The Doha News live blog is updated regularly amid the developments in Qatar in light of Iran’s attacks on the country amid the war with Israel and the United States.

Updates since Saturday morning:

• Israel, with support from the United States, attacked Iran on Saturday morning despite negotiations between Tehran and Washington aimed at diffusing tensions.
• Iran retaliated by targeting U.S. bases across the region including Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Qatar’s populations’ phones buzzed with alerts in the afternoon urging them to avoid leaving their houses as a precautionary measure.
• Qatar temporarily closed its airspace, prompting Qatar Airways to temporarily suspend flights to and from Doha until further notice.
• As of 3:00pm, Qatar’s residents continued to hear loud explosions.
• Qatar has intercepted at least three waves of missile attacks, with authorities confirming the situation is under control.
• Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attacks, affirming the Gulf state’s “full right to respond to this targeting”.
• The attacks on Qatar have continued until the evening.
• Eight injuries have been reported to Qatar as of Saturday evening.

Eight injuries in Qatar: key takeaways from press conference

A press conference took place late on Saturday between officials from Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MoI), Ministry of Defence (MOD), and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Major General Abdullah Al Muftah, Director of the Public Relations Department at MoI, assured that the situation in Qatar is stable, noting authorities responded to 114 reports of falling debris across various parts of the country.

He confirmed that eight people were injured as a result of missile fragments, with one of them in a critical condition.

Staff Lt. Col. Nasser Mohammed Al Kubaisi, Acting Director of the Directorate of Morale Guidance at MOD, also briefed the press on the current situation.

He confirmed that 65 ballistic missiles and 12 drones originating from Iran were detected, noting that 63 missiles and 11 drones were shot down before reaching their targets.

“Due to the intensity and multiple directions of the attacks, two ballistic missiles reached Al-Udeid Air Base and a drone targeted one of the early warning radars, with no human casualties reported,” he explained.

Ibrahim Al-Hashmi, Director of the Media and Communications Department at MOFA, reiterated Qatar’s rejection of Iran’s aggression on the country, slamming as “a blatant violation of its national sovereignty”.

The renewed targeting of Qatari territory undoubtedly reflects no goodwill and undermines the foundations of understanding upon which bilateral relations between the two countries were built,” he said.

Qatar’s foreign ministry summons Iran’s ambassador, expresses rejection of attacks on Doha

Qatar’s foreign ministry summoned Iran’s ambassador to the country Ali Salehabadi on Saturday evening and conveyed its strong protest, deep displeasure, and firm rejection of attacking Doha. 

Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Khulaifi affirmed to the Iranian ambassador that the recurrence of such targeting is “a reckless and irresponsible act that completely contradicts the principle of good neighbourliness”.

Reuters: Qatar was targeted by 44 missiles, 8 drones

Qatar was reportedly targeted by 44 missiles and eight drones during Iran’s attacks on U.S. interests in the Gulf state on Saturday, Reuters reported, citing an official briefed on the strikes.

Remote work announced for ministries and public sector

The Council of Ministers Secretariat General has announced the adoption of remote work on Sunday, 1 March 2026, for employees across all ministries, government entities, public bodies and institutions.

The decision excludes employees in the military and security sectors, the health sector, and those whose duties require their physical presence at the workplace.⁠

Qatar’s Amir, Trump hold phone call

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Qatar’s Amir in the wake of escalations in the war between Iran, the U.S. and Israel.

“President Trump has spoken with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a post on X.

Qatar’s residents receive new emergency alert 

Qatar has issued another emergency alert using the National Emergency Alert Systems, urging citizens and residents to remain at home or in a safe location as Iran continues airstrikes on U.S. interests in the Gulf.

Qatar’s Amir receives phone calls from more leaders

Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received more phone calls on Saturday evening.

The phone calls included ones from Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

The phone calls dealt with the latest developments in the region, particularly Iran’s attacks on Qatar that have persisted throughout the day. The leaders condemned the attacks on the Gulf state and voiced their solidarity with the country.

Qatar’s PM-FM receives numerous phone calls from officials

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani received phone calls from numerous officials in light of the situation in the region.

The officials included High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas; Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam; and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation of Spain Jose Manuel Alvarez.

The list also included French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Other officials included Jordan’s Foreign MinisterAyman Safadi, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdul Latif Al Zayani.

Other phone calls took place with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

The officials echoed the same sentiment as they expressed their solidarity with Qatar while stressing the need to contain the regional situation.

Norway initiates travel warning for several Gulf, Arab countries

Norway has advised against travel to Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Qatar amid the Israel-U.S. war on Iran.

The advisory follows recent Iranian missile strikes across the Middle East.

Qatar suspends public events, entertainment activities

Qatar Tourism suspended all public events, gatherings, and entertainment activities at hotels and tourism establishments until further notice in the interest of public safety. 

In an urgent circular, the authority said the directive takes immediate effect and is mandatory for all operators.

Several banks temporarily close branches

Qatar National Bank (QNB) and Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) have announced the temporary closure of all branches until further notice, citing the current situation and national safety guidance advising the public to remain indoors unless necessary. 

Both banks said the measure is intended to ensure the safety of customers and staff. Digital banking services, including mobile apps, internet banking and ATMs, will remain available.⁠

Qatar University shifts to remote learning

Qatar University has announced its decision to transition to remote learning until further notice as a precautionary measure amid the country’s current security situation.

In a statement, the university said it will provide updates through its official communication channels.⁠

Passengers urged not to proceed to Hamad International Airport

Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (HIA) has advised passengers not to proceed to the airport as flight operations remain suspended until further notice.

In a statement, the airport urged travellers to check directly with their airlines for the latest information regarding their flights.

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior urges people to remain indoors

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MoI) urged the residents and visitors to remain indoors and stay away from windows and open areas in light of Iran’s attacks on the country.

“The Ministry of Interior urges citizens, residents and visitors to remain indoors, stay away from windows and open areas, and avoid leaving their homes except in cases of absolute necessity until the situation stabilises,” the ministry said on X.

Qatar’s Amir receives phone calls from Jordanian, Egyptian leaders

The Amir received separate phone calls from Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. 

Both phone calls came against the backdrop of the latest regional developments, with the Jordanian and Egyptian leaders voicing their solidarity with Qatar.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on Qatari citizens abroad to contact diplomatic missions when needed

Qatar’s foreign ministry called on Qatari citizens abroad, especially those who are stranded or in need of consular services, to contact the relevant diplomatic missions.

The Ministry also urges citizens to reach out to Qatar’s diplomatic missions abroad when needed or in emergency cases through the designated emergency numbers, or to contact its Director of the Department of Operations through the following numbers:

0097440111000
0097440111140
0097440111104

Qatar’s condemns Iran’s attacks on Saudi Arabia

Qatar has condemned Iran’s attacks on Saudi Arabia, considering them a breach of its sovereignty.

This came in a statement by Qatar’s foreign ministry, where it voiced the Gulf state’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia “in all measures it takes to protect its sovereignty, security, and stability”.

Qatar’s Amir receives phone call from Iraqi PM

The Amir received a phone call from Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani that addressed the developments in the region, voicing Baghdad’s readiness to support Doha.

“He [Al-Sudani] emphasized that Iraq is ready to provide support to the State of Qatar in all measures it takes to protect its sovereignty, security, and stability,” the Amiri Diwan said in a statement.

Qatar’s health ministry affirms readiness to respond to emergencies

Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has affirmed the health sector’s full readiness to respond to emergencies in coordination with relevant authorities. Healthcare facilities continue to operate as usual, with emergency departments running around the clock, the ministry said.

It also emphasised that medical staff and facilities nationwide are equipped to manage emergencies, with sufficient stocks of medicines and supplies.

For health-related emergency inquiries, the ministry advised contacting its hotline at 16000, while life-threatening cases should be reported to 999.

Qatar’s Amir receives phone call from Greek PM

Qatar’s Amir received a phone call from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, where both sides discussed the latest regional security developments.

“The Greek Prime Minister expressed his country’s solidarity with the State of Qatar, underscoring Greece’s readiness to provide support to Qatar in terms of all measures it takes to protect its sovereignty and security,” the Amiri Diwan said in a statement.

Qatar Museums temporarily closes sites until further notice

Qatar Museums has announced the temporary closure of all museums, galleries, heritage sites and creative hubs across the country until further notice, citing precautionary measures prioritising public safety.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the authority confirmed that all tickets purchased for today will be fully refunded to the original payment method.⁠

Qatar’s schools shift to remote learning

Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education has announced the transition to remote learning for kindergartens, public and private schools, educational centres and universities from Sunday, 1 March 2026.

The decision is described as a precautionary and organisational measure that will remain in place until further notice.⁠

The ministry said classes will continue according to approved schedules through official digital platforms.⁠

Qatar’s Amir receives phone call from UAE President

Qatar’s Amir received a phone call from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Both leaders discussed the latest regional developments, expressing their condemnation of the targeting of the two Gulf states by Iranian ballistic missiles.

Qatar’s Amir receives phone call from Macron

Qatar’s Amir received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron, where both sides discussed the security developments in the region, stressing the importance of the immediate cessation of the escalation and opening prospects for dialogue.

Macron also condemned the targeting of Qatar, confirming France’s readiness to support the Gulf state in any measures it takes to protect its sovereignty, security, and stability.

Iranian missile targets early warning radar

An Iranian strike targeted a long-range early warning radar in northern Qatar, an official source from the Qatari Ministry of Defence told Al Jazeera. The source added that an assessment of the material damage is being assessed.

Some supermarkets to open 24/7 

Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) confirmed the abundant availability of goods and products at all sales outlets. The ministry confirmed 22 major branches of sales outlets will operate 24/7 for the public.

Several outlets announced that they will operate around the clock, including Lulu Hypermarket, Monoprix and Al Meera.

Qatar temporarily suspends maritime navigation

The Ministry of Transport has called on all individual and corporate owners of marine vessels to temporarily suspend maritime navigation as part of precautionary measures implemented by Qatar, in light of recent regional developments.

The Ministry emphasised its commitment to ensuring the highest levels of safety and security for all maritime journeys and urged full compliance with this directive.

Qatar’s Amir receives phone call from Saudi Crown Prince

Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a phone call from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The phone call dealt with the latest regional developments, the repercussions of the ongoing escalation, and its impact on regional and international security and stability, the Amiri Diwan said in a statement.

The Saudi Crown Prince expressed Saudi Arabia’s solidarity with Qatar and condemned the targeting of its territory with Iranian ballistic missiles.

Qatar intercepts third wave of missiles

Qatar intercepted a third wave of attacks targeting several areas in the country immediately upon detection.

The MOD confirmed in a statement that the Qatari Armed Forces “possess full capabilities and resources to protect the nation’s security and to respond decisively to any external threat”.

Qatar condemns Iran’s attacks, affirms right to response

Qatar condemned the targeting of its territory with Iranian ballistic missiles, considering it a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty, the Gulf state’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

The statement also affirmed Qatar’s “full right to respond to this attack in accordance with the provisions of international law and in a manner proportionate to the nature of the aggression”.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the targeting of Qatari territory is inconsistent with the principles of good neighborliness and cannot be accepted under any pretext or justification,” it said.

Qatar also condemned the attacks on Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Bahrain.

Qatar also called “for the immediate cessation of any escalatory actions, a return to the negotiating table, the prioritisation of reason and wisdom, and efforts to contain the crisis”.

Qatar intercepts Iranian missiles

Qatar’s population heard loud explosions in Doha as some spotted smoke emerging in the country’s skies following Iran’s missile attacks on the U.S. Al-Udeid Air Base.

Qatari authorities confirmed intercepting a number of missiles without the occurrence of casualties.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) also reassured citizens, residents, and visitors, urging the population to remain calm, follow instructions issued by security authorities, avoid rumors, and rely solely on information from official sources.

Qatar temporarily closes airspace, Qatar Airways suspends flights to, from Doha

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announced the temporary suspension of air traffic in Qatar in light of the latest developments. Other countries in the region issued similar measures including Kuwait, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates.

Qatar Airways then announced the temporary suspension of its flights to and from Doha due to the Qatari airspace closure.

“The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations when the airspace re-opens. Once usual operations resume, we anticipate delays to our flight schedule,” the airline said in a statement.

Qatar’s population receive alerts

Qatar’s population received alerts on their phones urging them to stay in their homes or a safe space and avoid going out unless it is necessary as a precautionary measure.

U.S. embassy orders personnel to shelter in place

The U.S. embassy in Qatar announced the implementation of a shelter-in-place for all personnel, recommending all Americans do the same until further notice.

Other embassies issued similar advisories for their citizens in Qatar including the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and India.

U.S., Israel attack Iran

Israel and the United States struck Iran’s capital, Tehran, on Saturday morning despite ongoing negotiations aimed at diffusing regional tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the attacks aimed at “eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime”.

“Short time ago, U.S. military began major combat operation in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime,” he said in a speech in Washington.

The attacks targeted Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence, Ministry of Defence, Atomic Energy Organisation, and Parchin military complex.