USQBC hosts ‘US-Qatar Defence & Security Roundtable’

The US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC) recently hosted an exclusive ‘US-Qatar Defence & Security Roundtable Luncheon’ at its head office in Washington, DC.
The event provided an opportunity for key officials and USQBC members to discuss important issues and the future expansion of the defence and security co-operation between the US and Qatar.
The event featured the following speakers: Brigadier-General Ali M al-Kuwari, the defence attaché of Qatar in the US; Abdullah al-Khater, A/CEO, Barzan Holdings; Scott Taylor, USQBC president; and Mohamed Barakat, managing director and treasurer of the board of directors at USQBC.
“Qatar is committed to promoting regional security and stability through our defence and security partnership with the US. Our defence partnership is a cornerstone of this relationship, and we look forward to continuing to work together to address common threats and challenges,” said Brigadier-General al-Kuwari.
Not only is Qatar a key export destination of US defence and security equipment, but the country also hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East. The Al Udeid Air Base hosts more than 10,000 US soldiers and is the headquarters for the US Central Command, US Air Force Central Command, and the Forward Command Centre for US Special Operations.
The US recently approved a $3bn expansion of Al Udeid Air Base, which further reinforces the long-term relationship between the US and Qatar.
“Qatar is committed to investing in cutting-edge defence technologies and expanding our domestic defence capabilities. We are proud of the progress we have made so far and are committed to continued innovation and collaboration with our partners in the US,” said al-Khater.
The defence and security sector offers significant investment and export partnership opportunities between American and Qatar companies. Qatar has invested heavily in developing its defence industry and has made significant strides in becoming a regional hub for the sector. The country is looking to expand its defence capabilities and is investing in the development of defence technologies in the US.
“The defence and security partnership between Qatar and the US is critical to global peace and security, especially within the Middle East region. As global and regional threats continue to evolve, USQBC is committed to supporting our members in exploring new opportunities and promoting greater commercial collaboration between our two nations,” said Taylor.
“Qatar is an incredibly important export destination for US-made defence and security products and services and is an increasingly large investor in US defence and security technologies. As the two countries continue to strengthen their security partnership, we expect even greater trade & investment in these areas,” said Barakat.
With the expansion of the Al-Udeid Air Base and the dynamic defence-related business between the US and Qatar, both countries have solidified their enduring trade and security partnership. Some of the major entities in the Qatari defence industry are Raytheon, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Barzan Aeronautical, Palantir, BAE Systems, and General Atomics.