Emir of Qatar: State Revenues Dropped 42% Over 6 Months - Sarmad

Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, revealed that the country’s total revenues fell by 42% during the first half of 2026, while general expenditures declined by 14%, without compromising essential services or developmental priorities.

Speaking at the opening of the 55th annual session of the Shura Council on Tuesday, the Emir of Qatar explained that the country faced exceptional circumstances that impacted the energy sector, noting that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to some energy facilities in the Ras Laffan industrial city led to disruptions in a significant portion of Qatari exports.

He emphasized that Qatar supplies approximately one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade, meaning any disruption to its supplies directly affects markets and consumers worldwide.

He pointed to the continued growth of non-hydrocarbon sectors, which now account for about 80% of real GDP, reaffirming the state’s institutions’ capacity to confront crises and safeguard developmental priorities.