AGP Executive Report

Retail Expansion: LuLu Group plans to invest QR500m (US$137m) in three new Qatar hypermarkets in Baraha Town (Abu Hamour), Al Waab and Qetaifan Island, with construction under way and openings expected in 8–10 months, as it also discusses three more retail projects. Capital Markets: Qatar Stock Exchange ended the week down 2.18% to 10,281 points, with industrial, telecoms and transport among the biggest decliners, as investors look ahead to Q2 earnings and reassess risk amid softer oil and tighter global financing. Energy & Trade Security: GCC and US ministers reaffirmed strategic ties and backed de-escalation with Iran, while stressing the need for free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and rejecting any tolls; Iran, meanwhile, condemned the US-GCC statement as “interventionist” and “provocative.” Shipping Watch: Strait of Hormuz traffic continued after an attack on a container vessel, with ship-tracking showing gradual recovery despite renewed owner caution. Labour & Regulation: Qatar introduced major labour law reforms aimed at improving market efficiency and the investment climate. Community & Education: Qatar’s MoEHE expanded a social responsibility initiative, providing over 9,000 free and discounted school seats, and reopened voucher applications via the Maaref portal. Health Promotion: PHCC ran hydration awareness sessions for older adults across EHSAN branches to reduce summer dehydration and heat-related risks.

Qatar Labour Reform: Qatar’s Ministry of Labour says amendments to Labour Law No. (9) of 2026 aim to make the labour market more flexible and stable, including rules for part-time and freelance work under future frameworks, tighter oversight of recruitment offices, and clearer guidance on non-compete clauses. HSBC Wealth Expansion: HSBC Qatar opened its new headquarters in Msheireb Downtown Doha, featuring the bank’s first Wealth Centre for Premier and high-net-worth clients, with private consultations and specialist relationship management. US-GCC Hormuz Stance: At a Manama ministerial meeting, the US and GCC backed reopening the Strait of Hormuz with free, unconditional navigation and rejected any tolls or attempts to control the waterway; Qatar and Pakistan were cited for mediation roles in US-Iran talks. Qatar in Regional Diplomacy: Qatar participated in the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026 in Gdańsk, with QFFD representation focused on reconstruction coordination, infrastructure and financing for long-term recovery. Energy & LNG Policy Pressure: LNG exporters including Qatar warned the EU that methane rules could disrupt supply in 2027, while Qatar-linked shipping and Hormuz transit concerns continue to move oil markets. Qatar’s Digital Reporting: MoCI and QFIU signed a mechanism to regulate registration of reporting entities on the Ekhtar platform, improving electronic suspicious transaction reporting coordination. Disaster Relief Watch: Qatar-based rescue support is among international teams responding to Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, with death toll and missing persons figures still rising.

Energy Policy: Qatar joined the US, Nigeria and Algeria in an open letter urging the EU to clarify and amend its Methane Regulation to protect LNG supply and energy security. Maritime & Oil Markets: As Strait of Hormuz traffic gradually resumes after the US-Iran MOU, Brent slipped to pre-Iran-war levels near $72/bbl, with Kpler data pointing to rising crude, LNG and fertiliser shipments. Regional Diplomacy: GCC and US officials kicked off talks in Bahrain with Marco Rubio saying any Iran deal must account for Gulf security, including no charges for using international waterways. Qatar Economy & Infrastructure: Dukhan Bank priced a $500m perpetual Additional Tier 1 sukuk at a 6% profit rate, tightening to the region’s tightest AT1 yield so far this year. Local Governance & Real Estate: Aqarat launched a confidential digital reporting service to let people flag suspected real-estate violations securely. Urban Development: Ashghal completed redevelopment of Al Asiri and Faleh markets in central Doha, upgrading shopfronts, signage, lighting and surrounding streets. Business & Disputes: A Qatar-based Pakistani banker alleged FBR emptied his Doha Bank account and is pursuing remaining assets despite claims of proof of foreign income.

Healthcare Milestone: Hamad Medical Corporation’s Nuclear Medicine Molecular Imaging section has been accredited by SNMMI USA as a Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Centre of Excellence, positioning it among the first centres outside the US for advanced radiopharmaceutical therapy. Power & Renewables: Kahramaa signed QR2.2bn in contracts to expand and upgrade the western electricity network, linking the Dukhan Solar Power Project to the national grid via new substations and cable/line works. Urban Commerce Upgrade: Ashghal completed refurbishment of Al Asiri Souq and Faleh Souq in Central Doha, modernising shopfronts, signage, lighting and access while preserving architectural character. E-commerce Logistics: Qatar Post launched the new CONNECTED service, giving Qatar shoppers international shipping addresses and home delivery from major retailers in the US, UK, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Jordan. Energy Diplomacy & Markets: Qatar and the US urged the EU to amend methane rules for oil and gas imports, warning of supply disruption; JERA expects LNG prices to stay relatively stable as Qatar’s LNG repairs take time. Regional Security: Qatar’s PM said a US-Iran hotline is crucial to prevent misinformation and ensure safe navigation as Hormuz reopening and LNG recovery proceed.

Cyber Safety: Qatar’s Ministry of Labour warned residents against scams that ask people to transfer money to personal accounts, stressing that official fees go through approved channels ending in mol.gov.qa and urging users not to share OTPs or passwords; report suspected fraud via hotline 16505. Healthcare Quality: Hamad Medical Corporation’s Nuclear Medicine Molecular Imaging unit earned SNMMI USA accreditation as a Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Centre of Excellence, positioning it among the first centres outside the US and highlighting expansion of treatment for multiple conditions. Trade & Logistics: Qatar Post launched “Connected,” an integrated international shipping service that gives customers dedicated overseas addresses to buy from major online retailers and receive secure home delivery in Qatar, with tracking and cash-on-delivery options. Energy & Shipping: Oman, with the IMO, announced a temporary transit corridor in the Strait of Hormuz without tolls, as more tankers exit and global supply gradually improves. LNG Outlook: Qatar’s PM said normal LNG output should resume within weeks, though damaged trains may stay offline longer. Business & Finance: QIA will invest €432m in RWE’s equity raise, lifting its stake to 9.87%, while GWC and Meydan Free Zone teamed up to simplify setup and regional expansion. Digital Governance: Qatar’s MoCI issued an advisory on verifying official links for government services and the Single Window Platform to avoid online fraud.

Qatar’s Digital Push: Qatar launched a Government Scholarship Plan Digital Transformation Programme for 2026/2027, offering stipends up to QR20,000 a month for students in digital fields abroad, with “scholarship ending with employment” and job-linked tracks aligned to labour-market needs. Economic Resilience Ranking: Qatar was named among the world’s top five for economic resilience in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, topping the region for balance of trade and unemployment metrics and ranking highly on entrepreneurship and business competitiveness. Energy & Finance Moves: Qatar Investment Authority will invest €432mn as a cornerstone in RWE’s €4bn equity raise, lifting its stake to 9.87% and boosting RWE’s position in Germany’s grid via Amprion. Diplomacy & Business Links: Qatar Chamber joined UNIDO’s Vienna dialogue on industrial recovery for Syria, Palestine and Sudan, and also met West African diplomats from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to discuss trade and investment. Regional Trade Watch: With Strait of Hormuz reopening, shipping activity is rising sharply, while uncertainty remains around how quickly normal flows and LNG/energy arrangements will fully stabilise.

US-Iran Deal Momentum: US Vice President JD Vance says talks in Switzerland laid a “good foundation” for a final peace deal, with mediators Pakistan and Qatar pushing a 60-day roadmap and mechanisms to keep the Strait of Hormuz open—though Iran denies any new nuclear commitments and rejects claims about IAEA access to bombed sites. Sanctions & Oil Markets: The US temporarily waived Iran oil sanctions for 60 days (until Aug 21), allowing Iran to sell crude and related products in US dollars, a move that helped ease oil prices and revive shipping activity. Hormuz Shipping Watch: Le Monde/Kpler data cited record traffic through the Strait of Hormuz (36 vessels on Monday), while Iran’s parliament speaker says Hormuz management won’t return to pre-crisis conditions. Qatar Business & Trade: Qatar Chamber joined an EU-Qatar dialogue on safe, resilient food trade, stressing regulatory transparency and Qatar’s practical food-security experience; Qatar also explored economic cooperation with Finland, including a proposed business forum. Qatar Energy Incident: QatarEnergy reported a major LNG complex blast at Ras Laffan that killed 13 and injured dozens, with authorities describing it as an operational/technical incident.

Qatar Energy Safety: Qatar reported a deadly blast at Ras Laffan’s Barzan gas facility during restart operations, killing 13 and injuring 66; officials say exports and domestic supply were not impacted and investigations are ongoing. US-Iran Diplomacy (Qatar role): The US and Iran wrapped a first Switzerland round, agreeing a 60-day roadmap toward a final deal, with technical talks set to continue; Qatar and Pakistan are mediating and a mechanism is discussed to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and reduce Lebanon clashes. Sanctions & Oil Markets: The US temporarily waived Iran oil sanctions for 60 days (until Aug 21), allowing Iran to sell crude and receive payments, while tanker traffic through Hormuz reportedly picked up and oil prices eased. Energy Cooperation: Qatar’s energy minister held talks with France on boosting bilateral energy cooperation. Transport Update: Qatar Rail will suspend Lusail Tram services from June 26 to July 5 for network upgrades, with replacement buses and MetroExpress/Metrolink coverage. Business & Skills: UDST launched an Executive Master of Health Administration with partners including the University of Ottawa, targeting future healthcare leaders. Real Estate: UDC confirmed redevelopment works at Perlita Gardens on The Pearl Island after its QR625mn acquisition, aiming to deliver a premium villa community.

Qatar Energy & LNG Safety: A “technical incident” during restart operations at Ras Laffan’s Barzan gas supply facility triggered a major explosion, injuring 54 people and leaving 18 missing; QatarEnergy said the blast occurred during restart work, while authorities reported no threat to public safety and emergency response teams are continuing searches. US-Iran Diplomacy (Qatar/Pakistan mediation): Mediators Qatar and Pakistan say the first high-level round in Switzerland ended with “encouraging progress,” agreeing a 60-day roadmap toward a final deal, plus a de-confliction cell for Lebanon and a direct communication line to reduce risks in the Strait of Hormuz; Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi also claimed sanctions-related relief including oil/petrochemical export waivers and release of some frozen assets. Regional Trade & Markets: Oil prices slipped as talks improved sentiment, while Gulf markets edged higher; Qatar’s QSE opened down 0.11% as real estate, telecoms, consumer goods, banks and industrials weighed, though transportation and insurance rose. Mobility & Loyalty: Mowasalat (Karwa) partnered with Qatar Airways Privilege Club, letting members earn Avios on eligible Karwa taxi and chauffeur rides, linking accounts for automatic crediting. Qatar Governance: The Shura Council backed an amended animal welfare draft law and reviewed agenda items, reinforcing Qatar’s policy agenda alongside its international diplomacy role. Talent & Finance Careers: Qatar’s Ministry of Labour joined a Graduate Career Path Forum with HSBC Qatar to connect graduates in business and finance with private-sector roles, including a panel on sustainable finance and Qatar’s future economy. Arbitration & Trade Law: QICCA at Qatar Chamber appointed Sheikh Dr. Thani bin Ali Al Thani to CRCICA’s Board of Trustees, highlighting Qatar’s continued push in international dispute resolution.

US-Iran Talks Under Strain: Negotiations in Switzerland aimed at turning a US-Iran MoU into a longer-term settlement got off to a rocky start after Donald Trump threatened fresh strikes over Hezbollah and Strait of Hormuz concerns, while Iran’s delegation later walked out after meeting Qatar as mediator; the talks are meant to cover nuclear, Lebanon and maritime issues, with mediators Pakistan and Qatar in the room. Qatar’s Mediation Role: Qatar’s ambassador to Switzerland said Qatari diplomacy helped Pakistan-led efforts reach the MoU, calling it a milestone toward stability and a new phase of dialogue, with Qatar and Pakistan mediating technical groups at Burgenstock/Lucerne. Energy & Safety Watch: QatarEnergy reported an operational incident at the Barzan local gas supply facility in Ras Laffan triggered an explosion and fire; emergency teams contained it, while Qatar’s Interior Ministry said injuries were reported and no public-safety leaks were detected. Startup Momentum: Qatar’s startup ecosystem ranked 8th in MENA in the GSER 2026, with average time to exit at 9 years (vs 11.2 global) and venture funding nearly doubling to $58.7m in 2025. Regional Business Impact: Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye welcomed the US-Iran MoU in a joint statement, stressing de-escalation and the need to move quickly to the next negotiation stage.

US-Iran Talks in Switzerland: US VP JD Vance arrived in Switzerland for high-stakes negotiations with Iran, with Pakistan and Qatar mediating, as both sides try to turn a 60-day ceasefire framework into a wider nuclear and regional security deal amid Israel-Hezbollah tensions. Frozen Funds via Qatar: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said $6bn in frozen Iranian assets held in Qatar will be released as talks begin, tied to US assurances on Iran’s nuclear programme. Strait of Hormuz Risk: Iran again claimed it closed the Strait of Hormuz, while the US disputed the claim and said shipping continued—keeping energy-market uncertainty front and centre. QCB Digital Payments: Qatar Central Bank enabled cash withdrawals at ATMs using the HIMYAN national card tokenisation feature via Apple Pay, pushing cardless convenience and digital transformation. QSE Market Snapshot: Qatar’s stock market edged up in May, with real estate, industrials and transport leading gains. Qatar Food Security as a Business Lever: An IFC official said Qatar’s food resilience—like high self-sufficiency in dairy and poultry—can attract agrifood investment by stabilising supply chains. Qatar Chamber Trade Moves: Qatar Chamber met Thailand’s trade officials to boost private-sector trade and investment links. Banking Prize: QIIB named the May winner of its ‘Joud’ savings account monthly prize worth QR100,000. Qatar-Linked Corporate/Geopolitics: Reuters reports Qatar’s QIA has raised concerns over Volkswagen talks to use its Osnabrück plant for Rafael (Iron Dome components), potentially complicating the deal.

US-Iran Talks & Hormuz Shock: Iran says it closed the Strait of Hormuz again over Israel’s Lebanon attacks, while the US says traffic is still flowing and its forces are monitoring; amid the dispute, US VP JD Vance and Iran’s delegation are heading to Switzerland for technical talks on the interim US-Iran framework, with Pakistan and Qatar mediators involved and a 60-day deadline looming over any final deal. Qatar-Germany Trade Push: Qatar Chamber held a Qatar–North Rhine-Westphalia roundtable in Berlin to connect markets and spur private-sector partnerships, with Qatar’s delegation led by Sheikha Tamader Al Thani. Refugee Funding in Lebanon: UNHCR and Qatar Charity signed agreements worth QR3.08m to support 15,000+ vulnerable displaced people in Lebanon and the MENA region, alongside a US$10m IsDB-backed GIFR donor contribution. Qatar’s Diplomatic Role: India’s ambassador to Qatar praised Qatar’s mediation in ending West Asia hostilities, citing Doha’s broader track record as a trusted mediator. Nation Brand Index: Iraq ranked 73rd globally in 2026, while Qatar placed 37th worldwide among Arab states, reflecting investment attractiveness, governance and influence. Aviation Recovery Watch: Gulf airlines are gradually returning toward pre-war flight levels as airspace reopens, with Qatar Airways among carriers near or above 90% of earlier capacity.

US–Qatar Iran Funds: The Wall Street Journal reports the US is exploring with Qatar a mechanism to unfreeze about $6bn from frozen Iranian assets in Doha for humanitarian goods (food, medicine) via Iran’s central bank, as part of the wider US–Iran de-escalation framework. Middle East Ceasefire Watch: A fragile Israel–Hezbollah ceasefire in Lebanon is being tested by renewed strikes and ongoing uncertainty over US–Iran talks in Switzerland, with Qatar named among mediators. Qatar’s Aviation Role: Qatar’s gift is also in the spotlight as the US unveils a converted Boeing 747 Air Force One—previously configured for the Qatari royal family—while L3Harris delivers the first VC-25B presidential jet from a converted Qatari 747-8I. Water & Desalination Deals: VA Tech Wabag expands in the Gulf with a UAE wastewater contract (Ajman Sewage Biorefinery Plant) and a Kuwait desalination project (Doha SWRO Stage II). Sports & Business Angle: Qatar-linked World Cup developments include Canada’s record win over Qatar and the US clinching Group D, setting up knockout scenarios.

US–Iran Diplomacy: Talks in Switzerland to implement the US-Iran interim MOU were postponed after Lebanon fighting flared, with the Strait of Hormuz reopening still cautious as mines and hundreds of ships remain in limbo. Energy & Trade: The reopening is expected to ease oil and LNG pressure, but market watchers warn the disruption has reshaped risk thinking for LNG flows and shipping security. Qatar’s Role: Qatar is repeatedly cited as a key mediator in the US-Iran track, and a report says Qatar Development Bank is shifting to coordinate startup demand at scale to close the “customer access” gap. Regional Policy: The EU reaffirmed freedom of navigation through Hormuz and urged compliance on Iran’s nuclear obligations, while also pressing for aid access and an end to settler violence in Gaza/West Bank and Lebanon de-escalation. Aviation & Business: Trump unveiled a newly converted Air Force One, a formerly Qatari-owned Boeing 747, as the US retires the older 747 after 35 years. Finance & Development: IsDB signed multiple financing agreements in Baku, spanning transport, energy, education and rural livelihoods. Travel & Payments: The Philippines jumped to No. 5 in a Muslim travel index, and South Africa is looking at India’s UPI model after a cross-border rollout with Nepal.

US-Iran Peace Process: Planned follow-up talks in Switzerland were postponed after JD Vance’s trip was cancelled, with Switzerland saying preparations at Burgenstock continue but no new date is set; the interim deal aims to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ease sanctions and restart nuclear talks within 60 days, though key questions remain on nuclear limits and Lebanon’s ceasefire. Qatar’s Role in Regional Stability: Qatar is repeatedly cited as a mediator in the US-Iran track, while the wider Gulf travel picture is easing as the UK relaxes guidance for Qatar and the UAE. Energy & Markets Watch: With Hormuz traffic picking up, oil and gas prices are reacting—UK gas prices fell on easing supply risks—while Qatar, as the world’s top LNG exporter, is preparing to rapidly resume LNG output at Ras Laffan. Qatar Capital Markets: Moody’s affirmed stable ratings for eight Qatari banks, and Qatar Stock Exchange closed the week up 2.41% as analysts point to improving fundamentals and upcoming Q2 earnings. Startup & Business Ecosystem: USQBC Doha and IFC convened a high-level dialogue to accelerate Qatar’s startup ecosystem, launching a roadmap study aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. Regulation & Compliance: MCIT and BSI ran a Business Continuity Management workshop to support ISO 22301 certification readiness across public sector teams.

US–Iran MoU & Hormuz reopening: The US and Iran signed a 14-point interim peace deal that ends hostilities, starts 60-day nuclear talks, and lifts the US naval blockade on maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports, with early signs of tanker flows and energy-price relief. Qatar’s diplomatic role: Qatar is credited with helping facilitate the agreement; Iran’s president thanked Doha during a call with Emir Sheikh Tamim, while Qatar welcomed the MoU as a step toward regional stability. Frozen funds for trade: Reports say Iran may access about $6bn of frozen oil funds (held in Qatar) in phases to buy non-sanctioned US goods, tied to deal implementation. Qatar private education rules: MOEHE launched a new School Fees Policy for private schools and kindergartens, effective from the 2027–2028 academic year, setting a unified framework for approving and adjusting fees. Qatar business & logistics: Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC) launched an air-to-land logistics corridor from Doha using the TIR system to move cargo across GCC markets under a single customs document. QSE sentiment: Qatar Stock Exchange’s index closed up 2.41% week-on-week, with analysts citing improving regional developments and investor confidence. Qatar Airways leadership: Qatar Airways named Abdulla Ali as COO and Calum Laming as CCO, as it pushes ahead with summer network expansion and customer-experience upgrades. Regional condemnation: Qatar joined other Muslim-majority states in condemning escalating Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank, including attacks on mosques.