Tiny, Wealthy Qatar Goes Its Own Way, and Pays for It

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Baladna Farm, north of Doha. After Saudi Arabia cut off dairy exports, Qatar built a dairy industry from scratch. CreditTomas Munita for The New York Times

The Central Market in Doha. Prices of fresh food and imports have soared since the boycott.CreditTomas Munita for The New York Times

Nothing suggests that the dispute will be resolved anytime soon. Although the Saudis and Emiratis may have overestimated the boycott’s ability to pressure Qatar, they may feel they have little to lose by continuing it.

“I think they are content to bleed Qatar,” said Mr. Roberts, the analyst. “There’s an indignant anger at what they see as a rich, cocooned, perfidious little state that is finally feeling the consequences of its actions.”

The Museum of Islamic Art was delighted to host His Highness Sheikh Tamim Emir of #Qatar and the President of the French Republic @EmmanuelMacron at IDAM by #AlainDucasse 🇶🇦🇫🇷
They were our first visitors to our new terrace, with an exceptional view of the #Doha Skyline. pic.twitter.com/j5z04eXDHr
— Al Mayassa Al Thani (@almayassahamad) December 7, 2017

But as the dispute moved to the skies last week, with accusations of Qatari warplanes buzzing Emirati commercial jets, it highlighted how easily the crisis could escalate.

Both sides are bolstering their militaries. Since June, Tamim has ordered 36 F-15 warplanes from the United States, 24 Typhoon jets from Britainand 24 Rafale fighter jets from France — a sevenfold increase for an air force that currently has just 12 aircraft.

In December, his foes announced a new Saudi-Emirati military and economic alliance that further sidelines the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Qatar.

Days later, Tamim hosted a lavish banquet for President Emmanuel Macron of France at Idam, a French restaurant on the top floor of the Museum of Islamic Art that offers a shimmering panorama over the Doha skyline.

Over a sumptuous meal prepared by the celebrity chef Alain Ducasse, the two leaders toasted the deals they had signed that morning. The emir had ordered another 12 French fighter jets.

In a few decades, Qatar has been transformed from a pirate-infested backwater to the world’s wealthiest nation.CreditTomas Munita for The New York Times