AGP Executive Report

Qatar–Egypt Deal Push: Qatar and Egypt signed four agreements to deepen trade, investment and cooperation, with ministers highlighting new horizons for long-term projects and tourism links. Qatar Airways Upgrade: Qatar Airways introduced a Starlink-equipped Boeing 787-9, adding to its push for tech-led passenger experience. Defense Procurement: The US approved a possible $4.5bn sale of up to four KC-46A Pegasus tankers to Qatar, aimed at boosting Qatar Emiri Air Force refuelling endurance. QSE Watch: Qatar’s stock index fell 3.38% week-on-week amid selling pressure and geopolitical uncertainty, with analysts calling it a “strong correction” and pointing to support near 9,528 points. Digital Skills: Qatar launched the seventh cohort of its Cybersecurity Capacity Development Program (Level 2) to build a more self-sufficient, scenario-trained cyber workforce. Energy & Trade Shock: Strait of Hormuz disruption kept global energy volatility in focus, while Qatar’s regional role in maritime security and dialogue over Hormuz remained a recurring theme. Global Business Signals: United Solar began ramping polysilicon production in Oman to diversify solar supply outside China, while Venezuela moved to restart offshore gas development with BP, Shell and Qatar’s UCC Holding.

Qatar-Egypt Business Push: Qatar and Egypt wrapped up their 7th Joint Higher Committee session in El Alamein, with leaders pointing to a “qualitative leap” in ties and agreeing to expand trade, investment, and cooperation across economy, health, agriculture and food security, including a push for a third Egyptian-Qatari Investment Forum and a joint businessmen’ council. Qatar-Egypt Deals: Four agreements were signed, including customs cooperation and health cooperation, plus a Qatari-funded plan for the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani Hospital in Sohag. QSE Investor Watch: A QSE correction is creating buying opportunities for medium- and long-term investors, with analysts citing strong fundamentals and a key support level around 9,528 points. Defense Procurement: The US approved a potential $4.5bn sale of four KC-46A refueling aircraft and related equipment to Qatar, boosting Doha’s aerial refuelling and interoperability. Sports Sponsorship: Qatar Stars League signed a two-season sponsorship deal with Red Bull covering the Doha Bank Stars League and Qatar Cup. Humanitarian & Community: DAAM and Dreama signed a funding agreement for orphan care programmes, while Qatar Charity-backed work saw a new Islamic centre open in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Qatar-Egypt Ties: Qatar’s PM and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman met Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty and PM Mostafa Madbouly in Cairo ahead of the 7th Qatar-Egypt Joint Higher Committee, highlighting faster trade growth (up 80% in 2025), expanding Qatari investment, and a Qatar-backed sustainable aviation fuel project in Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone. QCB Financial Stability: The Qatar Central Bank published its 2025 Annual Report, saying it maintained the peg, cut policy rates by a total 75 bps with full transmission to interbank rates, and strengthened supervision via forward-looking risk work and wider stress testing; reserves rose to QAR 202.2bn end-2025. Gold Moves: QNB data shows gold in Qatar rose 2.75% this week to $4,497.89/oz. Market Watch: The QSE index closed the week down 3.38% to 9,682 points, with declines across sectors led by telecoms. Trade & Logistics Skills: Qatar’s Customs Authority completed a 3-month foundation course for 31 new inspectors, aimed at boosting efficiency and trade facilitation. Regional Shipping Pressure: Gulf states, with Qatar and Oman leading, pushed for an interim diplomatic step to restore Hormuz shipping amid hijacking reports in the Gulf of Aden.

Qatar–Saudi Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM and foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani arrived in Riyadh and met Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan to push de-escalation, back diplomatic dispute resolution, and stress safeguarding maritime navigation in the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea. Qatar–Egypt Economic Talks: A preparatory meeting in El-Alamein advanced plans for the 7th session of the Qatari-Egyptian Joint Higher Committee, including documents and a first round of negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement next October. Education & Social Impact: Qatar Charity launched its Education Campaign 2026 “Science as Stewardship” to support 123,000 students in need at home and abroad with school supplies, feeding programmes, and school construction/rehabilitation. Air Connectivity for Expats: Indian expats in Qatar welcomed India’s Supreme Court move to regulate airfare pricing, aiming to curb sudden ticket hikes and improve transparency. Smart Energy Buildings: A Qatar TV feature highlighted that smart, efficient buildings can cut electricity use by 20–40% and water use by 30–50%, with savings tied to design choices like insulation and shading. Circular Economy Push: A study says Qatar’s circular-economy shift could add about $17bn by 2030 and create up to 19,000 jobs. Sports Business: Al Rayyan elected Sheikh Al Qaqaa bin Hamad Al Thani president until 2030, while Qatar’s Doha Bank Stars League season kicks off with new foreign-player registration rules.

Qatar–Bangladesh Energy Push: Qatar’s PM assured Bangladesh of “all possible support” to strengthen energy security during high-level talks in Doha, as Dhaka also pressed for deeper cooperation in energy, labour and financial sectors. Labour & Skills Cooperation: Bangladesh and Qatar discussed expanding jobs for Bangladeshi workers, with a focus on welfare, protection and more skilled and semi-skilled employment opportunities. UPI Remittances Go Live: Qatar Post launched PosTransfer, a UPI-powered postal remittance service to India, letting customers send money to UPI-linked bank accounts via Qatar Post outlets. Air Cargo Expansion: Qatar Airways Cargo signed an MoU with Hong Kong International Airport to boost connectivity through higher flight frequency and new routes via Doha, alongside relocating its regional office to Hong Kong. Maritime Logistics Coordination: Qatar’s Ministry of Transport joined GCC port authorities talks in Riyadh on licensing standards, ballast water rules and resilience for navigation and timing services. Qatar Market Under Pressure: Qatar’s benchmark index fell 0.8% to a one-year low, with QNB and Qatar Fuel among notable decliners. Tech & Industry Signals: Statetron announced plans for a 10-hectare AI/robotics/energy-storage industrial facility in Qatar, while Pony.ai reported a surge in robotaxi revenue but also a net loss. Sports Business: Qatar Sports Club signed Icelandic midfielder Aron Gunnarsson ahead of the 2026-2027 season, as the Doha Bank Stars League kicked off with Qatar SC set to play Al Wakrah. Geopolitics With Market Impact: Trump reiterated there are no Iran talks and posted a map labelling the Strait of Hormuz as “new US territory,” keeping Gulf markets cautious.

Hormuz & Markets: US President Donald Trump said no Iran talks are planned and posted a map showing the Strait of Hormuz as “new US territory,” while Gulf investors stayed cautious; Qatar’s benchmark fell 0.5% and Ooredoo slid 1.5% as US-Iran tensions weighed on regional stocks. UAE Escalation: The UAE suspended all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran after accusing Tehran of launching ballistic missiles toward the country. Turkey Mediation: Erdogan urged Trump to pursue negotiations with Iran, saying diplomacy—not force—must be used to ease tensions. Qatar Finance Link: EBRD agreed a $75mn trade finance facility for Iraq’s Al Mansour Bank, majority owned by QNB Group, to expand trade finance and correspondent banking for Iraqi businesses. Qatar Business & Services: Qatar’s government service centres handled 42,227 transactions in July, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs leading. Hospitality & Travel: Andaz Doha appointed Dominik Strobel as GM, while Qatar Airways Holidays launched new Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix 2026 stopover packages with race tickets for transiting passengers. Women in Business: A report highlights women’s growing role in Qatar’s economy, including leadership and company ownership figures.

Strait of Hormuz Standoff: Iran says it will keep Hormuz closed until the US lifts its blockade, unfreezes assets, removes oil sanctions and ends threats—warning it will use both diplomatic and military means. Qatar’s Mediation Role: Qatar, a key mediator, says it’s awaiting a bilateral Iran–Oman agreement before further steps, as the US and Tehran remain far apart. Markets Watch: Gulf stocks were muted as investors stayed cautious over US-Iran tensions; Qatar’s benchmark slid 0.5% with Qatar National Bank and Ooredoo among the decliners. Qatar Finance Policy: Qatar’s central bank mandates IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 sustainability disclosures for banks and financial institutions from 1 Jan 2026, aligning with ISSB standards. Business & Deals: Qatar Airways Holidays adds Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix 2026 stopover packages with integrated race tickets for transiting passengers. Legal/Investing: Karnataka High Court admitted Qatar Holding’s plea to enforce arbitration awards against Byju’s, seeking asset freezes and disclosures. Aviation Tech: Royal Air Maroc becomes Africa’s first airline to equip its fleet with Starlink Wi‑Fi. Sports Governance: AFC president criticises Qatar FA for backing FIFA chief Infantino amid FIFA governance controversy.

Qatar Real Estate: Real estate trading volume in Qatar hit QR1.859bn in July 2026, with 485 sale contracts registered, led by Doha (QR763.8m) and Al Rayyan (QR461.4m). Sports Sponsorship: GWC Group renewed its strategic partnership and sponsorship with Lusail Sports Club for 2026/2027, while QSL also extended Rafeeq’s sponsorship deal through 2027-28 as Rafeeq remains Official Delivery Partner for major QSL competitions. Education & Skills: Doha Institute for Graduate Studies welcomed nearly 249 students for 2026-2027 across 19 master’s and eight doctoral programmes, and universities across Qatar held orientation as the new semester begins. Healthcare Access: Hamad Medical Corporation expanded dental services in the Northern Region by adding clinics at Al Khor and Aisha Bint Hamad Al Attiyah hospitals, and PHCC made Hajj 1448 AH medical fitness certificates available at all PHCC health centres free of charge (with a nominal fee only if residency/health cards are expired). Corporate & Community: Qatar Media Corporation wrapped up a strategic communication training programme for employees, while Qatar’s tech ecosystem also saw continued momentum with youth-focused initiatives and financial literacy efforts.

Tax Relief for Businesses: Qatar’s General Tax Authority says taxpayers can apply electronically via the Dhareeba portal for a reduction of financial penalties, with automatic processing and decisions potentially in minutes if eligibility criteria are met; applicants must have filed all required returns, paid outstanding taxes, and note the reduced penalty must be paid within 30 days or the reduction is cancelled. Healthcare Access: Hamad Medical Corporation expanded dental services in Qatar’s Northern Region, adding clinics at Al Khor Hospital and Aisha Bint Hamad Al Attiyah Hospital (now eight clinics total), offering specialties from orthodontics to pediatric dentistry and general anesthesia for children and special-needs patients. Real Estate Pulse: July 2026 saw QAR 1.86bn in registered real estate sale-contract trading across 485 transactions, led by Doha, Al Rayyan and Al Dhaayen by value. Hajj Readiness: PHCC opened applications for 2027 Hajj Medical Fitness Certificates through Family Medicine Clinics, with free service for Qatari citizens and residents (QR30 if a health card is expired). Banking Rewards: QIB and Visa launched a summer rewards campaign for new QIB Marriott Bonvoy Visa cardholders, offering up to 150,000 bonus points and up to three complimentary nights at participating hotels. Qatar-India Money Transfers: Qatar Post and India Post launched PosTransfer powered by UPI, letting Indians in Qatar send QAR 10–4,000 per transaction (flat QAR 15 fee) to UPI-enabled bank accounts in India. F1 Stopover Packages: Qatar Airways Holidays introduced Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2026 stopover packages, bundling flights, hotels and three-day T16 Grandstand tickets for transit passengers.

Strait of Hormuz Talks: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan urged that passage through the Strait of Hormuz be free of charge, arguing it would help global shipping and trade. Qatar Digital Economy: Qatar’s digital transformation is shifting from infrastructure spending to knowledge-based value creation, with innovation progress highlighted by World Intellectual Property Organization rankings. Education City Intake: Qatar Foundation welcomed 800+ new students to Education City at Marhaba, reinforcing the ecosystem approach across its universities. Gold & Rates: Gold edged higher as a softer dollar and eased expectations of a US rate hike supported bullion. QSE Earnings: Qatar Stock Exchange listed companies reported total net profit of QAR 23.63bn for H1 2026, down 11.37% year-on-year. Startup Energy Efficiency: Qatar-based Vora is using AI to optimise existing air conditioners to cut electricity waste. Sports & CSR: Ooredoo won two Stevie Awards for the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo, including Gold for Sporting Event and Bronze for CSR. Healthcare Promotion: PHCC ran children’s health education sessions under the Qatar Sports for All Federation summer programme. Drug Busts: Nigeria’s NDLEA arrested a man at Lagos airport with 1.55kg of cocaine hidden in luggage walls, targeting India-bound trafficking.

Gaza Mediation: Trump’s envoys met Egyptian, Qatari and Turkish mediators in Cairo to push his Gaza roadmap, with Kushner and peace envoy Nickolay Mladenov also set to meet Netanyahu as Israel resumes strikes and Hamas rebuilds. Hormuz Tensions: Iran’s parliament will review a “Smart Management Plan” for the Strait of Hormuz while Tehran and Oman finalise a shipping route map; Iran also rejects US claims that Hormuz will become US territory and says reopening is conditional on US obligations. Qatar-Iran Pilot Dispute: Iran accuses Qatar of obstructing an investigation into three missing pilots; Doha denies holding them and says it invited an Iranian team earlier but received no response. Energy & Markets: Oil prices rose over $1 amid tanker attacks and stalled peace talks; LNG prices in northeast Asia edged up as hopes of reopening Hormuz fade. Qatar Finance: QIIB named the July 2026 ‘Joud’ savings account winner, awarding QR100,000 monthly prizes plus larger annual draws. Local Life & Business: Qatar Post and India Post launched a UPI-based remittance link to India, while Qatar Airways was ranked among top international airlines in 2026 Travel+Leisure awards. Public Safety: Nigeria’s NDLEA arrested a Lagos businessman with 1.55kg of cocaine concealed in luggage while he was boarding a Qatar Airways flight to New Delhi.

Qatar–U.S.–Iran Tensions: Iran renewed claims that Qatar is holding three missing Iranian pilots, while Qatar denies the allegation and points to earlier airspace violations; the dispute adds to wider Middle East flare-ups as the Strait of Hormuz remains a key pressure point. Maritime Security: Qatar and the GCC strongly condemned Iran’s attacks on ADNOC tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, calling them violations of maritime navigation and UN resolutions and urging the waterway to reopen unconditionally. Banking & Payments: QIB launched a Visa-backed summer rewards campaign for new QIB Marriott Bonvoy Visa cardholders, offering up to 150,000 bonus points and free-night redemptions; Qatar Post also partnered with India Post and UPU to launch near real-time remittances from Doha to India via UPI-linked accounts. Trade & Retail: LuLu Hypermarket rolled out “India Utsav 2026” across Qatar to mark India’s 80th Independence Day, boosting cultural commerce ties. Social Impact: Qatar Foundation for Social Work and Qatar initiated/expanded disability-rights engagement at UN level, while Qatar Charity inaugurated a QR1.06mn science lab building in Sri Lanka. Sports Business: Perform AI won a Qatar Open Innovation grant for elite sports biomechanical analysis, and Qatar’s football governance continues to weigh in on FIFA leadership controversy.

Hormuz Tensions: Iran pushed back hard after Trump said he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz “U.S. territory,” insisting the waterway “cannot be seized” and will be opened or closed only by Iran, as shipping disruptions and tanker attacks keep oil markets jittery. Qatar Chamber & Inclusion: Qatar Chamber reaffirmed its push to empower persons with disabilities in the labour market, stressing private-sector roles beyond hiring—training, accessibility and ongoing support—ahead of the 2028 Global Disability Summit in Doha. Qatar Chamber (Repeat): The Chamber reiterated the same disability-inclusion labour-market agenda, underlining Qatar’s commitment to equal opportunities and sustainable employment. Qatar Post Remittances: Qatar Post launched a remittance service to India with India Post and the UPU, using UPI via “PosTransfer” for faster transfers for Qatar-based customers. Qatar Condemns Violence: Qatar condemned escalating Israeli settler attacks in the occupied West Bank, calling them a violation of international law and urging protection for civilians. Trade & Investment Link: Al Rawasi Food Company said it is exploring agricultural import and investment opportunities in Armenia, targeting fresh produce exports to Qatar. Qatar Capital Markets: QIA announced investment in the Lesha Qatar Equity Fund/Lesha Bank-linked initiative under its Active Asset Management push to back Qatar’s capital markets. Energy/Markets Watch: QNB flagged copper prices as set for further gains on demand growth and supply constraints, tied to energy transition and AI-linked infrastructure.

Strait of Hormuz & Energy Security: Iran and the US remain locked in a standoff as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz grinds to near-standstill, with Trump again escalating claims of US control and Iran insisting the waterway will open and close only on its terms—keeping oil and gas risk front and centre for regional trade. Regional Condemnations: The UAE condemned an alleged hostile Iranian attack on two ADNOC-linked vessels, calling it a UN Security Council violation and piracy, while Qatar and other Gulf states also denounced the targeting of commercial shipping. Trade Policy Pressure: The US urged the EU to “deliver” on non-tariff trade commitments, pushing back on EU rules that require large firms to disclose environmental and social impacts across global supply chains. Qatar in the Mix: Qatar is named among states condemning the ADNOC tanker attacks, underscoring how Hormuz disruption directly ties into Qatar’s energy and maritime interests. Labour Protection for Gulf Workers: India set up seven one-stop centres across Gulf cities including Doha to support distressed Indian women workers, offering 24/7 helplines plus medical, legal and psychological support amid exploitation concerns. Business & Finance: Pelagos Insurance Capital reported a return to first-half underwriting profit, with improved premiums and a lower combined ratio. Qatar Media Milestone: Qatar Television marks its 56th anniversary, highlighting its role as a long-running national media platform.

Hormuz Tensions: Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt and Bahrain condemned an Iranian attack on two UAE ADNOC tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a breach of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817, and urged reopening the strait “without conditions.” Energy Market Pressure: With EU gas tanks at record lows for the time of year and LNG cargoes rerouting to Asia, Europe heads into winter with a major supply shortfall, tightening prices and raising risk for the region’s energy costs. Regional Security Pacts: Saudi Arabia unveiled a 14-state maritime coalition to protect navigation across the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden, while Turkey and Pakistan’s defence agreement adds to a shifting security map amid Middle East instability. Qatar Capital & Real Estate: QSE ended the week down 0.9% amid geopolitical pressure and softer half-year results, while Qatar’s real estate market saw weekly trading exceed QR353m, led by Doha. QIA/UK Investment: QIA and Canary Wharf Group submitted plans to overhaul HSBC’s 8 Canada Square HQ into a mixed-use tower with offices and a luxury hotel. Qatar Tech & Tourism Skills: MCIT and Qatar Youth Hostels wrapped an AI camp for youth, producing prototypes aimed at improving trip planning and cultural access.

QIA Capital Markets: Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has invested in Lesha Bank’s “Lesha Qatar Opportunities Fund,” the first locally managed fund to join its Active Asset Management Initiative, aiming to back Qatar’s capital markets and broaden opportunities for GCC-experienced asset managers. Qatar Energy & Trade: QatarEnergy-linked LNG supply remains in focus as Bangladesh prepares for five more August LNG cargoes, with QatarEnergy and Oman’s OQ Trading among suppliers. Qatar Corporate Results: Gulf International Services (GIS) posted QR67m net profit for H1 2026, with insurance growth offsetting weaker drilling and aviation performance. Local Sports: Qatar Stars League confirmed the Qatar Cup 2026 schedule: semis on Sept 1 and the final on Dec 11 at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. EV Manufacturing Push: Qatar’s first electric vehicle plant is set to start in early 2028 under a deal between JTA International Investment Holding and UK’s WATT Electric Vehicle Company, targeting Gulf conditions and scaling from domestic sales to GCC exports. Health & Skills: MCIT and Qatar Youth Hostels ran an AI tourism camp for ages 15–18, while Al Wakra Hospital’s urology unit renewed COEKSM re-accreditation for kidney stone management.