Qatar to announce local defence production hub soon, says minister

Doha, Qatar: Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the state's minister of state for defence affairs, announced on Monday that Qatar is set to unveil a local defence production hub at the Global Security Forum. This move comes amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has seen Iran target energy-rich Gulf nations. Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani revealed that Qatar is collaborating with regional partners as well as allies like the US, the UK, and France to bolster local defense capabilities or invest in relevant companies.

In response to threats from ballistic missiles, drones, and cyberattacks, he stated that a new partnership will be announced soon to establish an initiative aimed at enhancing defenses in these areas. Unfortunately, Al Thani did not provide further details. The Iran war has significantly impacted Qatar, which had to suspend operations at its main LNG complex in Ras Laffan following the outbreak of hostilities and faced restrictions on global shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.