Qatar condemns regional attacks, approves draft laws at cabinet meeting

The State of Qatar delivered a stern rebuke during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday in Doha, denouncing recent attacks against Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and commercial shipping. Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani presided over the session. The attacks, perpetrated by the Houthi group, caused civilian casualties and inflicted damage on commercial establishments in Saudi cities.

Qatar vehemently condemned these assaults, asserting they threatened regional stability and freedom of navigation.

The cabinet also expressed grave concern over the continuous targeting of commercial vessels in the Red Sea, labeling these actions as a direct violation of Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and an affront to international law. Similarly, Qatar denounced an Iranian attack on the Saudi tanker Sidr in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in crew fatalities. This act was deemed a clear breach of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 and a violation of international law.

Qatar's stance against using the strategic waterway for political leverage was reiterated, emphasizing that freedom of navigation through the Red Sea is a fundamental principle that cannot be compromised. The cabinet also condemned renewed Iranian attacks on Kuwait, describing these as a blatant violation of Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a clear breach of international law and the UN Charter.

Qatar reaffirmed its solidarity with the Gulf Cooperation Council states in the face of any threats to their security, sovereignty, and stability.

On legislative matters, the cabinet approved a draft law aimed at regulating artistic professions in Qatar, a measure designed to establish a comprehensive legal framework that supports creative activities, protects artists' rights, and promotes cultural development. This legislation, part of Qatar's Third National Development Strategy for 2024-2030, outlines the artistic fields covered, establishes licensing rules for performances, and creates a permanent committee for artistic professions.

Additionally, the cabinet approved amendments to the executive regulations governing government tenders and auctions, with the aim of enhancing efficiency, transparency, and fair competition in public procurement.

In diplomatic matters, Qatar approved a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Municipality and Spain's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, focusing on cooperation in agriculture, livestock, and food security. The cabinet also reviewed annual reports on the General Authority of Customs' achievements for 2025 and the results of a recent ministerial visit to the United States.

Moreover, Qatar's participation in the Pax Silica Summit in Washington was discussed, leading to the adoption of appropriate decisions on these reports.