AGP Executive Report

Royal Condolences in Doha: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim met Nepal’s Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, and also received condolences from Ras Al Khaimah’s ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, plus leaders from Sri Lanka and Cuba, as international delegations continue arriving to mourn the late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Regional Diplomacy: Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council chairman Rashad Mohammed Al Alimi landed in Doha to offer condolences, while Ghana’s parliament speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin also arrived for the same purpose. Legacy Spotlight: Tributes from former ambassadors and experts highlight how Sheikh Hamad “laid the foundations” of modern Qatar and boosted its global profile, with international media and diplomats pointing to stronger ties built across regions. Qatar’s Economy Watch: Qatar’s retail market is projected to keep growing, while real estate activity in 2025 stayed concentrated in vacant land, villas and apartments. Global Energy Context: LNG trade hit record levels in 2025, but Hormuz disruptions are reshaping flows and competition for supplies.

National Mourning: Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim continues receiving condolences at Lusail Palace after the death of Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, with regional and global leaders including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and GCC officials among the visitors. International Tributes: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa led a formal condolence message, while the Pakistani community in Qatar and other diplomats praised the Father Amir as an architect of modern Qatar. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar condemned Iran’s repeated attacks on Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, stressing sovereignty and the need for dialogue and de-escalation. Healthcare Push: Hamad Medical Corporation is accelerating Qatar’s digital healthcare drive with smart lab systems and faster, more secure diagnostics and genetic testing. Regional Security Watch: The US renewed its blockade of Iranian ports as strikes and attacks around the Strait of Hormuz intensified, keeping shipping and energy risks in focus.

National Mourning & Condolences: Qatar continues a four-day mourning period after the death of Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, with public institutions and events adjusting schedules and museums, libraries and festivals temporarily closed. Diplomatic Visits: Amir Sheikh Tamim received condolences from leaders including Egypt’s Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Lebanon’s Joseph Aoun, Mauritania’s Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, Libya’s Mohamed Al Menfi, and Comoros’ Azali Assoumani, while Egypt and Lebanon presidents also arrived and later departed after paying respects. Regional Security: Qatar strongly condemned Houthi ballistic missile targeting of southern Saudi Arabia and also condemned Iran-linked attacks on two Emirati oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, warning of escalation and demanding Iran stop threats to maritime safety and global energy supplies. Maritime Tensions: Tankers are reported anchored off Fujairah and Oman as Hormuz becomes more contested, reflecting insurance and security concerns. Press Freedom Clash (US): New York Times reporters were subpoenaed in a US leak probe tied to security concerns over a Qatari-donated Air Force One.

National Mourning: Doha and Lusail Palace remain in solemn tribute as HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim receives mourners and dignitaries offering condolences for the late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, with flags at half-mast and portraits across public spaces. Regional Condolences: Leaders and envoys keep arriving, including Kuwait’s Crown Prince delegation, Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif and Nawaz Sharif, and Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev, underscoring Qatar’s ties across the Gulf and beyond. Diplomatic Meetings: The Amir also met FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Oman’s defence affairs deputy prime minister, both bringing condolences. Qatar-Linked Global Security: The US Pentagon and DOJ launched a joint task force to track and prosecute press leaks, following subpoenas tied to reporting on Trump’s Qatari-gifted Air Force One. Energy & Shipping Tensions: With Iran-US escalation continuing, airlines report limited disruption, while Gulf security concerns and Hormuz-related risks keep affecting regional operations.

National Mourning & Diplomacy: Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim received mourners at Lusail Palace as the country marks four days of mourning for Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, with regional leaders including Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, Lebanon PM Nawaf Salam, and Rwanda President Paul Kagame offering condolences. Regional Mediation: Iran told Qatari and Pakistani mediators that ending the Lebanon war and completing Israeli withdrawal are top priorities alongside Strait of Hormuz talks, as Hezbollah figures warn negotiations may not be implementable. Gulf Security & Energy: The US launched strikes on 140 Iranian targets after a ship attack in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran said it closed the strait again and targeted Gulf states including Qatar, keeping shipping and regional tensions in focus. Local Services During Mourning: FAHES said only two vehicle inspection stations will run daily from 6am to 5:30pm from July 13-16, with other stations suspending inspections but continuing traffic services in the morning. Business & Economy: Real estate trading via registered sale contracts hit QR565.295m for the week (June 28-July 2).

Qatar Mourning: Qatar’s Amiri Diwan announced the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at 74, with a four-day national mourning period, flags at half-mast, and funeral prayers held in Doha as Emir Tamim joined the procession and world leaders sent condolences. Regional Security: Iran and the US traded fresh strikes as Tehran again declared the Strait of Hormuz closed; Qatar reported injuries from shrapnel after missile interceptions targeting Al Udeid, while Jordan and others also faced attacks, raising fresh fears for Gulf stability and shipping. Diplomatic Moves: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif is set to travel to Doha Monday to offer condolences and meet Emir Tamim, with the visit also shadowed by the renewed US-Iran escalation. Press Freedom Clash (US): The US DOJ subpoenaed New York Times reporters over stories about security gaps tied to the new Qatari-gifted Air Force One, escalating tensions between Washington and the media. Local Updates: Qatar’s MoCI said electronic services will continue during the mourning period, and a temporary traffic closure is scheduled on Lusail Stadium Street.

National Mourning: Qatar’s Amiri Diwan announced four days of public mourning for Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, with work suspended in ministries and flags at half-mast; funeral prayers are set after Maghrib today in Doha, with burial in Lusail Cemetery. Regional Condolences: Leaders across the world sent condolences to Emir Sheikh Tamim and the Al Thani family, praising Sheikh Hamad as the architect of modern Qatar. Iran-Gulf Escalation: Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz and launched missiles and drones across Gulf states and Jordan; Qatar said three people, including a child, were injured by falling shrapnel after interception operations. Qatar’s Response: Doha condemned the attacks as a blatant breach of international law and said it reserves the right to respond under international law. Transport Safety Move: Qatar’s Ministry of Transport suspended all maritime activities “till further notice” for public safety. Press Freedom Clash: The US DOJ subpoenaed New York Times journalists over reporting on security concerns involving the new Qatari-gifted Air Force One, drawing criticism from press groups.

Qatar Humanitarian Aid: Qatar’s field hospital support in Venezuela is expanding after President in charge Delcy Rodríguez toured the Mobile Hospital in Caracas, with 160 Qatari specialists and a capacity of up to 320 patients a day. Press Freedom Clash: The US DOJ subpoenaed New York Times journalists over reporting on security concerns tied to Trump’s new Qatari-gifted Air Force One, drawing sharp criticism from journalism groups. Hormuz Tensions: Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is closed again after a vessel took an “unapproved route” and was struck, while the US says it is striking Iranian targets and demands a public pledge for safe, free navigation. Qatar Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM and Foreign Minister held calls with UAE counterparts, stressing dialogue and implementing the US-Iran MoU, including freedom of navigation in Hormuz. Defence Cooperation: Indonesia and Qatar signed a Statement of Intent to strengthen defence ties, paving the way for a future Defence Cooperation Agreement. Local Culture & Sports: Doha Theatre Company honoured the cast and crew behind “Under the Rubble,” and Qatari athlete Saif Mohammed won pole vault gold at the Asian U23 Championships in China.

Qatar Mediation in US-Iran Crisis: Qatari mediators are back in the middle of the US-Iran standoff as Trump says the ceasefire is “over,” while Iran denies it requested talks and insists it kept its end of the deal. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: The US demands Iran publicly pledge the strait is open and that commercial ships won’t be attacked, as Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi heads to Oman to discuss safe transit mechanisms. Escalation and Threats: Trump ratchets up rhetoric after Khamenei’s funeral, warning of “1,000 missiles” and threatening “massive retaliation” over alleged assassination threats. Air Force One Security Row (Qatar-gifted jet): Fresh scrutiny surrounds the Qatar-donated, retrofitted Air Force One after Trump switched aircraft mid-trip; the US also subpoenaed New York Times reporters over the coverage. Regional Economic Fallout: QNB warns the Hormuz disruption could keep hitting Asia’s inflation, reserves and food security long after the crisis ends. Qatar Diplomacy Note: The Amir sent congratulations to Mongolia’s president on Independence Day. Local Lifestyle: The Qatar Toy Festival returns at DECC with a bigger focus on hands-on experiences for summer holidays.

US-Iran Talks, Ceasefire in Limbo: Trump says the US agreed to keep talking with Iran, but insists the June ceasefire is “over,” as Iran denies it asked for talks while accepting Qatar’s mediator visit to Tehran. Qatar Mediation Push: Reuters reports Qatari negotiators are in Iran to ease tensions and revive negotiations, with Doha also urging diplomacy to protect the Strait of Hormuz. Strait of Hormuz Shipping Pressure: Tanker traffic and LNG flows show signs of strain after renewed clashes, while the US demands Iran publicly stop attacks and keep all lanes open. New Sanctions on Iran: The US issued fresh Iran-related sanctions targeting a key financier and financial networks tied to Iran’s leadership and Revolutionary Guards. Regional Calls to De-escalate: Egypt and Qatar urged restraint amid renewed tensions, while Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif called for dialogue and restraint in calls with Qatar’s Amir. Qatar Domestic News: Qatar’s MoI says a wanted individual was extradited to the US via INTERPOL and FBI coordination. Youth Program: Qatar launches a 2026 summer youth plan with 550 activities nationwide. Security Spotlight on Air Force One: Reports and debate continue over Trump’s switch from the Qatar-gifted jet to an older Air Force One amid assassination-plot fears.

US-Iran Tensions: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi warned talks for a final deal won’t start if Washington keeps issuing threats, as the US and Iran trade strikes and mediators try to keep diplomacy alive. Strait of Hormuz Impact: Shipping and oil flows through Hormuz are again strained, with oil prices easing but still set for weekly gains amid near-standstill transit fears. Qatar’s Mediation Role: Qatar urged Iran and the US to stick to the MoU and condemned attacks on a Qatari tanker, while Lebanon’s President and US/Qatari officials discussed de-escalation and ceasefire mechanisms. Air Force One Security: Reports say Trump switched from the new Qatar-donated Air Force One after Secret Service concerns, with officials alleging the jet lacks some defensive countermeasures of the older model. Qatar Updates: Qatar expanded its education voucher programme for children with disabilities and autism, and Qatar’s NCSA won a WSIS 2026 award for cybersecurity training. Economy & Markets: QSE ended the week down 1.18%, while mortgage transactions in Q1 reached QR12.966bn. Sports & Culture: FIFA quarter-finals heat up with Spain vs Belgium, and Qatar’s VisitQatar tourism chief highlighted resilience at an international forum.

US-Iran Escalation & Hormuz Shock: Qatar welcomed the start of the US process to delist Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism, while the Strait of Hormuz crisis worsened: GCC states condemned Iran’s attacks on the Saudi tanker Wadiyan and Qatar’s Al Rekayyat, and shipping nearly stalled as retaliation and new strikes kept the ceasefire in limbo. Qatar Mediation Under Strain: A senior Qatari official said the MoU framework is being “put into question” as navigation grinds to a halt, urging restraint and more time for talks. Air Force One Controversy: Reports say the Secret Service advised Trump not to leave Turkey on the newer Qatari-gifted Air Force One due to security concerns, with Trump later swapping back to the older jet—sparking fresh scrutiny. Energy Fallout for Qatar’s Partners: Bloomberg reported Pakistan issued an emergency LNG tender after a Qatari cargo was aborted mid-journey amid Hormuz hostilities. Local & Qatar News: Jassim Al Buenain resigned as Qatar Football Association president; Qatar’s MoI urged motorists to pay traffic fines on time to keep a 50% discount; Qatar Airways will take part in Farnborough International Airshow 2026. Sports & Society: Qatar’s government scholarship pathway for student athletes was explained to top high school graduates, and Muhammad Azeem won Asian U-23 100m gold in Ordos.

US-Iran Escalation: President Trump warned the US is preparing for another night of strikes after declaring the ceasefire “over,” as CENTCOM said it hit more than 80 targets to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM and FM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman held calls with Iran, Turkey, UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia, condemning attacks on commercial vessels and urging dialogue, diplomacy, and full respect for the June MoU to protect navigation and regional stability. Qatari Finance: Dukhan Bank reported H1 net profit of QR812.8m, while QCB said foreign reserves and liquidity rose 1.24% in June to QR262.114bn. Business & Policy: Qatar MoCI clarified the difference between commercial registration and commercial licensing, and the Ministry of Justice will run two legal training courses. Community & Culture: Tamkeen Quran recitation programme launched; Qatar will be guest of honour at Jordan’s Jerash Festival; beaches and islands cleanup campaign begins for July. Sports: Qatar’s youth handball team departs for China for the Asian Junior Championship, and Qatar Foundation’s Creating Pathways keeps building girls’ confidence through volleyball.

US-Iran Escalation: President Donald Trump said the Iran ceasefire is “over” and the U.S. launched fresh strikes for a second night, warning it will hit “hard” again, including threats against civilian infrastructure and Kharg Island, as Iran retaliated and Gulf states braced for more. Strait of Hormuz Fallout: The renewed fighting followed attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with Qatar and others blaming Iran for incidents involving Qatari vessels, while IMO warned about around 6,000 seafarers stranded and oil prices jumped. Qatar Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM and Foreign Minister held talks with Iran’s FM after the flare-up, urging de-escalation, while Qatar also condemned attacks targeting police and military personnel in Pakistan. Qatar Domestic Updates: The Ministry of Education opened government school registration centres for 2026-2027 admissions and transfers. Qatar on the Global Stage: Qatar Economic Forum will hold a special UNGA leadership edition in New York on Sept 20, 2026. Sports & Events: Doha was named host for the 2026 and 2028 FIP Padel World Cups at Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, and Doha 2030 Asian Games preparations advanced at the organising committee’s second board meeting.

Middle East Tensions: Qatar is urging calm after renewed US-Iran strikes and Iran’s attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, with Doha warning the escalation threatens regional security and energy flows. Maritime Security: Qatar blamed Iran for attacks on the LNG tanker Al-Rekayyat near the Strait of Hormuz; the vessel was reported at risk of explosion while shipping risk levels were raised to “severe/extreme,” and some tankers reportedly turned back. Oil & Sanctions: The US revoked a waiver allowing Iranian oil sales, reinstating sanctions as Brent jumped and investors priced in possible Strait disruptions. Qatar Airways Tech: Hamad International Airport and Qatar Airways launched “Fast Pass,” letting passengers use facial recognition as a boarding pass across hundreds of airport touchpoints. Youth & Sports: Awqaf launched “Our Summer, Our Way 2026” for 1,000 students, while Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education and the Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation signed a partnership to expand inclusive endurance sports. Business: HSBC Qatar teamed with Noqoody to simplify merchant card payment acceptance. Culture & Community: Qatar Foundation marked World Volleyball Day with a ladies-only tournament and youth challenges.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Qatar condemned Iran’s targeting of the Qatari tanker Al Rekayyat near Hormuz, calling it a grave breach of international law and demanding Iran stop endangering navigation and global energy supplies. Diplomatic Push: Qatar summoned Iran’s deputy ambassador and delivered a protest note, while GCC states and regional partners voiced solidarity with Doha. US-Iran Escalation: The US launched “powerful strikes” on Iran after three commercial vessels were hit in Hormuz, and Washington revoked a licence allowing Iranian oil sales—raising fresh fears for the fragile ceasefire. Energy Markets: Oil prices jumped as attacks renewed supply disruption worries, while gold and silver slipped amid higher yields and a firmer dollar. Qatar’s Business Momentum: Qatar reported 3,295 non-Qatari companies registered in Q1 2026, highlighting continued investor confidence despite global uncertainty. Trade & Investment Talks: Qatar’s MoCI minister met UNCTAD and WTO leaders ahead of the World Investment Forum in October. Sports (Local Interest): Gilas Pilipinas’ World Cup qualification path tightens as it enters the second round with must-win games against Middle East opponents.