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Updates since Saturday morning
- Iran’s ambassador to Qatar denied reports that Doha had given the Iranian mission one week to leave the country, calling the claim “totally fake.”
- Qatar’s airspace partially opened on Saturday for a limited number of flights designated for passenger evacuation, in addition to air cargo flights, in light of the current regional circumstances.
- Limited flights to Doha will take place on Sunday for those wanting to travel to the country as their final destination.
- Qatar’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that armed forces intercepted missile attacks targeting the country on Saturday.
- The Community College of Qatar has postponed midterm examinations for the Spring 2026 semester.
- Qatar’s Criminal Investigation Department arrested an Arab national after he published a series of social media posts within suspicious groups that included direct insults to Qatar and its institutions.
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran will not launch further strikes on neighbouring countries unless attacks against Iran originate from their territory.
- Embassies of various countries in Qatar are working to assist their citizens amid the current regional escalations.
Qatar’s Amir, U.S. President hold phone call
Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the latest developments as Iranian attacks continue to target Qatar and other countries in the region.
During the conversation, the two leaders reviewed efforts aimed at containing the escalation and stressed the importance of pursuing diplomatic solutions.
The Amir also warned that the ongoing tensions could pose serious risks to international peace and security.
Qatar Tourism announces temporary hotel extensions for stranded visitors
Qatar Tourism announced that visitors unable to leave Qatar due to travel restrictions may receive a temporary extension of their hotel stay.
The support applies to tourists staying in licensed hotels who checked in on or before February 28, 2026, and had confirmed flights scheduled between February 28 and March 3 that were cancelled or disrupted.
Eligible visitors will receive accommodation in the same room type along with three daily meals. For more details, visitors are advised to check the official Qatar Tourism website or contact the hotline at 106 or +974 4406 9921
Qatar’s Amir receives call from UAE President
Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a phone call from UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss recent regional security developments following Iranian attacks targeting Qatar.
The UAE president expressed solidarity with Qatar and support for protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Sheikh Tamim thanked the UAE for its fraternal stance and reaffirmed Qatar’s solidarity with the UAE.
Both leaders emphasised the need for continued coordination, an immediate halt to escalation, and stronger diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and maintain regional and international stability.
British Royal Air Force sends four Typhoon jets to Qatar
The British Royal Air Force announced that four Typhoon fighter jets have been deployed from RAF Coningsby to Qatar.
The aircraft will operate alongside 12 Squadron and the Qatari Typhoon squadron to support Bahraini and Emirati air defence, the RAF said on X.
The deployment follows Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement on Thursday that the UK would send the jets after recent Iranian attacks.
U.S. Embassy urges Americans in Qatar to register for possible departure assistance
The U.S. Embassy in Doha issued a security alert on Saturday, urging American citizens in Qatar to complete an assistance request form, indicating that the U.S. government is prepared to help U.S. nationals leave the region.
The embassy advised citizens seeking departure assistance to call +1-202-501-4444 for more information.
It also noted that daily overland travel options remain available for those wishing to depart Qatar.
Qatar’s MOI issues guidelines on the safest places to shelter in homes
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior issued guidance advising the public on where to shelter if they hear an explosion as Iranian retaliatory attacks on the Gulf enter their seventh day.
Embassy of Georgia in Doha facilitates repatriation flights for tourists stranded in the Gulf state
The Embassy of Georgia in Qatar assisted more than 200 Georgian tourists stranded in the country, coordinating with the government of Georgia to organise two charter flights for their repatriation.
The embassy also facilitated transport to Riyadh and Oman and provided medical support to those in need.
Georgia’s ambassador to Qatar thanked the Qatari government for its support.
Qatar Armed Forces intercept missile attacks
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence confirmed on Saturday that the country’s armed forces intercepted a missile attack targeting Qatar.
Loud explosions were heard over Doha’s skies at 6:28 p.m. local time. Qatar’s residents received National Emergency Alerts at 6:30 p.m., saying the security threats are elevated.
Qatar’s National Alert System then notified the public at 6:57 p.m. that the security threat had been eliminated and the situation had returned to normal.
Qatar’s MoFA denies claims of expelling Iranian diplomats
Director of the Media and Communication Department at Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs [MoFA] Ibrahim Al Hashmi denied reports that Qatar had given Iranian diplomats one week to leave the country.
He stressed that Qatar continues to keep all diplomatic channels open as part of its efforts to de-escalate regional tensions and help contain the situation.
Exclusive: Iran ambassador calls reports of mission’s expulsion from Qatar ‘totally fake’
In an exclusive statement to Doha News, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s ambassador to Qatar, Ali Salehabadi, denied reports that Doha had given the Iranian mission a week to leave the country.
Ambassador Salehabadi described the claim as “totally fake.”
The denial follows a report by Iran International, which cited a source connected to the Iranian embassy in Doha claiming that embassy-linked individuals had been refused hotel accommodation following instructions from the Qatari government.
Ireland working to place citizens on flights departing Qatar
Ireland’s Embassy in the United Arab Emirates announced on Saturday that it is working to increase its flights to Dublin via Emirates Airlines to two daily, with efforts underway to place Irish passengers on flights departing Doha.
It added: “We are also working with Qatar Airways to get Qatar Airways ticketed passengers stranded in other locations back to their destination. We are in touch with Etihad to explore all options for travel to Ireland.”
Pezeshkian: Iran will not attack neighbouring countries unless attacked from their territories
Pezeshkian said Iran will not launch further strikes on neighbouring countries unless attacks against Iran originate from their territory, in a televised address on Saturday.
Pezeshkian apologised to neighbouring states for strikes carried out in recent days, adding that the temporary governing council had approved the decision.
Qatar’s PM-FM, Egyptian FM hold phone call
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani received received a phone call on Saturday from Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
“Discussion during the call focused on the escalating military situation in the region and its serious repercussions on regional and international security and stability, as well as ways to resolve all disputes peacefully,” Qatar’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
Qatar Airways to operate limited flights to Doha
Qatar Airways is operating limited flights to Doha on Sunday following temporary authorisation from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirming a safe operating corridor.
The flights to HIA include ones from London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Frankfurt, and Bangkok.
“These flights are only for passengers whose final destination is Doha. To book, please visit the Qatar Airways website or App or a travel agent,” the airline said.
A further update will be provided on Sunday, March 8, by 9:00am Doha time.
MOD: missile attacks intercepted
The MOD confirmed that armed forces intercepted missile attacks targeting Qatar on Saturday, after which the MOI issued a public safety alert confirming the security threat had been eliminated and the situation had returned to normal.
Qatar arrests man over posts insulting country, undermining armed forces
Qatar’s Criminal Investigation Department arrested an Arab national after publishing a series of social media posts within suspicious groups that included direct insults to the country and its institutions, content aimed at undermining the Qatari Armed Forces, and material described as defamatory toward several Gulf states.
The MOI said the posts constitute a violation of applicable laws and that the accused has been referred to competent authorities for legal proceedings.
The ministry warned it will not hesitate to take legal measures against anyone who uses social media to spread rumours or content that undermines public security or harms state institutions.
MOI urges public to report suspicious activity
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) urged the public on Saturday to report any unusual or suspicious behaviour, whether in public spaces or on social media. The MOI directed reports to its designated channels.
Watch: Kazakhstan evacuates more than 1,600 tourists from Qatar
Kazakhstan’s Embassy said it has evacuated more than 1,600 Kazakh tourists and over 40 students from Qatar since March 3.
The embassy said Kazakh tourists unable to leave “express their sincere gratitude to the Qatari authorities for the support provided during this difficult time,” adding that authorities assisted with hotel accommodations, meals, and “all necessary conditions for their safe stay in Qatar”.
Qatar’s airspace partially opens
Qatar’s airspace partially opened on Saturday after the Civil Aviation Authority announced limited-capacity emergency air routes to support evacuation and essential cargo operations.
The move came in close coordination with the Qatari Armed Forces and relevant authorities while maintaining the highest safety standards amid ongoing regional circumstances.
The flights departing Hamad International Airport on Saturday included ones to London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, and Frankfurt. A further update will be provided on March 8 at 9:00am in Doha.
