Qatar Resumes Maritime Navigation Within Seven Nautical Miles

The Ministry of Transport in Qatar declared on Tuesday the resumption of maritime navigation activities for all types of marine vessels within a designated maritime zone extending approximately seven nautical miles.

According to the ministry's statement, this zone includes the area east of Lusail city, encompassing its ports, anchorages, and associated marine facilities up to Hamad Port. It also covers the area westward from Umm Al-Hayish to Doha Salwa.

The ministry indicated that navigation within this specified range will recommence from the date the circular was issued.

However, the decision excludes vessels governed by international maritime agreements, which will continue their operations according to existing regulations and procedures.

All owners and users of marine vessels have been urged by the ministry to adhere to current maritime laws and regulations and to ensure the readiness of security and safety equipment before and during navigation to guarantee the safety of maritime journeys.

On the previous day, Qatar sent identical letters to António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, and to Zenon Mukongo Ngay, the Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the UN and President of the Security Council for July. The letters addressed recent Iranian attacks on Qatari territory, describing them as blatant violations of Qatar’s national sovereignty and direct threats to its security and territorial integrity, as well as unacceptable escalations endangering regional security and stability.

Earlier in July, Qatar filed a complaint with the United Nations and the Security Council stating that Iran targeted the Qatari tanker "Al-Rukayyat" while it was passing near the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026.