Qatar has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the complete elimination of nuclear weapons, emphasizing disarmament as a critical humanitarian, security, and developmental imperative in the context of escalating global tensions and growing arms races. The country highlighted the necessity of establishing a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction as a key regional priority.

Since acceding to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in 1989, Qatar has actively pursued nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and international peace through sustained diplomatic engagement and national policy. It has consistently advocated for full and non-selective compliance with international arms control agreements, aligning its policies with efforts to prevent the development, production, possession, testing, transfer, or use of nuclear weapons. Qatar also voted in favor of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons during its 2017 United Nations negotiation conference and contributed to its formation.

At the February 2026 Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Qatar warned of a deteriorating global security environment, citing rising armed conflicts, waning respect for international law and the UN Charter, intensifying geopolitical rivalries, and accelerated nuclear modernization programs. The country also raised concerns about the integration of emerging technologies into military systems and the increased risk associated with the weaponization of outer space, warning that these factors present unprecedented challenges to the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation framework.

Highlighting 2026 as a pivotal year for the nuclear non-proliferation regime, Qatar pointed to the 11th NPT Review Conference as a critical moment to reinforce international commitment. Addressing the conference in April, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, underscored the importance of the treaty’s three pillars—disarmament, non-proliferation, and peaceful use of nuclear energy—and called on nuclear-armed states to make specific, time-bound commitments toward complete disarmament as mandated by Article VI of the NPT.

In May, during the UN First Committee on Disarmament, Qatar reaffirmed the legal obligation of nuclear-weapon states to negotiate in good faith toward the total elimination of nuclear arsenals. The country expressed concern that nuclear capabilities existing outside international verification frameworks undermine global trust, fuel arms races, and create fragile security conditions vulnerable to escalation.

Qatar reiterated its call for enhanced multilateral efforts to eradicate nuclear weapons in September at the 70th session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna. HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi stressed the ongoing challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, and shifts in nuclear doctrines. He reinforced the role of the IAEA in maintaining nuclear safeguards and standards and underscored Qatar’s support through a $600,000 contribution to the agency’s Rays of Hope initiative, which includes strengthening Syria’s radiotherapy capacity.

Beyond its diplomatic efforts, Qatar has actively invested in regional capacity-building related to disarmament and weapons non-proliferation. In 2012, it established the Qatar Regional Training Centre for the Prohibition of Weapons, the first of its kind in the Middle East and Asia. The country is also a party to the Chemical Weapons Convention and has created a National Committee for the Prohibition of Weapons to advise government entities on compliance with WMD-related protocols. In cooperation with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Qatar launched the Doha Regional Centre for Training on Conventions Related to Weapons of Mass Destruction to provide specialized training in verification, inspection, and compliance.

The IAEA, headquartered in Vienna and comprising around 180 member states, continues to play a key role in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy while preventing its diversion to military purposes. Qatar’s recent statements and initiatives reaffirm its commitment to strengthening and supporting this international framework.