Qatar - AL-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Qatar cover image

Qatar

June 20, 2025

Doha 2:22 pm

42°C

Muslim worshippers make their way towards the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in in the holy city of Mecca to take part in morning prayers on the first day of Eid Al-Adha, the feast of the sacrifice, early on June 6, 2025.

In photos: Muslims kick off Eid al-Adha across the Middle East

The holiday’s arrival cast a spotlight on deepening humanitarian crises, leadership transitions and shifting regional dynamics.

Latest News

Syria courts Gulf investment with high-level Qatar visit amid $7B energy deal

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Al-Shaibani met with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in the Qatari capital, Doha, on June 3, 2025.

Qatari-led consortium signs $7B deal with Syria for 5,000 MW of electricity

Syria electrical poles

Saudi Arabia's flyadeal joins growing list of airlines flying to Syria

This picture shows a Syrian Arab Airlines Airbus A320-200 aircraft and the control tower at Damascus international airport as the new Syrian authorities prepare to reopen it, on December 16, 2024.

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Sebastian Castelier

In Dubai, reporting on regional business

Jennifer Gnana

Gulf Correspondent

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Vanessa Ghanem

In Dubai, reporting on business, energy and politics

Kate Dourian

In Dubai, reporting on energy

Karen Young

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 21: Angelo Ogbonna of West Ham United battles for possession with Rodrigo Moreno of Leeds United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United at London Stadium on May 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim awaits Manchester United decision as West Ham rumors swirl

A report by El Pais linked the Qatari royal to the east London-based team.

Yemen water shortage

Entire UAE, Qatar, Bahrain populations vulnerable to extreme heat, study says

The UAE is particularly vulnerable, with more than 80% of its population exposed to extreme heat even after a 1.5 C (34.7 F) rise in global temperatures over pre-industrial levels.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud (L) shakes hands with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.

Germany, Italy hold talks with Saudi Arabia, Qatar to strengthen energy ties

Italy is looking for capital from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund for a new fund Rome is setting up to help domestic companies in strategically important sectors.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) poses with Hungarian Prime minister Viktor Orbán after they met for discussions on Syria and migration on Nov. 7, 2019 in Budapest, Hungary.

Turkey Election: Foreign allies prematurely rush to congratulate Erdogan

In a split from standard diplomatic practices, the Turkish President’s foreign allies openly voiced their support of Erdogan ahead of a critical runoff poll.

Qatar rugby

Qatar makes bid to host Rugby League World Cup

Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are all working to host more international sporting events as they diversify their economies. Rugby league has a following in Lebanon, but is relatively unknown in the region.

People walk past a poster showing the portrait of Kemal Kilicdaroglu, presidential candidate of the main opposition alliance, and the words translating to "Promise to You," Istanbul, Turkey, May 05, 2023.

Analysis

Turkey Elections: Gulf investments likely to be challenged if Erdogan loses

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader of the Republican People’s Party and presidential competitor, said he will reevaluate Gulf country purchases in Turkey if he wins in the May 14 elections.

By Salim A. Essaid

Qatar Airways Cargo

Qatar Airways becomes first Middle East airline with cargo hub in Africa

The Qatar Airways Group, which owns Qatar Airways Cargo, already owns a 49% stake in RwandAir, Rwanda's national carrier.

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United controls the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on April 30, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Qatari royal to invest $1bn more in Manchester United bid: report

Despite the sweetened offer from the Qatari banker, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe is understood to be the favorite to buy the English soccer club, according to reports.

King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa greets Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Abu Dhabi, Jan. 18, 2023.

US welcomes Bahrain, Qatar deal to restore relations

The State Department applauded the "breakthrough" agreement reached between the two US partners in the Middle East.

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani hosts UAE's national security advisor Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed and deputy prime minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed at Lusail Palace in Doha. (Qatar’s Diwan)

Analysis

Qatar-UAE 'fraternal' meetings offer sign of growing rapprochement

Although immediate economic partnerships or deals from the UAE and Qatar meetings have yet to be announced, the latest meetings are still a sign that the two Gulf nations are headed into a thaw after years of boycott.

By Salim A. Essaid

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in Saint Petersburg on October 11, 2022. (Photo by PAVEL BEDNYAKOV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Ukraine war at year 1: Has Gulf's neutrality on Russia invasion paid off?

Gulf countries — mainly the United Arab Emirates, then Qatar — as well as Turkey have been major recipients of Russian real estate investment in addition to direct financial injections.

By Salim A. Essaid

Saudi traders work at a bank in Riyadh on March 19, 2008. Asian stocks soared today after a big bounce on Wall Street as the US Federal Reserve slashed interest rates in a bid to contain a spiraling financial crisis and risk of recession. (Photo credit should read HASSAN AMMAR/AFP via Getty Images)

Qatar stays put after US, Saudi Arabia, UAE raise interest rates

The Gulf central banks’ moves followed the US Federal Reserve raising its rates. Inflation increased in both Qatar and Saudi Arabia at the end of 2022.