Qatar’s leader Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani met with Spain’s King Felipe VI in Seville on Sunday. The talks focused on strengthening Qatar-Spain relations between the two nations. This occurred during a dinner for world leaders attending a UN development conference.
King Felipe said he was happy about growing business links between the countries. He noted that Spanish firms have won €1.2 billion in Qatari building projects since 2020. Trade between the nations, crucial for Qatar-Spain relations, has grown by more than a third in recent years. There are new opportunities in clean energy and technology.
The leaders discussed a €650 million joint fund set up in 2022 to help new businesses in both countries. They also announced plans for a special “Qatar-Spain Culture Year” in 2026 that will include art shows and history projects.
Education remains important in Qatar-Spain relations. Over 3,000 Qatari students now study in Spain. Additionally, Qatar has helped start a Middle East research center at a Spanish university.
On security matters, both countries agreed to work more closely on anti-terror training and online safety. Qatar has bought Spanish ships and defense systems worth €800 million in recent years.
The leaders also talked about helping poorer nations. They created a €50 million fund to support development projects in Africa’s Sahel region. This effort combines Qatar’s peacemaking skills with Spain’s local knowledge.
Qatar’s Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Spain’s King Felipe VI held productive discussions in Seville this week, marking another milestone in their nations’ growing partnership. The meeting took place during a dinner for world leaders attending the UN’s development conference, where both sides explored new ways to cooperate.
Trade and investment topped the agenda. King Felipe noted Spanish companies have secured major contracts worth €1.2 billion in Qatar since 2020, particularly in construction and infrastructure. “Our trade has grown an impressive 37% in just three years,” he said, pointing to renewable energy and technology as promising new areas. The leaders reviewed their €650 million joint investment fund that supports startups in both countries.
Cultural exchanges will get a boost through plans for a special “Qatar-Spain Cultural Year” in 2026. This will include art exhibitions, museum collaborations, and joint research projects. Education remains a priority, with over 3,200 Qatari students currently studying in Spain. A new Middle East studies center in Granada, funded by Qatar, will further academic ties.
Security cooperation is expanding too. Both nations agreed to enhance counterterrorism training and cybersecurity programs. This builds on Qatar’s recent €800 million purchase of Spanish naval vessels and defense systems.
On global issues, the leaders created a €50 million joint fund to support development in Africa’s Sahel region. They also coordinated positions on Mediterranean stability and food security challenges.
The meeting concluded with business leaders signing six new agreements in healthcare, artificial intelligence, and sustainable agriculture. These deals are expected to create about 1,200 jobs. With King Felipe planning an official visit to Doha in early 2026, the Qatar-Spain relationship continues to deepen across multiple sectors – from business and culture to security and global development.
