AGP Executive Report

Economic Outlook: At the Shura Council opening, the Amir said non-hydrocarbon sectors account for about 80% of real GDP and highlighted QAR221bn in projects and investment opportunities over five years. He also said regional conflict and the Strait of Hormuz closure disrupted energy exports, while government revenue fell 42% in the first half. Energy: Qatar will press ahead with LNG expansion despite the disruptions, with North Field work on schedule. A new Qatar-Saudi agreement also sets out cooperation spanning oil and gas, electricity, renewables, hydrogen and energy storage. Business: QNB Financial Services was named Qatar’s best equity broker for 2025, recognising its market research and trading services. At Hospitality Qatar, industry representatives pointed to high-tech farming, food processing and packaging as ways local firms are strengthening supply to hotels and restaurants.

Economic Outlook: The IMF raised its 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1%, but warned the Middle East faces a sharp reversal as conflict disrupts energy and shipping. Qatar is among four Gulf economies the Fund expects to suffer steep contractions this year. Hospitality Investment: Hospitality Qatar 2026 opened in Doha with 120 exhibitors, including 90 local businesses, showcasing products and services for the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Banking: QNB closed a $2.5bn syndicated loan facility and won seven Global Finance digital banking awards, including four for its Qatar operations. Digital Economy: Qatar told the UN that AI and digital transformation are central to economic diversification, productivity and better public services. Trade and Energy: Qatar Chamber reviewed trade and investment ties with Portugal, while Qatar and Saudi Arabia signed an energy cooperation MoU.

Trade & Investment: Qatar Chamber is exploring joint ventures with Portuguese companies in hospitality, fintech and retail, with a Qatar-Portugal business council under discussion. The Lord Mayor of London also called the UK-Qatar partnership strong and long-term, highlighting opportunities in finance, technology and infrastructure. Energy: Qatar’s Saad Al-Kaabi joined the WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh as regional attacks and shipping disruption weigh on supply. Qatar LNG exports remain severely disrupted, adding pressure to global gas markets. Banking: QNB reported nine-month net profit of QR13.3bn, up 4%, and closed a $2.5bn syndicated loan facility. Energy Expansion: QatarEnergy won seven offshore exploration blocks in Brazil, extending its international footprint. Transport: Qatar Rail was named Worldwide Operator of the Year for its Doha Metro and Lusail Tram operations.

Investment Links: Qatar-based Rasmal Ventures signed an MoU with Saudi consultancy Strategic Gears to connect Saudi companies with Asian markets and help Rasmal’s portfolio firms enter the Kingdom. Business Climate: Qatar’s new Official Gazette and Al Meezan legal portals bring legislation, court rulings and legal opinions into one digital system, with officials saying better access can support investment. Energy Security: At a Riyadh forum, QatarEnergy chief Saad al-Kaabi urged keeping energy above politics, warning conflict has disrupted around 20% of global hydrocarbon supplies. Energy Expansion: QatarEnergy and Petrobras won seven offshore exploration blocks in Brazil, while Qatar’s LNG expansion is targeting early 2027 production. Banking: QNB’s nine-month net profit rose 4% to QR13.3bn.

Banking: QNB Group reported a 4% rise in nine-month net profit to QR13.3bn, extending growth at Qatar’s largest lender. GCC Integration: Qatar joined a ministerial-level committee meeting in Bahrain to advance economic cooperation and follow up on regional development plans. Business Access: Qatar’s Business Map platform is giving entrepreneurs and investors market, demographic and location data to help assess opportunities across the country. Digital Services: The Justice Ministry launched upgraded online access to the Official Gazette and Al Meezan legal portal, adding AI tools to improve searches and legal research. SMEs: Qatar Chamber says smaller firms are becoming more involved in industrial, infrastructure and energy supply chains, supporting local content and resilience. Regional Risk: Fresh attacks on Riyadh’s airport injured people and disrupted operations, underscoring the security risks facing Gulf travel and business links.

Banking: QNB Group reported nine-month net profit of QR13.3bn, up 4% year on year. Excluding Turkey’s hyperinflation impact, profit rose 8% to QR16.4bn. Trade Risks: A tanker was struck off Qatar amid tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting risks to shipping and regional supply chains. Industrial Resilience: Disruptions and rising freight and insurance costs are strengthening calls for Qatar to build domestic capacity in essentials such as food, pharmaceuticals and building materials. Qatari Fintech: Homegrown payments firm Dibsy made Forbes Middle East’s 2026 Fintech 50, recognition of its push to build local payment infrastructure for businesses. Aviation: Qatar Airways is refreshing premium menus on Australian routes with dishes by chef Ross Lusted, alongside new cocktails and Starlink Wi-Fi.

Banking: QNB Group reported a 4% rise in nine-month net profit to QR13.3bn, with assets up 5% to QR1.46tn and loans growing 6%. Fintech: Qatari payments company Dibsy made Forbes Middle East’s 2026 Fintech 50, highlighting the country’s growing digital finance sector. Industrial Services: Qatar Free Zones Authority and Honeywell plan a Sundyne pump service hub in Qatar, serving energy and process-industry customers across the Middle East and Africa. Regional Logistics: GWC expanded in the UAE with two subsidiaries and a Meydan Free Zone partnership, strengthening trade links between Qatar and GCC markets. Energy: QatarEnergy’s LNG expansion is targeting early 2027 production, while a separate deal will supply Bangladesh with one LNG cargo. Trade Links: Qatar and India reviewed opportunities in trade, investment and energy, while Qatar Chamber trained Saudi officials on electronic customs carnets to streamline cross-border movements.

Circular Economy: Qatar’s recycling sector is set to grow, with 61 facilities under construction or development targeting e-waste, plastics, metals and construction waste. Fintech: Qatari payments firm Dibsy is the country’s only entry in Forbes Middle East’s 2026 Fintech 50; it processed nearly 11 million transactions in 2025. Energy: QatarEnergy will supply Bangladesh with an LNG cargo at about $13 per MMBtu, while extending force majeure on regular deliveries into November. Its major LNG expansion is targeting production in early 2027. Markets: QNB Group’s net profit rose 4% in the first nine months of 2026, and Qatar’s foreign reserves increased 0.46% last month; local shares are trading cautiously ahead of earnings. Regional Outlook: A tanker attack off Qatar and widening threats to Gulf shipping heighten risks for trade and energy flows. The World Bank forecasts the Middle East economy will contract 2.1% and Gulf economies 4.3% in 2026.

Maritime Risk: A tanker was struck by several projectiles in the Persian Gulf north of Qatar, with casualties reported. No responsibility was claimed, adding to concerns over shipping security. LNG Expansion: QatarEnergy’s first North Field Expansion train is nearing completion and could start up within weeks; exports are expected to begin in 2027. International Energy: QatarEnergy won 30% stakes in seven offshore exploration blocks in Brazil, with Petrobras operating the projects. Tourism and SMEs: Qatar Tourism is positioning the food and beverage sector as a launchpad for local businesses seeking global growth. Market Watch: Qatar’s foreign-exchange reserves rose 0.46% last month, while local stocks traded cautiously ahead of earnings season. Business Mobility: A GCC–EU summit on October 24 could bring progress toward starting a Schengen visa-waiver process for Qatari and other GCC citizens.

Maritime Security: A tanker was hit by multiple projectiles about 51 nautical miles north of Madinat ash Shamal, with casualties reported. The attack adds to rising risks for Gulf shipping as Hormuz traffic falls and oil prices climb. Banking: QNB Group’s nine-month net profit rose 4% in 2026, while Qatar Central Bank reported foreign-exchange reserves up 0.46% last month. Energy Investment: QatarEnergy and Petrobras won seven offshore exploration blocks in Brazil, extending Qatar’s international energy footprint. Tourism: Qatar ranked fifth among the world’s fastest-improving tourism economies, with its index score rising 6% between 2024 and 2026.

Markets: The Qatar Stock Exchange fell 2.03% over the week to 9,005, led by losses in banks and financial services. Investors are watching third-quarter results; QNB reported a 4% rise in nine-month profit to QR13.3bn. Energy & Shipping: A tanker was struck off northern Qatar, with casualties reported, as Hormuz traffic dropped to a more than two-month low. Oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel, raising risks for Gulf shipments. QatarEnergy also won seven offshore exploration blocks in Brazil. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Qatar’s economy will contract 20.9% in 2026, citing disruption to gas production; food inflation exceeded 12% in June. Business Links: Qatar Chamber and Iraq’s chambers federation agreed to establish a joint business council, while the Qatar Central Bank and Euroclear are working to widen global investors’ access to government debt.

Maritime Security: A tanker was hit by multiple projectiles 51 nautical miles off Qatar’s north coast, with casualties reported. Hormuz crossings fell to a more than two-month low after a surge in attacks, while Brent crude topped $102 a barrel, raising fresh risks for energy shipments and costs. LNG Financing: QatarEnergy secured a $3 billion loan from Chinese banks as LNG exports face disruption, underscoring the pressure on the sector amid regional instability. Trade Links: Qatar Chamber and Iraq’s chambers federation agreed to establish a joint business council, aiming to deepen commercial cooperation. Local Business: Snoonu launched a QAR5 million growth fund to support Qatar-based businesses.

Qatar–Iraq Trade: Qatar Chamber and the Federation of Iraqi Chambers signed an MoU to establish a joint business council, reviewing about 60 opportunities tied to Iraq’s $250bn Development Road project. Digital Infrastructure: Ooredoo’s OFN and Iraq’s iQ Networks agreed to build a fibre corridor through Iraq, extending Gulf connectivity towards Türkiye and Europe. Energy Finance: QatarEnergy secured a $3bn loan from Chinese banks as LNG exports face a slowdown. Local Business: Snoonu is offering eligible merchants QAR5m in interest-free growth capital to support expansion, equipment upgrades and hiring. Investor Services: Qatar’s new AI-powered legal portal will offer searchable laws in Arabic and English, with the Ministry of Justice saying clearer legal information can support investment.

Qatar ESG Push: Qatar Chamber First Vice Chairman Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Twar Al Kuwari opened the Third ESG Qatar Conference, stressing ESG as a driver of corporate sustainability, competitiveness and long-term growth. Telecom Hosting: Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority signed the Host Country Agreement with the ITU to prepare for the 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha (Nov 9–27), expecting around 3,000 participants. Maritime Business: Qatar Boat Show 2026 (Nov 4–7 at Old Doha Port) is set for a bigger third edition, with local boat builders’ participation forecast to rise 30% and organisers aiming to top last year’s 27,000 visitors. Circular Economy: Qatar’s sixth Recycling Towards Sustainability Conference and Exhibition opened in Doha, with the country reporting 45% of municipal solid waste diverted from landfills in 2025. Tourism & SMEs: Qatar Tourism’s “Taste of Qatar” spotlight session highlighted Qatari entrepreneurs and chefs, positioning local talent as a growth engine for the restaurant sector. Skills for Disputes: Lusail University launched a master’s in Arbitration Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution with Qatar Chamber to meet rising demand in commercial and investment disputes.

Telecom & Standards: Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority is preparing to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 at DECC (Nov 9–27), after signing the host country agreement with the ITU, with around 3,000 participants expected. Sustainability & Circular Economy: Qatar launched its 6th Recycling Towards Sustainability Conference & Exhibition 2026 at Raffles Doha (Oct 6–7), spotlighting recycling tech, circular economy investment and AI-enabled waste solutions. ESG Finance Push: Doha hosted the Third ESG Conference, with Qatar Chamber and partners stressing responsible corporate practices and governance as key to competitiveness. AI Infrastructure: Qai is deploying secure, scalable GPU infrastructure with MEEZA inside Qatar to support enterprise AI workloads under local data and cybersecurity rules. Social Services Digitisation: Mada Center launched the “Taqdeer” platform, a unified digital reference for senior citizens’ services across nine categories, built to meet accessibility standards. Sports & Mega-Events: The IOC confirmed India and Qatar among seven nations in continuous dialogue for the 2036 Olympics, with a firm Oct 31 deadline for interested parties. Markets Watch: Gulf stocks were mixed, with Qatar’s index down 0.3% amid geopolitical risk and oil-flow updates. Global Business: Paramount completed its $110bn Warner Bros. Discovery merger, forming Skydance, as the new Hollywood media giant begins integration.

Qatar’s AI push: Qatar ranked 5th in MENA and 46th globally in Coursera’s AI-Human Skills Synergy Index, as the country expands AI upskilling via programmes like ALIF (Qatar Digital Academy with Scale AI) and Google Cloud training, with AI course enrolments up 70% year-on-year. Cybersecurity drive: The National Cyber Security Agency held its 5th National Cyber Governance and Assurance Affairs conference, launching national and enterprise information security risk management frameworks to boost resilience as Qatar accelerates digital transformation. Tourism innovation: MCIT says Qatar is moving tourism tech from “conversation to implementation” through Tasmu Innovation Lab pilots, using AI, immersive tech and connected systems to improve visitor journeys. Tourism awards: Qatar Tourism Awards opened public voting for its 4th edition shortlist (276 nominees across 35 subcategories), running Oct 5–12 ahead of the Nov 23 ceremony. Health sector access: Al-Ahli Hospital and Al Koot Insurance signed a strategic partnership to streamline outpatient and emergency access for eligible Al Koot guests from Oct 1 without prior approval. Education-industry links: UDST and Qatar Cool inked an MoU to boost student innovation, applied learning, research and sustainability projects. Investment platform: Qatar will host UNCTAD’s World Investment Forum (Oct 25–27), with MoCI highlighting investment resilience amid trade and shipping disruptions.