Our relations are at their best: Qatar’s ambassador bids farewell to Hungary
In a parting interview with Daily News Hungary, Qatar’s ambassador to Hungary, H.E. Abdulla Falah Abdulla Al Dosari, reflects on four years of diplomacy, the upgrade to a strategic partnership, future LNG supplies, and where he believes Qatari investors could make the greatest impact in Hungary.
Daily News Hungary (DNH): As your four-year mission in Hungary comes to an end, how would you summarise Qatar–Hungary relations during your tenure?
Ambassador Al Dosari: I’m very pleased with what we achieved in four years. Political ties have strengthened and cooperation has expanded—trade, business, investment, education, culture, even defence. We exchanged many high-level visits: Hungary’s prime minister paid an official visit to Qatar; Hungary’s foreign minister also visited. His Highness the Amir paid an official visit to Hungary. During that visit, our countries upgraded relations to a strategic partnership. Since then, every ministry has had a counterpart, and we have been able to work together across the board.
DNH: Which aspects of defense cooperation advanced most recently?
Ambassador Al Dosari: We are building cooperation step by step. For the first time since the strategic upgrade, there are Hungarian students connected to defense studies in Qatar. More broadly, we are working toward two-way higher-education exchanges—Hungarian students in Qatar and Qatari students in Hungarian universities.
DNH: What personal highlight stands out from your time in Budapest?
Ambassador Al Dosari: The 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, when His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited as the chief guest and for official talks. That visit sealed the strategic upgrade of relations. For me, that was a defining moment.
DNH: Qatar is a major energy and investment player. How have economic ties evolved, especially around gas?
Ambassador Al Dosari: Hungary is interested in LNG from Qatar. My understanding is that Qatar could begin supplying gas to Hungary from 2027. Technical details—volumes, delivery points—will be agreed by the competent authorities. Options were discussed in the past, and routes by sea into regional ports remain under consideration. But the key point is that both sides intend to work towards first deliveries in 2027.
DNH: Which sectors in Hungary look most attractive for future Qatari investment?
Ambassador Al Dosari: Two stand out:
- Healthcare. I would encourage a five-star private hospital in a prime location—world-class surgery and rehabilitation under one roof, leveraging Hungary’s renowned thermal waters. This would serve Hungarians and attract patients from the wider region.
- Hospitality. Demand is high, especially around major sporting events. More top-tier, Gulf-friendly hotels and serviced apartments would perform well. Gulf visitors stay longer and spend more on services—room service, laundry, shopping—so the economic impact is significant.
DNH: You often mention Hungary’s thermal culture. What would make it more appealing for visitors from the Gulf?
Ambassador Al Dosari: Clear family-friendly arrangements—for example, designated times or facilities for women and men—can make spa and wellness services more comfortable for Muslim guests. Some places already do this. It’s a practical step that broadens the audience.
DNH: How do you assess cultural and educational ties?
Ambassador Al Dosari: I’m proud of the progress. We already have Qatari students graduating from Hungarian universities in medicine, engineering and agriculture; some are on scholarships, others self-funded. We are working towards reciprocal scholarships—for example, a cohort of Hungarian students in Qatar and Qatari students in Hungary each year, including in Arabic language and engineering. This builds understanding and skills on both sides.
DNH: Are more high-level visits and agreements on the horizon?
Ambassador Al Dosari: Yes. As I understand it, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is expected to visit Doha in November for an official visit, with approximately eight agreements planned, including those on investment protection and security cooperation. A joint economic committee and political consultations are also foreseen in Doha. Additional ministerial and senior-level exchanges are expected afterwards.
DNH: Beyond government-to-government ties, how important are people-to-people links?
Ambassador Al Dosari: Essential. Hungary is safe, rich in history, and good value compared with Western Europe. Five-star hotels here meet international standards at lower prices, and key attractions are within walking distance. I’ve seen growing numbers of Gulf families discovering Budapest and leaving very satisfied. To build on this, Hungary should promote itself more actively in the Gulf—not only in Qatar, but across the region—through trade and tourism offices and dedicated marketing.
DNH: You’ve also spoken about the Arab and Muslim community in Hungary.
Ambassador Al Dosari: Many Arabs—Muslim and Christian—made Hungary their home decades ago. They run respected businesses, pay taxes, and contribute to society. They feel Hungarian. It’s important that they feel included and are encouraged to participate in civic life. And let me say something to Hungarian politicians: no one reaches out to Arab communities in Hungary, and many of the people I spoke to don’t even vote. I think this needs to change. Hungarian political parties need to open up to the Arab community so they can learn their opinions on various issues.
DNH: Sometimes allies disagree on international issues. How do you manage differences while progressing bilateral ties?
Ambassador Al Dosari: We keep the channels open. If we have different views on a political issue, that does not prevent us from cooperating in education, investment, culture or other areas. There are many areas where we can and do work together successfully.
Would you happen to know who will succeed you?
Ambassador Al Dosari: Yes. Our consul general in Munich has already been appointed and is expected to be confirmed shortly. Qatar does not want the embassy to remain without an ambassador for an extended period; continuity is crucial.
DNH: As you prepare to leave, what message would you like to convey to the Hungarian people and government?
Ambassador Al Dosari: Thank you. From the Prime Minister’s Office to every ministry we worked with—your support made our achievements possible. The Hungarian people are welcoming and respectful; my family and I felt at home here. I hope to return often, perhaps even keep a small flat in Budapest. I’m also honoured to receive a high state distinction before my departure—another sign of our excellent relations.