Membership of International Groupings / Organisations
- World Trade Organization (WTO).
- Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).
- United Nations (UN).
- UN Security Council.
Qatar's Relations with Neighbours
Qatar is a member of the Gulf Co-operation Council alongside its neighbours Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. On 16 March 2001, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced its judgement on the long-standing maritime delimitation and territorial dispute between Bahrain and Qatar.
The judgement is binding and was promptly accepted by both sides. It awarded sovereignty over the Hawar Islands and Qit'at Jaradah to Bahrain and sovereignty over Zubarah, which forms part of the Qatar peninsula, Janan Island and Fasht ad Dibal to Qatar and redrew the international maritime border. This peaceful settlement has provided the impetus for renewed co-operation between the two countries. The Al Jazeera TV Channel has managed to upset most of Qatar's neighbours at one time or another, especially Saudi Arabia. This has strained bilateral relations at times.
Qatar's Relations with the UK
The relations between Qatar and UK are good. There is bilateral cooperation in a number of areas.
Trade And Investment With UK
Trade exports between the UK and Qatar are increasing. In 2006 UK exports reached £488.8 million up from £362.6 million in 2005. Imports from Qatar totalled £199.3 million in 2006 up from £97.5 million in 2005. The UK has a number of major investors in the market, notably Shell, which is constructing a major Gas to Liquids (GtL) plant in Qatar, which will create 5,000 jobs during the construction period. The UKs major competitors in the market are the US, Japan and France. Although the Qataris are willing to pay for quality, the strengthening of the pound and the weakening value of the US dollar will affect the competitiveness of UK firms.
Rolls Royce has secured a contract to supply engines for airbuses for Qatar Airways. There have been many infrastructure developments in Qatar over recent years. This is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. The next few years will see the completion of new oil and gas facilities, New Doha International Airport, new roads, hotels, museums and residential compounds.
