AGP Executive Report

Qatar World Cup build-up: Qatar held a goalless draw with El Salvador in their final pre-tournament friendly in Los Angeles, with Julen Lopetegui rotating 19 players ahead of the June 13 opener vs Switzerland. Local transport rules: Qatar’s Ministry of Transport named licensed ride-hailing firms allowed to operate, warning of legal action against any violators. Housing update: New amendments to villa and building architectural rules raise height limits and introduce flexibility such as an internal mezzanine floor. Business & investment: Qatar Chamber launched the Qatar Commercial and Industrial Directory 2025/2026 to boost B2B links, while Qatar also reported continued growth in foreign-backed company formation. Finance: Qatar Central Bank announced changes to 5, 10 and 50 riyal banknotes, with older versions still valid. Environment & society: Qatar’s green spaces reached 21.9 million sq m, and Wifaq launched its 46th premarital counselling programme. Regional geopolitics: Oil prices eased as hopes grew for de-escalation in the US-Iran conflict, though tensions remain.

Qatar’s Culture & Community: Qatar National Library launched the second cycle of “Keys to Palestine,” a community-driven digital project to preserve Palestinian memory through photography, film, oral history and written storytelling. Humanitarian Aid: Qatar Red Crescent Society says its Eid Al-Adha Sacrifice campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries in Qatar and 13 countries across Asia and Africa. Sports—Qatar on the world stage: Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo says the national team can handle World Cup pressure as Qatar prepares for Group matches against Switzerland, Canada and Bosnia & Herzegovina. World Cup build-up: Qatar’s fans keep rallying behind the team as the 2026 tournament approaches, while FIFA’s expanded format and security concerns dominate the wider conversation. Gulf security tensions: Iran launched fresh attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, with Qatar among GCC states condemning the strikes and calling for restraint. Business & investment: Qatar’s economy continues to attract foreign investors, with a sharp jump in fully foreign-owned company registrations in Q1. International spotlight: Qatari Diar marked the opening of “SEVEN” at Southbank Place in London, completing its £1bn mixed-use development.

AI in Sport: Qatar Olympic Academy’s first “Generative AI for Sports Leaders” course, in partnership with Google Cloud, is training sports professionals to use AI responsibly across planning, communications, fan engagement and event management. Food Safety Push: Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health marks World Food Safety Day on June 7 with an awareness campaign, virtual training for food handlers and healthcare workers, and recognition for top performers under its Food Establishment Classification Programme. Regional Mediation: Qatar’s Prime Minister spoke by phone with France’s Jean‑Noël Barrot, stressing de-escalation and backing US-Iran mediation, while also discussing urgent developments in Gaza and Lebanon. Heat Protection: MoPH advises Qatar residents on heat-stress prevention, while labour rules bar outdoor work from 10am to 3:30pm during summer. World Cup Qatar Angle: Qatar’s World Cup preparations and squad focus continue as the tournament countdown intensifies, with Qatar set to face Switzerland in Group B.

Qatar’s Nuclear Safety Stand: Qatar reiterated its condemnation of the attack on the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant at an IAEA Board of Governors emergency session in Vienna, calling it a breach of international law and nuclear safety principles. World Cup Security & Tech: Seattle will activate CCTV in the Stadium District during the FIFA World Cup after updated police and FBI intelligence flagged credible safety threats; meanwhile, Google and Apple Maps have started renaming some venues to FIFA’s host-city labels. Qatar in the World Cup Spotlight: Canada’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina will be without Alphonso Davies due to a hamstring injury, with coach Jesse Marsch saying he could return later in the group stage. FIFA Money for Clubs: FIFA confirmed clubs will receive at least $5,000 per player per day for World Cup releases under an expanded $355m club benefits programme. Qatar Weather Watch: Qatar Meteorology warned of strong winds and high seas over the weekend, with offshore gusts reaching up to 35 knots.

World Cup Focus (Qatar): Qatar’s bid for a first knockout berth gets a reality check with Group B set against Switzerland, co-host Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as Al Annabi aim to “fight until the end” under coach Julen Lopetegui. Digital Safety: Qatar’s National Cyber Security Agency launched the ‘National Digital Safety Index’ to measure digital safety awareness and cybersecurity knowledge across society, with results issued twice a year. Environment & Sustainability: Lusail International Circuit signed on to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework on World Environment Day, building on its FIA Three Star environmental accreditation. Labour & Cooperation: Qatar’s labour minister met ILO chief Gilbert Houngbo to review a joint work programme focused on improving the work environment and developing national talent. Education: End-of-term exams are underway across Qatar, with officials inspecting exam readiness and students balancing revision plans with exam-day routines. Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways will raise DOH–Dubai frequencies from two to five daily flights in phases starting June 5. Real Estate: Qatar’s real estate registration data shows QR256.6m in sales contracts over May 24–25, with weekly totals topping QR558m.

World Cup Countdown: FIFA’s 2026 tournament kicks off June 11 with a record 48-team format and 104 matches, and FIFA is rolling out new tech including a connected match ball and AI-driven 3D player scanning to speed up tight calls. Fan Safety & Travel: FIFA has banned reusable water bottles at stadiums, drawing criticism over heat risks, while the U.S. issued a fresh security alert for Americans across the Middle East, keeping Qatar and other Gulf states at Level 3 “Reconsider Travel.” Qatar Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman held calls with France, Türkiye and Greece, stressing de-escalation and support for mediation efforts over Iran, Lebanon and Gaza. Regional Security: Qatar condemned an attack on a UNIFIL post in southern Lebanon, calling it a serious breach of international humanitarian law. Qatar Culture & Community: Qatar Museums announced June exhibitions, workshops and family activities, including Museum Bingo and Islamic Art children’s programmes. Local Life: Qatar’s MoCI urged compliance with updated tire storage rules to protect safety and quality.

World Cup Countdown: Qatar’s veteran captain Hassan Al Haydos says the team “believe[s] in our chances” as they open Group B against Switzerland next week, with the Qatar Chamber also meeting ambassadors from Germany, France, Australia and Jordan to boost private-sector trade ties. Sports & Youth: Qatar Chess Association wrapped up the Qatar Foundation Primary Schools Championship 2026, while Sneaker Con Doha drew 33,000 visitors and topped QR1.2m in sales. Health & Community: The Sheikh Jassim bin Jabr Al Thani Primary Healthcare Center in Jordan’s Azraq Camp reported 4,323 beneficiaries in April, and Education Above All marked the graduation of 74 Afghan students supported through Qatar Scholarship. Tech & Climate: NCSA opened registration for its 3rd Summer Cyber Youth Camp (ages 13–17), and the Global Carbon Council signed an MoU with CIFOR-ICRAF to narrow the $7tn nature-finance gap. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar’s foreign affairs spokesperson Dr. Majid Al Ansari urged dialogue to reduce tensions, as markets in the Gulf edged up on ceasefire hopes amid Iran-related strain.

Qatar 2036 Bid: Fatima Al Kuwari has been appointed CEO of Qatar’s Olympic and Paralympic Games 2036 bid file, bringing over 20 years of executive leadership from Ooredoo to lead the bid’s strategy and operations. Qatar Foundation Education: QF schools marked graduation for 401 students across seven institutions, with officials highlighting inclusive education and multiple pathways to success. World Cup Build-Up (Qatar link): Qatar’s Local Organising Committee CEO Jassim Al Jassim joined a Sports Diplomacy Summit in Washington, stressing that Qatar’s 2022 hosting legacy is supporting preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Transport & Safety: Qatar’s Ministry of Transport launched an updated Qatar Bicycle Master Plan, based on thousands of surveys and reviews of over 1,500 km of routes, aiming to boost safety and everyday cycling use. Regional Security: The US and Iran traded strikes again, with Kuwait and Bahrain caught in the crossfire as negotiations face fresh strains. Legal/Justice: Qatar’s Appellate Circuit upheld a QR500,000 compensation ruling for a passenger injured in a 2024 traffic accident involving a company vehicle.

World Cup Countdown: FIFA has published final squads for the expanded 2026 World Cup, with 1,248 players from 48 nations set for 104 matches across the US, Canada and Mexico (June 11–July 19). Qatar Football Focus: Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui says the group opponents matter less than how his team competes from the first minute, with Qatar opening against Switzerland on June 13. Qatar Economy & Business: Qatar’s MoCI says it’s pushing a stronger private-sector role through a business-friendly ecosystem and public-private partnership frameworks. Tax Compliance: Qatar’s General Tax Authority ran specialised workshops for audit firms to boost technical skills and improve tax compliance. Education & Mobility: Qatar Foundation signed three new study-abroad agreements with US universities for student exchange via Education City. Cyber & Privacy: Qatar’s National Cyber Security Agency highlighted a five-tier data classification approach to strengthen information privacy. Finance: Qatar Stock Exchange index closed down 0.30% to 10,407.45. Regional Security: Qatar condemned Iranian attacks on civilian targets in Kuwait and Bahrain, including damage to Kuwait Airport, calling it a grave violation of international law.

World Cup Safety Watch: Experts say the risk of crowd-generated violence at the 2026 World Cup is low, but authorities must stay vigilant on crowd safety and access. Qatar Education: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education says preparations are complete for second-semester end-of-term exams, with 16,487 Grade 12 students set to sit tests across 87 centres. Entrepreneurship Push: The National Planning Council’s Al-Tanmiya Podcast spotlights Qatar Development Bank efforts to boost SME financing and private-sector growth under NDS3. Foreign Policy: Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to mediation, dialogue and preventive diplomacy at the UN, highlighting ongoing regional peace efforts. Regional Tensions: Qatar joined other Muslim states condemning extremist Israeli settler incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, calling them a violation of international law. Health Reminder: A paediatric expert urged parents to stay alert around water this summer, stressing constant supervision and layered safety measures. International Cooperation: Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence met Indonesia’s defence minister in Jakarta, signing agreements linked to defence cooperation.

Qatar–Uzbek Trade Boost: Qatar Chamber met Uzbekistan’s chamber in Tashkent to push bilateral cooperation, activate the Qatari-Uzbek Joint Business Council, and explore deals in sectors including halal. Canada Partnership: Qatar’s trade minister held a virtual meeting with Canada’s international trade minister to review progress and expand investment and trade ties. Port and Business Updates: Mwani Qatar said container volumes at Hamad, Ruwais and Doha ports jumped to 73,173 TEUs in May (+44% vs April). MoCI also starts updating existing companies’ commercial activity classifications from June 1 under the GCC unified guide—no action needed from owners. Road Safety: The Ministry of Interior urged electric scooter and bicycle riders to use designated lanes, avoid public roads, and follow helmet and visibility rules. Heat Protection: Labour Ministry launched a heat-stress awareness campaign ahead of the summer working-hours restrictions. World Cup Focus: Qatar named its final 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026, with Akram Afif and Almoez Ali leading the attack. Tech and AI: QIA doubled down on Anthropic, joining its $65bn Series H funding round. Summer for Families: Visit Qatar’s “Hala Summer” kicks off with Meryal Waterpark Beach’s free “Summer Splash” nightly entertainment in June.

World Cup Focus: Qatar unveiled its final 26-player FIFA World Cup 2026 squad and confirmed preparations in Santa Barbara, with training based at Westmont College and sessions at Thorrington Field. Refereeing Prep: The Qatar Football Association joined FIFA’s referee preparation course in Miami, with Hani Taleb Ballan representing Qatar ahead of the June 11-July 19 tournament. U-17 Schedule: Qatar also received the group-stage match schedule for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, running Nov 19-Dec 13 at Aspire Zone. Health & Safety: Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality temporarily closed three food establishments in Doha for food safety violations. Sports Culture: The National Sport Day Award 2026 opened for entries, rewarding ministries, entities and companies that boost community sport. Regional Security: Qatar condemned repeated Iranian attacks on Kuwait, urging de-escalation and solidarity with Kuwaiti security. Economy Pulse: A survey found strong confidence in Qatar’s economy and government despite regional tensions. Environment: Qatar advanced coral reef protection and restoration efforts, marking World Coral Reef Day with new monitoring results.

Qatar and Lebanon Crisis: Qatar strongly condemned Israel’s expanded military offensive in Lebanon, calling it a dangerous escalation and a breach of international humanitarian law, after reports of troops seizing Beaufort Castle and renewed strikes around Beirut. Qatar Diplomacy: Qatar’s foreign ministry also condemned extremist storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque, warning that unilateral changes to Jerusalem’s status will fuel more violence. Public Health Push: Qatar’s PHCC marked World No Tobacco Day with renewed calls for smokers to use cessation clinics, while PHCC ran a World Hypertension Day campaign urging early detection and regular blood-pressure checks. Oral Health for Seniors: PHCC launched “Ahlan for Oral Health 2026” to support older adults with home-based examinations, caregiver training, and education on denture care. Education & Innovation: UDST hosted its 2026 Student Symposium on Innovation and Enterprise, and Qatar’s Ministry of Education rolled out the STEM HUB to build practical STEM skills through initiatives like STEMathon and innovation incubators. Culture & Community: Qatar National Library unveiled a June programme spanning parenting support, open-access publishing guidance, and regional history themes, while UDC wrapped Eid activations across The Pearl Island and Gewan Island. Sports Spotlight: Qatar’s 4x400m relay quartet won silver in Hong Kong as Qatar’s medal haul hit double figures.

World Cup Build-Up: Qatar’s Al Annabi arrived in Santa Barbara, California, ahead of the June 11 kickoff, with Group B matches against Switzerland (June 13), Canada (June 18) and Bosnia & Herzegovina (June 24). Middle East Diplomacy: Qatar condemned Israel’s expanding attacks and ground incursion into Lebanon, urging the international community to push for an immediate halt and full Security Council Resolution 1701 implementation. Digital Qatar: Ooredoo Qatar launched the region’s first quantum-safe communications link with HBKU and the Ministry of Defence, aiming to strengthen next-gen cybersecurity. Health & Society: Qatar marked World No Tobacco Day with renewed anti-smoking efforts, including programmes highlighting cessation support and awareness. Transport & Planning: Qmic released the Qatar Traffic Report 2024–2025, sharing mobility and congestion insights to guide smart city and infrastructure decisions. Economy & Policy: Qatar’s General Tax Authority published guidance for the July 6, 2026 excise tax tiered volumetric model on sweetened drinks. Weather Watch: Qatar Meteorology issued its June climate guide, warning of hot conditions and strong northwesterly winds that can bring dust and rough seas.

Strait of Hormuz: Qatar says it opposes any permanent transit tolls for the Hormuz, arguing fees would raise costs for global consumers, but it says short-term charges could be “negotiable” if tied to specific security work like mine-clearing. Regional Security Talks: Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Saoud met Singapore leaders on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, focusing on security updates and joint coordination. Maritime Tensions: The US says it disabled a Gambia-flagged bulk carrier trying to breach its blockade of Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman, adding to a string of interdictions. Public Health: Qatar marks World No Tobacco Day with renewed focus on countering nicotine addiction and modern marketing tactics. Digital Economy: Qatar touts momentum under its Digital Agenda 2030, citing major investment plans, AI partnerships, and support for hundreds of emerging digital firms. Sports & Culture: Qatar’s beach volleyball duo Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan reach the Ostrava Elite 16 semifinals; Doha’s Eid programming continues with events like the comedy play “Sugar Daddy” running at Abdulaziz Nasser Theatre.

Cybersecurity & Digital Services: Qatar’s National Cyber Security Agency rolled out specialised training on the National Data Classification Policy and National Information Assurance Standard, as MoCI said Single Window Services will reopen tomorrow after Eid Al-Adha, with online transactions staying available 24/7. Public Health & Food Safety: MoPH launched a national hand-hygiene and infection-prevention campaign, while Municipality inspectors checked 14,584 slaughtered animals across 12 abattoirs by May 29. Weather & Safety: Qatar Meteorology issued a marine warning for strong winds and high waves off the coast, with Doha temperatures expected up to 43°C. Eid Community Life: Katara and Aman Center wrapped up Eid Al-Adha celebrations with large crowds, family activities, and protection-focused awareness programmes. Sports (Qatar on the global stage): Argentina confirmed Lionel Messi as captain in its 26-man World Cup squad despite hamstring injury concerns; Qatar’s beach volleyball duo Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan reached the Round of 16 in Ostrava. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar’s Prime Minister discussed mediation efforts with Japan’s foreign minister, including efforts to ease US-Iran tensions.