AGP Executive Report

Qatar–France Talks: Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held a phone call with France’s Jean‑Noël Barrot, reviewing bilateral cooperation and urging de-escalation through US–Iran mediation, with Gaza and Lebanon also discussed. Heat Safety Push: Qatar’s Public Health Ministry issued practical heat-stress guidance for outdoor workers, while the Labour Ministry reiterates a summer ban on outdoor work from 10am to 3:30pm until Sept 15. World Cup Build-Up: Qatar’s national team continues preparations abroad, with players drawing warm reception in Santa Barbara ahead of a final friendly vs El Salvador before the June 11 tournament start. Sports in Qatar: FIBA says it is still planning the 2027 Basketball World Cup in Doha despite the Iran war, citing Qatar’s strong local support and ongoing preparations. Food Safety Day: The Public Health Ministry marks World Food Safety Day on June 7, recognising top performers under its Food Establishment Classification Programme and running hygiene awareness and virtual training for food handlers. Regional Weather: Qatar’s Meteorology Department warns of strong northwesterly winds and rougher seas offshore over the weekend. AFC Financing: Africa Finance Corporation raised a record $2bn syndicated loan to scale integrated infrastructure and industrial investments.

Nuclear Safety: Qatar condemned an attack on the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant at an emergency IAEA session, calling it a breach of international law and a serious regional risk. Weather Watch: Qatar Meteorology warned of strong northwesterly winds and rough seas offshore, with gusts reaching up to 35 knots at times. Aviation Update: Qatar Airways is boosting Doha–Dubai capacity to five daily flights in phases (up to 35 weekly), using Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft. Regional Health Measures: The UAE suspended visas and tightened entry rules for travellers from the DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan due to Ebola precautions. Payments & Finance: Qatar Central Bank expanded HIMYAN card acceptance to Bahrain, enabling purchases and cash withdrawals across the kingdom. Environment & Community: Lusail International Circuit signed on to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, while Al Rayyan received 885 blue recycling bins and 885 organic-waste grey bins as waste segregation rolls on. Sports (Qatar): Qatar plays El Salvador in a World Cup warm-up in Los Angeles on June 6 as Lopetegui finalises his squad.

World Environment Day: Lusail International Circuit has signed the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework, formalising a push on cutting climate impact, boosting education and promoting sustainable consumption—building on its FIA Three Star environmental accreditation. Environment & daily life: Qatar’s Environment Minister says protection is a national priority tied to quality of life and future generations, while the Municipality continues waste segregation at source, distributing 885 blue recycling bins and 885 grey organic-waste bins in Al Rayyan. Cyber safety: The National Cyber Security Agency launched Qatar’s first National Digital Safety Index to measure digital safety awareness and cybersecurity knowledge twice a year, guiding future campaigns and education. Transport & connectivity: Qatar Airways will ramp up Doha–Dubai flights from two to five daily in phases starting June 5. Sports & community: Qatar Basketball heads to Antalya for a June 11–20 training camp; Qatar Foundation’s Ladies Sport Night returns at Education City Stadium; and Qatar Museums unveils its June programme of exhibitions and family activities. Local economy: Real estate trading hit QAR 256.6m in sales contracts over May 24–25, with residential unit sales at QAR 21.0m.

Qatar diplomacy: Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held phone talks with France’s FM Jean-Noel Barrot and Turkey’s FM Hakan Fidan, focusing on de-escalation efforts over Iran, plus developments in Lebanon and Gaza, with Doha urging constructive engagement to reach sustainable stability. Regional ties: Qatar’s Minister of Municipality met the UAE ambassador to discuss boosting cooperation in municipal and related sectors, while Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun also spoke by phone with the Qatari PM on bilateral relations and the latest in Lebanon. Lebanon condemnation: Doha reiterated it condemns ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon as a dangerous escalation and a breach of international humanitarian law. Local regulation: MoCI urged compliance with updated tire storage rules (QS GSO 581:2021), setting requirements for safe storage conditions to protect quality and road safety. Transport enforcement: Qatar’s Ministry of Transport inspected 66 limousine vehicles during Eid Al Adha; three were found in violation and legal action followed. Culture & family: Qatar Museums unveiled its June programme, including National Museum bingo and Ocean Stickers Aquarium, plus Islamic Art Museum kids workshops. Business & payments: QCB expanded HIMYAN card acceptance to Bahrain, strengthening GCC payment integration. Sports support: DAAM signed a deal with QFA to fund the Qatar Fans Delegation for FIFA World Cup 2026 travel to the US and Canada. Tourism push: Visit Qatar highlighted sustainable tourism destinations for World Environment Day. Markets: Gulf stocks closed mixed as investors weighed a conditional Israel-Lebanon ceasefire and ongoing Iran-related tensions.

Qatar Football & World Cup Build-Up: Hassan Al Haydos says Qatar are “in a tough group” at FIFA World Cup 2026 but still believe in their chances, with focus on the opener against Switzerland. Sports & Youth: Qatar Chess Association wrapped up the Qatar Foundation Primary Schools Championship 2026, spotlighting 47 young players across six schools, while Lifeline Hackathon 2026 at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar drew record participation from 284 students and high schools. Olympics 2036: Fatima Al Kuwari has been appointed CEO of Qatar’s 2036 Olympic and Paralympic bid file. Cyber Skills: NCSA opened registration for the 3rd Summer Cyber Youth Camp 2026 for ages 13–17, running July 12 to Aug 6. Healthcare in the Community: Sheikh Jassim bin Jabr Al Thani Primary Healthcare Center in Azraq Camp reported 4,323 beneficiaries in April 2026. Payments Across the Gulf: Qatar Central Bank says the HIMYAN card is now accepted in Bahrain. Transport & Safety: MoT launched the updated Qatar Bicycle Master Plan, and QGOSM adopted new tyre sales-period regulations. Business & Diplomacy: Qatar Chamber met ambassadors from Germany, France, Australia and Jordan to boost trade and private-sector cooperation. Regional Markets: Gulf stocks edged up on hopes for US-Iran talks progress, even as tensions simmer.

Olympics 2036 Bid: Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari has been appointed CEO of Qatar’s Olympic and Paralympic Games 2036 bid file, tasked with leading the bid’s strategy and coordination with local and international partners. World Cup Diplomacy: Qatar’s Local Organising Committee CEO Jassim Al Jassim highlighted how Qatar’s World Cup 2022 legacy is supporting preparations for FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America at a Sports Diplomacy Summit in Washington. Education & Community: Qatar Foundation schools held a graduation ceremony for 401 students with Sheikha Moza in attendance, while Sports City Advertising Company and Qatar Foundation for Social Work signed an MoU to boost social awareness campaigns. Transport & Safety: The Ministry of Transport launched an updated Qatar Bicycle Master Plan, and Ashghal says it has delivered 3,430km of cycling paths since 2013. Standards Update: Qatar’s standards body and QGOSM adopted new technical controls allowing an extra six-month sales period for certain tires, with added consumer warranty requirements. Regional Tensions: Qatar condemned Iranian attacks on civilian targets in Kuwait and Bahrain, including the Kuwait airport strike. Public Health: Qatar’s MoPH recalled a Godiva chocolate bar over an undeclared egg allergen. Culture & Training: Al Jazeera Media Institute announced a Public Relations Diploma starting June 6, and Katara set summer beach access hours from 3:30pm to 11pm daily.

Qatar Condemns Iran Attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain: Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned Iranian attacks on civilian targets, including Kuwait Airport, calling it a grave breach of sovereignty and international humanitarian law, and reaffirmed solidarity with Kuwait and Bahrain while urging de-escalation. Tax Compliance Push: The General Tax Authority (GTA) held specialised workshops for audit firms to boost practical tax knowledge and improve compliance with the latest legislative and procedural updates. Qatar Fashion Goes North America: Three designers backed by M7 made their runway debut at Fashion Art Toronto as part of the Qatar-Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture, linking creative talent with international buyers. Qatar Chamber Set for June 4 Assembly: Qatar Chamber will hold its second General Assembly on June 4 in Lusail, reviewing 2025 reports, approving the 2026 budget, and appointing an auditor. World Cup Countdown: FIFA published final World Cup 2026 squads, with Qatar preparing for its campaign opener against Switzerland on June 13. Cyber Privacy Guidance: Qatar’s NCSA outlined a five-tier data classification approach to help companies manage and secure personal and corporate data.

Qatar’s Mediation Push: Qatar told the UN General Assembly it will keep backing mediation, dialogue and preventive diplomacy as key tools to prevent conflict and protect international peace, citing growing global instability. Holy Sites Condemnation: Foreign ministers from Qatar, UAE, Jordan, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia condemned Israeli settlers’ continued incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque under Israeli protection, calling it a violation of international law. World Cup Security & Diplomacy: Qatar’s security force for FIFA World Cup 2026 says it has completed preparations, while Qatar’s PM met the IAEA chief to review cooperation and Iran nuclear talks. Education Investment Outlook: Qatar’s education sector is projected to nearly double to about $13.22bn by 2034, driven by public spending, PPP school expansion and rising demand. Katara Heritage Event: Katara launched the Katara One Loft Race 2026, an international homing pigeon competition with a $205,000 prize pool. Labour Cooperation: Qatar’s Labour Minister met counterparts from Syria, Lebanon and Sudan to discuss joint labour-sector cooperation. Startup Support: Startup Grind Doha partnered with ArcPath Partners to reduce compliance and administrative burdens for Qatar’s founders. Sports Spotlight: Qatar’s Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, of Indian origin, was highlighted as a Qatar World Cup 2026 squad pick.

Qatar–Uzbek Trade Push: Qatar Chamber met Uzbekistan’s chamber in Tashkent to activate the Qatari-Uzbek Joint Business Council, agree priority sectors, and explore halal and investment opportunities. World Cup Focus: Julen Lopetegui named Qatar’s final 26-player FIFA World Cup 2026 squad, with Akram Afif and Almoez Ali leading the attack as Qatar opens against Switzerland on June 13. Heat Safety Rules: The Labour Ministry launched a nationwide heat-stress awareness drive ahead of summer outdoor work limits, with restricted hours from 10:00am to 3:30pm. Digital Skills Drive: MCIT unveiled a Digital Skills Framework roundtable to standardise and benchmark digital competencies across sectors. Healthcare Access: PHCC added Al Waab Health Centre to weekend services, bringing weekend-operating centres to 22 nationwide. Summer Line-Up: Qatar Calendar’s “Hala Summer” programme kicks off with sport, exhibitions, and family entertainment across June. Biodiversity Win: Qatar Gene Bank preserved 11.36 million seeds, safeguarding about 75% of the nation’s wild plant diversity. Regional Markets: Gulf stocks were mixed as investors watched US-Iran peace talks.

World Cup 2026 Refereeing: Qatar Football Association officials joined FIFA’s referee preparation course in Miami, with the programme running until June 9 ahead of the tournament in June 11–July 19. Lebanon Travel Disruption: Flights to and from Beirut were cancelled after Israel said it would resume strikes, with evacuations and displacement concerns rising. Qatar Food Safety Crackdown: Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality temporarily closed three eateries for food safety violations, including a 3-day shutdown for Cafeteria Al Naimi and longer partial closures for others. Sports Calendar & Youth Football: National Sport Day Award 2026 entries are open, and Qatar also revealed the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026 group-stage match schedule. Healthcare Access: PHCC expanded weekend services by adding Al Waab Health Center to its network. Regional Security: Qatar condemned repeated Iranian attacks on Kuwait and urged de-escalation. Qatar Ports Boom: Mwani Qatar reported ports handled 73,000+ containers in May, up 44% month-on-month. Summer Heat Protection: Labour Ministry launched a nationwide heat-stress awareness campaign ahead of regulated outdoor working hours.

Qatar Health Push: PHCC ran World Hypertension Day awareness (May 13–21) urging regular blood pressure checks and healthier habits, while PHCC also launched “Ahlan for Oral Health 2026” to protect older adults’ smiles with home-based exams, caregiver training and mobile dental support. No Tobacco Drive: MoPH marked World No Tobacco Day 2026 with a campaign warning “Don’t be deceived, it’s more dangerous than you think!”, plus school lectures and myth-busting activities; QIB also held an employee awareness day with cancer society support. Student Innovation: UDST hosted its 2026 Student Symposium on Innovation and Enterprise, showcasing about 100 capstone projects and research across computing, engineering, business and more. Education & Culture: Qatar National Library unveiled a month of programming for families, researchers and history lovers, including sessions on parenting resilience and open-access publishing. Eid Community Life: UDC wrapped Eid Al-Adha activations across The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, while Qatar’s “hour and hour” event brought families together with folk arts and performances. Policy & Economy: GTA issued a guide for Qatar’s new excise tax model on sweetened drinks, effective July 6, 2026, using sugar-content tiers. Sports & Qatar on the World Stage: Qatar’s Youssef Abdulaziz and team won 4x400m relay silver in Hong Kong, and a Qatari designer created Pierre Gasly’s Canadian GP helmet for the Years of Culture initiative.

Champions League celebrations: PSG sealed a back-to-back European title, beating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Budapest, then returned to Paris for a huge parade and a visit with President Emmanuel Macron—though the night was marred by unrest, arrests, and injuries. Qatar summer updates: Qatar Meteorology flagged June as Doha’s third-hottest month, with averages around 34.7°C and dusty, windy conditions; the Ministry of Labour also set regulated outdoor work hours from June 1 (no outdoor work 10am–3:30pm). Tax and prices: Qatar’s General Tax Authority issued a guide for the new excise tax tiered model on sweetened drinks starting July 6, 2026; QatarEnergy set June fuel prices, with super-grade petrol rising to QR2.10/litre. Regional diplomacy: Qatar condemned Israeli attacks on Lebanon and urged full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701; Qatar’s foreign ministry also discussed Lebanon developments in a call with Lebanon’s deputy PM. Local life: Katara Hospitality launched “Summer Your Way” with up to 40% savings across Qatar resorts; PHCC reported 18,769 patients served across 21 health centres during Eid Al-Adha.

Champions League Drama: PSG made history by defending their title, beating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Budapest, with Luis Enrique’s rebuild and Qatar-linked ownership in the spotlight. Arsenal Bounce-Back Talk: Declan Rice said the heartbreak is “only the start” as Arsenal look to finally conquer Europe. Hormuz Shipping Tensions: Qatar opposes permanent Strait of Hormuz shipping tolls, but says short-term fees could be “negotiable” if tied to mine-clearing and security. Maritime Alert: Oman warned mariners after a suspected floating mine was spotted in the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar Sports (Beach Volleyball): Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan reached the Ostrava Elite 16 semifinals after a 2-1 quarterfinal win. Skywatching: Qatar Calendar House says a “Blue Moon” will be visible Sunday evening, with moonrise at 6:39pm and full moon at 11:45am Doha time. Public Health: Qatar’s MoPH launched a hand hygiene and infection prevention campaign, including a webinar for 6,700 healthcare professionals. Cybersecurity: A Doha expert warned Middle East cybercrime is increasingly about human behaviour, not just software flaws.

Weather Watch: Doha hit 47°C and Qatar Meteorology warned of a hotter, drier spell, plus a marine alert for strong winds and rough seas offshore from Saturday into next week. Public Health: MoPH launched a national hand-hygiene and infection-prevention campaign, with a WHO-backed webinar drawing 6,700 healthcare professionals. Food Safety: Municipality inspectors checked 14,584 slaughtered animals across 12 abattoirs by May 29 evening. Cybersecurity: NCSA delivered specialised training on Qatar’s National Data Classification Policy and Information Assurance Standard to strengthen national cyber capabilities. Eid Wrap-Up: Katara and Aman Center closed Eid Al-Adha festivities with big crowds, family activities, and cultural entertainment. Hajj Praise: Qatari pilgrims praised Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah services, while the Amir sent congratulations to Saudi on the successful Hajj season. Transport & Trade: MoCI said Single Window Services will reopen tomorrow after Eid, while the Transport Ministry automated 14 maritime e-services. Sports: Qatar’s beach volleyball duo Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan reached the Ostrava Elite16 Round of 16; and Qatar’s beach volleyball team will face Sweden next. Community: Karnataka Sangha Qatar held a mega blood donation camp in Doha. Energy & Diplomacy: Qatar’s mediation role remains in focus as US-Iran ceasefire talks hinge on actions, not words. In Memoriam: Large crowds attended the funeral of former energy minister Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah.

Hajj Update: Qatari pilgrims praised the Hajj 1447 AH organisation, saying Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah services were smoother thanks to round-the-clock medical, logistics and guidance support, with close coordination between Qatar’s Hajj Mission and Saudi authorities. Digital Transport: Qatar’s Ministry of Transport has automated 14 more maritime e-services, letting users handle big-vessel and seafarer transactions online anytime. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister met Singapore’s foreign minister on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, discussing security developments and cooperation. Heat Alert: Doha hit 47°C, with forecasts warning of an intensifying heat spell and advice to limit direct sun exposure during peak hours. Eid Culture: Katara wrapped up its Eid al-Adha celebrations after three days drawing thousands with music, family activities and heritage events. Lifestyle & Leisure: With travel costs and uncertainty, more Doha residents are choosing staycations for Eid and weekends. Sports & Community: Qatar’s beach volleyball duo Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan lost in Ostrava but are set for a key match next; meanwhile, Qatar mourned former energy minister Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah after his burial in northern Doha. International Talks: Iran reiterated it will trust US actions, not words, as US-Iran ceasefire extension talks await Trump’s approval. Local Events: Sneaker Con Doha opened at DECC, bringing rare footwear, streetwear and family-friendly entertainment.

Hajj in Mina: Qatar’s pilgrims are in the final Tashreeq days, stoning the Jamarat under tight Qatari Hajj Mission monitoring, with 24/7 clinics, rapid-response teams and around 600 cases treated so far. Public Health: MoPH renewed its push for RSV vaccination, stressing it can be serious for infants and is available free via PHCC and HMC. Digital Security: NCSA outlined the pillars of Qatar’s Data Classification Policy to strengthen digital protection across institutions. Eid Life in Doha: Katara Corniche and Katara Cultural Village kept families busy with heritage shows, fireworks and planetarium science sessions, while Old Doha Port, Souq Waqif and Al Bidda Park drew crowds. Eid Economy: Hotels reported an Eid staycation surge, and retail/wholesale activity picked up as shoppers stocked up on food, gifts and festive essentials. Travel & Entry Rules: HIA advised arriving passengers on baggage and transport, and the Ministry of Interior ended temporary entry visa extensions from June 7. Sports: Qatar’s beach volleyball duo Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan started strong in the Beach Pro Tour in Ostrava; Olympic 400m champion Marileidy Paulino opens her Diamond League bid in Doha on June 19. Regional Diplomacy: Emir Sheikh Tamim spoke by phone with US President Trump on Middle East developments, highlighting de-escalation and dialogue.