AGP Executive Report

Inclusive Education: Qatar’s Education Ministry marks International Day of Sign Languages by expanding inclusive schooling for hearing-impaired students, adding integration at primary level now and planning to extend it to preparatory and secondary stages next year. Digital Values: Qatar Media Corporation launches the “Nahj” initiative to boost responsible digital content creation and reinforce national values, rolling out workshops and online activities for students and creators. UN Diplomacy: Qatar participates in UNGA side events, including the Global Governance Group ministerial meeting, stressing collective action, UN Charter principles, and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Health Partnership: Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed meets Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s chairman and witnesses an MoU to establish a cancer treatment hospital in Qatar. Humanitarian Aid: Qatar Red Crescent rolls out a new Gaza relief project distributing 1,873 food parcels to displaced and vulnerable families. Sports Spotlight: Qatar’s shooters shine at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, winning men’s skeet team gold and individual gold, while Qatar’s Gulf Cup campaign begins against Bahrain in Jeddah.

UN Diplomacy: Qatar used a UNGA side event in New York to push social rights and democratic renewal, with Sheikha Hanouf Al Thani stressing the Doha Political Declaration and the 2030 Agenda. Regional Mediation: Doha also reiterated its role in reviving US-Iran talks as tensions flare, with Qatar again positioned as a key channel between Washington and Tehran. Industrial Growth: Qatar Free Zones Authority and Honeywell signed an MoU to build an integrated manufacturing and service hub in QFZ, focused on Sundyne pump machining and servicing, with wider cooperation across automation and cybersecurity. Business & Markets: Qatar Stock Exchange rose 0.30% in early trading, while Qatar’s family visa rules were clarified by listing eligible relatives across three degrees. Tech & Skills: QFBA and QCDC opened registration for a Certified Career Advisor Preparation Programme starting Nov 2. Sports: Qatar’s Ali Tamer qualified for the men’s 200m freestyle final at the Asian Games, and Al Arabi SC is set for the FIBA WASL Final 8. Culture & Community: Qatar Foundation hosted “Tradition Meets Tomorrow” at Goals House, and Al Markhiya Gallery opened the “Print Friends” exhibition running to Oct 30.

UNGA Diplomacy: Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim told the UN General Assembly that peace in the Gulf depends on dialogue, negotiations and international law, warning that the region’s lack of a collective security system is fueling dangerous escalation. He also condemned Israel’s Gaza campaign as “genocide in every sense of the word,” calling Palestine a “blind spot” in the international order. UN Meetings: The Amir met UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York, discussing ways to de-escalate Middle East tensions and boost Qatar–UN cooperation. US-Iran Tensions: As Donald Trump defended his Iran war stance at the UN and floated a choice between a deal and “annihilation,” Iranian officials held talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff mediated by Qatar, with Iran signaling possible Strait of Hormuz reopening if pressure eases. Qatar Economic Forum Deal: Lesha Bank and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) signed an MoU to invest more than $1bn in infrastructure, with Qatar’s QEF UNGA special edition in New York as the backdrop. Tech & AI: Qatar’s Google Cloud Summit Doha highlighted government and private moves toward scaling AI capabilities using local cloud infrastructure. Business & Finance: Commercial Bank attended QEF, backing Qatar’s push to deepen non-hydrocarbon investment via the “Doha Investment” platform. Regional Trade/Logistics: Gulf Warehousing Company expanded in the UAE, adding subsidiaries and a partnership to strengthen Qatar-to-GCC connectivity.

Qatar’s UN diplomacy: On the sidelines of UNGA 81 in New York, Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr Maryam bint Ali Al Misnad stressed the need to respect international humanitarian law and keep humanitarian corridors open, citing Qatar’s mediation work to reunite families and facilitate detainee releases. QIA-JP Morgan deal: Qatar Investment Authority and J.P. Morgan Asset Management signed an MoU for a $20bn strategic partnership, including a $15bn public equities portfolio and a $5bn private markets push for US middle-market firms. Local media & research ties: Qatar Media Corporation and Qatar University agreed to cooperate on media, scientific research and vocational training to develop national talent. Humanitarian partnerships: Qatar met the Rockefeller Foundation to discuss cooperation in humanitarian and development work. Business and investment momentum: Doha Bank and KKR announced an MoU to explore a strategic partnership for private markets access for eligible Qatari investors. Culture on the global stage: Qatar Creates will host a public talk at the Museum of Islamic Art on Sept 24, “Culture as Diplomat,” featuring Sheikha Al Mayassa and Institut du monde arabe president Anne-Claire Legendre. Sports spotlight: Qatar opened strong at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with wins in handball, 3x3 basketball and table tennis, while Qatar’s Olympic Committee held an official reception ahead of Doha 2030.

UN diplomacy in focus: Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim heads the delegation to UNGA81 in New York, with a speech set for Sept 22, as Qatar reiterates its mediation role and multilateral approach. US-Iran talks via Doha: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi is reported to stop in Doha en route to New York, while Qatar says mediators have been shuttling ideas for restarting US-Iran talks and keeping the Strait of Hormuz from becoming a weapon. Hormuz pressure on shipping: US forces redirected 109 commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz to enforce a blockade tied to Iran ports, as shipping volumes drop sharply. Qatar economy & energy: Qatar’s non-hydrocarbon economy grew 3.5%, and QatarEnergy says LNG can’t be moved via pipelines, pushing for redundant LNG capacity and repairs. Local business & services: Qatar Rail ran a back-to-school safety event for employees’ children, and VCUarts Qatar opened 2027-28 merit scholarship applications. Sports (Asian Games): Qatar opened with beach volleyball wins and qualified swimmers for relay finals; Abdulrahman Abdulhamid won Qatar’s first medal, silver in karate.

Qatar Economic Forum & investment push: Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani launched the “Doha Investment” platform to manage and grow Qatar Investment Authority’s domestic portfolio, alongside a $60bn-plus five-year pipeline unveiled at the UNGA sidelines, as Qatar doubles down on private-sector-led growth and resilience. IMF outlook: IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warned the world economy still faces stubborn inflation, higher debt costs and AI investment risks, even as resilience holds. Mediation on Iran talks: Qatar said mediators are shuttling to restart US-Iran negotiations, aiming to “open the strait” and stop the war; Iran meanwhile set terms for talks and warned of “decisive war” if rejected. Regional security diplomacy: Qatar PM urged a Gulf security framework that respects sovereignty and avoids escalation after the “earthquake” of the US-Israel war on Iran. Qatar business & finance: Commercial Bank won three retail banking innovation awards; QIB took three Euromoney Awards for Excellence; Qatar real estate transactions hit QR1.29bn in August. Community & culture: Qatar Foundation wrapped BilAraby’s second gathering with 1,600 participants on digital platforms, entrepreneurship and peacebuilding; Qatar Rail ran a back-to-school competition for employees’ children.

Asian Games Spotlight: Qatari swimmer Ali Tamer stormed into the 100m freestyle final at Aichi-Nagoya 2026, clocking 48.65 seconds to break his own national record. Handball Focus: Qatar kick-starts its bid for a fourth straight Asian Games men’s handball gold with a group opener against Hong Kong. Tourism & Culture: Qatar Boat Show 2026 tickets are now on sale for Nov 4–7 at Old Doha Port, while Bayt Qatar (Qatar House) opened in Nagoya to showcase Qatari heritage and sporting history during the Games. Business & Policy: Qatar launched a new e-commerce licence for eligible firms to run approved activities through their own websites via the Single Window platform. Energy Watch: LNG prices in Asia hit a 45-month high, with disruptions and winter demand boosting competition with Europe. Foreign Affairs: Qatar Charity will take part in UNGA81 in New York, joining high-level discussions on humanitarian action and AI in aid. Regional Security: US embassies across the Middle East, including in Qatar, issued fresh warnings to Americans about rapid escalation risks tied to Houthi attacks.

Qatar–France Defence Talks: Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sheikh Saoud met French Armed Forces chief Catherine Vautrin to discuss ways to deepen bilateral cooperation. Iran–US Mediation via Qatar: Iran’s Supreme National Security Council chief Mohsen Rezaei says Tehran has sent its conditions to Washington through Qatar (and Pakistan), demanding an end to fighting on all fronts, release of frozen assets and lifting of the US naval blockade—while warning nuclear doctrine could change depending on US actions. Labour Roundtable: Qatar’s Ministry of Labour held a second roundtable with BWI on construction, building materials and wood sectors, focusing on joint committees, wage protection and safety. Environment Move: MoECC began rehabilitating the Houtan meadow in the north, planting 300 native seedlings and sowing 5,000 seeds to boost biodiversity. Hajj Registration: Electronic registration for Hajj 1448 AH opens Sunday via hajj.gov.qa, with medical fitness required. Maritime Calendar: Old Doha Port announced tickets are on sale for Qatar Boat Show 2026 (Nov 4–7). Culture & Community: Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra opened “Sounds of Mexico” at QNCC as part of Qatar’s Years of Culture. Banking Spotlight: QIB ranked 3rd globally in Forbes’ World’s Top Performing Banks 2026 for upper mid-size banks.

Qatar Diplomacy & Policy: Qatar Chamber met UNESCO in Riyadh to discuss AI ethics and responsible adoption by private firms, with plans for a future cooperation agreement on AI governance and training. Qatar & the UN: A new overview highlights Qatar’s 55-year partnership with the United Nations, stressing mediation, humanitarian support and conflict-resolution roles. Weather Watch: Qatar Meteorology expects more humid conditions with mist and fog late night into early morning, cutting visibility to under 2km at times; drivers are urged to take care. Aviation & Travel: Qatar Airways won four Skytrax awards and kept its 5-star rating, while Singapore Airlines reclaimed “World’s Best Airline” for 2026. Sports (Qatar-linked): Qatar Classic squash wrapped up with Egypt’s Amina Orfi becoming the youngest-ever women’s world No 1 after winning in Doha. Regional Security: GCC and Arab officials condemned Houthi drone attacks on Taif, calling them violations of international law and urging accountability. Global Spotlight: US military estimates put the Iran war cost at $43.6bn, as oil markets stay tense around Hormuz risks.

Qatar-Gaza Aid Clarification: Qatar’s International Media Office says Israeli media claims about the destination of Qatar’s Gaza humanitarian aid are “categorically false,” stressing Qatar never provided money to Hamas and that aid was delivered to Palestinian civilians via UN mechanisms coordinated with Israeli authorities. Asian Games Spotlight: Qatar’s flagbearers at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 opening ceremony are padel captain Mohammed Saadon al-Kuwari and shooter Reem al-Sharshani, as the Games open in Nagoya with Qatar sending a large delegation. Legal Milestone: Qatar’s Ministry of Justice welcomes Doha’s accession to the Hague Conference on Private International Law, saying it will strengthen cross-border civil, commercial and family cooperation. Aviation Awards: Qatar Airways won four Skytrax World Airline Awards and retained its 5-Star rating, including “World’s Best Business Class” and the first-ever award for “World’s Best Onboard Wi-Fi.” Maritime Safety: Qatar joined IMO talks in London on maritime safety and alternative fuels, including guidance for methanol and ethanol marine fuels. Sports Roundup: Qatar Classic squash crowned Mostafa Asal and Amina Orfi as champions, while the 2026 Police Padel Championship concluded in Doha.

Gaza Humanitarian Aid: Qatar announced a grant of about 1.3 million litres of fuel for the Gaza Strip to keep hospitals and health centres running, with the UN helping delivery; Qatar previously supplied around 30 million litres between Oct 7, 2023 and March 2026. Regional Diplomacy: US President Donald Trump says he faces a “big decision” on whether to resume large-scale attacks on Iran, ahead of talks with leaders from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman at UNGA in New York. Patient Safety Push: PHCC lit key facilities in orange to mark World Patient Safety Day 2026, focusing on safer care for people living with noncommunicable diseases. Digital Inclusion: MCIT launched a public engagement drive to shape Qatar’s Digital Inclusion Index 2026, inviting feedback via a bilingual survey. Sports—Qatar on the Move: Qatar begins its Chess Olympiad campaign in Uzbekistan; athletics stars are set to lead Qatar’s Asian Games medal bid in Japan; and Qatar’s core World Cup squad has been retained for the Arabian Gulf Cup in Saudi Arabia. Finance & Tech: Qatar and Russia signed an MoU to boost technical cooperation in tax administration, while Qatar is building fintech foundations for the next phase of financial sector growth.

Gaza Humanitarian Aid: Qatar has signed with the UN to deliver about 1.3 million litres of fuel to the Gaza Strip, aimed at keeping hospitals and health centres running and supporting fuel-dependent services for around 2.1 million people. Regional Security: Qatar strongly condemned a Houthi drone attack on Saudi Arabia that caused civilian casualties, expressing solidarity with Riyadh and support for legitimate measures to protect sovereignty and Gulf security. International Law: Qatar formally deposited its instrument of acceptance to become the 95th member of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), boosting cross-border legal cooperation. Health & Safety: Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education joined the 12th Qatar Patient Safety Week by illuminating buildings orange for World Patient Safety Day. Sports & Culture: Qatar’s Hassan Rashid called for stronger Arab cultural unity at the Hurghada gathering, while Bil-Arabi 2026 in Doha drew 1,600+ applicants ahead of Sept 19-20. Business & Finance: Estithmar Holding completed the transfer of a 48.68% stake in Syria’s Shahba Bank to Masaref Holding, marking expansion in Syria’s banking sector.

Qatar–Singapore Diplomacy: Qatar and Singapore co-chaired the third meeting of the Qatar-Singapore High-Level Joint Committee’s implementation monitoring mechanism in Doha, agreeing to keep pushing safe, unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz and to update the GCC-Singapore trade framework. UN General Assembly Prep: Qatar says it has completed preparations for high-level participation in the 81st UNGA in New York, with officials set for bilateral and multilateral talks aimed at reducing regional tensions. Hormuz Focus: A Qatar Press Center seminar stressed that any prolonged disruption to the Strait of Hormuz could hit global energy markets and food security, urging sustained diplomacy. Digital Services Push: Aqarat launched its Aqarat app to centralise Qatar real-estate services, while MoCI rolled out new digital services including an e-commerce licence enabling online-only business setup. Finance & Banking: AlRayan Bank began the execution phase of its Government-to-Bank digital integration initiative, and Qatar’s central bank raised rates. Environment & Community: Qatar marked World Ozone Day with youth-led projects, and the Ministry of Municipality ran World Cleanup Day beach and island clean-ups. Sports & Qatar’s Presence: Asian Games organisers in Nagoya faced complaints over “functional” athlete housing, while Qatar’s teams continue group-stage action.

Qatar Business Digital Push: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched new digital services to make it easier to start and run businesses, including an e-commerce licence covering 194 approved activities that can be applied for online (QR500 fee), plus an updated official website and a revamped “Qatar Business Map.” QCB Rate Rise: The Qatar Central Bank increased its deposit rate to 4.10%, lending to 4.60% and repo to 4.35%, effective Thursday, after reviewing current monetary policy. Asian Games Update: Qatar’s women’s volleyball team opened the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 campaign with a straight-sets loss to Vietnam and will face South Korea next. F1 Qatar Dates Locked: Lusail International Circuit is set to host the 2027 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix from Dec 3-5, with the race returning as the penultimate round on a 24-race calendar that also boosts sprint weekends. Sports & Community: Qatar Cancer Society launched “Let’s Draw a Smile” to raise awareness of childhood cancers and support treatment costs, while Qatar Rail signed an MoU with Visit Qatar to improve access to events and destinations via metro and tram.

Qatar Sports Roundup: Qatar’s U-23 were beaten 4-1 by South Korea in their Asian Games opener, with Eom Ji-sung scoring a hat-trick; Qatar next face Saudi Arabia. Champions League: Al Gharafa fell 2-1 to Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League Elite opener after a heated match that saw both sides reduced to 10 men. Football Abroad: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr suffered their heaviest loss since joining, losing 4-0 to UAE’s Al Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite. Regional Finance & Payments: Saudi’s Mada cards will be accepted in Qatar, while Qatar’s Himyan will be accepted in Saudi, as Gulf payment integration expands. Business & Healthcare: Qatar’s MoPH met the Qatari Businessmen Association to boost private-sector participation in healthcare; HMC joins as strategic sponsor for QMED 2026. Culture: Awqaf published the first book in its “In Clear Arabic” series to revive cultural identity through Arabic. Tech & AI: Vodafone Qatar won three awards at the Middle East Enterprise AI & Analytics Summit. International: Qatar condemned repeated Israeli settler visits to Al-Aqsa, warning they could fuel escalation.

Human Trafficking Response: Qatar’s Ministry of Labour launched a National Referral System workshop with the National Human Rights Committee, aiming for a more integrated approach to protecting and rehabilitating trafficking victims. Defence Ties: Qatar and the UK signed an extension to their defence cooperation agreement during Deputy PM Sheikh Saoud’s UK visit. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM and Foreign Affairs chief met Fatah’s Jibril Rajoub, reaffirming support for Palestinian unity and an independent state on 1967 borders. Maritime Security: Qatar urged global efforts to keep freedom of navigation safe, warning that closing the Strait of Hormuz or Bab el-Mandeb would be catastrophic. Payments Integration: Qatar Central Bank and Saudi SAMA began accepting national cards—Qatar’s mada in Saudi and Saudi’s Himyan in Qatar—after technical integration. Business & Energy: QNB hosted an SME forum focused on helping local suppliers and firms meet energy-sector demand. Sports (Qatar): Al Gharafa fell 2-1 to Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League Elite, while Al Rayyan open AFC Champions League Two action against Al Faisaly. Local Policy: Qatar updated villa plot subdivision rules, allowing eligible parcels as small as 400 sqm. Community & Culture: The Arab Book Award and Arab Publishers Union signed a cooperation deal to expand Arabic publishing events and expertise.