Qatar Emir: Security of GCC States and Protection of Their Sovereignty Are Non-Negotiable

- The security of the region and the world is interconnected; destabilization in any place cannot be isolated from the rest of the world.

- Our right to defend our sovereignty does not conflict with our commitment to preventing the war’s scope from widening.

- It is natural for the crisis to negatively impact public finances... The goal is for recovery to serve as a catalyst for accelerating economic diversification and strengthening national capabilities.

- A package of projects and investment opportunities valued at approximately 221 billion riyal over five years.

Qatar’s Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, stated today that the security of the region and the world is interconnected, and that destabilization in any location cannot be isolated from the rest of the world. He emphasized that “the security of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, the protection of their sovereignty, and their stability are matters that cannot be overlooked or treated with laxity, and they oblige us to double our efforts to ensure navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, and to protect energy and water facilities, as well as civilian infrastructure.”

The Emir of Qatar elaborated in a speech delivered during the opening of the second regular session of the second legislative term of the 55th annual session of the Shura Council, that Qatar and the region have experienced exceptional events that once again demonstrated the resilience of state institutions, social cohesion, and the capacity to handle crises efficiently and responsibly.

He noted that his country shouldered three responsibilities simultaneously during this crisis: protecting its sovereignty, fulfilling its role in global energy security and the global economy, and keeping diplomatic channels open. He explained that Qatar’s strategy to meet these responsibilities consisted of four key elements.

He clarified that these core elements are: firmly defending the homeland without being drawn into war; maintaining services, supply chains, and the economic cycle; contributing to efforts to achieve a ceasefire and open waterways; and seeking opportunities to return to negotiations to reach peaceful solutions to the conflict.

He pointed out that Qatar supplies approximately one-fifth of the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade, and that any disruption to it quickly impacts markets and consumers everywhere. He noted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the direct damage sustained by some energy facilities in the industrial city of Ras Laffan led to the disruption of a significant portion of the state’s exports.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad emphasized the commitment to continuing the growth of non-hydrocarbon sectors, aiming for their contribution to reach approximately 80 percent of real GDP. He added that the state has placed the protection of citizens, securing their needs, and enhancing economic activity at the forefront of its priorities.

He noted that the national economy faced this crisis from a strong foundation, having achieved real growth of 2.9 percent in 2025, with inflation stabilized at an average of half a percent annually, and a current account surplus.

The Emir of Qatar stated that it is natural for the crisis to negatively impact public finances, as total revenues fell by 42 percent during the first half of the year, while public expenditures decreased by 14 percent, without compromising essential services or developmental priorities.

He stressed that the goal is for recovery to serve as a starting point for accelerating economic diversification and strengthening national capabilities, pointing to a package of projects and investment opportunities valued at approximately 221 billion riyal (around 60 billion US dollars) over the next five years.

In the energy sector, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad confirmed that the expansion of the North Field is proceeding according to the planned schedule to increase the state’s LNG production capacity. He also noted significant progress in the Golden Pass project in the United States, while QatarEnergy’s investments and international partnerships are expanding in parallel with the development of petrochemical industries, solar energy projects, and the enhancement of water security.

He pointed out that Qatar ranked first regionally in the 2026 Food System Resilience Index, noting that Qatar had been subjected to aggression on its territory by Iran, in a blatant violation of its sovereignty, international law, and principles of good neighborliness.

The Emir of Qatar commended the armed forces and security agencies for fulfilling their duty to defend the nation, recalling the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in defense of Qatar.

He stated that “adherence to dialogue and peaceful solutions does not mean laxity in defending our country, and our right to defend our sovereignty is not inconsistent with our commitment to preventing the war from escalating,” adding that Qatar has always preferred to resolve disputes through dialogue, negotiation, and diplomatic means.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, he affirmed that it “remains at the forefront of our priorities,” noting that what has occurred in the Gaza Strip is, beyond doubt, genocide, and those responsible must not escape accountability.

Sheikh Tamim warned of the dangers stemming from the ongoing aggressive practices of the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people, including recent settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, protected by occupation forces, as well as repeated incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque and violations of international law, the UN Charter, and international humanitarian law.

He reiterated Qatar’s firm stance on finding solutions to the crises in Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Somalia through necessary political agreements that are comprehensive and just, preserve the unity and territorial integrity of these countries, and safeguard the interests of their peoples in security and stability.