MaritimeSevere
The LNG carrier Al Mayeda was hit by unidentified objects in the Gulf; it stayed operational with no injuries.
Country risk assessment ยท Middle East
Qatar political and security risk assessment
Qatar sits in the Low band, but its LNG exports depend on the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, and one of its LNG carriers was struck in late October. Last updated Nov 2, 2026.
20of 100
Low
Band 1 of 5
▼ Down 1 on last week
Middle East
Qatar
What is the political and security risk in Qatar right now?
Qatar sits in the Low band, but its LNG exports depend on the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, and one of its LNG carriers was struck in late October.
Qatar is mediating between the US and Iran over reopening Hormuz.
What are the main risks of operating in Qatar?
DiplomacyLow
Qatar is hosting US and Iran talks on reopening Hormuz.
Domestic stabilityLow
Internal conditions are stable.
Chokepoint exposure
Strait of HormuzThe Gulf's only sea exit, between Iran and OmanRead the explainer →What has changed recently in Qatar?
Qatar's national gas company said one of its vessels was struck in the Persian Gulf.
Iran and Qatari mediators held a third day of talks on a plan to reopen Hormuz.
What happens next? Outlook for the next 1 to 3 months
We assess it is unlikely that a US and Iran deal reopening Hormuz is agreed within the next month.
20 to 35%
0%50%100%
Likelihood ranges are editorial judgments, not advice.
What does it mean for shipping, supply chains and operations?
LNG buyers should plan for delayed or rerouted cargoes from Ras Laffan.
War risk cover is required for Gulf calls.
Doha operations are normal.
Key facts
GDPUS$215.6 billionLatest data, 2025
Real GDP growth2.9%Latest data, 2025
Inflation1.3%Latest data, 2024
Trade100% of GDPLatest data, 2022
Fuel exports84% of goods exportsLatest data, 2024
Population3.0 millionLatest data, 2025
How has the Qatar threat score moved?
Frequently asked questions
What is the political and security risk in Qatar for business?
Qatar sits in the Low band, but its LNG exports depend on the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, and one of its LNG carriers was struck in late October.
What are the main geopolitical risks of operating in Qatar?
The main risk drivers are maritime (severe); diplomacy (low); domestic stability (low). The LNG carrier Al Mayeda was hit by unidentified objects in the Gulf; it stayed operational with no injuries.
What is the outlook for Qatar?
We assess it is unlikely (20 to 35%) that a US and Iran deal reopening Hormuz is agreed within the next month.
Which shipping chokepoints matter for Qatar?
Qatar is exposed to the Strait of Hormuz. The Gulf's only sea exit, between Iran and Oman.
How often is the Qatar risk assessment updated?
The Qatar threat score is updated weekly on the Zed Three World Threat Map, and this assessment is reviewed monthly. It was last updated Nov 2, 2026.
Related country assessments
Published by Zed Three, a private, independent risk intelligence company. Assessment last updated Nov 2, 2026. Threat score updated weekly, last on Nov 2, 2026. General analysis for informational purposes, not security, legal or investment advice.
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