Qatar has been ranked as the most peaceful country in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region in the 2026 Global Peace Index, according to the National Planning Council. The annual index, published by the Australia-based Institute for Economics and Peace, evaluates peace levels in 163 countries and territories based on 23 indicators grouped into three domains: societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and militarisation.

Qatar's improved score in the Societal Safety and Security domain, which decreased from 1.400 in 2025 to 1.369 in 2026, reflects enhanced public safety and stability. Lower scores indicate greater peacefulness on the index. The National Planning Council attributed this progress to the effectiveness of Qatar’s institutions, strong national capabilities, and social cohesion in maintaining security.

The 2026 Global Peace Index highlights a challenging global context, with a record number of conflicts and rising economic repercussions worldwide. The number of countries involved in external conflicts has increased from 59 in 2008 to 103 in the current report. The compilers of the index also identified a broader geopolitical trend described as the “Great Fragmentation,” signaling increasing complexity and interconnectedness of conflicts.

Despite the Mena region remaining the least peaceful area globally for the past decade, Qatar stands out as a regional exception. The country leads the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in peace rankings, placing ahead of Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. Qatar’s diplomatic mediation efforts and ongoing investments in internal security were cited as key contributors to its stability.

Qatar’s elevated position in the Global Peace Index underlines its role as one of the most stable and secure nations in a region otherwise marked by persistent turmoil and insecurity.