AGP Executive Report

Qatar-US Diplomacy: The Amir sent congratulations to US President Donald Trump, while Qatar also hosted mediated US-Iran talks in Doha that ended without a major breakthrough, with mediators citing “positive progress” but leaving key issues like Strait of Hormuz navigation unresolved. Regional Mourning & Representation: Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al-Ghanem led Qatar’s delegation to the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. Humanitarian Relief: Qatar Red Crescent launched an emergency response to Venezuela’s earthquakes, deploying medical and relief supplies via Qatar’s airlift; Jordan and Qatar also sent a second humanitarian flight to Caracas. Environment & Waste: The Environment Ministry honoured participants in Summer Environmental Club 2026, and Municipality officials expanded waste separation at source in Al Rayyan with new blue and grey bins. Economy & Markets: QNB said the Federal Reserve is likely to stay hawkish amid persistent inflation, while Qatar Stock Exchange closed the week down 0.69% as investors awaited first-half results. Sports & Community: Qatar beat India 65–56 in FIBA Asian Qualifiers, and eFIBA World Finals Qatar Season 4 tipped off at Mall of Qatar.

US-Iran Mediation in Doha: Indirect talks wrapped up in Qatar with mediators saying “positive progress,” but no major breakthrough—focus stayed on Strait of Hormuz shipping and unfreezing frozen Iranian funds, while nuclear issues were deferred. Humanitarian Air Bridge: Qatar and Jordan sent the second relief flight to earthquake-hit Venezuela, carrying 26 tonnes of medical, relief and food supplies, including 50 hospital beds from Qatar, to boost care capacity in La Guaira. UN Rights Concern: Qatar raised alarm at the UN Human Rights Council over attacks and the worsening humanitarian situation around Sudan’s El Obeid, urging restraint and dialogue. Qatar Airways Route Update: Qatar Airways confirmed the return of its Doha–Melbourne–Canberra ultra-long-haul service from 8 Dec 2026 (4 weekly flights, then daily from March 2027). GCC Food Security: Qatar joined a GCC ministers’ meeting on agriculture and food security, stressing stronger coordination and strategic food reserves. Sports & Culture: eFIBA World Finals Qatar Season 4 tipped off in Doha, while Visit Qatar opened registration for IRONMAN 70.3 Doha 2027.

US-Iran Doha Talks: Indirect US and Iran negotiations wrapped up in Doha with mediators saying “positive progress,” but no breakthrough on key issues like Strait of Hormuz navigation and broader regional security; Qatar and Pakistan said the next round will follow Iran’s July 9 mourning period for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Gaza Ceasefire Effort: Egypt and Qatar are again pushing to revive Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks, including discussion of a 60-day proposal and hostage release terms, amid reports of Gaza deaths surpassing 62,000. Qatar Airways Expands Africa: Qatar Airways launched Port Sudan service with three weekly flights, boosting connections via Hamad International Airport. Sports in Doha: eFIBA World Finals Qatar Season 4 tips off at Mall of Qatar today and tomorrow, featuring eight national teams; meanwhile, Qatar’s basketball team beat India 65–56 in Asian qualifiers, and Visit Qatar opened registration for IRONMAN 70.3 Doha 2027. Business & Markets: Qatar Stock Exchange closed the week down 0.69% to 10,211 points as investors awaited first-half results; GCC assets under management rose 10% in 2025 to $2.7tn. Governance & Services: CGB activated a conflict-of-interest declaration service on the Mawared system, and Kahramaa launched a 2026 customer satisfaction survey.

US-Iran Diplomacy: Qatar says mediators saw “positive progress” in Doha’s indirect talks, including a plan for a communications channel to log MoU violations and discussions on frozen Iranian assets; the next round is expected after Iran’s Khamenei funeral, while Washington also rejects any Hormuz “status quo” changes and warns of repercussions. Regional Mediation: Pakistan reports similar “positive progress” and says talks will continue, with Qatar and Pakistan mediators meeting both sides separately in Doha. Humanitarian Aid: Jordan and Qatar sent humanitarian, medical and food aid to quake-hit Venezuela, with Qatari C-17 flights carrying 26 tonnes of supplies. Qatar Governance & Services: Qatar’s Ministry of Justice launched an upgraded official website under Digital Agenda 2030, adding easier access to legal resources and electronic services. Terrorism Condemnation: Qatar condemned a bombing targeting a cafe near the Palace of Justice in Damascus, sending condolences and wishing the injured recovery. Sports: Qatar beat India 65–56 in FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers in Ahmedabad; Qatar also tips off eFIBA World Finals Season 4 at Mall of Qatar on July 3-4. Aviation & Trade: Qatar Airways launched inaugural Port Sudan flights, adding three weekly services and boosting Africa connectivity.

US-Iran Mediation in Doha: Qatar and Pakistan mediators wrapped separate technical meetings with Washington and Tehran, with Qatar’s foreign ministry calling it “positive progress” on MoU-related issues; the next round is expected after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral processions. Strait of Hormuz & Oil: Despite the talks, Iran warned any US interference in Hormuz would trigger a “decisive” response, while oil prices slid for a third straight day as supply disruption fears eased and Hormuz flows continued. Frozen Funds: Iran said it plans to use part of its frozen assets in Qatar to buy “required goods,” while also raising US MoU violations and pushing for a communication channel to track breaches. Qatar Economy & Markets: Qatar Stock Exchange opened down 0.11% as banks and financial services fell; in real estate, sales contracts registered at the justice ministry totaled QR317.9m for June 21-25. Community & Education: Qatar University extended admissions to July 5; Aman Centre launched “Learn with Aman” for children in residential care; PHCC ran oral health screenings for Qatar Rail staff. Culture & Sports: Qatar Toy Festival opened at DECC, running to July 31.

US-Iran Diplomacy in Doha: Qatar said “positive progress” was made in indirect US-Iran talks on implementing the MoU, with Qatar and Pakistan mediators meeting both sides separately and agreeing to continue discussions after Iran’s late Supreme Leader’s funeral processions. MoU Monitoring Channel: Iran’s deputy foreign minister said a communication channel will be set up to report MoU breaches, while talks also covered use of part of $6bn in frozen assets for needed goods. Strait of Hormuz Focus: Negotiations centered on maritime shipping and incentives, as US officials said talks are “going well” and would later turn to nuclear issues, while oil prices slid on easing optimism. Qatar’s Smart Infrastructure: Lusail City’s district cooling network and chilled-water storage tank were recognized by Guinness World Records, highlighting efficiency gains. Qatar Business & Jobs: Invest Qatar reported $3.4bn in 2025 FDI capex across 373 projects, up 52% year-on-year, with a jobs boost. Qatar Airways Premium: Qatar Airways was again crowned world’s best business class, spotlighting the Qsuite. Sports: Qatar’s men’s basketball team opens the third window of Asian qualifiers against India in Ahmedabad.

U.S.-Iran Mediation in Doha: Indirect technical talks between Washington and Tehran are underway in Doha with Qatar and Pakistan mediating, focused on the MoU’s next steps—especially frozen Iranian assets and Strait of Hormuz shipping—while U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are meeting Qatar’s PM but not joining the technical sessions; Qatar also says no frozen funds have yet been transferred and stresses coordination with Oman for safe navigation. FDI Boost: Invest Qatar’s 2025 annual report says Qatar attracted $3.4bn in FDI capex across 373 projects, creating 15,051 new jobs, with over half of spending in greenfield ventures. Education City Summer: Qatar Foundation kicks off “Summer of Discovery” at Education City with camps and activities across Education City venues, with registration via the Education City app. Consumer Protection: Qatar’s MoCI reminds shoppers to check prices before/after discounts, return policies, and invoices during promotional campaigns. Business & Culture: Media City Qatar launches GCC and MENA media insight papers, while Qatar National Library opens its July membership drive with prizes for active readers.

US-Iran Mediation in Doha: Qatar says US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are in Doha to meet Qatari mediators on the MoU track, but there will be no direct high-level US-Iran meeting; Iran also insists it won’t meet the Americans “at any level” in the coming days, while technical talks continue and the focus includes Strait of Hormuz security and the release of frozen Iranian assets. Frozen Assets & Ceasefire Terms: Iran says Doha discussions with Qatar will cover implementing MoU clauses, including restricted funds, and that ceasefire terms must be settled before tougher issues like nuclear limits. Maritime Security: Qatar reiterates freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and says it’s coordinating with Oman for safe passage of vessels. Qatar in Regional Aviation: Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority delegation helped Qatar win election to the ACAO Executive Council and committees in Rabat, boosting Qatar’s role in Arab aviation governance. Energy & Power Grid: Kahramaa awarded about QR2.2bn ($604m) in contracts to expand the electricity network to integrate Dukhan solar power. Aviation Training Upgrade: Ashghal launched the Qatar Aeronautical Academy Development Project, aiming for a purpose-built training complex by Q4 2027. Space Partnership: Es’hailSat and Türkiye’s Turksat signed a strategic partnership for the €295m Es’hail-3/Turksat-Biruni satellite project, targeted for launch in 2030. Humanitarian Health: Qatar Red Crescent launched a cardiac surgery and catheterization program in Idlib, Syria, to serve about 3,000 patients annually. Sports & Culture: OCA received nominations from 27 NOCs backing Sheikh Joaan for OCA President (2027-2035), and Qatar’s “After the Game” World Cup 2022 photo legacy exhibition opened in Mexico City.

US–Iran Doha Talks in Limbo: Qatar says U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are in Doha to meet mediators, but there will be no high-level U.S.-Iran sit-down; technical talks are ongoing and Qatar says the $6bn in frozen Iranian assets hasn’t been transferred yet, while a de-escalation hotline was used during recent Strait of Hormuz flare-ups. Strait of Hormuz Focus: Qatar reiterated freedom of navigation and said it’s coordinating with Oman on safe ship passage as investors watch the shipping and energy fallout. EU Diplomacy: Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman met EU Gulf envoy Luigi Di Maio to discuss Qatar–EU cooperation and regional stability efforts tied to the U.S.-Iran MoU. Space Partnership: Qatar and Türkiye signed a strategic deal to jointly develop Qatar’s third satellite via Es’hailSat and Türksat, with Thales Alenia Space designing and building the Es’hail-3/Turksat-Biruni. Energy Update: QatarEnergy set July fuel prices: super-grade at QR2.10/l, premium-grade at QR2.05/l (up from QR2.00), and diesel unchanged at QR2.05/l. Local Economy: Qatar’s real estate market logged QR1.732bn in May deals across 425 transactions, with Doha leading by value and Al Rayyan busiest by number of sales.

US–Iran Doha talks amid Hormuz tension: President Trump says Iran requested a meeting in Doha on Tuesday, with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner flying to Qatar for high-level discussions, while Iran’s foreign ministry denies any US negotiations at any level in the coming days and says an expert delegation is only there to pursue implementation steps. Maritime safety in Qatar: Qatar’s Ministry of Transport temporarily suspended maritime navigation and marine activities as a precaution, after a citizen was killed and a resident injured by shrapnel linked to regional military operations. Regional condolences for Qatar citizen: GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and the Arab Parliament all extended condolences to Qatar over the death of a Qatari citizen killed by shrapnel. Qatar–Russia crisis hotline: Qatar and Russia signed an MoU to set up a direct communication channel for rapid coordination during crises. Local life & community: QOC launched the second Team Qatar Summer 2026 youth programme (ages 8–12) running 28 June–9 July, with sports and leadership activities. Tourism momentum: Qatar welcomed 1.13 million visitors in Q1 2026, with summer demand expected to build.

US-Iran De-escalation in Qatar: The US and Iran agreed to pause attacks “for now” and will hold talks in Doha on Tuesday to address the Strait of Hormuz, after weekend tit-for-tat strikes threatened a fragile ceasefire; mediators have set up de-escalation channels and technical discussions are expected to continue. Frozen Funds Claim: Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian said Qatar will release $6bn of $12bn in frozen Iranian assets, linking the move to the interim deal and sanctions relief. Qatar Foreign Affairs: Qatar issued a guide to strengthen the job description and classification framework for diplomatic and consular services, aiming to clarify roles and career pathways. Health on the Ground: Qatar’s Municipality Ministry inaugurated a medical clinic at the Public Cleaning Department Complex for about 3,200 Public Hygiene employees. Diplomatic/Defense Links: Qatar signed an MoU with Russia to establish a direct crisis communication channel for rapid coordination during emergencies. Culture & Film: Doha Film Institute announced its 2026 Spring Grants recipients, backing 48 projects across 39 countries. Aviation Update: Qatar Airways cancelled all upcoming Airbus A380 flights on a major long-haul route, signaling further A380 network reshuffling. Sports: eFIBA World Finals Season 4 confirmed in Doha at Mall of Qatar on July 3-4 with eight national teams.

US-Iran De-escalation in Doha: The US and Iran have agreed to halt attacks “for now” and meet in Doha this week to work out their Strait of Hormuz dispute, with officials saying vessels can move freely while technical talks continue. Maritime Incident in Qatar: Qatar’s Interior Ministry says a Qatari citizen was killed and an Arab resident injured after a naval vessel was hit by shrapnel linked to regional military operations; investigations are ongoing. Education Support: Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education is offering over 3,000 free school places for eligible Qatari students at participating private schools via the Maarif platform. Heat Safety Push: The Ministry of Public Health held a heat-stress awareness workshop for about 160 occupational health and safety officials to reduce summer-related injuries. Qatar in Global Response: Qatar’s International Search and Rescue team has started field operations in earthquake-hit areas in Venezuela, including medical support. Summer Tourism Boost: Qatar expects a surge in visitors in the second half of 2026, citing a packed events calendar and growing appeal for family travel.

Gulf Diplomacy: Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned repeated Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, calling them a violation of sovereignty and international law while urging de-escalation and dialogue. Humanitarian Response: Qatar’s search-and-rescue team and humanitarian air bridge have joined earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela, with Syrian Civil Defence specialists and Qatar Volunteering Center trainees supporting operations. Public Safety & Mobility: Ashghal is advancing North Doha flood prevention works, including 50 km of rainwater drainage networks and new pumping stations, while Doha Metro launched the M154 metrolink route to Rawdat Lusail after temporary tram station closures. Justice & Digital Services: Qatar’s judicial digital overhaul is cutting average case duration to 38 days and expanding e-services, alongside efforts to deepen Arab digital sovereignty. Finance & Compliance: Qatar Financial Information Unit signed an MoU with Canada’s FINTRAC to boost information exchange against money laundering and terrorist financing, as Qatar also took part in FATF meetings in Paris. Sports & Culture: Capstone Master 2026 set a padel benchmark with 432 teams, and Katara hosted a book launch on witness protection in international agreements. Markets: QSE opened higher, up 0.10%, with gains in Industrials, Real Estate and Banks.

Humanitarian Response: Qatar has sent a search-and-rescue team and an air bridge of aid to Venezuela after twin earthquakes near Caracas, with the Qatar Fund for Development delivering food, medicines and shelter items as rescuers race to find survivors. Regional Security: Qatar condemned Iranian drone attacks on Bahrain as a violation of sovereignty and international law, urging de-escalation and dialogue; Qatar also warned against a “frozen conflict” in the Gulf. Diplomacy & Navigation: Qatar’s PM and foreign minister stressed sparing the region from unjustified attacks and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, in calls with Egypt and Saudi Arabia amid US-Iran talks. World Cup Qatar: Qatar’s campaign ended after a 3-1 loss to Bosnia, while FIFA handed Qatar’s Assim Madibo a five-match ban for a tackle that broke Canada’s Ismael Koné’s leg. Business & Tech: Qatar signed a joint AI opportunities statement with the US at the Pax Silica Summit, and the Central Bank governor met China’s central bank chief to discuss banking cooperation.

Qatar-Iran Diplomacy: Five Americans held in Iran for years were released and flown to Doha as part of a deal tied to frozen Iranian assets, with both sides framing it as a humanitarian step while tensions remain. Public Health & Seniors: Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health, with Ehsan, launched a Mental Health Promotion Program for senior citizens, running through September with dozens of workshops already delivered. Copyright Enforcement: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry carried out nationwide inspection campaigns and detected audiovisual copyright violations where permits from rights holders were not obtained. Precision Healthcare: Sidra Medicine launched a specialized Microbiome Service for advanced testing and analysis to support personalized care for women and children, and plans a MENA Microbiome Conference in October. Ras Laffan Tragedy: India’s embassy in Doha completed repatriation of all 12 Indian victims’ remains from Ras Laffan, with officials also visiting injured workers. World Cup Record: FIFA says the 2026 World Cup is now the most attended ever, topping 3.6 million spectators before the round of 32. Summer Life in Doha: Residents are moving workouts indoors, with malls turning into community fitness spaces as heat peaks. Humanitarian Aid: Qatar launched an air bridge to earthquake-hit Venezuela with six aircraft delivering tents and field hospitals.

Maritime Security: Qatar’s foreign affairs minister Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi warned at the Dubrovnik Forum that maritime security can’t be handled by one country, citing geopolitical rivalry, cyber threats and risks to critical infrastructure, and stressing freedom of navigation and diplomacy. Humanitarian Air Bridge: Following directives from Emir Sheikh Tamim, Qatar launched an air bridge to earthquake-hit Venezuela, sending six aircraft with search-and-rescue specialists, medical teams, field hospitals and aid via Lekhwiya and Qatar Red Crescent. Energy & Trade: Qatar and the US warned the EU that methane rules could trigger a gas crunch, arguing compliance is not viable across complex supply chains; meanwhile LNG prices remain elevated despite regional disruptions easing. Labour Reform: Qatar overhauled labour law to enable freelance and part-time work, with faster dispute resolution and stronger worker protections. Diplomacy & Women in Service: Qatar marked International Day of Women in Diplomacy, highlighting Qatari women’s growing roles in international forums and decision-making. Business & Markets: Qatar ranked 3rd in Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Arab family businesses list; the QSE ended the week down 2.18% as investors awaited Q2 earnings. Aviation: Qatar Airways said it will resume daily Doha–Philadelphia flights from August 2026 and restart Canberra services from December. Sports: Qatar’s World Cup campaign ended after a 3-1 loss to Bosnia; coach Julen Lopetegui defended Akram Afif despite the exit.