AGP Executive Report

Qatar Museums: Sheikha Al Mayassa inaugurated two Uzbek heritage exhibitions at the Museum of Islamic Art, spotlighting “Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion” and “Ektashif: Uzbekistan” through Nov. Qatar Foreign Affairs: Qatar condemned Iran’s deadly attack on the Saudi tanker SIDR in the Strait of Hormuz and renewed calls for the waterway’s unconditional reopening, warning closure threatens regional security and the global economy. Regional security: Kuwait said its air defenses are intercepting Iranian missile and drone threats, urging the public to follow safety instructions. Diplomacy: Qatar’s Prime Minister held talks with foreign ministers including Lebanon and Türkiye as de-escalation efforts continue. Business & travel: Qatar Airways signed an MoU with Priority Pass to expand lounge access for Beyond Business members, and Qatar Airways/ Priority Pass benefits were detailed for corporate travellers. Humanitarian aid: Qatar Charity delivered emergency relief to Nepal flood-affected families, while Qatar Red Crescent Society began baby formula support in Gaza for 10,000 infants. Health & education: Sidra Medicine and Aman Hospital signed an MoU to strengthen coordinated care, and Qatar’s labour justice evolution was discussed by experts. Sports: Al Ahli and Qatar SC meet in the Doha Bank Stars League seeking first wins.

GCC & Diplomacy: Qatar took part in the 18th GCC Customs Union Authority meeting in Bahrain, pushing customs integration and a GCC customs data exchange platform. Regional Security: Qatar’s Cabinet renewed its condemnation of renewed Iranian attacks on Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait, calling for an immediate halt to military actions and a return to dialogue; Qatar also condemned Iran’s strike on a Saudi tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and urged the strait be reopened unconditionally. Energy & Trade Routes: Analysts say Strait of Hormuz will stay strategically vital even with new pipelines, especially for LNG and container shipping. Qatar Economy & Tourism: Qatar welcomed 2.338 million visitors in the first eight months of 2026, with August arrivals up 6.3% to 303,000. Tech & Construction: Qatar will host an international BIM and AI conference on Oct 4, with the Ministry of Municipality sponsoring. Aviation & Business Travel: Qatar Airways signed an MoU with Priority Pass to expand lounge access for Beyond Business corporate travellers. Transport Oversight: Qatar’s MoT finished a six-month ride-hailing inspection campaign, checking 987 vehicles and taking legal action over a 10% violation rate. Public Health/Regulation: Qatar’s Municipality ordered a seven-day closure of a hotel restaurant in Al Shahaniya after expired food was found.

Qatar–Pakistan Business Push: The Pakistan Business Council Qatar (PBCQ) unveiled a 60-day roadmap to turn ties into real trade and investment, starting with expanding its membership to include major groups and SMEs, and setting up a delivery committee to implement the plan. Qatar–Somalia Education Link: UDST signed an MoU with Somalia’s education ministry to boost higher-education cooperation, including joint diploma programmes in IT, construction engineering, electric power/renewables, and healthcare management. Qatar–Ecuador Diplomacy: Qatar and Ecuador held a second round of political consultations in Doha, with both sides reviewing bilateral relations and shared topics of interest. Regional Security & Hormuz: Qatar’s mediation partners Oman and Pakistan are in talks as Qatar urges de-escalation and warns against treating Strait of Hormuz closure as a fait accompli amid renewed US-Iran tensions. Environment: MoECC opened the migratory bird hunting season until Feb 15, 2027, listing permitted species and stressing compliance with hunting rules. Sports: Al Rayyan set up the Qatar Cup final after beating Al Shamal on penalties following a 3-3 draw. Health Charity: Qatar Charity launched an eye-surgery convoy in Mauritania targeting cataract surgeries, glasses, and consultations for vulnerable communities.

Qatar Education Tech: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has started rolling out the “Hadori” digital attendance system across all government schools and school buses, using palm recognition to track students’ arrival and departure from the 2026-2027 academic year. Labour Watch: Qatar’s Ministry of Labour warned residents about fraudulent domestic worker recruitment ads, urging people to verify agencies are licensed before paying or signing deals. Qatar Airways Expansion: Qatar Airways will resume flights to Saudi destinations Qassim, Taif, Yanbu and Tabuk this winter, adding more than 10% weekly capacity to the Kingdom. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar warned that continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz could worsen regional escalation, calling for a return to negotiations. Sports & Culture: Qatar Calendar unveiled a packed September programme, including family entertainment, gaming events and major sports fixtures. Global Spotlight: Sir David Beckham hailed Lionel Messi’s international retirement, saying his “legacy will live forever.”

Sports & Qatar’s spotlight: Lionel Messi officially retired from Argentina’s national team after 21 years, ending with 207 caps and 125 goals, including World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022. Qatar economy: Qatar’s non-hydrocarbon GDP grew 3.5% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with the National Planning Council citing resilience despite regional shipping and supply-chain pressures. Environment permits: Qatar’s MoECC says a simplified industrial environmental permitting initiative has processed over 1,000 requests since Feb 2025, with about 90% handled through streamlined pathways. Health & safety enforcement: Qatar’s MoI arrested three European nationals over unlicensed medical and cosmetic services, warning the public to verify clinic licensing. Humanitarian aid: Qatar sent urgent flood relief to Nepal, with an Armed Forces aircraft delivering supplies for about 52,000 people, including water equipment, tents and food. Business continuity: QNB Group renewed ISO 22301 certification for business continuity, reinforcing service resilience across its network.

Local Economy & Food Security: Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality has launched the 2026 Local Dates Purchasing Season, running until September 17, to back local farmers, boost national date production and strengthen food security. Public Safety & Regulation: Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, with the Ministry of Public Health, arrested three European nationals for running medical and cosmetic activities without required licences, seizing tools and supplies and referring them to prosecutors; authorities urged the public to verify licences before responding to ads. Royal & Education: HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim honoured a new cohort of top high school graduates at the Amiri Diwan, praising students’ excellence and the support of families and teachers. Aviation Advisory: The EU Aviation Safety Agency extended its warning until September 30 for airlines to avoid flying over Persian Gulf waters around Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE, while also extending caution for Iran, Iraq and Lebanon airspace. Diplomacy: The Amir received a written message from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on boosting bilateral ties, delivered via Qatar’s foreign affairs minister. Qatar Economy Watch: Qatar’s non-hydrocarbon GDP grew 3.5% year-on-year in Q1 2026, despite regional pressures affecting trade routes and costs.

Qatar Education & Digital Services: Schools across Qatar welcomed students for the 2026-2027 academic year, while the Ministry of Education and Higher Education launched “Awal Khutwa – First Step” for first-graders with welcome gifts and supplies. The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) also rolled out the “Meshka” app, offering 50+ religious and guidance services online. Sports & Major Events: Qatar’s F1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2026 Paddock Club is sold out as ticket demand surges, and Qatar confirmed it will send 243 athletes (184 men, 59 women) to the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. Business & Community: Qatar Chamber met Brazilian business groups to boost trade and investment, focusing on food security and logistics, and Qatar’s Indian community marked Onam with cultural events. Regional Security: The US-Iran conflict flared again after strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran retaliating against US targets in Jordan and alerts reported across the Gulf, including Qatar.

Qatar–Somalia Diplomacy: HH the Amir received a written message from Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, with Qatar’s PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani receiving it during talks with Somalia’s PM Hamza Abdi Barre in Doha. Maritime Digital Services: Qatar’s Ministry of Transport automated 11 more maritime e-services, bringing the total to 21, covering vessel and seafarer transactions like ship deletion, ownership transfer, mortgages and sea protest services. Back-to-School Safety: The Ministry of Interior urged students and families to follow bus and road safety rules, including seat belts, waiting for full stops, and staying away from road edges. Weather Watch: Qatar Meteorology warned of fresh to strong northwesterly winds Tuesday and Wednesday, with dust and reduced visibility possible. Sports & Youth: Qatar Olympic Committee announced a 243-athlete delegation for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games and launched the “Mirqab” digital portal for coverage. Environment: MECC marked International Whale Shark Day by highlighting long-running research and Qatar’s first whale shark catalog. Regional Finance: Visa and Mastercard began international card transactions in Syria, with QNB Group and Mastercard reporting an end-to-end international payment test.

Education Update: School gates opened across Qatar as the 2026–2027 year begins, with leaders stressing “Human First” values, wellbeing and digital empowerment for students. Pre-University Readiness: Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education network says it is fully prepared, serving 9,434 learners across 15 schools and centres, with 97% of vacancies filled. Diplomacy—Qatar-Syria: Qatar’s foreign ministry minister spoke by phone with Syria’s FM, reaffirming support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and stability. Diplomacy—Qatar-Turkiye: Qatar’s PM and Turkiye’s FM discussed de-escalation and security, reiterating Qatar’s push for freedom of maritime navigation. Sports—Handball: Qatar reached the U19 Asian Men’s Handball final after beating South Korea 32-28, also booking a 2027 world championship spot. Sports—Volleyball: Iran won the Boys’ U17 Volleyball World Championship in Doha, beating France 3-1. Humanitarian—Nepal Floods: Qatar Charity launched an urgent response in Nepal, including blankets and hot meals for flood-affected families. Culture & Business: Doha Fashion Summit 2026 is set for Sept 18, while Papa Johns Qatar marks 20 years with a new Pan Pizza.

Back-to-School Safety: Ashghal and the Labour Ministry urged drivers and families to protect students as the new school year starts, stressing slower speeds in school zones, no overtaking school buses, safe crossings at designated points, and heat-stress precautions like hydration and shade. Qatar-Türkiye Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM and FM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani spoke by phone with Türkiye’s FM Hakan Fidan, reviewing bilateral ties and backing de-escalation efforts that protect freedom of maritime navigation. DFI at Venice: Doha Film Institute says eight DFI-supported films have been selected for the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, spotlighting Arab and international independent voices. Qatar’s Mediation Role in Iran War: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian urged Trump to avoid turmoil and resolve disputes through dialogue under a memorandum mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, while Iran also reiterated its stance on Strait of Hormuz control. Sports—Local Impact: Shakira’s Doha concert at Stadium 974 was cancelled, and Qatar’s school transport push also highlighted safer, integrated mobility for students.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM and foreign minister met Iranian leaders in Tehran as mediators push to reopen Hormuz and restore pre-war shipping, with Iran saying diplomacy is “not impossible” if US pressure ends and commitments are met. Sanctions Pressure: The US issued new Iran-related sanctions and signaled tighter financial and maritime pressure, while Iran condemned the measures as “state terrorism” and warned against countries implementing them. Maritime Safety Warning: The IMO said up to 400 ships and about 6,000 seafarers still can’t depart the Persian Gulf, calling the crisis “unresolved” despite claims of mine clearance. Qatar Business & Services: Qatar Airways teamed up with Uber for Business to streamline corporate travel, and Qatar’s real estate tokenisation framework is moving forward to modernise property investment. Healthcare & Cities: HMC cut specialist appointment wait times from 58 days to about 16, while Qatar expanded green spaces to 21.9mn sqm in 2025. Sports (Qatar): Qatar qualified for the 2027 U19 World Handball Championship and advanced in youth handball; Qatar Airways and local clubs also featured in ongoing regional competitions.

Qatar-Iran Mediation: Qatar’s PM and FM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met Iran’s top leadership in Tehran as Abbas Araghchi said diplomacy with the U.S. is “not impossible” if Washington drops pressure tactics; talks also focused on a proposed temporary joint shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and joint mine-clearing to improve safety and freedom of navigation. Hormuz Pressure, Energy Shock: With the U.S. blockade and sanctions tightening, Iran says exports have plunged by over 80% and warns that if the “economic war” continues, no oil will move; Europe meanwhile faces a gas squeeze as Qatar extends LNG force majeure, pushing prices higher and leaving storage rebuilding slow. Qatar LNG Impact: Reports say Qatar’s LNG exports are down about 96% amid Hormuz tensions, raising fiscal pressure and prompting government spending cuts. Qatar in Regional Diplomacy: Qatar pledged support to end Libya’s political division, backing UN-led efforts during a visit to Benghazi. Health Leadership: Qatar’s former health minister Dr Hanan Al-Kuwari was nominated for WHO director-general.

US-Iran Tensions & Hormuz Talks: Qatar’s PM and foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and top officials in Tehran as Doha pushes de-escalation and a safer path for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s security chief says Tehran is drawing up conditions for reopening, including US steps on sanctions and blockade, while Qatar stresses freedom of navigation and a temporary corridor concept with Oman plus mine-clearing cooperation. UN Concern: UN chief Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson warned of potential escalation and ongoing disruptions to energy and food flows, praising mediation efforts involving Qatar, Egypt and Pakistan. Qatar-DRC Peace Monitoring: Qatar welcomed the first field verification mission under the EJVM+ in Minembwe, eastern DRC, calling it a practical step toward implementing ceasefire monitoring under the Doha Process. FIBA World Cup Qatar 2027: Al Janoub Arena officially opened in its new basketball configuration for 8,200 fans, with Qatar hosting China in qualifiers as tickets for the World Cup go on sale. Health Regulation: Qatar’s MoPH banned trading, use and promotion of unlicensed peptide products, warning of unproven safety claims. Business & Trade: Qatar and Uzbekistan explored textile and light-industry investment opportunities via Qatar Chamber talks. Sports (Local Interest): Qatar’s football clubs Al Rayyan and Al Shamal notched wins in the Stars League.

Hormuz Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM and foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi in Tehran to push de-escalation, discussing a temporary joint navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and a joint mine-clearing project, with both sides stressing sovereignty and freedom of navigation. US-Iran Pressure: The White House said the US is not negotiating with Iran and is keeping a naval blockade while intensifying economic pressure, as Washington warns of wider secondary sanctions. Energy Markets: Oil prices slid again on hopes of Hormuz talks, while Qatar’s gold market saw a weekly rise of 0.50% to about $4,627/oz. Qatar’s Global Role: Qatar also backed the first field verification mission under the Doha Process in eastern DRC’s Minembwe area, supporting ceasefire monitoring steps. Tourism & Culture: Qatar Airways partnered with Uber for Business for corporate travel rewards, and the National Museum of Qatar launched the ExxonMobil STEAM Festival running until late November. Humanitarian Note: Qatar’s Amir sent condolences to Nepal’s president over deadly floods and landslides.

US-Iran Mediation: Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is set to visit Tehran on Thursday to discuss de-escalation and revive US-Iran dialogue, with talks expected to cover freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and restoring it to pre-Feb 28 conditions; Qatar says diplomacy is the best route, while the US signals it is not on a fixed timeline for renewed talks. Hormuz Pressure: Iran and Oman are working on a temporary framework for Hormuz management, but Iran’s IRGC says the strait will remain shut unless US commitments are met, keeping energy and shipping uncertainty high. Regional Diplomacy: Sheikh Mohammed also held calls with Saudi and Bahraini foreign ministers focused on de-escalation, security, and maritime navigation. Cabinet & Economy: Qatar’s Cabinet approved a draft bill on real estate tokenisation and token trading for public feedback on the Sharek platform, alongside updates for the new school year. Environment & Community: MoECC and IUCN discussed requirements for Khor Al Adaid’s UNESCO World Heritage nomination; meanwhile, the Municipality Ministry opened three new parks in Al Wakra and Al Wukair. Health & Education: WHO nominated Dr Hanan Al Kuwari for Director-General; PHCC launched its Back-to-School 2026-2027 campaign and wrapped up the “Care Summer” programme for 123 students. Sports: Qatar’s basketball team hosts China in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian qualifiers at Al Janoub Arena, while Al Gharafa face Al Shamal in the Doha Bank Stars League.

Environment & Heritage: Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change met an IUCN delegation (Aug 23-26) to advance plans for Khor Al Adaid Natural Reserve’s UNESCO World Heritage nomination, including field visits and work on protection, monitoring and the nomination dossier. Education & Policy: The Cabinet backed the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s preparations for the 2026-2027 school year, highlighting new school construction in population hubs, curriculum updates and efforts to strengthen teaching workforces. Culture & Diplomacy: Qatar Museums revealed more details on “Ektashif: Uzbekistan,” opening Sept 3 at the Museum of Islamic Art, featuring new works by seven Qatari artists inspired by travel to Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. Business & Payments: Bank of Baroda launched UPI Global Reverse Acceptance in India, letting eligible international visitors pay at Bank of Baroda UPI QR merchants using their home-country apps—Qatar included in the global corridor list. Sports & Community: HBKU and the Center for Wellbeing signed an MoU to boost research and evidence-based community wellbeing policies, while QSFA wrapped up its 2026 summer sports programme for school students. Regional Security: Iran’s IRGC said the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed unless the US accepts Tehran’s conditions, while Qatar continues diplomatic calls tied to keeping maritime navigation open.