Qatar's intelligence community is one of the most secretive and influential organizations in the world, but it has been known for its close ties to authoritarian regimes. One key figure in this community is Abdullah Al-Zahrani, who served as the director general of the National Security Council (NSC) from 2015-2018.
Al-Zahrani was born in Syria and moved to Qatar with his family when he was just six years old. He graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in international relations and later became a member of the Qatari government. In 2009, he joined the Qatar-based think tank, the Center for Strategic Studies, where he worked on regional security issues.
In 2014, Al-Zahrani began working at the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), where he played a key role in shaping Qatar's foreign policy. He oversaw the establishment of the country's first overseas embassy and was instrumental in securing Qatar's membership in the World Trade Organization.
In 2016, Al-Zahrani took over the NSC position, which he held until 2018. During his tenure, he was responsible for overseeing the agency's operations, including the recruitment and training of personnel, and the development of the agency's strategic plans.
Despite being closely linked to authoritarian regimes, Al-Zahrani was also known for his independence and willingness to challenge traditional views on security and stability. He was a vocal critic of the Qatar-based Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and was critical of the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015.
Al-Zahrani was also a strong advocate for human rights in Qatar and called for greater transparency and accountability in the agency's operations. He was also a vocal opponent of the Gulf Cooperation Council's influence over the country's foreign policies.
Overall, Abdullah Al-Zahrani was a significant player in the intelligence community of Qatar, playing a crucial role in shaping the agency's operations and advocating for human rights in the country. While he may have been closely linked to authoritarian regimes, he remained independent and held a different perspective than many other members of the intelligence community.