AGP Executive Report

US-Iran Escalation: The US launched a fresh wave of “self-defense” strikes on Iran for a second straight day after Trump said Tehran was “playing us for suckers,” while Iran warned the ceasefire is “practically meaningless” and retaliated with attacks targeting US-linked bases across the Gulf, as the Strait of Hormuz became a flashpoint for global oil and LNG supplies. Qatar Diplomacy: Amid the flare-up, Qatar-backed mediation efforts continued, with a Qatari delegation in Tehran and reports that Iran rejected a proposed trilateral meeting with the US and Qatar. UN Warning: UN chief António Guterres cautioned against a slide back to “full war,” urging respect for ceasefire commitments. Qatar Rights & Media: Qatar reaffirmed disability rights at the UN, and the Qatar Press Center signed a cooperation deal with Qatar University to train and develop future media professionals. Local Economy: Qatar’s real estate deals rose in Q1 to QR5.201bn, while the QSE index slipped slightly at the start of trading. Innovation & Culture: Stars of Science applications opened for Season 18, and Vodafone Qatar with UDST honoured winners of an Infrastructure Intelligence Hackathon.

GCC-Canada Talks: Qatar joined the GCC-Canada Strategic Dialogue in Manama, with discussions focused on boosting economic and commercial cooperation, protecting maritime lanes, and condemning Iranian attacks on Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. Food Security Push: Qatar is pivoting toward private-sector-led food security, with USQBC Doha and IFC unveiling a roadmap for agrifood investments under Qatar’s National Food Security Strategy 2030. AI for Sharia Investing: Awqaf and Wahed MENA signed an MoU to develop an AI platform for Sharia-compliant equity analysis tied to Qatar Stock Exchange shares. Health Research: WCM-Q and Qatar University say a future HSV-1 vaccine could prevent tens of millions of infections, based on a new Science Advances modeling study. Trade & Innovation: Qatar’s Commerce and Industry Ministry ran advanced patent examination training with a focus on modern practices and AI tools. Judicial Transparency: The Investment and Trade Court launched a “Code of Judicial Rulings” platform to publish commercial judgments online. World Cup Fever: Qatar’s World Cup culture and global spotlight grow as the tournament kicks off in North America, with Qatar-linked sports coverage and fan build-up in the news flow. Food Safety Update: MoPH rolled out a Food Establishments Guide for recall requirements to standardise how unsafe products are traced and removed. Energy Conservation: Kahramaa launched Summer 2026 campaigns urging smarter electricity and water use to ease peak demand.

Regional Security: Qatar strongly condemned Iranian attacks on Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, calling them a blatant breach of international law and urging de-escalation to protect regional stability. Markets: Gulf stocks slipped in early trading as fresh US-Iran strikes revived risk concerns, with Qatar’s index down 0.3% and Qatar National Bank easing 0.3%. World Cup Build-Up: Qatar Football Association says preparations are in place to welcome Qatari fan delegations to the US for FIFA World Cup 2026, with hotel and transport arrangements finalised and help desks set at delegations’ hotels. Infrastructure & Industry: Project Qatar 2026 opened at DECC, with the Commerce and Industry Minister touring halls showcasing construction, building and smart solutions, while Qatar’s construction sector pushes momentum under Qatar National Vision 2030. Local Governance: Updated villa and mansion planning requirements aim to give more design flexibility for Qatari families while preserving neighbourhood identity and land use quality. Health & Inclusion: MoPH and HBKU launched a national survey on developmental disabilities diagnostics and interventions across about 70 healthcare facilities. Culture & Sports Media: Qatar Museums won 29 Telly Awards for digital storytelling, and Qatar Photography Center opened a World Cup Legacy exhibition at Katara. Energy & Daily Life: Kahramaa launched its Summer 2026 awareness campaign “Keep it Sustained” to curb electricity and water overuse during peak demand.

National Service Expansion: Qatar’s Ministry of Defence opened National Service to Qatar-born residents and children of Qatari mothers, with eligibility from age 18 to 25, medical fitness, good conduct, and a monthly allowance up to QR 7,000, plus priority for Armed Forces recruitment and permanent residency. Construction & Industry: Project Qatar 2026 kicked off at DECC with 145 exhibitors under “Manufacture, Build, Innovate,” while Qatar’s updated villa and mansion rules aim to give families more design flexibility and better use of land. Energy & Markets: Qatar halted LNG production as regional strikes and precautionary shutdowns hit oil and gas facilities, with Hormuz disruption pushing prices higher; Gulf stocks rebounded after Iran and Israel said they paused attacks. Cybersecurity & Tech: The National Cyber Security Agency wrapped up its training journey with the “From Adoption to Impact Creation” event, and Qatar’s HBKU and Imperial College London launched a two-year environmental health partnership. Diplomacy & Regional Talks: Sweden condemned Iran’s attacks on Qatar and backed a diplomatic solution, while Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye continued efforts to advance Gaza ceasefire implementation. Community & Inclusion: The PM honoured 36 Shafallah Center graduates, highlighting Qatar’s push for inclusion for persons with disabilities. Business & Legal Services: QICDRC and QICCA held seminars and international participation focused on contractual resilience and dispute resolution during crises.

Qatar–Kuwait Ties: Amir HH Sheikh Tamim received a call from Kuwait’s Amir reviewing cooperation and regional security and stability. Gaza Ceasefire Diplomacy: Turkish intelligence chief İbrahim Kalın joined Cairo talks with Egypt and Qatar on moving Gaza’s second-phase roadmap, including humanitarian access and next steps for administration and reconstruction. Foreign Property Rules: Qatar expanded non-Qatari property ownership to include the Simaisma Resort and Beach Project, updating the approved zones under a new cabinet decision. AI Push: Microsoft data places Qatar among the world’s top ten for practical everyday AI use, as the country scales its Tasmu smart services and broader AI strategy. Cybersecurity & Energy Tech: Experts at the Korea–Qatar AI Forum highlighted AI’s role in cybersecurity and energy efficiency, including plans for an AI-enabled response framework. Real Estate Regulation: Qatar Chamber met Aqarat to boost cooperation and tackle key regulatory challenges facing developers and investors. World Cup Build-Up: Qatar’s final warm-up saw heavy rotation in a goalless draw with El Salvador, ahead of Group B openers vs Switzerland and Canada. Culture & Community: UDST marked Global Accessibility Awareness Day with an inclusive film festival, while Qatar Foundation’s Lawh Wa Qalam: M.F. Husain Museum was named among TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2026. Local Events: Souq Waqif’s Hamba Indian Mango Expo returns June 18 for 10 days.

Qatar-Iran-US diplomacy: Qatar’s Foreign Minister spoke by phone with Iran’s Abbas Araghchi on US-Iran talks and regional tensions, as mediation efforts continue amid renewed Israel-Iran exchanges. Sports ties: Qatar Olympic Committee chief Sheikh Joaan met Saudi and Indian ambassadors to boost sports cooperation. World Cup focus: FIFA World Cup 2026 match updates and Qatar’s preparations stay in the spotlight, with new rules and ongoing coverage plans. Qatar education & inclusion: The Ministry of Interior marked the first CCQ Business Administration diploma graduation for inmates, while Education Ministry exemptions expand for eligible non-Qatari students. Innovation & startups: Qatar’s startup ecosystem rose to 73rd globally in 2026, and QSTP opened applications for Season 18 of Stars of Science. Tourism push: Visit Qatar signed AI-focused MoUs with Fliggy and Huawei to upgrade travel planning for Chinese visitors. Workplace safety: MoPH launched a heat-stress awareness campaign for workers and employers. Human rights spotlight: A report alleges Zimbabwean domestic workers in Qatar face exploitation and calls for stronger protections. Regional travel disruption: Airlines continue adjusting Middle East routes as conflict-related disruptions persist.

World Cup Countdown: Qatar wrapped up its final warm-up with a 0-0 draw against El Salvador and coach Julen Lopetegui said the humid conditions helped the team prepare for the Switzerland opener in Group B. Qatar Team Focus: Goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada is set to be Lopetegui’s choice in goal, after standout form and Qatar’s historic push to qualify. Tournament Rules: FIFA confirmed new World Cup regulations, including expanded VAR powers to review more incidents. Diplomacy & Mediation: Qatar’s Prime Minister held talks with Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi on mediation efforts between the US and Iran and regional developments in Lebanon, as tensions keep flaring. Gaza Ceasefire Talks: Palestinian factions met with Egyptian, Qatari and Turkish mediators to push ahead with Gaza ceasefire implementation and the second phase roadmap. Local Governance & Safety: Qatar’s summer working-hours rule is in force, with outdoor work paused from 10am to 3:30pm to protect workers from heat stress. Environment & Urban Life: Qatar’s green spaces reached 21.9 million sq m, with the municipality highlighting progress ahead of World Environment Day. Finance & Business: Fitch affirmed QIIB’s ratings at ‘A’ long-term and ‘F1’ short-term, while Qatar Chamber is in Geneva for the ILO conference.

Qatar–World Cup Spotlight: Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada says his father’s death last year shaped his World Cup journey, and he’s determined to make Qatar proud in FIFA World Cup 2026. World Cup Coverage: beIN SPORTS unveiled trilingual plans for the tournament across MENA, promising live studio coverage of all 104 matches with up to 17 hours daily in Arabic, English and French, plus Doha-based production studios. Qatar Homes Update: The Ministry of Municipality approved major amendments to villa and palace building rules, including higher limits (villas up to 16m; palaces up to 17–25m), plus new flexibility such as an internal mezzanine option. Culture & Tourism: Qatar Foundation’s Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum was named among TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2026, while Qatar Calendar announced the ColorVerse immersive summer attraction at Katara from July 15. Security & Services: Awqaf received ISO certification for information security, and the Ministry of Municipality marked World Food Safety Day with intensified inspections and public awareness. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM and FM met Egypt’s FM in Cairo to discuss Iran talks and Gaza’s first-phase ceasefire commitments.

Qatar’s World Cup build-up: Qatar drew 0-0 with El Salvador in their final pre-tournament friendly in Los Angeles as Julen Lopetegui rotated 19 players ahead of the June 13 opener vs Switzerland. Local football focus: Midfielder Assim Madibo says Qatar’s experience will be key as Al Annabi aim for the knockout rounds for the first time since 2022. Business & economy: Qatar Chamber launched the Qatar Commercial and Industrial Directory 2025/2026 to boost business-to-business links. Transport & services: The Ministry of Transport named licensed ride-hailing firms allowed to operate in Qatar, warning of legal action against violators. Housing rules: Municipality issued updated villa and building amendments, including higher limits and new internal mezzanine options. Environment & health: Qatar marked World Environment Day with expanded greenery to 21.9m sq m and tree-planting drives; MoECC also rescued a sea turtle entangled in fishing nets off Al Khor. Public support: Wifaq launched its 46th premarital counselling programme, while Waqf’s Nabd endowment backed 108 heart patient interventions in a year. Media perks: Qatar Press Centre expanded exclusive member benefits and discounts.

World Cup Build-Up: Qatar fans are gearing up for the 2026 campaign with QFA plans for 1,000 supporters on three charter flights from June 9–11, plus invitations for Qatari students across the US and Canada as the Maroons open Group B against Switzerland in San Francisco on June 13. Qatar Football Focus: Midfielder Assim Madibo says the squad can handle pressure in tough World Cup matches, pointing to the experience built from major AFC tournaments. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar condemned repeated Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain, calling them violations of sovereignty and urging de-escalation; Qatar and the UAE echoed the same message. Nuclear Safety Warning: Qatar also renewed its condemnation of an attack on the Barakah nuclear plant in the UAE, stressing such targeting breaches international law and endangers civilians. Eid Aid Reach: QRCS’ Eid Al-Adha Sacrifice campaign hit 247,344 beneficiaries across Qatar and 13 countries. Food Security: Al Anaam Factory says it processed nearly 6,500 sacrifice animals for Eid Al Adha, about 45% of Qatar’s inspected slaughtered total. Aviation Shock: IATA chief warns jet fuel costs tied to the Middle East conflict could push more airlines into bankruptcy and trigger consolidation. Culture & Community: Qatar National Library launched the second cycle of “Keys to Palestine,” expanding its digital memory project with photography, film, oral history and storytelling. Sports & Lifestyle: Al Shaqab Showjumping League Finals crowned overall champions across nine categories at Longines Indoor Arena.

Qatar–France Talks: Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held a phone call with France’s Jean‑Noël Barrot, reviewing bilateral cooperation and urging de-escalation through US–Iran mediation, with Gaza and Lebanon also discussed. Heat Safety Push: Qatar’s Public Health Ministry issued practical heat-stress guidance for outdoor workers, while the Labour Ministry reiterates a summer ban on outdoor work from 10am to 3:30pm until Sept 15. World Cup Build-Up: Qatar’s national team continues preparations abroad, with players drawing warm reception in Santa Barbara ahead of a final friendly vs El Salvador before the June 11 tournament start. Sports in Qatar: FIBA says it is still planning the 2027 Basketball World Cup in Doha despite the Iran war, citing Qatar’s strong local support and ongoing preparations. Food Safety Day: The Public Health Ministry marks World Food Safety Day on June 7, recognising top performers under its Food Establishment Classification Programme and running hygiene awareness and virtual training for food handlers. Regional Weather: Qatar’s Meteorology Department warns of strong northwesterly winds and rougher seas offshore over the weekend. AFC Financing: Africa Finance Corporation raised a record $2bn syndicated loan to scale integrated infrastructure and industrial investments.

Nuclear Safety: Qatar condemned an attack on the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant at an emergency IAEA session, calling it a breach of international law and a serious regional risk. Weather Watch: Qatar Meteorology warned of strong northwesterly winds and rough seas offshore, with gusts reaching up to 35 knots at times. Aviation Update: Qatar Airways is boosting Doha–Dubai capacity to five daily flights in phases (up to 35 weekly), using Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft. Regional Health Measures: The UAE suspended visas and tightened entry rules for travellers from the DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan due to Ebola precautions. Payments & Finance: Qatar Central Bank expanded HIMYAN card acceptance to Bahrain, enabling purchases and cash withdrawals across the kingdom. Environment & Community: Lusail International Circuit signed on to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, while Al Rayyan received 885 blue recycling bins and 885 organic-waste grey bins as waste segregation rolls on. Sports (Qatar): Qatar plays El Salvador in a World Cup warm-up in Los Angeles on June 6 as Lopetegui finalises his squad.

World Environment Day: Lusail International Circuit has signed the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework, formalising a push on cutting climate impact, boosting education and promoting sustainable consumption—building on its FIA Three Star environmental accreditation. Environment & daily life: Qatar’s Environment Minister says protection is a national priority tied to quality of life and future generations, while the Municipality continues waste segregation at source, distributing 885 blue recycling bins and 885 grey organic-waste bins in Al Rayyan. Cyber safety: The National Cyber Security Agency launched Qatar’s first National Digital Safety Index to measure digital safety awareness and cybersecurity knowledge twice a year, guiding future campaigns and education. Transport & connectivity: Qatar Airways will ramp up Doha–Dubai flights from two to five daily in phases starting June 5. Sports & community: Qatar Basketball heads to Antalya for a June 11–20 training camp; Qatar Foundation’s Ladies Sport Night returns at Education City Stadium; and Qatar Museums unveils its June programme of exhibitions and family activities. Local economy: Real estate trading hit QAR 256.6m in sales contracts over May 24–25, with residential unit sales at QAR 21.0m.

Qatar diplomacy: Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held phone talks with France’s FM Jean-Noel Barrot and Turkey’s FM Hakan Fidan, focusing on de-escalation efforts over Iran, plus developments in Lebanon and Gaza, with Doha urging constructive engagement to reach sustainable stability. Regional ties: Qatar’s Minister of Municipality met the UAE ambassador to discuss boosting cooperation in municipal and related sectors, while Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun also spoke by phone with the Qatari PM on bilateral relations and the latest in Lebanon. Lebanon condemnation: Doha reiterated it condemns ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon as a dangerous escalation and a breach of international humanitarian law. Local regulation: MoCI urged compliance with updated tire storage rules (QS GSO 581:2021), setting requirements for safe storage conditions to protect quality and road safety. Transport enforcement: Qatar’s Ministry of Transport inspected 66 limousine vehicles during Eid Al Adha; three were found in violation and legal action followed. Culture & family: Qatar Museums unveiled its June programme, including National Museum bingo and Ocean Stickers Aquarium, plus Islamic Art Museum kids workshops. Business & payments: QCB expanded HIMYAN card acceptance to Bahrain, strengthening GCC payment integration. Sports support: DAAM signed a deal with QFA to fund the Qatar Fans Delegation for FIFA World Cup 2026 travel to the US and Canada. Tourism push: Visit Qatar highlighted sustainable tourism destinations for World Environment Day. Markets: Gulf stocks closed mixed as investors weighed a conditional Israel-Lebanon ceasefire and ongoing Iran-related tensions.

Qatar Football & World Cup Build-Up: Hassan Al Haydos says Qatar are “in a tough group” at FIFA World Cup 2026 but still believe in their chances, with focus on the opener against Switzerland. Sports & Youth: Qatar Chess Association wrapped up the Qatar Foundation Primary Schools Championship 2026, spotlighting 47 young players across six schools, while Lifeline Hackathon 2026 at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar drew record participation from 284 students and high schools. Olympics 2036: Fatima Al Kuwari has been appointed CEO of Qatar’s 2036 Olympic and Paralympic bid file. Cyber Skills: NCSA opened registration for the 3rd Summer Cyber Youth Camp 2026 for ages 13–17, running July 12 to Aug 6. Healthcare in the Community: Sheikh Jassim bin Jabr Al Thani Primary Healthcare Center in Azraq Camp reported 4,323 beneficiaries in April 2026. Payments Across the Gulf: Qatar Central Bank says the HIMYAN card is now accepted in Bahrain. Transport & Safety: MoT launched the updated Qatar Bicycle Master Plan, and QGOSM adopted new tyre sales-period regulations. Business & Diplomacy: Qatar Chamber met ambassadors from Germany, France, Australia and Jordan to boost trade and private-sector cooperation. Regional Markets: Gulf stocks edged up on hopes for US-Iran talks progress, even as tensions simmer.

Olympics 2036 Bid: Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari has been appointed CEO of Qatar’s Olympic and Paralympic Games 2036 bid file, tasked with leading the bid’s strategy and coordination with local and international partners. World Cup Diplomacy: Qatar’s Local Organising Committee CEO Jassim Al Jassim highlighted how Qatar’s World Cup 2022 legacy is supporting preparations for FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America at a Sports Diplomacy Summit in Washington. Education & Community: Qatar Foundation schools held a graduation ceremony for 401 students with Sheikha Moza in attendance, while Sports City Advertising Company and Qatar Foundation for Social Work signed an MoU to boost social awareness campaigns. Transport & Safety: The Ministry of Transport launched an updated Qatar Bicycle Master Plan, and Ashghal says it has delivered 3,430km of cycling paths since 2013. Standards Update: Qatar’s standards body and QGOSM adopted new technical controls allowing an extra six-month sales period for certain tires, with added consumer warranty requirements. Regional Tensions: Qatar condemned Iranian attacks on civilian targets in Kuwait and Bahrain, including the Kuwait airport strike. Public Health: Qatar’s MoPH recalled a Godiva chocolate bar over an undeclared egg allergen. Culture & Training: Al Jazeera Media Institute announced a Public Relations Diploma starting June 6, and Katara set summer beach access hours from 3:30pm to 11pm daily.