Doha: Qatari newspapers in their Wednesday editorials focused on several key issues, prominently featuring Law No. 26 of 2025, issued by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, which sanctioned the State’s general budget for the fiscal year 2026.
According to Qatar News Agency, the newspapers also underscored the strategic relations between Qatar and the United States, emphasizing their cooperation in areas such as diplomacy, defense, energy, and the economy. A significant development was the signing of two memoranda of understanding between Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. These agreements aim to enhance security cooperation, focusing on training, information exchange, and capacity-building.
The editorials also examined Qatar’s initiatives to promote transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to combat corruption, which involves not only legal measures but also educational and institutional development to foster a culture of integrity and transparency across various sectors.
Al-Sharq newspaper highlighted that the 2026 budget represents a fresh chapter of achievements, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030. It noted the country’s completion of strategic projects and the ongoing diversification of resources, investment enhancement, and support for the private sector. The budget aims to boost local production, support entrepreneurs, strengthen monetary reserves, and increase GDP.
In its analysis, Al-Sharq emphasized the budget’s prudent revenue estimates, based on an average oil price of $55 per barrel, reflecting Qatar’s conservative fiscal approach. This strategy is designed to safeguard the economy against global market fluctuations, reinforcing international confidence in Qatar’s economic stability.
Al-Watan newspaper echoed these sentiments, reporting that the 2026 budget’s revenue estimates are similarly cautious. The budget outlines total expected expenditures of approximately QR 220.8 billion, marking a 5% increase from 2025, with a projected deficit of QR 21.8 billion to be addressed through local and external debt instruments.
The budget prioritizes service development, sustainable growth, economic diversification, and non-oil sector support. It also highlights investments in knowledge and technology, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional resources and enhance government spending efficiency. Al-Watan concluded by noting the country’s goal of achieving over 4% GDP growth by 2030, propelled by increased liquefied natural gas production beginning next year.