AGP Executive Report

Qatar-Iran Legal Push: Qatar rejected Iran’s justification for attacks on its territory, saying the claims have “no legal basis” and violate the UN Charter, after Doha sent identical letters to the UN chief and the Security Council rotating president. Qatar’s UN Record: Qatar also dismissed Iran’s “selective” use of an ITU operational security assessment, pointing to UN-submitted letters documenting missile launches over civilian and commercial areas and impacts on Qatari infrastructure. Shipping & Energy Pressure: The US said it will not hold talks with Iran until attacks on commercial ships stop, as Strait of Hormuz disruptions keep reshaping LNG and oil logistics. LNG Market Shift: A shipping report said Qatar’s LNG share fell after Hormuz closures, while the US became the top LNG exporter in Jan–Jul 2026. EU-GCC Summit: EU and GCC leaders will meet in Saudi Arabia on 24 October for the second EU-GCC summit, aiming to deepen trade and energy cooperation. Humanitarian Output: Qatar Charity reported nearly QR236mn in relief interventions in the first seven months of 2026, reaching about 5.8mn people across 31 countries. Namibia Oil Deal: TotalEnergies got approval to acquire a 40% operated interest in Namibia’s PEL83 (Mopane), with QatarEnergy holding stakes across related licences.

Qatar Telecom Oversight: Qatar’s CRA updated guidelines for escalating unresolved telecom and postal complaints, requiring first attempts with providers before regulator intervention. Food Security & Livestock Processing: Widam Food launched a camel abattoir at Abu Nakhla Camel Market plus a mobile abattoir at the sheep sales yard, aiming to boost fresh camel and sheep supply with daily capacity of 100 camels and 200 sheep. Competition & Business Compliance: Qatar’s MoCI ran a workshop with Saudi Arabia’s competition authority on prior implementation rules for economic concentration transactions, clarifying what’s allowed before approvals. Carbon Markets: GCC signed an MoU for voluntary carbon market implementation, focusing on digital monitoring, reporting and verification and registry connectivity. Energy & LNG Buildout: QatarEnergy’s North Field West expansion EPCI bid battle is heating up, with multiple international contractors lining up for offshore wellhead platform topsides. M&A Watch: GCC M&A stayed resilient in H1 2026: deal values rose to $65.1bn even as transaction counts fell, with the UAE leading. Regional Defense Talks: Oman, Qatar and Pakistan pushed US-Iran de-escalation efforts amid Strait of Hormuz tensions. Industry Leadership: McKinsey appointed Tarek El Sayed as Managing Partner for the Middle East, overseeing teams including Doha. Retail Expansion: Primark set opening dates for Bahrain (23 Sep) and Qatar (29 Oct) via Alshaya.

Defense & Accountability: US VP JD Vance said Washington is investigating reports that a strike on an Iranian wedding in southern Iran likely hit directly, as Iran reports five deaths and nearly 70 injured, with funerals held amid renewed US-Iran exchanges. GCC Trade & Food Security: Qatar’s Municipality minister led the country’s delegation to a GCC agriculture and food security meeting in Bahrain, focusing on regional strategic food storage and Gulf food-security strategy. Health Research Partnerships: MoPH signed an MoU with UDST to expand cooperation in research, education, and community services, including postgraduate pathways and continuing training. Environment Education: MoECC launched three specialised e-learning kits on climate change, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability to boost public awareness and practical action. Ports & Logistics: Oman’s Duqm Port received one of the world’s largest Ro-Ro vessels from China, highlighting growing vehicle-shipping capacity for GCC markets. Culture & Creative Economy: Qatar Museums and Uzbekistan’s ACDF signed a five-year cooperation agreement to support talent, research, and heritage conservation. Energy Market Watch: European natural gas eased after a surge, though analysts warn Hormuz-related supply risks remain priced in.

Qatar–Pakistan Labour Corridor: Pakistan’s overseas minister says Doha and Islamabad are building a Pakistan-Qatar Human Resource Corridor focused on certified skills, responsible employment and demand-driven mobility, with a joint working group to align recruitment and training. Competition Compliance: Qatar’s MoCI, with Saudi Arabia’s competition authority, ran a virtual workshop on the “prior implementation” risks in economic concentration deals, clarifying what counts as legitimate preparatory steps versus prohibited actions. Oman–Qatar Investment Push: Oman and Qatar reviewed ways to expand cooperation and investment in priority sectors, especially logistics and land/maritime transport, with talks on new partnerships between investment authorities and companies. Port & Logistics Growth: Oman’s Port of Duqm welcomed a BYD Ro-Ro ship carrying about 9,200 vehicles, including 1,219 for GCC markets, underlining scale-up in vehicle handling that can benefit regional supply chains. Qatar Fintech Surge: A report projects Qatar’s fintech market at $2.07bn by 2034 (QR7.55bn), growing 15.96% annually, driven by digital payments and open-banking frameworks. AI in the Workplace: A BCG study says 93% of GCC frontline workers use AI regularly, with most reporting time savings and changing job skills. Events & Construction Tech: Qatar will host an AI and engineering/construction conference on BIM and digital construction (Oct 4), while UDST backs the autonomous e-mobility forum (Sept 7–9).

Retail & Fashion: New Balance will open at Villaggio Mall on Sept 3 with a canal “floating runway” using gondolas, plus customisation stations like hot stamping and patches. Mobility & Tech Education: UDST will sponsor and join AEMOB Forum 2026 (Sept 7-9) at QNCC, backing autonomous and electric mobility discussions under the Ministry of Transport. Startups & Global Tech: Web Summit Qatar 2027 (Jan 31-Feb 3) locks in 70+ global partners, with delegations from Europe and the region to connect startups, investors and Qatar’s private sector. Labour Justice: Experts trace Qatar’s labour dispute system from early specialised courts to modern dispute-resolution mechanisms, focusing on speed, access and fairness. Events Industry: Qatar Event Show 2026 continues at DECC with sessions on women’s leadership, ESG, AI and event technology, plus an MoU tied to E3 Arena. Competition & Digital Governance: Cabinet approved a draft cloud computing law and referred a new competition regulation draft to the Shura Council. Energy & Shipping Risk: US-Iran strikes and retaliations raise Strait of Hormuz disruption fears, pushing LNG and gas prices higher and affecting regional supply chains. Maritime Security: Qatar condemned renewed Iranian attacks on Jordan, UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait, calling for full cessation of military actions and restraint. Industrial Innovation: KISR seeks approval to expand recycled tyre rubber use in Kuwait road paving, aiming to improve asphalt performance in hot climates. Culture & Publishing: Qatar participates in the Moscow International Book Fair, promoting Qatari publishing, translation and intellectual property ties.

Engineering & Construction Digitalisation: Qatar Society of Engineers will host the Qatar Building Information Modeling (BIM) Conference on Oct 4, with BIM and AI-focused sessions on planning, risk prediction, cost monitoring, standards and sustainability in civil and industrial projects. Transport Enforcement: Qatar’s Ministry of Transport says it found ride-hailing firms operating without licences, using unlicensed apps and breaching service-quality rules during a six-month inspection of 987 vehicles. Business Links: Pakistan Business Council Qatar (PBCQ) unveiled a 60-day roadmap to expand membership and turn Qatar-Pakistan goodwill into trade, manufacturing, textiles, IT and logistics deals. Logistics & Cold Chain: GWC Group completed frozen bulk vessel operations in Oman to extend cold-chain distribution into Qatar, adding road transport of frozen poultry across GCC markets. Energy Market Pressure: Oil prices held near highs as US-Iran strikes and Hormuz tanker incidents raised supply-risk fears, while European gas jumped above €75/MWh on winter storage concerns. Qatar’s Ports: Mwani Qatar reported a big August jump in bulk cargo and livestock handling at Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports. AI at Work: A BCG report says 93% of GCC frontline workers use AI weekly, with many expecting AI agents to take on major parts of their roles soon. Education & Skills: UDST signed a Somalia MoU to develop joint higher-education programmes in IT, construction engineering, electric power/renewables and healthcare management. Events & MICE: Qatar Event Show 2026 opened in Doha with doubled conference scale and 5,000-delegate expectations.

Qatar Diplomacy: Dr Majed bin Mohamed al-Ansari said Doha is intensifying contacts with partners to stop Israeli actions and prevent a “new reality” in the region, stressing accountability and diplomatic solutions. GCC Food Security: Qatar joined the 34th GCC agriculture and food security undersecretaries meeting, backing the Gulf Food Security Strategy and work on Gulf strategic stockpiles for food and medicines. Digital & AI Policy: Ooredoo Group, UNDP and Doha Institute for Graduate Studies opened a High-Level Digital & AI Policy Leaders Forum in Doha to push inclusive digital economies across Arab states. Education Partnerships: Mall of Qatar and Qatar Foundation signed an MoU to expand education, culture and community programmes; UDST also signed an MoU with Somalia’s education ministry for joint higher-education programmes. Banking ESG: Qatar Islamic Bank upgraded its MSCI ESG rating from BBB to A, citing stronger sustainability governance and disclosures. Events & MICE: Qatar Event Show 2026 opened at DECC with 100% growth in exhibition space and 5,000 expected delegates; Visit Qatar met UFI to boost the exhibitions industry. Energy/Shipping Shock: Renewed US-Iran strikes and tanker attacks around the Strait of Hormuz are again rattling oil and LNG markets, with European gas prices jumping as shipping risk rises. Local Agriculture: Local vegetable supply is expected to reach retail markets in early October, with farmers citing heat delays and higher input costs. Industry Investment: MoCI reported QR248.44bn cumulative industrial investment in Q2 2026 and rising business registrations via the Single Window.

Strait of Hormuz Risk: Two Saudi oil supertankers were hit by unknown projectiles minutes apart while transiting the Omani corridor, underscoring how quickly shipping and energy flows can be disrupted; mediators including Qatar and Oman are still working to reopen the strait. Energy Markets: The renewed US-Iran flare-up pushed oil higher and lifted European gas benchmarks, while QatarEnergy extended LNG force majeure amid ongoing supply uncertainty. Qatar Diplomacy: Qatar called for de-escalation and a return to negotiations after Iranian attacks on UAE and Jordan, while also stressing efforts to reopen Hormuz. Qatar Economy & Industry: Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry reported strong Q2 progress in digital services, new registrations, and IP protection; the QSE index edged up at the open, led by consumer goods and services. Tech & Services: Swvl secured its first UAE working capital facility to accelerate enterprise growth, and Qatar Museums expanded its online collection by 60% with new interactive and AI features. Mobility & Telecom: Qatar will co-host MWC26 Doha alongside ITU’s Plenipotentiary Conference in November, and the Autonomous e-Mobility Forum returns on Sept 7-8. Business & Education: UDST signed a Somalia higher-education MoU focused on IT, construction engineering, electric power and renewables, and healthcare management.

Qatar Economy Watch: Qatar’s non-hydrocarbon GDP grew 3.5% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with the National Planning Council citing resilience despite higher shipping and insurance costs and supply-chain pressure. Industrial Permitting Reform: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change says its simplified environmental permit pathways for industrial facilities have processed 1,000+ requests since Feb 2025, with about 90% using the faster routes while keeping environmental safeguards. Mobility & Transport Tech: Qatar will host the 2nd Autonomous e-Mobility Forum at the Qatar National Convention Centre on Sept 7–8, with the Ministry of Transport pushing AI-enabled electric and autonomous mobility. Telecom & Digital Policy: MCIT will co-host MWC26 Doha (Nov 8–10) alongside the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) at the same venue, Nov 9–27. Design & Creative Industries: Design Doha 2026 runs Nov 5, 2026–Jan 31, 2027, expanding to 15+ exhibitions and 100+ designers in Fereej Al Asmakh. Energy & Regional Risk: Oil prices rose as U.S.-Iran fighting resumed, reviving Strait of Hormuz disruption fears and lifting Brent and WTI.

Telecom & Policy: Qatar will host MWC26 Doha (Nov 8–10, 2026) alongside the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference PP-26 (Nov 9–27) at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, linking global tech showcases with digital policy discussions. Energy & Cost of Living: QatarEnergy kept September 2026 fuel prices unchanged: Premium petrol at QR2/litre, Super at QR2.10, and diesel at QR2.05. Power Reliability: Pakistan’s power minister apologised for nighttime loadshedding, blaming higher demand and gas shortages, with extra cuts in areas facing electricity theft. Oil & Gas Markets: European gas prices jumped above €70 as Strait of Hormuz disruption fears threaten LNG deliveries just as Europe heads into winter; storage levels remain below historical targets. Logistics & Trade Resilience: Gulf states are accelerating port, pipeline and rail investments to bypass Hormuz, with Saudi and UAE projects aimed at keeping cargo moving even if the chokepoint stays risky. Qatar Logistics Industry: Qatar Chamber and the Ministry of Transport signed on as Strategic Partner for FIATA RAME 2026 (Nov 9–10), focusing on sustainability, green transport, digital transformation and supply chains. Regional Security Impacting Industry: US strikes on Larak Island and subsequent Iran retaliation (including drone activity near UAE) are adding uncertainty for shipping and energy flows across the region. Healthcare Training Demand: Dubai and Doha are emerging as hubs for structured aesthetic medicine education, reflecting growing clinic expansion and demand for advanced professional training.

Qatar–Pakistan Trade: Qatar Chamber board member Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Obaidli met Pakistan Business Council head Mehmood Arshad to push deeper private-sector ties, spotlighting banking, real estate, trade and technology, with Qatar positioned as a logistics and food-security hub. Qatar–Brazil Food Security: Qatar Chamber talks in Brazil with Sao Paulo business bodies focused on food security, logistics and animal protein, aiming to expand trade, investment and partnerships. Qatar–Uzbek Vocational Skills: UDST wrapped a 10-month programme training 15 Uzbek professionals as certified vocational trainers in electrical, welding, plumbing and HVAC. Maritime Digital Services: Qatar’s Ministry of Transport automated 11 more maritime e-services, bringing the total to 21 for vessel and seafarer transactions. Healthcare Expo Boost: QMED 2026 added Chinese health-tech firm Anovator as a Diamond Sponsor ahead of Oct 14–16 at QNCC. Business & Industry Culture: Fire Station will host a Sept 1 panel on “Creative Infrastructures” for experimentation and sustainable creative careers. Arab Book Award: Qatar’s Arab Book Award received 835 nominations from 44 countries for its 2026 fourth edition. Strait of Hormuz Disruption: Shipping data showed Hormuz traffic at just five visible commodity vessels per day over the weekend amid ongoing attacks and mine fears.

QCB Digital Payments: Qatar Central Bank has integrated Himyan, Qatar’s national payment scheme, into Samsung Wallet, letting eligible cardholders tap and pay via compatible Galaxy phones and watches—another step in building a more local, secure digital finance ecosystem. Maritime Digitisation: Qatar’s Ministry of Transport has automated 11 more maritime services on its website, bringing the total to 21 e-services for big-vessel and seafarer transactions. Gaming & Investment: Invest Qatar and Media City Qatar wrapped up a strong Gamescom 2026 presence in Cologne, using a joint pavilion to attract global gaming firms and highlight six Qatar-based companies across development, esports, publishing and interactive media. Food Security Push: Qatar’s food industry is expanding production and modernising processing and lab controls, with local firms growing in poultry, dairy and animal feed to support diversification and self-sufficiency. World Investment Forum 2026: Qatar will host the World Investment Forum 2026 in October, with UNCTAD-led sessions expected to spotlight AI, infrastructure, energy, critical minerals and sustainable finance. Energy Trade Shock Watch: Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint as Iran says it controls passage without coordination, while traffic stays far below pre-war levels—keeping regional logistics and energy planning on edge.

Hormuz & Energy Security: Iran challenged US claims that the southern Strait of Hormuz route is “normally” operating, saying Washington is running a psychological campaign while Tehran keeps the strait closed pending US commitments; Iran’s leaders also acknowledged the economic toll of the war and sanctions, while President Masoud Pezeshkian urged Trump to avoid turmoil and resolve disputes via dialogue. Qatar’s Investment Momentum: Qatar’s FDI inflows jumped 559% to $3bn in 2025, and the UN’s World Investment Forum 2026 will be hosted in Doha on Oct 25–27, spotlighting investment in energy, infrastructure, critical minerals and sustainable finance. LNG & Power Reliability: Pakistan’s government apologised for temporary night-time loadshedding after an RLNG cargo delay caused a 3,600MW peak shortfall, with furnace-oil plants brought in until supplies improve. Agri & Livestock Growth: Al Anaam Factory for Animal Production reported 30% H1 sales growth and opened 16 new branches in Qatar, targeting more expansion. Film & Culture Industry: Doha Film Institute secured eight institute-supported films selected for the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. Logistics & Cold Chain: Gulf Warehousing Company completed frozen bulk vessel operations in Oman and expanded GCC cold storage and distribution, including frozen poultry shipments to Qatar and Kuwait. Local Business & Retail: Falcon sales at Souq Waqif rose about 60% ahead of Qatar’s migratory bird hunting season, with traders expecting further shipments.

Strait of Hormuz & Energy Security: Iran’s leaders admit the six-month economic hit from the US-Iran war, saying foreign trade is down about 35% amid sanctions and a naval blockade, while Tehran insists it will keep control of Hormuz and maintain industrial output through winter. Gas Infrastructure Impact: Iran says it has restored around 40% of South Pars gas capacity after strikes, but rebuilding will take at least two years—an issue that keeps Europe’s gas squeeze and LNG uncertainty in focus. Qatar Diplomacy: Qatar continues pushing for US-Iran dialogue as mediators seek a path to reopen Hormuz shipping routes. Qatar Chamber Trade Links: Qatar Chamber took part in the Arab-Brazilian Economic Forum in São Paulo, with discussions spanning food security, agribusiness, fertilizer supply resilience, and Qatar’s logistics role. Aviation & Connectivity: Qatar Airways Cargo adds Helsinki to its freighter network, strengthening regional air logistics. Business & Brand: The Healthy Binge launched “Taste Ka Naya Language,” using a playful taste-based “language” concept to position healthier snacks around enjoyment. Culture: Doha Film Institute secured eight institute-supported films for the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, boosting Arab independent cinema visibility.

Strait of Hormuz & Energy Markets: Oil prices slid as traders weighed Fed rate-hike hints and renewed talk of a Hormuz deal, while the six-month Iran standoff kept shipping and supply risk front and centre. QatarEnergy LNG Disruptions: QatarEnergy extended LNG force majeure for buyers in Asia and Europe, including Italy’s Edison until early November, as Strait of Hormuz restrictions continue. Diplomacy Push: Iran signalled openness to diplomacy, saying “pressure doesn’t work,” while UN chief Guterres urged the US and Iran to resume negotiations; Qatar and Oman-linked discussions focused on reopening Hormuz routes. Sanctions Pressure: Iran condemned new US economic sanctions as “state terrorism,” as Washington escalated targeted financial measures aimed at tightening Iran’s access to dollars. Qatar Urban Sustainability: Qatar reported green spaces reaching 21.9mn sqm in 2025, with per-person green space rising to 6.8 sqm, supporting liveability and climate resilience. Real Estate Innovation: Qatar’s proposed real estate tokenisation framework would allow fractional digital ownership under a draft law prepared with key regulators. Qatar Deep Tech Investing: QIA’s $600B fund closed three deep tech bets in 10 weeks, including a $200M Series D for autonomous freight startup Gatik.

Strait of Hormuz diplomacy: Qatar’s PM/FM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met Iran’s Abbas Araghchi and other senior leaders in Tehran, pushing de-escalation and freedom of navigation, as Iran prepares a formal list of conditions for reopening traffic and links any restart to an end to the wider “economic war.” Shipping and energy operations: US officials say mine-like objects have been cleared and traffic is rising, but Axios/trackers show flows remain far below pre-war levels; Washington also plans to widen the main channel to boost nightly ship capacity. Qatar LNG impact: QatarEnergy extended force majeure on LNG deliveries by another month, citing ongoing Hormuz uncertainty, squeezing buyers across Europe and Asia into mid-September/October. Gulf infrastructure pivot: Reuters reports Gulf states are accelerating investment in ports, pipelines and rail to reduce dependence on Hormuz, with Saudi and UAE routes gaining volumes. Qatar market watch: QSE ended the week higher, nearing 10,000 points, helped by improving investor sentiment tied to easing regional tensions and Hormuz diplomacy hopes. Industry/tech note: Volkswagen’s turnaround vote battle looms at its supervisory board, highlighting pressure on European manufacturing amid tariffs and competition.