AGP Executive Report

Qatar Economy: Qatar’s non-hydrocarbon GDP grew 3.5% YoY in Q1 2026, with the National Planning Council citing resilience despite trade-route disruptions and higher transport/insurance costs, while hydrocarbon output fell 25.8% and overall GDP contracted 7.0% YoY. Energy & Transport Risk: Renewed US-Iran strikes reignited pressure on the Strait of Hormuz, lifting Brent above $90 and pushing Gulf risk appetite lower; Qatar’s benchmark also slipped as regional markets reacted. QatarEnergy Pricing: QatarEnergy kept September fuel prices unchanged: diesel at QAR 2.05/l, 95-octane at QAR 2.10/l, and 91-octane at QAR 2.00/l. Fintech Payments: NPCI International and Uzbekistan’s NIPC enabled UPI merchant payments across Uzbekistan via the UZQR code, expanding cross-border acceptance for Indian travellers. Qatar Fintech/Tokenisation: Dubai’s Tribe incorporated in Qatar under the Qatar Financial Centre and joined its Digital Assets Lab to develop real-estate tokenisation. Digital Policy & Telecom: Qatar will host MWC26 Doha (Nov 8-10) alongside the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (Nov 9-27) at DECC, linking tech and regulation on one platform. Business Health/Deals: Sidra Medicine and The Pearl International Hospital signed an agreement for cord blood banking services. Corporate Travel: Qatar Airways-backed Uber for Business partnership aims to streamline corporate travel experiences. Culture & Design: Qatar Museums announced Design Doha 2026 runs Nov 5, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027, centered on Fereej Al Asmakh.

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 in banking, real estate, trade and technology, with both sides exploring joint ventures. Qatar–Brazil Food Security: The Qatar Chamber held talks in Brazil with Sao Paulo business bodies on expanding cooperation in food security, logistics and animal protein, aiming to unlock new trade and investment partnerships. Qatar Education Push: MoEHE launched the “Awal Khutwa – First Step” initiative with Rafeeq for 10,700 new first-graders across 103 government schools, providing welcome gifts and supplies. Healthcare Partnership: Sidra Medicine and The Pearl International Hospital signed an agreement to expand access to cord blood banking services in Qatar. QSE Update: Qatar Stock Exchange closed Sunday down 0.13% to 9,863.10 points on QR 286.4m turnover. Regional Energy Shock: Strait of Hormuz traffic reportedly fell to about five visible commodity vessels per day as US-Iran tensions flared, keeping shipping and energy risk front and centre.

Back to School in Qatar: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education launched the “Awal Khutwa - First Step” initiative with Rafeeq, welcoming 10,700 new first-grade students across 103 government primary schools with gifts and supplies for the 2026-2027 school year. Qatar-Pakistan Trade Push: Qatar Chamber board member Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Obaidli met Mehmood Arshad of the Qatari-Pakistani Business Council to boost bilateral trade and investment, highlighting opportunities in banking, real estate, trade and technology. Digital Payments Upgrade: Qatar Central Bank and Samsung Gulf Electronics integrated Himyan into Samsung Wallet, enabling eligible cardholders to make fast, secure contactless payments via Galaxy phones and smartwatches. Corporate Travel Convenience: Qatar Airways partnered with Uber for Business, letting Beyond Business members redeem Qrewards for Uber ride vouchers to streamline ground travel for companies. Qatar’s Gaming Spotlight: Invest Qatar and Media City Qatar wrapped up Gamescom 2026 participation in Cologne, using a joint pavilion to attract gaming developers, publishers and investors. Regional Energy Tensions: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei urged Gulf unity against the “real enemy” as Hormuz-related risks and mediation efforts continue to shape regional trade expectations.

Education & Skills: Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education says it’s ready to welcome 419,373 students across 649 public and private schools and kindergartens as the 2026–2027 year starts today, with a push on “Human First” values, wellbeing and digital empowerment. Retail & Livestock Growth: Al Anaam Factory for Animal Production reports 30% H1 sales growth and plans further expansion after opening 16 new branches under the “Lohud Al Anaam” brand. Culture & Creative Economy: Doha Film Institute has eight institute-supported titles selected for the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, reinforcing Qatar’s push to back independent Arab and global voices. Investment & Global Deal-Making: UNCTAD says Qatar’s FDI inflows jumped 559% to $3bn in 2025, and Qatar will host the UN’s World Investment Forum 2026 on Oct 25–27. Tourism & Aviation: Qatar welcomed its first leisure charter flight from Armenia (Yerevan–Doha), targeting about 6,500 visitors through May 2027. Energy & Regional Risk: Iran claims an understanding with Oman on Hormuz but says the strait remains closed until US commitments are met, keeping pressure on a key shipping route. Payments & Financial Integration: Visa and Mastercard processed Syria’s first international card payments in over a decade with QNB, signaling a step toward wider financial connectivity.

Qatar’s Film Push: Doha Film Institute says eight DFI-supported titles have been selected for the 83rd Venice International Film Festival (Sept 2–12), keeping Qatar’s independent cinema on the global map. Qatar Mediation in Focus: Turkish FM Hakan Fidan held calls with Qatar’s PM and Egypt’s FM as Ankara coordinates on regional issues, including maritime security and energy routes. Hormuz & Energy Shock: With the Iran war at six months, Iran admits foreign trade is down nearly a third and says it will keep resisting U.S. pressure while maintaining control over Hormuz—an issue that’s also hitting LNG and gas flows into Europe. Qatar’s LNG Fallout: Reports say Europe’s gas squeeze worsened as Qatar’s LNG exports remain disrupted, with QatarEnergy extending force majeure and repairs expected to take months to years. Regional Finance Pressure: Egypt’s Banque Misr is reviewing a U.S. Treasury notice affecting dollar correspondent banking for its UAE branch tied to Iran-related restrictions. Business & Trade Links: Qatar Chamber took part in the Arab-Brazilian Economic Forum in São Paulo, highlighting food security, fertilizer resilience, and Qatar’s logistics role.

Strait of Hormuz, Shipping Safety: The IMO says up to 400 ships and 6,000 seafarers still can’t depart the Persian Gulf, calling the crisis “unresolved” despite US claims mines are cleared and traffic is improving. Qatar-Iran Mediation: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi told Qatar’s PM in Tehran that diplomacy is “not impossible” if Washington drops pressure, while Qatar pushes for a return to pre-war open shipping through Hormuz. Sanctions Pressure: The US issued new Iran-related sanctions, including proposed limits on Banque Misr UAE correspondent banking, as Iran brands the campaign “state terrorism” and warns against countries implementing US curbs. Energy Market Watch: Oil prices eased on Fed-policy hints and Hormuz-deal rumours, while Pakistan reported RLNG price cuts of up to 27.7% for August after importing one Qatar cargo under long-term terms. Qatar Business & Policy: HMC cut specialist appointment waits from 58 days to about 16; Qatar also advanced real estate tokenisation rules and launched Qatar Airways’ Uber for Business partnership to streamline corporate travel.

Qatar as mediator in Hormuz talks: Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi said diplomacy with the U.S. “isn’t impossible,” after “creative discussions” with Qatar’s PM/FM in Tehran, adding that Washington must drop pressure tactics and respect Iran’s rights. Doha’s readout says talks focused on de-escalation and a proposed temporary joint shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, plus joint mine-clearing, with Qatar stressing sovereignty and freedom of navigation. Strait of Hormuz conditions and shipping risk: Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei said Tehran will outline conditions for reopening the strait, warning that if the “economic war” continues, no oil will be exported. Energy squeeze hits Europe: Qatar extended LNG force majeure again, pushing European gas buyers into later deliveries and lifting TTF prices to new highs, while LNG tankers remain scarce. Iran oil exports slump: Data cited by Kpler shows Iranian exports plunged more than 80% year-on-year in August as the U.S. blockade persists. Qatar Airways corporate travel: Qatar Airways and Uber for Business partnered to boost corporate travel experience. Qatar finance & business: Qatar’s QSE ended in the green, approaching the 10,000-point level, as investor sentiment improved.

Hormuz Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM and foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran, pushing de-escalation and a return to open shipping, with talks also covering a proposed interim framework for a temporary Iran-Oman corridor and mine-clearing plans as the US keeps up “economic asphyxiation” pressure. UN Concern: UN chief Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson warned of potential escalation between Washington and Tehran, noting disruptions to energy and food flows, while praising mediation efforts involving Qatar, Egypt and Pakistan. US Stance: President Donald Trump said the US is not talking with Iran and that no negotiations are underway, as sanctions remain the main lever. Qatar Business & Trade: Qatar Chamber hosted Uzbekistan’s light-industry delegation to explore textiles and manufacturing investment and joint ventures. Health Regulation: Qatar banned unlicensed peptide products, targeting items marketed for therapeutic or cosmetic use without MoPH approval. Corporate Travel: Qatar Airways and Uber for Business launched a partnership letting Beyond Business members redeem Qrewards for Uber ride vouchers. Real Estate: Qatar licensed 43 new real estate brokers after mandatory training and legal oath.

Real Estate Regulation: Qatar’s Ministry of Justice licensed a new batch of 43 real estate brokers after they completed training and legal procedures, reinforcing the push to use only qualified, licensed intermediaries. Qatar–Uzbek Trade: Qatar Chamber met Uzbekistan’s light-industry agency to explore private-sector partnerships, with textiles firms among the delegation and incentives highlighted for investors. Corporate Travel: Qatar Airways partnered with Uber for Business, letting Beyond Business members redeem Qrewards for ride vouchers and giving travel managers policy oversight and automated expensing. Gold & Precious Metals: QNB data shows gold up 0.50% this week to about $4,627/oz, while spot silver rose 0.32%. Diplomacy & Energy Risk (Hormuz): Qatar’s PM and foreign minister met Iran’s top diplomat in Tehran to discuss de-escalation and a proposed temporary Iranian-Omani shipping corridor plus demining efforts; markets closed mixed as investors weighed renewed talks amid a US stance of no direct Iran negotiations. Qatar LNG Shock: Qatar’s LNG exports reportedly fell about 96% over six months, tightening global gas supply and leaving Europe with lower winter buffers. Payments in Syria: Visa and Mastercard processed first international card transactions in Syria after the US removed Syria from its terrorism sponsors list, signaling faster financial reintegration. Qatar in Regional Infrastructure: Iraq’s oil ministry met Qatar’s UCC Holding on pipeline projects aimed at bypassing Hormuz, including routes toward Turkey and Syria.

US-Iran De-escalation Push: Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is set to fly to Tehran on Thursday to meet Iranian officials, aiming to revive dialogue with Washington and reduce tensions, with talks also expected to focus on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and returning it to pre-February 28 status. Sanctions vs. diplomacy: The visit comes as the US leans harder on economic pressure and Trump says he has “no time schedule” for Iran to return to talks, while Iran warns that any country joining the “economic war” could be treated as an enemy. Energy market spillover: Oil prices extended losses on hopes of Hormuz reopening, with Brent around $87/bbl, as Iran-Oman discussions continue on managing the strait and sharing revenues. Qatar governance & business: Qatar’s Cabinet approved a draft bill regulating real estate tokenisation on the Sharek platform for feedback, alongside updates to the Official Gazette’s electronic publication system. Health & education pipeline: PHCC announced its Back-to-School 2026-2027 campaign (Aug 30–Sep 10), and Qatar’s new curriculum for 2026-2027 adds earlier focus on AI, economics, commerce, entrepreneurship and practical skills. Telecom business win: Ooredoo’s Aamali GoConnect campaign won one Gold and five Silver Telly Awards, highlighting secure eSIM connectivity for business customers.

Qatar’s reinsurance push to India: Qatar Islamic Insurance Group secured a license to open a branch in India’s Gift City (IFSC) to run reinsurance business, signaling deeper GCC-to-India financial links. Education spending gears up for 2026-27: Qatar’s Cabinet backed the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s preparations for the new school year, highlighting new school construction, workforce development and curriculum upgrades. QC and MSDF back training for entrepreneurs: Qatar Chamber officials met the Ministry of Social Development and Family to expand cooperation on training and development, with a focus on empowering productive families and home-based ventures to scale into SMEs. Hormuz remains the flashpoint: Iran’s IRGC says the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed unless the US halts its blockade and accepts Tehran’s conditions, while Trump claims the strait is “functioning.” Qatar’s LNG hit by the war: Reuters data says Qatar LNG exports have plunged 96% since the US-Iran conflict began, costing Doha about $24bn in lost gas revenue. Payments and trade tech: Bank of Baroda launched UPI Global Reverse Acceptance in India, letting eligible international visitors pay at UPI QR merchants using home-country apps—an interoperability step that includes Qatar among participating corridors. QSE opens higher: Qatar Stock Exchange rose slightly at the open, led by Insurance and Telecoms.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Qatar is pushing for renewed US-Iran talks as tensions persist, with officials saying contacts are ongoing “daily” and warning that any escalation would hit regional stability, energy security and global supply chains. Regional Shipping Plan: Iran and Oman have proposed a temporary Strait of Hormuz corridor plus mine-clearance efforts, while Qatar’s FM discussed the idea and stressed freedom of navigation. QIA-backed Autonomy Push: Qatar Investment Authority led a $200m Series D in US driverless freight firm Gatik, joining Koch Disruptive Technologies, as the company targets 100+ driverless trucks by end-2026. Qatar Capital Markets: Qatar Central Bank issued QR5bn Government Ijarah Sukuk (two maturities) to support public financing and deepen the domestic debt market. Real Estate Dealmaking: HMK Capital completed about QR1.8bn in acquisitions for Salwa REIT, building a near-fully leased portfolio and moving toward a potential QSE listing. Education & Talent Pipeline: MoEHE held its annual educational meeting for 2026-2027, while PHCC’s summer programme wrapped up with student placements across health centres. Business & Trade Links: Qatar and Türkiye discussed boosting trade and investment, including a $5bn bilateral target. Qatar’s Drone Rules: Qatar Photography Center and QCAA briefed residents on Law No. 10 of 2026 on unmanned aircraft, covering licensing, registration and safe operations.

QCB Sukuk: Qatar Central Bank issued Government Ijarah Sukuk for the Ministry of Finance worth QR5bn, split into two tap tranches (QR2.5bn due Jan 16, 2029 at 4.75% and QR2.5bn due Aug 24, 2030 at 4.90%), with bids of QR5.5bn. Qatar Diplomacy: Qatar says US-Iran contacts are ongoing to restart negotiations and urges restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, while also calling for faster Gaza ceasefire implementation. Shipping Risk Watch: The UN’s maritime body says 68 Strait of Hormuz incidents have been recorded over six months, with at least 20 deaths—tankers were the most targeted vessel type. Energy Diversification: Equinor says disruptions in the Gulf make Tanzania’s long-stalled LNG project more attractive as an alternative supply for Asia. Autonomous Logistics Funding: Gatik raised $200m Series D led by Qatar Investment Authority and Koch Disruptive Technologies, citing $600m+ contracted revenue and 85,000 fully driverless orders. Regulation & Skills: MoCI issued executive regulations to strengthen Qatar’s auditing profession, setting registration, training and supervision requirements. Trade Talks: Qatar and Türkiye discussed boosting bilateral trade and investment, targeting $5bn in commerce. QSE Market: QSE opened higher, up 0.10% to 9,750 points, led by Telecoms and Transportation.

QFC Business Momentum: Qatar Financial Centre says new firm registrations jumped 37% in H1 2026, with 1,135 firms onboarded and tech/innovation leading demand. Digital Leadership: Qatar scored 98.4/100 in the ITU ICT Development Index 2026, ranking 6th, with near-universal 5G coverage and full fibre reach. Market Integrity: Qatar Stock Exchange introduced a randomised uncrossing mechanism for opening and closing auctions to reduce price manipulation risk and improve fairness. Entrepreneurship & Education: Qatar Chamber backed young entrepreneurs at a summer innovation camp, while MoEHE rolled out updated 2026-27 study materials and a more integrated, future-skills-focused curriculum. Social Support: MoSDF launched “Walk Your Kids to School” to boost parental involvement; DAAM and Aman signed a funding deal for rehabilitation programmes for violence and family breakdown victims. Wildlife & Health Abroad: MATAR joined United for Wildlife efforts at Hamad International Airport, and QRCS backed cataract surgeries in Niger. Trade & Energy Watch: Türkiye and Qatar pushed a $5bn bilateral trade target, while TotalEnergies warned Hormuz disruption is forcing alternative export routes. Sanctions Pressure: US “economic D-Day” Iran sanctions are set to tighten, with oil prices slipping as markets weigh enforcement risk.

Qatar Digital Leap: Qatar again topped global connectivity benchmarks, scoring 98.4/100 in the ITU ICT Development Index 2026, with 100% scores for universal connectivity and strong fixed broadband and 5G coverage. Market Integrity: The Qatar Stock Exchange rolled out a randomized “uncrossing” mechanism for opening and closing auctions to reduce price manipulation and improve fair price discovery. Education & Family Support: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education updated 2026–2027 curricula, including a unified Grade 10 science course (physics/chemistry/biology) and more tech and AI-linked learning; meanwhile the MOSDF launched “Walk Your Kids to School” to boost parental involvement ahead of the new year. Entrepreneurship & Youth: Qatar Foundation will host the second QIYADA conference on Sept 25–26, sponsored by QIIB, to empower Muslim youth aged 17–24; Qatar Chamber also reiterated support for Qatari entrepreneurs. Aviation & Trade Links: Qatar Airways Cargo will start a weekly Helsinki freighter service from Sept 2, adding 100 tonnes of export capacity each week via Doha. Regional Energy Pressure: With US-Iran sanctions threats and Hormuz risks, oil prices slipped and LNG costs are rising across the region, including Bangladesh paying more than $24/MMBtu for September cargoes.

US-Iran Economic Standoff: Washington is preparing a new sanctions package, with Treasury chief Scott Bessent calling it an “economic D-Day” aimed at Iran’s trading partners, while Tehran warns it could halt Gulf oil exports if pressure escalates. Qatar’s Regional Diplomacy: A Qatari-led push with other Arab and Islamic states backs potential sanctions over Israel’s E1 settlement plan, urging an immediate halt to settlement activity. QSE & Investing: Qatar Stock Exchange said FTSE Russell’s Sept 2026 index review will remove Mosanada Facilities Management Services and QLM Life and Medical Insurance from the Micro Cap segment, effective after Sept 17. Education & Skills: Qatar’s MoEHE outlined efforts to lift education quality for the new academic year, while UDST welcomed 2,000 students for 2026-27 and private schools offered about 15,000 seats via community responsibility support. Business & Innovation: Msheireb Properties partnered with Inc. Arabia to host business and innovation events, and Qatar’s fintech regulator QCB widened supervision as non-bank activity grows.