2025 in Review

Over the past year, Qatar has celebrated many milestones – ranging from receiving US President Donald Trump in Qatar, to welcoming the return of sporting heroes to Doha, and showcasing Qatari talent at Doha Film Festival. Perhaps most importantly, Qatari officials worked diligently throughout the year across several important global mediation cases – this notably included collaboration with international partners to secure a ceasefire agreement in Gaza in October.

Here are the highlights from 2025.

The State of Qatar’s mediation efforts advanced peace and stability across the Middle East and the world

The State of Qatar engaged in extensive global mediation efforts, in line with its constitutional mission to encourage the peaceful resolution of international disputes. Notably, the State of Qatar – in collaboration with the US, Egypt, and Türkiye – secured a ceasefire in Gaza and the safe return of the remaining hostages.

In addition, in 2025 the State of Qatar:

• Mediated hostilities between Israel and Iran, resulting in a ceasefire agreement between the parties
• Engaged in mediation efforts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, leading to the signing of the Doha Framework for the Peace Agreement between the Congolese government and M23 Movement
• Secured the release of foreign nationals held in Afghanistan, seeing US, UK, and Canadian citizens returned safely to their families
• Continued its mediation efforts between Ukraine and Russia to secure the return of children separated from their families by the conflict

Find out more about Qatar’s mediation efforts at the Pathway to Peace exhibition.

The State of Qatar convened global leaders to address diplomatic, economic and social challenges

Throughout the year, Qatar hosted a series of major international events, from staple occasions such as the Doha Forum and Qatar Economic Forum, to the region’s first Mobile World Congress and the UN Second World Summit for Social Development. These global gatherings brought together heads of state, policymakers, diplomats, humanitarians, business leaders, and academics to address the world’s biggest challenges, including economic resilience, sustainable development, and peacebuilding.

In the first-ever state visit of a sitting US President to Qatar, President Donald Trump travelled to Qatar and met with HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss security cooperation, energy and investment. The State of Qatar’s partnership with the US strengthened in 2025, including:

• A bilateral agreement to generate economic exchange worth $1.2 trillion and commitment from QIA to invest $500 billion in the US over the next decade
• The announcement of an Executive Order by President Trump, guaranteeing the security of Qatar

Qatar reinforced its position as a hub for world-class sports

In 2025, Qatar’s calendar of sporting excellence continued. Fans across the region and around the world descended on Qatar to witness tennis stars compete at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, to watch their favourite Formula One drivers compete at Lusail International Circuit, to attend the first-ever UFC event in Qatar, and most recently, to experience the Arab Cup tournament.

Qatar also hosted the second Match for Hope, a charity football game featuring legends such as Thierry Henry and Andrea Pirlo, and content creators, including Aboflah and Chunkz. The match raised $10,732,708 for Education Above All, supporting education for children and young people in regions affected by conflicts, disasters or poverty.

Qatar celebrated cultural excellence, from film to art

The first edition of Doha Film Festival took place in November, featuring award-winning talent and powerful storytelling. Academy Award-nominated film “The Voice of Hind Rajab” opened the festival and the event featured performances by renowned music stars such as Elyanna and Saint Levant.

Qatar Foundation established Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum, dedicated to the life and work of Indian artist Maqbool Fida Husain, one of the most influential figures in modern art. The museum hosts over 150 of Husain’s original works, connecting cultures and histories.

In 2025, the State of Qatar brought people together – from diplomats and humanitarians to innovators, athletes, and artists – to address global challenges and celebrate shared progress.