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Doha is gearing up for a packed February as Qatar prepares to host a line-up of major global events that underline its emergence as a regional and international centre for exhibitions, conferences, and world-class sporting and cultural gatherings.The month’s agenda spans technology, energy, art, agriculture, and sport — together illustrating the diversity and global reach of Qatar’s economy and society.The curtain rises with Web Summit Qatar 2026 (Feb 1-4) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). Returning after a successful debut, the event will bring together thousands of technology leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to discuss advances in artificial intelligence, sustainability, and the future digital economy.Close on its heels comes the 21st International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG 2026, Feb 2-5), widely regarded as the premier global meeting for the LNG industry. Qatar’s role as the world’s largest LNG exporter gives special prominence to this edition, which is expected to feature discussions on cleaner energy technologies and climate-aligned growth in the energy sector.From Feb 5-7, Doha will host two significant events reflecting Qatar’s growing influence in science and culture. The first Qatar International Reproductive Medicine Conference will gather leading medical researchers and practitioners to explore breakthroughs in fertility and women’s health. Running concurrently, Art Basel Qatar will spotlight contemporary artists from the region and around the world, expanding Doha’s profile as a leading art destination following recent international exhibitions at M7 and Qatar Museums.The action shifts courtside from Feb 8-14 with the Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2026, which brings top WTA players to compete at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. The tournament is consistently recognised for attracting some of the game’s biggest names early in the tennis season.The prestigious HH The Amir’s Sword International Equestrian Festival (Feb 11-14) follows, uniting the world’s elite riders at Al Rayyan Racecourse. The event blends high performance and elegance, celebrating Qatar’s enduring equestrian heritage.Environmental and food security priorities take the spotlight next with the 13th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ 2026, Feb 12-16). The exhibition will showcase innovations in agricultural technology, sustainable farming, and climate resilience in food production, contributing to the country’s self-sufficiency goals.Tennis returns with the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2026 (Feb 16-21), one of the ATP Tour’s leading events in the Middle East. Over the years, the Doha tournament has hosted legends such as Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, strengthening Qatar’s reputation as a top-tier sporting venue.February will also offer lighter cultural moments. The Throwback Food Festival (Feb 17-19) will combine tradition and modernity through cuisine and live entertainment, presenting a family-friendly celebration of local heritage.Closing the month is the prestigious CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines (Feb 19-21), hosted at the acclaimed Al Shaqab equestrian facility. The championship, combining show jumping, dressage, and para-dressage, continues to attract top riders from around the world to one of Qatar’s most iconic arenas.Together, these events make February one of the most dynamic months on Qatar’s calendar to date. From technology and trade to art, sport, and sustainability, Doha will once again stand at the crossroads of innovation and culture — a global meeting place for ideas, excellence, and exchange.As one event organiser put it, “Each February, Doha tells the world that progress and tradition can thrive side by side — and that Qatar’s story is still being written on every world stage it hosts.” 

HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, also the President and CEO of QatarEnergy and Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, met in Baghdad on Sunday Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Prime Minister of Iraq, to announce the start of construction of the Common Seawater Supply Project (CSSP) and Phase 2 of the Artawi Oil Field Redevelopment project (Artawi Phase 2 Project).The two projects represent the final major components of Iraq’s Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP), a multi-phase initiative aimed at enhancing the country’s energy infrastructure, currently being developed by the GGIP partners: QatarEnergy (25%), TotalEnergies (45%, operator), and Basra Oil Company (30%).The signing took place during a special ceremony held under the patronage of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and attended by HE al-Kaabi, Hayyan Abdul Ghani al-Sawad, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil, and senior Iraqi officials and executives from the three project partners.At the same ceremony, QatarEnergy and its partners, TotalEnergies and Basra Oil Company, signed a joint statement with the Government of Iraq, represented by al-Sudani, and the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, represented by al-Sawad regarding the GGIP, to reaffirm the strong partnership between the parties and their joint commitment to the successful execution of the various projects comprising the GGIP.Commenting on the occasion, HE al-Kaabi said: “This milestone marks a pivotal step in our shared journey with Iraq toward energy resilience and sustainability. The launch of the CSSP and the Artawi Phase 2 Project reflects our deep commitment to Iraq’s energy sector and economic growth.”HE al-Kaabi added: “We are proud to collaborate with TotalEnergies and Basra Oil Company on this transformative initiative, and we extend our sincere appreciation to the Iraqi leadership and authorities for their continued support and partnership in making this vision a reality.”The CSSP will process and transport 5mn barrels of seawater per day to the main oil fields in southern Iraq. It will significantly reduce freshwater abstraction from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, helping alleviate regional water stress and support agricultural sustainability.By freeing up 250,000 cubic metres of freshwater daily, the project contributes to Iraq’s long-term water security. The plant will be operated by the Basra Oil Company.The Artawi Phase 2 Project will increase oil production from the Artawi field to 210,000 bpd starting in 2028. Upon completion, the project will position Artawi as one of Iraq’s lowest-emission oil production sites.With total investments exceeding $13bn, the GGIP is designed to enhance the development of Iraq’s natural resources to improve the country’s electricity supply.It comprises a number of mega-projects for the recovery of gas that is currently flared at three oil fields in southern Iraq to supply electric power plants, the redevelopment of the Artawi oil field, the construction of a 1 GWac (1.25 GWp) solar farm and for the treatment of significant quantities of seawater to be used for pressure maintenance in a number of oil fields.