Qatar temporarily suspends maritime navigation and all marine activities amid Persian Gulf tensions

Qatar's Ministry of Transport on Sunday, July 12, 2026, announced a temporary suspension of maritime navigation and all marine activities as a precautionary measure to protect public safety. According to the notice, owners and users of all vessels, including leisure boats, fishing boats and jet skis, must refrain from sailing and marine activity until further notice. The suspension does not apply to vessels operating under international maritime conventions.

The decision followed escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz, coinciding with reports of missiles and drones fired toward Persian Gulf states. The ministry urged the public to rely only on official channels for updates. The development matters for Iran's market because any disruption to Persian Gulf shipping affects the region's oil and goods export routes.