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Visit to Qatar underscores the key value of existing bilateral links with UK

From 23 to 28 November 2024, a BGIPU delegation of UK Members of Parliament visited Qatar to strengthen bilateral Parliamentary links. The delegation included Dan Carden MP, Lord Cromwell, Sadik Al-Hassan MP, Gagan Mohindra MP, Baroness Northover, and Kate Osamor MP, and was supported by Mathilde Ollivo from the BGIPU Secretariat.

Our delegation of parliamentarians visited Doha for a series of meetings, coinciding with the Emir of Qatar’s successful visit to the UK shortly afterwards. We toured the National Museum, designed by architect Jean Nouvel to resemble a desert rose crystal and the Museum of Islamic Art, which houses one of the most significant collections of Islamic artefacts in the world. Both institutions demonstrate Qatar’s efforts to promote cultural dialogue and preserve heritage, positioning itself as a bridge between tradition and modernity.

Qataris comprise about 20% of the population, with the remaining 80% being migrant workers from Asia and Africa, whose core aim is to earn remittances to send home. These workers, who largely lack representation, highlight ongoing issues of democracy and economic inclusivity that Qatar’s leadership has begun to address. For many, Qatar represents a rare opportunity for economic mobility, but questions remain about how the state balances its economic reliance on migrant labour with the social and legal protections those workers need.

The treatment of Qatar’s migrant workforce has drawn significant international attention. The 2022 World Cup brought global scrutiny, prompting Qatar to invite the International Labour Organization (ILO) to open an office in Doha. We met with the head of the ILO office in Qatar, who praised Qatar’s efforts. Outdoor work is now banned during the hottest hours of summer, and Qatar is the first country in the region to introduce a minimum wage. While these steps are commendable, much work remains to address the systemic inequalities that migrant workers face, including their access to legal representation and freedom of movement under employment sponsorship laws.

Qatar has also embraced an important role in global diplomacy. Its constitution commits it to mediating international conflicts. While its mediation between Israel and Hamas is well known, Qatar’s efforts span conflicts in Venezuela, Sudan, and Russia-Ukraine. The country has positioned itself as a neutral and effective broker, leveraging its economic resources and strategic alliances to play a role that exceeds its geographical size. This emphasis on mediation aligns with Qatar’s broader strategy of using soft power to enhance its international profile.

We met Minister Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, a lead negotiator in the Israel-Palestine conflict, who voiced frustration at the lack of meaningful progress. Prior to our visit, Qatar suspended its mediation role, citing what it viewed as unfair criticism, potentially linked to the presence of senior Hamas figures in Doha and the failure of both sides to engage sincerely in talks. Al-Khulaifi emphasised Qatar’s commitment to a two-state solution and its hope that regional and international actors could collaborate more effectively in the future.

An important aspect of the UK-Qatar relationship is the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), which invests in strategic industries. During our meeting with the QIA, they pledged to increase foreign direct investment in the UK, aligning with priority sectors such as life sciences, green technology, and artificial intelligence. These investments not only strengthen economic ties but also underscore Qatar’s interest in diversifying its economy beyond hydrocarbons, a goal reflected in its Vision 2030 strategy.

We visited the Shura Council and attended a meeting chaired by His Excellency Mr. Youssef bin Ali Al-Khater, Chair of the Internal and External Affairs Committee of the Shura Council.  We discussed parliamentary accountability and Qatar-UK relations, as well as Qatar’s negotiator work and security challenges across the world. The Shura Council’s recent elections mark a step towards broader political participation, although its scope remains limited.

Another cornerstone of Qatar’s international influence is Al Jazeera, founded in 1996 and headquartered in Doha. At its offices, we met senior staff to discuss the challenges of reporting in Gaza and the channel’s broader priorities. Al Jazeera continues to cover Gaza in depth, training local journalists in a way other broadcasters have resisted. However, the loss of life and lack of protections for journalists in war zones remain serious obstacles.

During its time in Doha, the delegation also had the opportunity to meet with Sheikha Alanoud bint Hamad Al Thani. She offered us a highly insightful overview of both regional and national politics, with a particular focus on youth, education, business, and trade. We also met with His Excellency Mr. Fahad Mohammad Al-Atteiya, former Qatari Ambassador to the UK, who gave us a tour of his farm and with who we discussed the question of food security, as well as the regional situation. In general, the delegation was struck by the openness and warmth of Qatari culture, which defied many stereotypes often associated with Arab and Middle Eastern societies. Our hosts consistently encouraged honest and sometimes challenging conversations, welcoming questions about democracy, labour rights, and international diplomacy. Their eagerness to engage with criticism demonstrated a refreshing willingness to address difficult topics without defensiveness.

This experience offered a valuable reminder of the dangers of relying on preconceived notions about the region. Far from being closed-minded or exclusionary, Qatar presented itself as a nation eager to foster understanding and build bridges across cultural divides.

Qatar is a key ally of the UK, particularly in defence, where both nations’ forces collaborate closely. With significant resources and a growing focus on fostering innovation and diplomacy, Qatar is committed to expanding its influence to promote peace in a region plagued by conflict, including the ongoing crisis in Syria.

Dan Carden MP