DOHA, October 13, 2026
Qatar’s Amir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, delivered a wide-ranging address on Tuesday at the opening of the 55th annual session of the Shura Council, outlining the country’s response to unprecedented regional challenges, its economic priorities, and its determination to defend national sovereignty while pursuing diplomacy and peaceful solutions.
Speaking before senior government officials, members of the Shura Council and foreign diplomats, the Amir presented a comprehensive assessment of Qatar’s political, economic and security situation, while setting out priorities for the next phase of national development.
The address began with a tribute to the late Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away earlier this year. Sheikh Tamim highlighted his father’s contribution to Qatar’s transformation, including the modernization of state institutions, the advancement of education, women’s empowerment and the strengthening of Qatar’s international standing.
Turning to regional security, the Amir condemned Iranian attacks on Qatari territory as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and international law.
He praised Qatar’s armed forces and security agencies for protecting the country during the conflict and paid tribute to those who lost their lives in its defense.
The Amir emphasized that Qatar’s response to the crisis had been guided by three fundamental responsibilities: defending its sovereignty, maintaining its contribution to global energy security and keeping diplomatic channels open.
He explained that Qatar had sought to prevent the conflict from escalating while maintaining essential public services, protecting economic activity, supporting ceasefire initiatives and encouraging a return to negotiations.
On the economy, Sheikh Tamim acknowledged the considerable impact of the regional conflict, particularly on Qatar’s energy exports.
He said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, combined with damage to energy facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City, had disrupted a significant portion of the country’s exports.
According to the Amir, government revenues declined by 42 percent during the first half of 2026, while public expenditure fell by 14 percent. Nevertheless, essential public services and major development priorities were preserved.
He noted that Qatar’s economy had recorded real growth of 2.9 percent in 2025, with average inflation of just 0.5 percent. He also highlighted the continued growth of non-hydrocarbon sectors, whose contribution reached approximately 80 percent of real gross domestic product.
Looking ahead, the Amir announced a portfolio of projects and investment opportunities worth approximately 221 billion Qatari riyals over the next five years.
These opportunities include infrastructure development, public-private partnerships, real estate and hospitality investments, reflecting the country’s commitment to economic diversification and private-sector participation.
The Amir also reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to expanding its energy production capacity through the North Field expansion project and the Golden Pass project in the United States, alongside investments in petrochemicals, renewable energy and water security.
Education and human development occupied a prominent place in the address.
Sheikh Tamim stressed that investment in people remains central to Qatar’s development strategy. He called for educational institutions to equip young people with the skills demanded by the labor market while preserving the Arabic language, national identity and cultural values.
He also emphasized the importance of improving education in public and private schools and meeting the needs of people with disabilities.
On government modernization, the Amir reported the development of more than 360 digital services and called for stronger institutional coordination, improved performance evaluation, administrative accountability and greater efficiency in public spending.
In foreign policy, the Amir reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, stressing that peaceful engagement does not diminish the country’s determination to defend its territory.
He underscored the importance of Gulf Cooperation Council unity, particularly in protecting regional security, maritime navigation, energy facilities and essential infrastructure.
Addressing the Palestinian question, Sheikh Tamim reiterated Qatar’s position that the events in Gaza constitute genocide and insisted that those responsible must be held accountable.
He also condemned Israeli actions against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and repeated incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
The Amir further called for comprehensive political settlements to the conflicts affecting Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia, emphasizing the importance of preserving territorial integrity and achieving lasting security and stability.
In concluding his address, Sheikh Tamim underlined that national resilience depends on long-term preparedness, economic diversification, effective institutions, social solidarity and individual responsibility.
His message combined determination to protect Qatar’s sovereignty with confidence in the country’s capacity to overcome regional turbulence, accelerate economic reforms and maintain its role as a diplomatic actor.
At a time of significant uncertainty across the Middle East, the address offered a clear statement of Qatar’s priorities: strengthening national security, safeguarding economic stability, investing in its people and pursuing peaceful solutions without compromising its sovereignty.
RAED BADAVVI
Reporting from Doha.
