Doha declares war on Saudi and Emirati products

Products from Saudi Arabia, Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have been removed from the stores in the country. Inspections and checks to verify the norm is being applied. According to the government it is a matter of "consumer protection". Ties with Iran, Turkey and Morocco strengthened.

Doha (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Doha has ordered the removal of all products from the Gulf countries, with whom it is currently embroiled in an economic, diplomatic and commercial war that is affecting the entire region. A directive issued by the Ministry of Economy of Qatar at the weekend requires shops in the country to remove goods imported from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt from their shelves.

In the coming days inspectors will visit the shops, to make sure that the directive is applied with the utmost rigor. At the same time, the government will try to block entry of Saudi products from third countries at the border.

Government sources in Qatar say it is a matter of  "protecting consumer safety". "Qatar - adds the ministerial note - conducts its commercial policies in accordance with all bilateral and multilateral agreements signed".

For almost a year, Qatar has been embroiled in a serious political, diplomatic and economic crisis with the other Gulf countries, led by Riyadh. Since 5 June, Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have cut off all relations with Qatar, accused of financing terrorist groups active in the region.

According to some analysts and experts the clash between Qatar and Saudi Arabia is really over links between Doha and Teheran, which recently confirmed its economic and diplomatic support. There is also the opposition within the Sunni Islam between Doha and Abu Dhabi.

The conflict has isolated the small emirate in the Gulf area, bringing it closer to the Islamic Republic, Turkey and Morocco. Many goods and products - even those subject to the government ban - enter Qatar through Kuwait and Oman.

• qatar
• iran
• gulf
• saudi arabia
• emirates
• islam
• sunni
• shia
• economy
• commerce
• fundamentalism