A conversation with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani described a world entering a “pivotal moment,” where accelerating change has outpaced the post–World War II order and exposed missing “checks and balances.” Rather than framing conditions as better or worse than last year, he argued the environment is “more complicated” and requires “coolheaded” leadership and institutional reform.
In the Middle East, he pointed to incremental positives—new leadership in Syria and Lebanon and a Gaza ceasefire that “almost stopped” the war—while warning that uncertainty remains and multiple fronts “can explode” without a new regional security architecture. His central worry is “growing tension” and the need to “rebuild the confidence among each other,” addressing root causes of insecurity so states are “not representing a threat for each other.”
On Gaza, he supported the proposed “Board of Peace” as the only viable path but stressed execution risks: Israeli forces still control “more than half,” withdrawal lines were not respected, and “the killing is just continuing.” Humanitarian access remains constrained and requires “unrestricted access.”
On Iran, he urged diplomacy over escalation, arguing military action “didn’t work” in Iraq and warning against a nuclear arms race. Economically, he emphasized Qatar’s LNG expansion, 60%+ non-hydrocarbon GDP, low inflation, and a strategy of energy strength, diversification resilience, and technology-driven growth.
Mr. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Al-Thani. For many of us, one of the highlights of our annual meeting is the discussion with you on the state of the world and the state of the Middle East. So is the state of the world better this year than last year, or is it like worse than last year and better than next year?
Well, I put it maybe in in a better way. I think it's more complicated. And, look, I think the whole world is, is going through a pivotal moment right now. And, we have seen, the pace of the changes, that we've been going through is really accelerating in an unprecedented way. And it's a moment where, we need really to have to be more coolheaded than to think about what's what's going on and trying to figure out a way how to navigate this turmoil in a way that makes us stronger, more resilient. And, also, wiser, in the way how we address our problems and our conflicts. If, we look at, you know, how the world was working since World War two, there was a world order. There was a system that's been working for decades, in the past couple of decades there, there has been, like, drastic change in this world order in, in many events, in many occasions that, those checks and balances that we used to have, they are not there anymore. And, these changes have been happening to us like throughout these years. But we we were not noticing it because of, of, the time, difference between them and, and they are not really, at a very fast pace. But the last couple of years, I mean, this year we have seen there is an acceleration of that. So everyone is noticing that there is something is happening, but this is the system that's been needs a lot of reforms that we we didn't look at for the past two decades.
If you look at the Middle East or and the Gulf region, you could have had, almost, a full fledged war with Iran that did not escalate. You have, a new president in Syria. You have a new government in Lebanon. You have a unsolved challenge, in Yemen. And you also have this situation, in Gaza. What would you say is the biggest worries, for you in the Middle East? This, coming year? And where are you most optimistic, with the exception, of course, the economy in Qatar is going really, really well. So we will come back to that.
Well, thank you very much. Look, I mean, there are, a lot of good things that happened last year that, you know, has, has been more positive to our region than than negative. And I cannot deny that, as you mentioned, Syria, we have president in Lebanon, we have a new government. And, you know, there is let's say, the war in Gaza almost stopped, but there are still like, you know, we are still unfortunately see the killing continuing. But, it's an in a better place than it used to be. But it doesn't mean that, you know, the situation is already stable in the region or, you know, moving toward, stabilization. It's until now, there is a lot of uncertainty on, on what's going on. And, what's worrying me really is, you know, the growing, the growing tension that's happening within, this region, whether it's, you know, the remedies of, of war or what's happening with Iran and, you know, any, any other fronts in the region can, at any moment can can explode if we don't address it. And, you know, think carefully about how can we look at our regional security architecture and come as a region together and, you know, start rebuilding the confidence among each other? Look, every country in our region, needs to protect itself. And they have the right to protect itself because, you know, they don't reach to that conclusion unless they feel threatened. And they there is like, there is something that triggers, you know, this sense of, of, of insecurity. I think we need to address those root causes at the moment has come to for the region to come together and to think about how can we reshape our security architecture, at least we ensure that we are not representing a threat for each other.
So, we know that President Trump will, on Thursday launch, the Board of Peace. The second, phase of the Gaza, stabilization. What are your thoughts on this?
Well, look, you know, reaching the ceasefire deal itself was was a great breakthrough that, we had, of course.
And congratulations to Qatar under your leadership, Egypt, and the US.
Thank you very much. Regarding that, I believe that, what we have been through, has taught us a lot of lessons. And, I believe that the Board of Peace is presenting a path. And, President Trump has proposed, this path to move forward. Now, you know, the first stage of the deal being implemented doesn't mean that, the deal is done. We have a lot of work to be done right now. And I think that, all the countries who are joining this Board of peace needs, you know, to work hard and to make sure that, this board of pieces is, is functioning in a way that serves the purpose and, become a stabilizing factor.
And Qatar is on the board.
Yes. We were invited, to that board. Of course. We are happy to be a contributor to peace and stability in our region. Now, there are a lot of challenges in the implementation, but, we have no alternative path to to seek right now. I think that the most important thing right now is to ensure that Russia is stabilized. We ensure that the withdrawal, of the Israeli forces, happening as soon as possible and ensure that the people can get their life back as soon as possible. That's that should be the key focus for the world of peace.
I just read that half of Gaza is still controlled by the Israelis and half of Hamas. Is that an accurate assessment or wrong?
It is actually, I think it's even more than half still under the control of, of, the Israeli forces. There was an agreement, you know, which defined a yellow line at that time for the first stage of, of, of the withdrawal. Unfortunately, this yellow line wasn't, wasn't respected as it, as it used to be in the map are more than 50% has been already, set as a parameters for for the Israeli forces. And unfortunately, beyond this, parameters creating like a lot of tension points where, you know, triggers from time to time live fire killing of of, of the people and, basically, these, events that's happening every day. The killing is just continuing. We have a ceasefire. Yes. But, it's not really like, you know, a complete ceasefire where everything is peaceful. We are still facing those challenges, and we need to make sure that, the Israeli forces, go back, you know, and, and, commit to the withdrawal in order to defuse those tension points.
The humanitarian situation. Is it better or.
No, it's still it's if you compare it to last year, it's it's maybe better, but it's still like it needs a lot of intervention. Still, a lot of humanitarian aid is not allowed to enter, like, because of dual use materials and, and other restrictions. And, we need to have unrestricted access for humanitarian aid for the people. Shelters are still, there, and they need a lot. But, we are working together very closely with our colleagues in the United States, Egypt and Turkey in order to ensure that there is a mechanism that supports the technocratic government that's been just, established for us in order to enable them to help the people and to deliver a better life for the people.
So maybe then, go a little bit, used, what do you think is the most likely scenario for Iran? In Ars time?
Well, I cannot I cannot predict scenarios about countries. I think that, you know, what I just mentioned to you is very important. The region is going through a lot of tensions, and, of course, we cannot exclude what's happening in Iran, in and with Iran from, from these tensions in the region. And I believe that, you know, with all this turmoil around us, we need to be more coolheaded and resort to wisdom. And I think that there are a lot of, ways to find solutions that can address the problems and address the issues and provide us with the security assurances that brings us and the Iranian people prosperity in the future. And that's that's what we are aiming for. We always believe that there is a room for diplomacy. And that's been, our approach, the state of Qatar. And we will always, keep advocating for, for peaceful resolution. We need to understand that, any escalation will have consequences. This being tried in Iraq 20 years ago and didn't work. I mean, until now, Iraq is Iraq and the region is bearing the consequences of that.
And the Americans will probably argue that that's what they have learned from Iraq, in Venezuela.
Well, look, I think, you know, I don't speak on, on on behalf of, of the US, but, we are in a continuous dialogue with them, and I believe the US administration, has been, always engaging positively when it comes to attempts for finding a diplomatic solutions. And, I believe, you know, President Trump, he's, he's, he's a man of, of a deal. And, he's the one who has helped us to put the whole deal together for Raza and to, get us through the finish line. And I think, on the situation of Iran is not, it's not it's not really difficult, but it needs, you know, like a multiple approach to address, of course, the nuclear issue and then the regional security issue. This is something that need to be discussed among the region itself.
But, you know, Iran is also more vulnerable than it used to be in the sense that, when, Hezbollah was stronger, in, in Lebanon, Hamas, also in Gaza, and, Assad was in charge in Damascus. They had also more leverage, but they still do have leverage in the sense that they do have hundreds of thousands of ballistic missiles. So what I read in the newspapers, at least, was that, you know, the whole Gulf of Saudi, UAE and Qatar was, was arguing with Americans, not to attack, Iran due to the uprise of uprisings and also the killings that happened in the streets. Is that correct?
No, we didn't actually, it's we are engaging with the Americans, with Iranians. We don't want to see a military, escalation in our region. We didn't argue with the Americans. I think actually, we, what we offer as as a partner, as an ally for the United States is the honest advice about, what's going on and our honest advice that the best way forward is to find a diplomatic solution for the nuclear problem. We don't want to end up in a region that has a nuclear race. And we have seen how the world is is shaking right now. I believe that there is an opportunity, and it is the right moment for us as a region to come together and to, you know, make sure that we understand each other, grievances, we understand each other, concerns, we make sure that everyone feels safe and feel protected. I'm that's includes the Iranians. That includes the Palestinians and the Israelis, everyone in the region.
To move to another topic, but still in the region, we will have the Syrian president, in Davos for the first time, ever in the history. There are things happening there. So let's see, you know, how that is unfolding. But, on Syria, I think Qatar, has been clear that this is, progress. I think also, Saudi Arabia has been of, of the same view. If you look at, their Syria stand now and the perspectives, are you, how do you see, the opportunities for the president to, to bring the country together, deal with different groups, the support or are you worried, that, this also not will work out?
Well, first of all, I think that, you know, Syria has has went through a very difficult 15 years. And, you know, 15 years of, of, such turmoil and, and conflicts will always have its, you know, its consequences. And we know that it's not easy, to come to a country after a civil war and to start rebuild the institutions, rebuild the state, rebuild, rebuild the systems. It's a difficult job. And, the Syrian government needs help. And they've been asking for for this help. All of us. We are trying to help them, to reach to that stage. Now, there will be a lot of challenges, we know. But at the end of the day, Syria, the beauty of Syria is this diversity, this social fabric of Syria that has been there for centuries, not something new. And I believe that everyone, in Syria wants to see, you know, one Syria, stable Syria wants to ensure that they are treated equally and their rights are protected. And it's their right. And I believe that, our contribution as a region or as, as an international community to Syria is to help them to build their state, to build their institutions, to build this inclusive system that includes everybody. But you cannot have it. You cannot build a state, without building proper institutional system that includes everybody.
And is that, being done now? You see that architecture being constructed?
We we see that there are some progress. We see that it has a lot of challenges, down, down the road. But, we have to make sure that, also, we are providing them with the right help for this.
If you go a little bit easy again, you have Iraq, and, a country that can produce millions of barrels of oil per day. Why is it so still so poor?
Well, Iraq is not poor. First of all, I think Iraq is is already rich. It's unfortunately, as I as I mentioned, this is the result of of, of, you know, of a military action and that's, that's the consequences that the region has paid. And basically the if we if we look back in history like there are, turning points for, for our region that happened to us that, you know, my generation, when we grew up, we grew up, you know, Iraq-iran war, then Iraq invasion, in Kuwait. And then, like, all the events, you know, building up in our region. But we believe that the, the turning moment for us in that region was invasion to Kuwait. That has been like, the turning point for the entire region, which put the entire region in in a path of turmoil. Unfortunately, we couldn't until now, rescue it. And unfortunately, when you talk about Iraq today that has all these resources and it's rich, but yet people think about it or look at it from the outside, they still think that it's a poor country because there are lots of people are still, not, you know, not enjoying this wealth of, of the country, which we believe is one of the results of, of polarization and division within the community because of, because of the war. And that's what we want, hopefully to Syria, hopefully to, to avoid.
And for Syria, unfortunately, they don't have the same natural resources related to, to oil and gas as Iraq. But you're so right. I think there is, a lot of resources. Of course, there's still humanitarian situations, in Iraq. But, you know, I think there is also a lot of corruption in the country.
That's the, you know, corruption, unfortunately, is plagued that eating a lot of government, unfortunately.
Yeah. Man. Do you want to talk about that?
Well, look, Yemen, our policy has been very clear from the beginning. We, we support, the legitimacy there in Yemen. We support, you know, the right of, of of the Yemenis to, to decide on, on, on their own future. And I believe that, what has been achieved already, many years ago in the national dialogue, was a good model for the Yemenis that everyone has embraced. Unfortunately, it wasn't implemented and led us to a situation where there are, you know, some groups feeling that separation is the solution and others, they don't see it this way. I believe, you know, at the end of the day, it's the call and the decision of, of the Yemeni people. But, as a policy for the state of Qatar, we remain supporting the legitimacy we would like to see, to see Yemen staying united. And we would like to see the outcomes of the national dialogue that all Yemenis agreed to to be implemented, and to see if this, will satisfy the needs of, of the Yemeni people or not.
So Qatar has has done a lot in peace and reconciliation. Do you think there is any, way, and, Yemen to also mainstream the Houthis and get them part of, of a plan, for a future that is inclusive and stable?
Well, our perspective that you cannot exclude any part of, of any society that, Houthis or others, they are all part of this, Yemeni social fabric. And they need to find a solution, how they can coexist together. That's why I go back to the outcome of, of of the national dialogue, which actually addressed most of the concerns of, of each and every group in Yemen. I think that that is key for the stability of, of Yemen and for the future. And everyone can play a positive role. And stable Yemen is means stable, stable gulf, stable Arabian Peninsula and stable Arabian Peninsula means also stable region. And, that's I always, you know, reiterate the importance of, of, this is the right moment for all of us to come together and to start talking very openly and candidly about our security concerns and try to put together a security architecture where we are feel really protected and safeguarded.
We started the discussion, Prime Minister, with, the geopolitics and the geopolitics, do look more complicated now than it did in Davos last year. We maybe didn't think that was possible, but I think that's the reality. But what is surprising is that, you know, IMF came out with their growth numbers yesterday or the day before. And now it's 3.3% economic growth expected this year. So the economy is very, very resilient and trade is growing. But you know, what is fueling this is also the investments in artificial intelligence. So how do you explain this why? You know, the global economy is so resilient and has already kind of adapted to the the new realities of geopolitics. It's like water. It finds its way.
It's it's not, okay. It adapts, eventually. But, it's not right now. It's not about the adaptation. It's more about, what, you know, the effects of of this geopolitical turmoil didn't reach yet. You know, those economic numbers that you are seeing until now. And I believe that, any geopolitical complication, globally that we are seeing today, we are going to see the effects and the consequences in maybe not today, but in a year or two time. Yes, there is a big growth that's happening in the technology and artificial intelligence that driving this global growth. But if you are going to look at across across sectors, there are areas which have been affected because of this geopolitical situation.
And for Qatar, you know, we know it so well as, as the foreign minister. And you have been through different phases, as foreign minister has not been the easiest job, but you've done it so well that the Emir also made you prime minister. So you're also in charge of the economy. And, you know, when, we have the privilege to to visit Doha and Qatar, we, we see, so much development and, and investments. Who do you, like, find your path now because, UAE has its path and, Saudi Arabia has its path. Where where do you, see, Qatar differentiating itself? And where will we see the economic growth coming in the years to, to come? I was at the meeting earlier today where, Finance Minister of Saudi Arabia said that now 56% of their economy is not based on, on oil. And that has happened, in the decade under the leadership of the crown prince.
Well, actually, look, I think that, if you look at Qatar economy, there is a rapid growth that we see a year on year now, we have, registered the growth this year, around 2.9%. And we are expecting this growth to accelerate because of the expansion of, of the LNG, which will make our diversification job very more challenging, because, because of of the increase in the gas production.
But there's still a good.
Thing it is it is.
Also for the world. I guess.
It is actually, I think it's an outstanding thing. And I believe that if you look at Qatar. Qatar is uniquely positioned, when it comes to the energy and, and the supply of, of LNG, which will remain a baseload, that all this revolution that you see in the AI and, technology will require, to power their data centers and to power this, compute that, that they will need. So, Qatar is at the center of, of this progress and development that's happening. Second, our diversification agenda has been moving in the right direction. We are more than 60% now Non-hydrocarbon GDP, and we are looking forward to grow it further. We see, the numbers in foreign direct investments increasing, in a very good progress. We see the, the inflation below 1% and, and managed with all this growth that's, that's ongoing. We believe that, energy is is our strength is our power. We believe that, diversification is our resilience. And we believe that technology is the future. Packaging all those together. I think Qatar have, you know, a great path forward. And I believe that, what we are going to see in the next few years, you will see Qatar has been already, very well known in establishing multinational companies and global brands like Qatar Airways or Qnb or, you know, we have around 44 global brands that Qatar has, has invested in and, and, and established. And what we are looking for is really to, double down on our national champions and expand this number. So hopefully, this year, you know, we will have some, some good news about some platforms to encourage this national champions to, be more, globally, to be more global players.
Well, really impressive. You know, I would have loved to continue the conversation, but, you know, we also have, limited time. It's always a great pleasure. Sheikh Mohammed, prime minister of Qatar, to have you in Davos, but also to listen, to your insights. So thank you. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.