Doha Hosts Global Security Forum 2026 Amid Shifting Alliances and Emerging Threats

The Global Security Forum 2026 commenced in Doha on Monday, October 19, 2026, bringing together international experts for a three-day discussion on critical global security challenges. The forum, which runs until October 21, is being held under the theme “The Future of Alliances” and addresses the complexities of shifting geopolitical alignments, ongoing regional conflicts, and increasing pressure on international cooperation.

The eighth edition of the forum is convened under the auspices of Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Opening remarks were delivered by Qatar’s Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani. He emphasized the importance of international security cooperation built on trust and shared responsibility, reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to supporting global security and stability while respecting state sovereignty and the interests of peoples.

Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, initiated the forum’s first fireside chat with CNN national security analyst Peter Bergen. Their discussion focused on regional security challenges faced by Qatar amidst escalating conflicts. Sheikh Saoud cautioned that disruptions to Gulf energy supplies could lead to increased global costs, noting that the full economic impact, or “shockwave,” has yet to be realized. He further explained that instability in the Gulf could impede trade between East and West, affect regional overseas investments, and impact international development assistance.

“Any disruption to energy supplies will affect consumers worldwide and drive up costs everywhere,” Sheikh Saoud stated, predicting further impacts in the coming days and months. He also revealed Qatar's ongoing efforts to enhance its domestic capabilities in air defence, counter-drone measures, cybersecurity, and electronic warfare. “We are already building our capabilities locally towards these three elements I mentioned,” he said, adding that Qatar is collaborating with regional partners and international allies to bolster its defenses. “Soon we’re going to announce a new partnership that we will do with the regional partners to establish new initiatives towards building the capability into these three elements and others,” he announced.

Sheikh Saoud also highlighted the strategic importance of Al Udeid Air Base, a Qatari military facility that hosts U.S. forces and other international allies. The base has accommodated representatives from over 20 countries, facilitating military exercises, training, and humanitarian missions. It has also served as a command center for regional operations, including the campaign against ISIL. Qatar is continuing to develop the facility to meet the operational needs of its armed forces while enabling joint activities with international allies.

Furthermore, Sheikh Saoud disclosed that Qatar maintained communication with Iran despite an attack on a vessel leased by Doha shortly after a U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing in Geneva. He described the attack as a surprise that has since been resolved, with both sides reaching a common understanding. Communication between Qatar and Iran has persisted at various levels, notwithstanding bilateral differences and the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States.

During a panel titled “The Future of Defence Partnerships: From Alliances to Operational Capability,” Brigadier General Khalid Mohammed Al-Nuaimi, Head of Qatar’s Intelligence and Security Authority Staff, shared insights into Qatar's rapid response to emerging threats. He stated that “Qatar repositioned its defence assets within around six hours to counter emerging threats, following eight months of adaptations to its military operations.” Al-Nuaimi explained that Qatar’s forces, doctrine, and defence capabilities were initially designed for a different threat environment. Responding to a question about lessons learned in countering drones, he described the six-hour shift as requiring swift changes to operational concepts and defence asset allocation, deeming the response “unprecedented and successful.”