AGP Executive Report

Education Results: Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education released 2025–2026 secondary exam results: 16,466 students sat first-round exams, with pass rates of 99.1% (science daytime), 82.24% (arts daytime), 80.14% (technology), and 37.93% / 52.0% for adult education tracks; Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School posted 100% for both boys and girls. Infrastructure & Skills: Ashghal says Qataris make up 60% of its workforce, including 1,305 engineers (741 Qatari), as it continues training and hiring to support national development. Healthcare Leadership: Sidra Medicine marked its Class of 2026 graduation, celebrating 75 graduates across residency, fellowship, undergraduate and sponsored training, as it expands the next generation of healthcare leaders. Digital Safety for Kids: YouTube rolled out supervised kid accounts across MENA (including Qatar), adding age-appropriate settings, stronger privacy, and parental controls like Shorts timers and bedtime reminders. Smart Ports: Mwani Qatar says advanced tech and a Vessel Traffic Control Tower are boosting marine safety and streamlining pilotage, towage, mooring and VTS services. Language Research: Doha Historical Dictionary signed an MoU with Gaziantep Islam Science and Technology University to expand Arabic language research and digital lexicography tools. Marine/Tech in Qatar: Qatar’s marine safety and port operations get a tech boost as Mwani Qatar highlights modern fleet and navigation support.

AI & Energy Demand: Siemens says AI and data centers will push electricity use sharply higher in the Middle East, with data-center power expected to double by 2030 and cooling alone taking 30–40% of energy. Smart Grids in Qatar: UDST and Siemens sign an MoU to create a Smart Grid Living Lab for hands-on research, pilots, and workforce development in smart energy systems. Qatar’s FDI Momentum: Invest Qatar reports $3.4bn in 2025 FDI capex across 373 projects, up 52%, with a big share in medium-to-high-tech areas. Sustainable Cooling Milestone: Lusail City earns Guinness records for the world’s largest district cooling network (123.5 km) and a major thermal energy water storage tank. Library Summer Push: Qatar National Library launches a July membership drive with digital access, a mobile app, and an iPad prize draw for new members who borrow at least five books. Healthcare Training: Sidra Medicine celebrates its Class of 2026 graduation, marking Medical Education Day and the completion of residency, fellowship, and training programmes. Smart Media Growth: Media City Qatar’s report projects GCC video podcast ad revenue rising to $37.1mn by 2030, driven by localized Arabic content and hybrid formats.

Qatar Investment Pulse: Invest Qatar says Qatar pulled in $3.4bn FDI capex in 2025 across 373 projects, creating 15,051 jobs; over half the spend went to greenfield and nearly half to medium-to-high tech, reinforcing Qatar’s innovation-led investment pitch. GCC Capital & AI Infrastructure: A BlackRock report argues GCC states are shifting from scarcity beneficiaries to builders of the energy, capital and digital infrastructure that AI deployment depends on. Qatar’s Energy Grid Build: Qatar awarded $604m in contracts for power grid expansion, a direct boost for reliability as demand and digital growth rise. Robotics in the Gulf’s Orbit: Apptronik opened a robot training hub in Austin and debuted Apollo 2, aiming to scale humanoid deployment using data gathered across customer sites. Sustainability Data Push: Sourcing Connections partnered with carbmee to integrate transaction-level carbon intelligence into sustainable procurement offerings. Doha Mediation Tech & Trade: US envoys are in Doha for technical talks tied to Iran and Lebanon, while Strait of Hormuz shipping risks remain in focus. Public Tech & Learning: Qatar National Library launched its summer membership drive, with digital access and an iPad prize for active borrowers.

Energy & Grid Expansion: Kahramaa awarded QR2.2bn+ in contracts to expand Qatar’s western electricity network, linking Dukhan solar power to the national grid via new substations and cable/line upgrades. Space & Satellites: Türkiye and Qatar signed a strategic partnership for the Es’hail-3/Türksat-Biruni high-throughput Ka-band satellite, with capacity sharing and long-term commercial growth. Cybersecurity Watch: An ITSEC Asia executive warns Qatar should prepare for more automated, targeted, and persistent cyber threats as AI lowers barriers, especially for critical infrastructure—plus a growing talent shortage. Human Rights & Governance: Qatar’s Shura Council reaffirmed human rights as a core legislative and oversight priority, aligned with the Amir’s directives. Human Rights Alliance: Qatar’s NHRC highlighted the UN Global Alliance for Human Rights, focusing on human rights at home and work, culture-building, and innovation/technology, with youth engagement. World Cup Tech/Science Angle: FIFA World Cup coverage in Vancouver highlighted major host-city logistics and crowd numbers, while separate reporting explored the mental pressure of penalty shootouts. Markets: Wall Street ended June with strong gains led by tech and semiconductors as investors weighed US-Iran mediation hopes and shifting economic signals.

Space & Science in Qatar: Qatar marked World Asteroid Day, using the 30 June event to push public awareness on asteroid risks and Earth protection. Satellite & Connectivity: Thales Alenia Space won a contract with Es’hailSat to build the software-defined Eshail-3/Türksat-Biruni satellite, aiming to expand high-speed broadband across Europe, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East. Digital Payments: India’s UPI went live in Greece via Eurobank and NIPL, enabling instant, secure, low-cost cross-border transfers—also noting UPI is now available in 10 countries including Qatar. Health & Safety: Qatar Cancer Society warned against tanning beds, citing UV cancer risks and higher melanoma chances, especially when indoor tanning starts before age 35. Local Governance & Water Tech: Kahramaa led Qatar’s delegation to a GCC electricity and water committee meeting on feasibility for water interconnection projects, reviewing infrastructure status, scenarios and an implementation roadmap. Regional Tech/Innovation Finance: Rawdat Capital signed an MoU with NOMW Capital to explore a China–MENA AI investment fund and strengthen GCC partnership networks. Markets Watch (Qatar-linked): Qatar’s ICT market is projected to surpass $37bn by 2031 as regional tech investment accelerates.

Qatar STEM & heritage push: Qatar National Library kicks off its summer programme with STEM exploration, creative arts, literacy and professional development, plus a July 1 webinar on emergency grants for cultural heritage and a six-week Summer Reading Challenge with Kutubee. Education leadership: The Next Generation School (TNG) marks its A-Level Class of 2026 graduation, spotlighting student research and youth leadership projects. Regional water security: GCC electricity and water ministers discuss a feasibility study for a Gulf water interconnection network to improve emergency preparedness and keep desalinated supply flowing during crises. Cashless momentum: BNPL is gaining traction in Qatar as a regulated, digital payments tool that complements cards and supports the shift to a cashless economy. Rare earths investment: Qatar-backed Cascade Natural Resources appoints Dr. Badr Al Hajri to its board as it backs a $165m rare earth push tied to Pensana’s Longonjo project. AI supply chain geopolitics: The EU joins the US-led “Pax Silica” initiative to reduce reliance on China for rare earth minerals powering AI and semiconductor supply chains. World Cup tech spotlight: FIFA’s 2026 tournament is rolling out AI-powered broadcast and fan-tech, with Lenovo’s Technology Command Center in Miami at the center of operations. Hormuz talks in Doha: US and Iran negotiations over Strait of Hormuz security continue amid conflicting signals on meeting formats, with Qatar hosting the next steps.

Qatar–US–Iran talks: The US and Iran agreed to pause hostilities and meet in Doha over Strait of Hormuz transit, easing near-term shipping fears even as oil stays sensitive to renewed flare-ups. Aviation & carbon costs: Airlines face a looming Corsia carbon-credit crunch that could sharply raise ticket prices, with Qatar Airways flagged among carriers at risk. Healthcare innovation: Hamad Medical Corporation signed an MoU with Boehringer Ingelheim to strengthen clinical trials, healthcare engineering capability, and patient outcomes in Qatar. STEM for youth: Katara launched 11 summer camps, including a Thuraya astronomy/space camp and heritage crafts options, while QSC also rolled out a STEM/AI/robotics camp. Customs modernization: Qatar participated in WCO customs meetings in Brussels, focusing on enforcement, facilitation and modern technologies. Local science & research: AIHEP was launched to advance healthcare engineering across the GCC, unveiling an AI digital hub for standards and collaboration. Energy & safety: A Ras Laffan LNG explosion killed 13 workers; Qatar has opened a probe. Food & culture: Souq Waqif’s Hamba Indian Mango Exhibition reported record sales and visitors, adding new mango varieties to Qatar’s market.

STEM Education: Qatar Scientific Club (QSC) has kicked off its Summer Camp 2026, “Pioneers of Science and Technology,” running until Aug. 19 with hands-on science, tech, engineering and innovation activities, plus tracks like “Future Engineer” with Ashghal and STEM 26 with the Qatar Society of Engineers. Healthcare Innovation: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) signed an MoU with Boehringer Ingelheim to strengthen clinical research and innovation in Qatar, including support for HMC’s Clinical Trials Unit and workforce capabilities. Sustainable Smart Cities: Msheireb Properties CEO Eng. Ali Al Kuwari won “CEO of the Year” at both the Gulf Business Real Estate Awards and Real Estate Asia Awards, while the firm also picked up sustainability and strategic partnership honours. Digital Governance & Trade Tech: Qatar participated in WCO customs meetings in Brussels, focusing on enforcement, facilitation and modern technologies for customs work. Astronomy & Public Science (Region): Saudi Arabia approved plans for AlUla Manara, an observatory and research centre designed for low-light skies and public astronomy experiences.

Digital Justice Push: Qatar’s judicial digital transformation is cutting average case duration to 38 days, with 94% of cases resolved within three months and 98% annual resolution rates, alongside 70+ electronic services. AI & Digital Sovereignty: Qatar’s Shura Council speaker says the country is accelerating digital sovereignty and national security via legislation and Digital Agenda 2030, stressing privacy, identity, and Arab culture as AI reshapes governance. ICT Growth Forecast: Qatar’s ICT market is projected to more than double from $19.91bn (QR72.61bn) this year to $37.74bn (QR137.63bn) by 2031, driven by 5G, sovereign cloud, and Arabic large language models. Health Research in Qatar: Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar wrapped up a 10-month Biomedical Research Training Programme for Nationals, building practical lab and clinical research skills for 7 new biomedical scientists. Parkinson’s Breakthroughs: A Qatar-led international project backed by a $9m, three-year grant aims to push new Parkinson’s treatments. Maritime Workforce: Qatar is expanding academic pathways in maritime engineering and navigation to build a national workforce aligned with IMO regulations. Public Health for Seniors: MoPH and Ehsan launch a Mental Health Promotion Programme for senior citizens, running workshops and lectures nationwide under “Quality of Life.”

Digital Sovereignty: Qatar’s Shura Council speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim says the country is pushing Digital Agenda 2030 to strengthen national security and privacy, with new legislation to keep pace with AI and protect identity and data. AI Partnerships: Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Sayed signed a Qatar–US “AI Opportunity” joint statement at the Pax Silica Summit, aiming to boost advanced tech cooperation and supply-chain security. Health Innovation: Qatar Foundation’s WISH summit in Doha (Nov 29-30) will train policy and research tracks on longevity, fertility, AI in human-centred health, and global health diplomacy to speed up real-world medical implementation. Cybersecurity Focus: An ITSEC Asia official highlights that Qatar’s AI and digital transformation make cybersecurity a key enabler for trust and resilience. Public Health for Seniors: Qatar’s MoPH and Ehsan launched its “Quality of Life” mental health promotion programme for senior citizens, running workshops nationwide through September. Aviation Tech: A look at Boeing’s 777X highlights why its dimmable electrochromic windows are a major upgrade over the 787’s earlier system. World Cup Tech & Qatar Angle: Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 to top Group G, setting up a round-of-32 clash in Seattle.

Precision Medicine in Qatar: Sidra Medicine (Qatar Foundation) has launched a specialized Microbiome Service, offering advanced microbiome testing and analysis to support precision care and clinical research for women, children and young people, with a second MENA Microbiome Conference set for 17–18 October 2026. Women’s Health AI: A Hamad Medical Corporation systematic review highlights how AI could improve diagnostic accuracy and personalised treatment in obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive medicine, while noting real-world implementation gaps. Public Health for Seniors: Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health, with Ehsan, launched a Mental Health Promotion Program for senior citizens under “Quality of Life,” running workshops and lectures across regions. Secure AI Supply Chains: The U.S. expanded its Pax Silica AI and supply-chain security push as the Philippines joined a declaration backing secure AI supply chains and pro-innovation regulation, with Qatar listed among founding members. Qatar Dialogue Leadership: DICID chairman Dr Ibrahim Al Nuaimi stressed dialogue as a practical tool to strengthen social cohesion and reduce religious and cultural division.

Women’s Health AI in Qatar: Hamad Medical Corporation researchers say AI could improve diagnostic accuracy and personalised care across obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive medicine, while flagging the gap between algorithm development and real clinical rollout. Qatar–Business–Academia Links: Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar’s dean says private sector engagement is growing, but companies still don’t fully treat universities as core R&D engines. Qatar Healthcare Retail Expansion: Cosmos Health signs a distribution deal with International Medical Company to scale its Sky Premium Life nutraceuticals via Qatar’s Kulud Pharmacies network. Diplomacy & Inclusion: Qatar marks International Day of Women in Diplomacy, spotlighting Qatari women’s growing roles in international forums. Regional Tech & Industry: Invest Qatar pushes a VC funding module to connect startups with venture capital. Global Tech/Policy Watch: The US–Iran/Hormuz standoff keeps reshaping energy security priorities, with the IEA noting a shift from climate targets toward security-driven power and supply investments. Disaster Response: Venezuela’s twin earthquakes keep escalating in toll and injuries, with international rescue teams arriving as locals search rubble.

Qatar-EU Tech & Trade: A Qatari-Maltese business meeting pushed cooperation in Technology, AI & Cybersecurity plus Fintech/RegTech and public administration, with trade up to about QR46.4m last year. Education & Skills: UDST launched new Bachelor’s and Diploma programmes in Animal Health and Veterinary Science, targeting diagnostics, disease prevention and livestock management. Legal & Research Collaboration: Qatar’s Ministry of Justice and the Diplomatic Institute signed an MoU to expand training, professional development and scientific research in legal and diplomatic fields. Drug Prevention: Qatar’s Public Prosecution held a scientific awareness seminar for the International Day Against Drug Abuse, covering treatment and community-based approaches. Energy & Industry: Ras Laffan remains in focus after a probe-linked LNG blast story, while Saudi Aramco resumed oil loading at Ras Tanura after a near four-month halt. Regional Tech/Markets: Gulf stocks slid on weaker oil and rate expectations, and OPEC forecast oil demand rising to 124m bpd by 2050 despite EV growth. Disaster Watch: Venezuela’s twin earthquakes killed 235+ and injured 4,300+, with rescue and aid logistics strained.

Qatar Diplomacy: US experts say Qatar’s mediation helped secure a US-Iran ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, creating room for a more durable political settlement. Public Safety: Qatar’s Police Academy ran a seminar on “Institutional Integration in Crime Prevention,” stressing partnerships and preventive awareness. Drug Prevention: Qatar’s MOI launched an awareness exhibition for the International Day against Drug Abuse, while the Public Prosecution held a scientific seminar linking national and Gulf efforts to treatment and awareness. AI & Investment: Doha VC firm Rawdat Capital is building a bridge for Gulf investors into China’s AI and deep-tech boom, citing barriers in language, regulation and relationships. AI Supply Chain: Pax Silica expanded as 35 countries signed a declaration on AI opportunity, with Qatar among members. Education & Talent: CMU-Q dean Michael Trick says nearly 95% of graduates stay and work in Qatar, and AI is the next disruption driver; Qatar School for Science and Technology for Boys marked its graduation of 56 students. Infrastructure & Energy: Qatar’s KAHRAMAA signed major contracts to expand the western electricity network; Qatar also plans a Building Information Modelling Summit in October. Tech & Media: Qatar Radio marked its 58th anniversary, highlighting its role in national identity and community awareness. Sports Tech & Events: F1 declared a “heat hazard” for Austria, and World Cup officiating continues to evolve with AI upgrades to offside and VAR flow.

Digital Education & Cyber Safety: Qatar’s MoEHE launched “Digital Citizenship” curricula for 5th graders and 8th graders, with interactive summer self-learning on cybersecurity, privacy, safe browsing, cyberbullying and IP respect. Construction Tech: Qatar will host the Building Information Modelling (BIM) Summit 2026 on Oct 4, bringing engineers, policymakers and industry to discuss BIM’s role in planning, construction and asset management, including AI in project delivery. Water Innovation: HBKU researchers unveiled CURES, a decentralised wastewater treatment approach using a compact membrane aerated biofilm reactor that can cut aeration energy by 30–50% and support reuse for urban greening and agriculture. Grid Expansion: KAHRAMAA signed QR2.2bn+ contracts to upgrade western-region electricity infrastructure to better integrate the Dukhan Solar Power Project, including substations and underground/overhead lines. Legal AI & Arbitration: LexisNexis expanded its GCC legal AI with Middle East localisation, while QICCA ran a seminar on arbitration and the practical role of technical experts in Qatar. Transparency Service: Aqarat launched “Report Confidentially” for secure, anonymous reporting of real-estate violations. STEM Education Outcomes: Qatar Science and Technology School for Boys graduated 56 students with a 100% university acceptance rate, heavily focused on STEM fields. Energy & Markets: Oil prices eased as Strait of Hormuz traffic resumed after a US-Iran framework, easing near-term supply fears. Global Research: WCM-Q published a major gonorrhea burden synthesis for sub-Saharan Africa in PLOS Medicine.

Grid & Renewables: Kahramaa has signed QR2.2bn-plus contracts to expand and reinforce Qatar’s western electricity network, including EPC work for substations and new underground cables and overhead lines, to better connect the Dukhan Solar PV project and strengthen grid flexibility. Digital Education & Cyber Safety: Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education launched a “Digital Citizenship” curriculum for 5th and 8th graders, with interactive summer modules on cybersecurity basics like account protection, safe browsing, privacy, cyberbullying risks, and intellectual property. Construction Tech: Qatar Society of Engineers will host the BIM Summit 2026 on Oct 4, focusing on how Building Information Modelling—and AI and advanced tech—can improve planning, design, construction, and asset management. Health Research: Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar published a major PLOS Medicine assessment of gonorrhea epidemiology in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the scale of infection and the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Qatar in Global Dialogue: Qatar Foundation’s Doha International Family Institute co-hosted UN Human Rights Council side events in Geneva on family wellbeing during conflict and protecting children in the digital age. International Collaboration: Qatar University researchers met Thai institutions to explore mangrove conservation and restoration, plus sustainable ecotourism links between Qatar and Thailand.