Doha: The State of Qatar has renewed strong condemnation of recent attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and commercial shipping, warning that the incidents threaten regional stability and freedom of navigation. The condemnation came during the Cabinet's regular meeting, chaired by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, at the Amiri Diwan in Doha on Wednesday.
According to Qatar News Agency, following the meeting, HE Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim Al Mohannadi stated that Qatar condemned attacks by the Houthi group on civilian and economic sites in the Saudi cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran. The attacks injured several civilians, including women and children. The Cabinet also condemned the continued targeting of commercial vessels in the Red Sea, emphasizing that these attacks threaten the safety and freedom of international maritime navigation. It described the attacks as a serious violation of Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and a breach of international law, warning that the escalation posed a dangerous threat to regional security and stability.
Doha also condemned an Iranian attack on the Saudi tanker Sidr while it was passing through the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in deaths among the vessel's crew. The Cabinet described the attack as a serious violation of international law and freedom of navigation, and as a breach of UN Security Council Resolution 2817. Qatar reiterated its firm opposition to using the Strait of Hormuz as a means of political pressure, asserting that freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway is an established principle that should not be compromised.
The Cabinet also condemned renewed Iranian attacks on Kuwait, describing them as a violation of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as a breach of international law, the UN Charter, and the principles of good neighborly relations. It stressed that the security of the Gulf Cooperation Council states is indivisible and affirmed that Qatar stands alongside its fellow Gulf states against any actions threatening their security, sovereignty, or stability.
Regarding the agenda, the Cabinet approved a draft law regulating the practice of artistic professions and agreed to refer it to the Shura Council. Prepared by the Ministry of Culture, the proposed legislation aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework for professional artistic activities in Qatar. The government indicated that the law would support creativity and artistic production, protect artists' rights, and strengthen the role of arts and culture as contributors to social development and the creative economy. The legislation is part of Qatar's Third National Development Strategy for 2024-2030. The draft outlines the artistic fields covered by the law, establishes rules for licensing artistic performances and the responsibilities of their organizers, and provides for the creation of a permanent committee for artistic professions with defined responsibilities. It also includes safeguards governing children's participation in artistic activities, with provisions intended to protect their rights and privacy.
The Cabinet also approved a draft decision amending provisions of the executive regulations governing government tenders and auctions, issued under Cabinet Decision No. 16 of 2019. The amendments, prepared by the Ministry of Finance in coordination with the relevant authorities, aim to improve government purchasing and contracting procedures, increase efficiency, and provide greater flexibility while maintaining proper safeguards. The changes also seek to strengthen transparency and fair competition and improve the effectiveness of local-value programs in government procurement.
Moreover, the Cabinet approved a draft memorandum of understanding between Qatar's Ministry of Municipality and Spain's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food. The agreement covers cooperation in agriculture, livestock, and food security. At the end of the meeting, the Cabinet reviewed the General Authority of Customs' annual report for 2025, detailing its achievements and work programs. It also reviewed two reports on the results of HE the Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs' visit to the United States and Qatar's participation in the Pax Silica Summit held in Washington in June 2026. The Cabinet took the appropriate decisions regarding the reports.