By Lookman Miraji.
The Government of the State of Qatar, through its Embassy in Tanzania, yesterday marked its National Day in a special ceremony held in Dar es Salaam, with the Guest of Honour being the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations), Hon. Deus Sangu.
Looking back at the history of diplomatic relations, official ties between Tanzania and Qatar wereg formally established on 13 December 1982.
Although the relationship was formalised in 1982, Qatar did not immediately establish a resident embassy in Tanzania.
Eventually, Qatar opened its resident embassy in Dar es Salaam in 2012 which a move widely regarded as a significant milestone in strengthening diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
On the other hand, Tanzania’s embassy in Qatar was established following a government decision in 2016.
These developments show that although diplomatic relations began in 1982, the establishment of permanent diplomatic missions took time, and the opening of resident embassies greatly enhanced communication and closer cooperation between the two nations.
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In recent years, relations between the two countries have continued to deepen, encompassing cooperation in various development-oriented projects.
The ceremony, attended by ambassadors, diplomats, government leaders, investors and various development stakeholders, stood as a symbol of the strengthening diplomatic, economic and social ties between Tanzania and Qatar.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Government of Tanzania, Minister Sangu said that relations between the two countries have continued to flourish day by day in various sectors, including trade, investment, tourism, education and employment.
“On the bilateral front, Tanzania and Qatar have continued to enjoy excellent relations which are increasingly flourishing day after day. The relations have been built on cooperation in a wide range of matters, both bilaterally and multilaterally in trade, investment, tourism, education and labour,” said Minister Sangu.
He added that the achievements realized through this cooperation have strengthened the bonds of friendship between the two nations, while emphasising that more opportunities continue to emerge in trade, employment and people to people engagement.
In one of the most direct examples of benefits to Tanzanian citizens, Minister Sangu commended Qatar’s national transport company, MOWASALAT, for offering employment opportunities to 800 Tanzanians in May 2025 and a further 1,092 in September 2025 in driver positions.
“We truly value this cooperation as it enhances a significant sector which touches directly the lives of our people, especially the youth, who form a big part of Tanzania’s population,” he said.
This initiative has been described as opening up employment opportunities for many young Tanzanians and strengthening strategic cooperation between Tanzania and Qatar in the overseas employment sector.
Turning to tourism, Minister Sangu noted that there is still huge potential to increase the number of Qatari visitors to Tanzania. Citing official statistics, he said that in 2024 Tanzania received 496 tourists from Qatar, a slight drop compared to 523 visitors recorded in 2023.
Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that ongoing discussions and agreements will lead to an increase in visitor numbers in the near future.
On his part, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Tanzania, Fahad Rashid Al-Marekhi, said that Qatar National Day is of great significance to the people of Qatar as it honours the legacy of the nation’s founder, Sheikh Jasim bin Mohammed bin Thani, and strengthens national unity.
“Celebrating Qatar National Day is a moment of profound significance. It honors the memory of the nation’s founder and deepens the sense of belonging and national unity,” said Ambassador Al-Marekhi.
He noted that under the leadership of the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar has made major strides under the Qatar National Vision 2030, leading to remarkable development in infrastructure, health, education, research, technology and economic diversification.
Ambassador Al-Marekhi further said that relations between Qatar and African countries, particularly Tanzania, have continued to grow rapidly, with Qatar supporting various development and humanitarian projects.
“Our relations with Tanzania are distinguished by strong diplomatic ties and mutual support in international fora,” he said.
He added that although the current level of trade between the two countries does not yet fully reflect the aspirations of their leaderships, several agreements that have recently been finalised and are ready for signing are expected to open up new opportunities for investment and enhanced economic cooperation.
In recent years, these relations have been further strengthened through increased Qatar investment in Tanzania, cooperation on employment opportunities for Tanzanian youth, student exchange and training programmes, as well as humanitarian and development assistance through Qatari institutions.
The celebration of Qatar National Day in Tanzania has therefore not only honoured the history and achievements of the State of Qatar, but has also reaffirmed the shared commitment to strengthen friendly and strategic relations between Tanzania and Qatar, for the benefit of the peoples of both nations.
With continued dialogue, new agreements and a shared vision for development, the future of Tanzania and Qatar relations remains highly promising.
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