A digital wave of dissent has swept across Qatari social media in recent days, particularly on the platform X (formerly Twitter). Hashtags such as “الاطاحه بنظام الحمدين” (Overthrow the Hamad Regime), “لن نقبل بحكم الثاني” (We Refuse the Al Thani Rule), and “فساد عيال موزه” (Corruption of Moza’s Sons) have repeatedly trended nationwide.
The posts call for the removal of Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and denounce what some perceive as repressive and oligarchic governance by the ruling Al Thani family.
Critics accuse leadership of using systematic repression, with particular condemnation of Qatar’s intelligence and security services under hashtags such as “فساد المخابرات القطريه” (Corruption of Qatari Intelligence) and “فساد امن الدوله القطري” (Corruption of the State Security Apparatus).
Allegations point to practices of silencing dissent and limiting fundamental freedoms. Additionally, accusations of monopolizing national resources by the ruling elite have sparked anger among many Qataris, who claim this occurs at the expense of the broader population.
Qatar’s foreign policy has also come under fire. Protesters criticize the regime for its alleged financial support of extremist groups and involvement in fueling armed conflicts in the region. There is widespread discontent with perceived alliances with Iran, which critics suggest are undermining Syria’s stability and other neighboring states.
Calls for the ousting of Emir Tamim are often framed as a prerequisite for broader reform and emancipation within the Arab world, with some activists demanding structural changes to dismantle the concentration of power and wealth within the Al Thani family.
Prominent Qatari activist Al-Malki expressed sharp criticism on X, writing:
“For years, Qataris have been unemployed, deprived of salaries, and suffering under the rule of the corrupt, criminal, and terrorist Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Meanwhile, Tamim and his family, including the corrupt Moza bint Nasser, are stealing the wealth of the Qatari people to purchase properties abroad and finance terrorist groups who falsely use Islam as a cover. The solution lies in toppling the corrupt, criminal regime of Tamim and his cowardly terrorist clan.”
In another post, Al-Malki wrote:
“Stepping on the picture of the corrupt and terrorist Tamim bin Hamad and the criminal Hamad bin Khalifa is an honor only the free can attain.”
Additionally, the plight of Qatari detainee Umm Nasser has gained attention on Tiktok as Al Malki published another post: “As a citizen who criticized corruption and abuses in the Qatari public prosecutor’s office, Umm Nasser was reportedly arrested for speaking out. Her defiance of Tamim’s regime is celebrated as a symbol of resistance against oppression.”
Historical Allegations Resurface
Echoing these recent criticisms, Emirati outlet “Al Bayan” previously published interviews with Mahmoud Mansour, the former founder of Qatar’s intelligence services. Mansour detailed his claims of the inner workings of Qatar’s intelligence apparatus during his tenure and highlighted seemingly concerning actions by the Qatari leadership:
- Efforts to Destabilize Saudi Arabia: Mansour claimed that Qatar once pursued plans to divide Saudi Arabia into separate regions, using covert operations to foment unrest.
- Relations with Israel: The former intelligence official recounted the rapid normalization of Qatar-Israel ties after the 1995 coup by Hamad bin Khalifa. This included opening an Israeli trade office in Doha, signing gas export deals, and facilitating Israeli intelligence access within Qatar. Mansour also alleged that Israel requested the appointment of its operatives in Qatari security services.
- Oil Disputes with Bahrain: According to Mansour, Qatar engaged in illegal practices during the 1990s by drilling diagonally into Bahraini oil fields. This allegedly motivated Qatar’s dispute over the Hawar Islands, which was ultimately resolved in Bahrain’s favor through international arbitration.
- The Buehamour Prison: Mansour described the infamous Buehamour detention center as Qatar’s “Guantanamo,” where political dissidents faced inhumane treatment, torture, and even execution. Notably, many detainees were reportedly from the Al Murrah tribe, which opposed Hamad bin Khalifa’s 1995 coup.
Mansour also provided insights into Qatar’s early support for the Houthis in Yemen, citing financial and logistical backing for extremist factions in the region. He revealed that during his tenure, Qatari charities were allegedly used as fronts for covert operations.
In another strong claim, Mansour alleged that Qatar attempted to recruit him as an operative years after his retirement. He says that he declined the offer, accusing the Qatari leadership of attempting to bribe him into working against Egypt.
Implications of the Movement
The growing online dissent, amplified by activists like Al-Malki, illustrates wider discontent with the Al Thani family’s governance. While the Qatari government has yet to issue an official response to the mounting criticisms, the momentum of these protests reflect protesters’ call for accountability at domestic and international levels.
Some observers believe that unless genuine reforms address corruption, repression, and foreign policy grievances, Qatar’s leadership risks further alienation from its citizens and the wider Arab world.