Qatar

An immensely wealthy, pivotal energy supplier seeks to consolidate its regional position and retool its leadership ambitions.

A downturn in Taliban-Qatari ties has indirectly contributed to an increase in engagement between the Taliban and the United Arab Emirates, suggesting the UAE may become the new regional interlocutor with the Taliban.

Actions of fans at the World Cup have brought world attention to the issue of Palestine, a result both of activism in Qatar in the run-up to the tournament and a lack of popular enthusiasm in the region to normalizing relations with Israel.

Despite subjecting the small Gulf state to criticism, over the long term, hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup enhances Qatar’s brand recognition and can help accelerate the country’s tourism agenda.

Qatar is relying on a robust injection of security capabilities and training from partner countries to help it cope with the challenges and potential risks of hosting such a large international event and has worked to take advantage of this security response to drive its national security strategy.

Easing away from its embrace of controversial regional political positions, Qatar refreshes its regional and international branding with soft power tourism, sports, and labor reforms.

As Qatar gears up to host the FIFA World Cup in November, Qatar Museums is ensuring that visitors get a taste of the country’s cultural scene through new public art installations.

Mohammed Saadon Al Kuwari explains how a simple racket sport became a local favorite across Gulf countries.