The Doha Forum opened Saturday in Qatar’s capital, once again positioning itself as a major gathering point for geopolitical and economic discussions.
A branding exercise disguised as diplomacy © Mena Today
The Doha Forum opened Saturday in Qatar’s capital, once again positioning itself as a major gathering point for geopolitical and economic discussions.
The annual event brings together an array of high-profile speakers, including the interim president of Syria, the EU’s foreign policy chief, the foreign ministers of Turkey and Spain, along with business figures such as Bill Gates and Donald Trump Jr., now head of an investment fund.
Over two days, participants are set to debate conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Yemen, Iran and Armenia, as well as issues of global governance, justice, and women’s empowerment. On paper, the agenda is ambitious and wide-ranging.
In practice, however, the Doha Forum has long been criticized as an event heavy on prestige and light on outcomes. Despite the impressive guest list and polished messaging, the forum rarely delivers concrete results or measurable progress on the crises it highlights.
Analysts often view it as part of Qatar’s broader strategy to bolster its international image through high-visibility diplomacy.
With substantial financial resources and a keen eye for global branding, Qatar succeeds in drawing attention. Whether the forum produces meaningful impact beyond public relations remains, as in previous years, an open question.
European airlines like Wizz Air, Lufthansa and British Airways dodged Iraqi and Iranian airspace on Thursday, according to flight tracking websites, opting instead for routes over Afghanistan and central Asia in an effort to mitigate risks associated with ongoing geopolitical turmoil in Iran and the Middle East.
The United States stands by the “brave people of Iran,” and President Donald Trump "has made it clear all options are on the table to stop the slaughter," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Thursday received Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal, during his working visit to the United Arab Emirates, which includes participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026.
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