation. Sport in Qatar: ONE Championship and Visit Qatar renewed their partnership for three more years, with major events returning to Doha starting March 26, 2027 at Aspire Dome. Qatar Goodwood Festival: Day three jury discussions highlighted key runners ahead of the Nassau Stakes at the Qatar Goodwood Festival. Regional Security & Energy Pressure: Reports say drone and missile attacks around Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait are intensifying, keeping oil prices volatile and raising concerns for Gulf energy routes.

Qatar-ASEAN diplomacy: Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn in Manila, welcoming ASEAN’s decision to grant Qatar Sectoral Dialogue Partner status and calling it a milestone for wider political, economic and development cooperation. Sports—local and regional: Qatar extended its Doha Bank Stars League partnership and naming rights with QSL until 2030, while Qatar’s U-18 basketball team prepares for Gulf qualifiers in Doha (July 25-30) aiming for spots at the U-18 Asian Championship in India. International sport ties: ONE Championship and Visit Qatar renewed their landmark three-year partnership, bringing ONE events back to Qatar from March 2027, starting at Aspire Dome on March 26. Education for future skills: MoEHE launched a fully funded Nuclear Engineering scholarship programme (registration July 1-August 15) to build national expertise for energy and advanced technology sectors. Global spotlight: Qatar’s Rashid Saleh Al Athba made history by winning gold in men’s individual skeet at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou.

Red Sea Security: Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned Houthi attacks on a Saudi ship in the Red Sea as a breach of international navigation safety and law, urging the UN Security Council to enforce relevant resolutions and reaffirming solidarity with Saudi Arabia. Air Travel Updates: Qatar Airways announced temporary flight suspensions to Bahrain and Erbil until July 25, and to Kuwait until July 31. Labour Portal Maintenance: Qatar’s Ministry of Labour said some electronic services on the Individuals and Employers Portal will be down for scheduled maintenance from 6am to 2pm on July 24. Inclusion Drive: Qatar launched the second “Purple Saturday” initiative (July 25–Aug 1) to make shopping more accessible for people with disabilities, with discounts and tailored services. Justice & Diplomacy: Minister of Justice Ibrahim Al Mohannadi met UAE and Kuwait ambassadors to boost legal and judicial cooperation. Public Info Safety: Qatar University urged the public to rely only on official channels and avoid unverified links to protect personal data. Weather Watch: Qatar Meteorology warned of very hot conditions, with highs of 45–47°C through the weekend.

Red Sea Energy Risk: Houthis claimed they struck two Saudi oil tankers near the Bab al-Mandeb after declaring a ban, while UKMTO said a tanker reported being hit and a fire was reported onboard; no casualties or environmental impact were reported, but authorities urged caution. Qatar Education Update: Qatar’s MoEHE opened registration for Grade Improvement Service exams until July 25 via the Maaref portal, with second-round results counting for selected subjects. Qatar Sports Calendar: Qatar’s 2026-27 season kicks off Aug 20 with the Qatar Stars League and QSL2, while Qatari clubs prepare for AFC Champions League Elite from Sept 15 after the Aug 18 draw. Regional Cooperation: Qatar joined GCC traffic meetings in Riyadh to strengthen joint traffic initiatives and traffic systems across member states. Qatar Healthcare & Training: Aspetar’s Surgery Observer Programme hosted 69 international observers over the past year, and Qatar Charity completed a safe drinking water project in Nepal benefiting more than 3,660 people. Diplomacy: Qatar’s ambassador credentials were received in the Maldives, and Qatar’s MoFA secretary-general met Slovenia’s non-resident ambassador ahead of the end of her tenure. Cyber Resilience: A Qatar tech expert stressed that cyber resilience and digital trust must grow alongside AI adoption.

Qatar-Iran tensions: Qatar condemned renewed Iranian attacks on Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, as the wider US-Iran conflict escalated with fresh strikes and air alerts across the Gulf; EU travel safety: Jordan was added to the EU aviation no-fly list after security deteriorated and kinetic activity increased in its airspace; Diplomacy & finance: Qatar Central Bank Governor met the UAE ambassador to review banking and financial cooperation, while Qatar Financial Centre signed an MoU with CCI France Qatar to boost trade and business connectivity; Trade links: Qatar Chamber met Azerbaijan’s ambassador to explore investment and a workshop on opportunities in agriculture and real estate; Human stories: An Afghan Christian convert said she fled the Taliban to Qatar but fears deportation; Religion & culture: Awqaf announced winners of the Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani Endowment Award and concluded a Quranic course in Madinah; Business results: AlRayan Bank reported H1 net profit of QR687m, Nakilat posted QR857m net profit for H1, and UDC logged Q2 net profit of QR115m; Sports & community: Qatar SC parted ways with French defender Kimpembe; Qatar Rail wrapped up the Qatar Rail Chess Open; Arts & youth: Tasweer opened applications for its 2026-27 residency programme.

Qatar Diplomacy: Qatar sent two identical letters to the UN and the Security Council condemning Iran’s attacks, calling them a blatant violation of sovereignty and an unacceptable escalation, citing incidents including missile interceptions over Doha and injuries from falling debris. Regional De-escalation: PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman held calls with Saudi, Bahrain and Oman foreign ministers to discuss bilateral ties and steps to reduce tensions through dialogue. Public Health & Youth: PHCC will launch “Care Summer” in early August, offering free field training for 12–18-year-old students at six health centres. Healthcare Innovation: Sidra Medicine advanced precision nutrition research linking maternal diet to fetal development and long-term child health. Business & Trade: QFC signed an MoU with CCI France Qatar to boost Qatar–France trade and investment ties. Sports: Qatar’s volleyball team won the West Asian Men’s title; Shaheen Mohammed took silver and Arif Mohammadi bronze at the UWW Ranking Series in Budapest. Humanitarian & Culture: Qatar Charity received a QR100,000 donation from General Takaful Company; Qatar National Library and the Institute of Arabic Manuscripts discussed joint work to preserve Arabic heritage.

Qatar-Iran Diplomacy: Qatar has formally demanded Iran compensate it for damage from attacks on its territory, citing incidents including the July 7 strike on the Qatari tanker Al-Rukayyat near the Strait of Hormuz and missile attacks on July 12 and July 17, while reserving the right to respond under UN self-defence rules. Regional Mediation: Qatar, Egypt and Pakistan are pushing a 10-day US-Iran ceasefire proposal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and easing tensions, as fighting enters its tenth day. Local Governance & Culture: The Local Dates Festival 2026 returns to Souq Waqif from July 25 to August 10, with farmers’ dates, heritage experiences and family-friendly activities. State Affairs: Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim received a phone call from Sudan’s PM Kamil Al-Tayeb Idris offering condolences for the late Father Amir, and also met Niger’s foreign minister, who delivered condolences from President Abdourahamane Tchiani. Education & Youth: Doha Debates opened applications for its Ambassador Programme, training young people to debate through dialogue and the Majlis approach. Health Tech: Hamad Medical Corporation is expanding digital transformation in lab diagnostics, integrating instruments with electronic records to speed results and improve accuracy.

Middle East Tensions: The US-Iran conflict kept widening as mediators floated a new truce proposal, while Yemen’s Houthis threatened a Red Sea blockade of Saudi Arabia and the Strait of Hormuz saw renewed disruption, including a tanker strike reported by a UK maritime agency. Qatar’s Role in the Gulf: Qatar reiterated it is working on diplomacy amid the escalation, with Iran’s foreign ministry saying mediator proposals for talks have been put forward. Aviation & Security: Qatar-gifted Air Force One is again set for “maxed out” security upgrades after US reporting raised concerns about defensive capabilities, while the US continued strikes tied to vows that Iran “will pay.” Qatar Economy & Finance: Qatar International Islamic Bank posted QR713mn net profit in H1 2026 (+3.5%) as assets rose to QR63.8bn. Health & Community: PHCC will recruit Qatar University physiotherapy graduates, and Qatar Charity launched life-saving surgeries for 830+ patients in Syria. Sports & Culture: Ooredoo backs Mutaz Barshim’s What Gravity Tour; Qatar’s Shaheen Mohammed won silver in Budapest; and Qatar’s Urdu literary community held tributes for the late Father Amir.

Qatar’s FinTech push: The Qatar Central Bank has issued the country’s first license for an insurance policy price comparison website, granting ‘Ammen’ approval and bringing the number of supervised FinTech firms to 16. Youth development: Qatar’s Ministry of Sports and Youth launched a trainer development program to build a pool of qualified trainers aligned with international standards, running until July 23. Drones regulation: Qatar introduced a new law governing unmanned aerial vehicles, with penalties of up to QR300,000 for violations. Regional diplomacy amid tension: Iran says it received proposals from mediators, including Qatar, as US-Iran strikes continue and markets react. Security and aviation headlines: US President Trump said Qatar-gifted Air Force One will undergo about a month of additional upgrades after security concerns. Community life: The Ministry of Endowments inaugurated the Hamad Issa Al Hassan Al Mohannadi Mosque in Al Dhakhira, supporting faith services for a growing area. Sports spotlight: Qatar’s World Cup legacy continues to ripple, while Spain’s triumph and individual awards dominate coverage.

World Cup fallout: Spain beat 10-man Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium to win their second FIFA World Cup title since 2010, with Ferran Torres scoring in the 106th minute after a tense, foul-filled match. Golden Boot history: Kylian Mbappé became the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice, finishing 2026 with 10 goals, edging Lionel Messi’s eight. Qatar diplomacy: Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held calls with Saudi, Oman and Jordan counterparts, stressing dialogue and urging full implementation of the US-Iran MoU, including freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, while condemning renewed Iranian attacks on Jordan. Regional talks: Sheikh Mohammed also met Türkiye’s FM Hakan Fidan in Doha to discuss bilateral ties and de-escalation efforts. Qatar finance: Qatar’s banks stayed resilient in May, with loan growth and stable deposits supporting strong liquidity. Drone rules: Qatar issued a new law to regulate unmanned aircraft under the Civil Aviation Authority, setting licensing, permitted airspace and penalties. Healthcare push: Hamad Medical Corporation is expanding digital lab systems to speed diagnostics and improve accuracy. Family entertainment: ColorVerse Experience opened at Katara, bringing an immersive, interactive summer attraction for children and families.

Diplomacy & De-escalation: Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim met Turkish FM Hakan Fidan in Lusail, with both sides stressing deeper strategic ties and joint coordination to reduce regional tensions, including support for the US-Iran MoU and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Regional Talks: Iraqi PM Ali Al-Zaidi arrived in Doha and urged Washington and Tehran to honor the MoU; sources say he plans to take an Iraqi initiative to Tehran to open dialogue channels. Security & Travel: Japan warned of a worsening, unpredictable Middle East security situation, urging citizens to monitor advisories and avoid military areas. Qatar Healthcare Tech: Hamad Medical Corporation is pushing digital transformation in labs and genetic testing, integrating instruments with electronic records to speed results and improve accuracy. World Cup Focus: As Argentina vs Spain heads to the final in New Jersey, FIFA is reported to expect record revenue of $15bn; Qatar Museums also opened condolence books at major sites for the late Father Amir.

World Cup fever in Doha: Fans are gearing up for a FIFA World Cup 2026 Final watch party that pairs the match with BTS’s historic halftime show at Nom Yum in Bin Mahmoud tonight. Qatar on the pitch: Qatari referee Khamis Al Marri has been named support VAR for the Argentina-Spain final at New York New Jersey Stadium. Qatar’s sports calendar: The Doha Bank Stars League 2026-27 first-half schedule starts Aug 20, with opening fixtures at Lusail, Ahmad Bin Ali and Khalifa International. Qatar’s green push: GSAS recognition in Qatar has reached nearly 2,700 projects and over 3.1bn sq ft of built-up area, with 2025 alone seeing about 200 new GSAS-recognised projects. Quran and culture abroad: Qatar’s Awqaf and Islamic Affairs backed Quran recitation and memorisation activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and published a new biography book on Abu Bakr Al Siddiq. Regional diplomacy: Qatar took part in a UN-backed Jerusalem conference in Cairo focused on protecting the city’s multi-religious character and the rights of Palestinians. Health system spotlight: A new review highlights how Qatar’s emergency medicine model is built on planning and an integrated approach.

Gulf Security: Qatar says it intercepted an Iranian missile attack over Doha; the Ministry of Interior reported a child injured by shrapnel from the interceptions, with authorities urging residents to rely on official updates. Diplomacy: Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Qatar to reaffirm Ankara’s solidarity and discuss deepening strategic ties, including defense cooperation and connectivity. Regional Condemnations: The Arab Parliament condemned Iran’s attacks on Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan as violations of Arab sovereignty and international law, calling for urgent UN action. Energy & Trade: Pakistan is seeking more LNG cargoes from Qatar as Strait of Hormuz disruptions and US-Iran tensions strain supplies. Healthcare: A Qatar Medical Journal study highlights how Qatar built a world-class emergency medicine system through centralized planning, training and specialty-led care. Aviation Disruptions: Kuwait Airways rescheduled flights after Kuwait International Airport temporarily suspended operations due to missile and drone attacks. Sports (World Cup): Argentina and Spain meet in the 2026 final in New Jersey, with Messi chasing record-setting history.

Middle East Security: Qatar condemned Iran’s renewed attacks on its territory and on Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, calling them a “flagrant violation” of sovereignty and vowing a right to respond under international law. Air Defence & Civilian Impact: Qatar said its armed forces intercepted an Iranian missile attack over Doha; the Ministry of Interior reported a child injured by shrapnel from interception debris, with emergency alerts sent to residents. Regional Condemnations: Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan also denounced the strikes, while the Arab Interior Ministers Council backed Qatar and other Gulf states. Iran-Iraq Kurdistan: Qatar separately condemned an Iranian attack on Iraq’s Kurdistan region as a breach of Iraq’s sovereignty and international law. Humanitarian Aid: Venezuela dismissed 41 Qatar rescue workers from La Guaira after the double earthquake, thanking Qatar for medical and rescue support. Healthcare Insight: A Qatar Medical Journal study highlights how Qatar built a world-class emergency medicine system through centralized planning, training and specialty-led care. Travel Tech: Hamad International Airport launched Fast Pass biometric travel with Qatar Airways and SITA across 700 touchpoints. Business & Education: Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar’s dean said Qatar’s human-capital focus is a key business advantage.

Regional Security: Qatar says its air defences intercepted an Iranian missile attack targeting the country early Friday, and the Interior Ministry confirmed one child was injured by falling shrapnel during interception operations; Bahrain and Jordan also reported intercepts, while Iran’s IRGC claimed strikes on the US Al Udeid base in Qatar and other US-linked targets across the region. Diplomatic Fallout: The UAE condemned the renewed Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan, stressing solidarity and support for measures to safeguard stability. Public Safety: Qatar issued emergency alerts and urged residents to rely only on official updates, as sirens and blasts were reported across Doha. Energy Pressure: With Strait of Hormuz disruptions, Pakistan is reportedly planning more LNG purchases from Qatar, including spot cargoes, as supply uncertainty bites. Local Life & Legacy: As Qatar’s mourning for Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani nears its end, officials and community groups highlighted his push for science and innovation, while Qatar’s banking sector reported resilience in Q1 2026 despite slower lending growth.

Father Amir Tributes: Qatar’s International Media Office and world leaders are mourning and praising the late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, with Pakistan’s ambassador calling him the “architect of modern Qatar” whose legacy will endure as long as the country exists. Diplomatic Calls: Amir Sheikh Tamim received condolences by phone from leaders including the King of the Netherlands and India’s PM Narendra Modi, who recalled Sheikh Hamad’s affection for India and the strength of India-Qatar ties. Iran War Rumours Denied: Qatar has categorically rejected Israeli media claims that Doha agreed to join military action against Iran, saying the allegations aim to undermine its mediation role and stressing it has not and will not participate in any military action against neighbours. Regional Mediation Pressure: Pakistan said its Iran-US mediation efforts are still alive, even as the “logic of escalation” dominates. Qatar Community & Culture: The 3rd Pakistani Mango Exhibition at Souq Waqif resumed and runs two more days, drawing thousands of visitors. Sports & Youth: Qatar Foundation’s Mukayamna summer programme is opening early sports pathways for children aged 6–16, while Qatar’s women divers mark PADI Women’s Dive Day on July 18.