Qatar Roundup: FIFA World Cup, wildlife conservation, peace-talk with Gaza

Workshop on Wildlife

Qatar hosted the 21st meeting of the GCC's Standing Committee for the Conservation of Wildlife and Natural Habitats in Doha. Key discussions included updates to the 2003 Convention aimed at preserving ecosystems and protecting threatened species, emphasising cross-border conservation and habitat protection. The committee also explored updates to environmental frameworks, such as falconry laws and biodiversity measures. Kuwait's proposal to host Gulf Wildlife Day on December 30 was approved. MEMO reports that the committee reviewed strategic plans and aligned regional policies with international agreements like CITES. Recommendations will be forwarded to the Committee of Undersecretaries for future ministerial discussions. Plans for the first Gulf Conference on Wildlife and training programs were also discussed.

Gas supply for Kuwait

Kuwait's state oil company has signed a 15-year agreement with QatarEnergy for the supply of three million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually. The deal, which follows a similar agreement in 2020, aims to provide a cleaner energy source and supports Kuwait’s energy transition strategy. According to Inquirer.net LNG deliveries to Kuwait’s Al-Zour refinery are set to begin in 2025. This partnership aligns with Kuwait's sustainability goals and comes as the country addresses rising electricity consumption due to summer heat. Qatar, a major global LNG producer, is also expanding its output capacity significantly before 2030.

Tickets for the FIFA World Cup

Tickets for Qatar's first game in the final qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are now available, as announced by the Qatar Football Association (QFA). Al Annabi will face the United Arab Emirates on September 5, 2024, at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. The match kicks off at 7 PM Doha time. The Peninsula highlights Qatar is in Group A, competing against Iran, Uzbekistan, UAE, Kyrgyzstan, and North Korea. The top two teams from the group will qualify for the World Cup, set to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, in North America. Tickets can be purchased via the QFA website.

Hamas ditches cease-fire talks

Hamas did not attend cease-fire and hostage release talks in Qatar on Thursday, citing new Israeli conditions that it argues extend the war. Both sides are accusing each other of delaying negotiations amid a rising death toll in Gaza, which has surpassed 40,000. U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediators described the talks as a final effort to end hostilities, particularly in light of tensions following the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran. According to Aljazeera, as negotiations stalled, Hamas claimed Israel's added demands could prolong the conflict, while Israel accused Hamas of obstructing the return of hostages. The situation remains critical, with analysts suggesting that a cease-fire is essential to prevent regional escalation.

Dependence on Iran for Gaza truce

Qatar's foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, characterised Iran as a responsible actor capable of facilitating a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran. Big News Network reports Qatar values its strategic relations with Iran and seeks to enhance cooperation. Pezeshkian commended Qatar’s ceasefire efforts and criticised those who remain silent on Israeli actions against Palestinians. Since October 2023, over 40,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in the ongoing conflict.