Doha, Qatar: Sweden has reaffirmed its strong support for and solidarity with Qatar amid the evolving geopolitical situation in the region, with senior Swedish leaders holding high-level discussions with their Qatari counterparts, and the Swedish Embassy in Doha working around the clock to assist its community and travellers.
In an exclusive interview with The Peninsula on Wednesday, Ambassador of Sweden to Qatar H E Gautam Bhattacharyya said the moment underscores the depth of the bilateral partnership. “Moments like these show the strength of true friendship. Sweden deeply values its close relationship with Qatar, and we stand together in support of the stability, safety and well-being of our communities,” he said.
The Ambassador noted that Sweden and Qatar have maintained close and continuous dialogue since the onset of the crisis. On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Sweden’s Prime Minister H E Ulf Kristersson spoke with Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, expressing Sweden’s support and solidarity with Qatar and its people.
Earlier, Sweden’s Foreign Minister H E Maria Malmer Stenergard also held discussions with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, while Sweden’s Defence Minister H E Pål Jonson spoke with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani.
“These discussions reflect the close cooperation between Sweden and Qatar,” Ambassador Bhattacharyya said. “There have been three high-level contacts so far, which are very important. I want to reiterate that the government and people of Sweden stand firmly behind Qatar and other Gulf states affected by this conflict and crisis.”
He emphasised that countries in the region have long worked to promote dialogue and peaceful solutions. “These countries are caught in a crisis not of their making, and have worked very hard to promote dialogue, mediation and conflict resolution. We truly feel for the government and people of Qatar during this crisis, and we strongly support them,” he said.
Ambassador of Sweden to Qatar H E Gautam Bhattacharyya. Photo by Hana Ramadan
Embassy working around the clock
Describing the past days as one of the most demanding periods during his tenure, Ambassador Bhattacharyya said the embassy has been operating almost continuously to support Swedish nationals and travellers.
“It has been an extremely intensive period for the country and for all nationals and residents of Qatar, and also for the embassy. In my three and a half years here, I have not experienced a situation of this seriousness and intensity,” he said.
Embassy staff have been working around the clock to support Swedish nationals and travellers in Qatar. “We have been working almost around the clock, focusing primarily on supporting our community while also keeping abreast of developments and sharing relevant information from the Qatari authorities with our community and stranded travellers,” he said.
The embassy has also remained in constant contact with the diplomatic community and international partners, including the EU and European countries, and other friendly nations, exchanging information on how best to assist their citizens.
Close coordination with Qatari authorities
The Ambassador praised the Qatari authorities for their handling of this complicated situation.
“I want to say from the outset that the Qatari authorities have been exemplary in their openness, transparency and communication with both the public and the diplomatic community,” he said, adding that clear statements, alerts and briefings had greatly facilitated the work of foreign missions.
The Swedish Embassy has coordinated closely with several key institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways, particularly in assisting stranded travellers.
According to the embassy’s estimates, around 100 to 150 Swedish passengers were repatriated, mainly tourists and transit travellers.
Ambassador Bhattacharyya also commended the swift support provided to visitors. Qatar Tourism quickly announced that it would take care of stranded travellers by covering hotel costs, and providing meals and accommodation. “It’s quite remarkable - and reflects the generosity and care shown by the Qatari government towards both residents and visitors,” he said.
Confidence in Qatar’s crisis management
The Ambassador also highlighted the efficiency of Qatar’s response in ensuring the safety of civilians and maintaining essential services.
“Regarding civilian safety, we have seen it with our own eyes. The Qatar Armed Forces have been extremely efficient in protecting the country, its citizens and residents,” he said.
He added that critical systems have continued functioning without disruption. “From hospitals to the supply of food, water and energy, everything has been operating well. Qatar has spent many years building resilience in these areas.”
“There are very few countries in the world more prepared for a crisis than Qatar,” he added. “I believe the world has a lot to learn from how Qatar manages crises.”
In an exclusive interview with The Peninsula yesterday, Ambassador of Sweden to Qatar H E Gautam Bhattacharyya noted that Sweden and Qatar have maintained close and continuous dialogue since the onset of the crisis. pic.twitter.com/MQeSxaf0nu
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) March 12, 2026
Message to Swedish community
Ambassador Bhattacharyya urged Swedish nationals and companies in Qatar to continue following official guidance and safety measures.
“The most important thing is to follow the advice of the Qatari authorities. People should avoid unnecessary movement outdoors and respect the seriousness of the situation,” he said.
He also praised the Swedish community for acting responsibly.
A survey conducted by the Swedish Embassy in Doha between March 6 and 9 indicated that 64% of the respondents chose not to consider travelling out of Qatar now. The Swedish community remains calm and attentive to developments.
Many respondents indicated that they currently feel safe in Qatar and trust the Qatari authorities to manage the situation, while also noting that travel alternatives exist, if needed.
About 1,000 Swedish citizens normally reside in Qatar, many of them professionals in essential sectors, such as aviation, healthcare, education, hospitality and logistics.
Swedish companies also contribute significantly to Qatar’s economy, including telecommunications giant Ericsson, vehicle manufacturers Volvo and Scania, as well as global retail brands IKEA and H&M, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology company AstraZeneca and electrical giant ABB.
“All of them contribute in their own ways to keeping society functioning and maintaining normalcy. I am very proud of how Swedish companies have shown resilience and continued their work during this period,” Ambassador Bhattacharyya said.
Chairman of the Board at ACR International AB, Arne Stokke
Swedish companies maintain operations
Senior leaders of Swedish companies operating in Qatar also spoke to The Peninsula, highlighting how they have adapted operations to ensure business continuity and support of the wider community.
Chairman of the Board at ACR International AB, Arne Stokke, said the company quickly adjusted its operational model to ensure uninterrupted services while prioritising staff safety.
“Our priority has been to ensure the continuity of our services while maintaining the safety and well-being of our team and partners,” he said.
ACR shifted many of its activities to remote work and secure digital platforms, allowing teams to stay connected with partners and clients. “Through flexibility, digital collaboration and strong partnerships, we have been able to maintain business continuity and continue supporting our clients and the wider community,” Stokke said, noting that the company also maintains close daily coordination with the Swedish Embassy in Doha.
President of Ericsson Qatar, Charbel Abdallah
Meanwhile, Charbel Abdallah, President of Ericsson Qatar, said the company has activated contingency and business continuity plans to ensure the resilience of critical communications infrastructure.
“First and foremost, the safety and well-being of our employees remain our primary concern,” Abdallah said. “At the same time, Ericsson continues to support its customers and partners to ensure the continuity and resilience of critical network services.”
He added that reliable connectivity becomes especially important during times of uncertainty. “Maintaining reliable connectivity is a critical priority when communication networks play an essential role in supporting public services, businesses and everyday life.”
Abdallah also emphasised the company’s longstanding partnership with Qatar. “As a long-standing partner in Qatar, Ericsson values trusted collaboration with local stakeholders. This partnership-driven approach strengthens resilience and supports the continued functioning of vital communication infrastructure.”
