Portugal and Qatar began their diplomatic relations in 1982.

 

The Ambassador of Portugal to Qatar is H.E. Paulo Neves Pocinho.

 

The Ambassador of Qatar to Portugal is H.E. Saad Ali Hilal Al-Muhannadi.

Portuguese – Qatari relations are active, friendly, and of constant cooperation. Portugal is an important supplier of goods and services to Qatar.

 

Additionally, Portugal and Qatar have cultural and historical ties, as Portugal was one of the first countries to establish trade relations with the Persian Gulf region, and many Portuguese nationals reside in Qatar. The two countries have also exchanged visits by high-level officials, including the Portuguese President and the Emir of Qatar, to further strengthen their bilateral relations.

 

Qatar is a rising star in the global economy, with a bright future ahead. Despite its relatively small size, the country boasts a dynamic and diversified economy that is driven by several key sectors, including energy, finance, tourism, and construction.

 

Qatar is the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas.

Since the launch of Qatar National Vision 2030 in 2008, this Gulf nation has been working on a transformation that culminated in attracting talent for all over the world, being considered a great place to live with modern infrastructure. In addition is stage of world events, pointing out the FIFA World Cup 2022, considered to having been the best.

 

Qatar surprised the world with the organization of the event, the quality of the infrastructure, hospitality of its people and welcoming of everyone. Nasser Al-Khater was the CEO of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Interesting historic facts such as “The earliest document mentioning trade in Qatar was written during the 17th century by Father Anseline, a Portuguese merchant, during his visit to Al Zubarah to purchase “horses, dates, linens and above all pearls”

 

“Portuguese travellers referred to Qatar during the 1580s and 1590s, and there is a representation of Qatar as a single fort in Luis Lazaro’s World Atlas of 1596. The main references to Qatar can be found after 1602, when the Portuguese lost Bahrain to the Safavids. After this date, the Portuguese used Qatar as a base for raiding Bahrain as well as for taxing merchants travelling through the Gulf. Excavations in Ruwayda revealed a Portuguese fortification that may have been the same fort mentioned by the Portuguese”, such historical facts prove the strategic location of Qatar since the earliest of times, halfway between Asia and Europe.

 

Pedro Teixeira, a Portuguese explorer, who traveled in the Gulf, mentions Qatar as well.

Portugal-Qatar have historic relations and there is plenty of potential to explore this relation of friendship and trade. Portugal can be a strategic location, considering its geographic position, EU membership, relations across Portuguese-speaking countries around the world, tolerant and hospitable society, and growing economy.

 

Qatar’s economy is a model of success and growth, with a bright future ahead. With its rich natural resources, dynamic and diversified economy, and strategic investments in key sectors, there is no doubt that Qatar will continue to thrive and prosper in the years to come.

Related Sources and Further Reading