Editing Demographics of Qatar (section)

=== Genetic studies ===
A 2023 study focusing on the [[Y chromosome|Y-chromosome]], which is passed down paternally, analyzed DNA samples from 379 unrelated Qatari men to investigate their genetic heritage and connections to other populations in the [[Arabian Peninsula]], the [[Middle East]], and [[Africa]]. This research utilized [[List of Y-STR markers|23 Y-STR markers]], highly variable segments of DNA, to create genetic profiles and assess diversity within the Qatari male population.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Almohammed |first1=Eida Khalaf |last2=Hadi |first2=Abdullah |last3=Al-Asmakh |first3=Maha |last4=Lazim |first4=Hayder |date=2023-09-01 |title=The Qatari population's genetic structure and gene flow as revealed by the Y chromosome |journal=PLOS ONE |language=en |volume=18 |issue=9 |pages=e0290844 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0290844 |doi-access=free |issn=1932-6203 |pmc=10473524 |pmid=37656680|bibcode=2023PLoSO..1890844A }}</ref>

The study revealed a high level of genetic diversity within the Qatari male population, with the marker DYS458 showing the most variation. Analysis of these genetic markers allowed for the prediction of Y-chromosome [[Haplogroup|haplogroups]], which are branches on the human Y-chromosome [[phylogenetic tree]]. The most prevalent haplogroup found in the Qatari sample was [[Haplogroup J-M267|J1]], accounting for approximately 49% of the individuals tested. This haplogroup is known to be common in the Arabian Peninsula and is associated with populations of Semitic origin, particularly Arabic speakers. The prominence of J1 in Qatar, forming a "star-like expansion cluster" in genetic networks, suggests a significant ancestral component linked to the broader Arabian region and potentially a more recent population expansion. Other haplogroups found in notable frequencies included [[Haplogroup J-M172|J2]], [[Haplogroup R1a|R1a]], [[Haplogroup E-M215|E1b1b]], [[Haplogroup E-V38|E1b1a]], [[Haplogroup T-M184|T]], and [[Macro-haplogroup L|L]].<ref name=":0" />

To understand Qatar's genetic placement within the region, the study compared Qatari Y-STR data with that of 38 other Middle Eastern populations. This analysis revealed that Qataris are genetically closest to [[Iraqis|Iraqi Arabs]], followed by [[Saudis|Saudi Arabian]] populations.  Conversely, they showed the greatest genetic distance from groups like [[Kurdish population|Kurdish Iraqis]], [[Turkish population|Turkish populations]] from Dogukoy, and [[Palestinian Christians|Palestinian Christian Arabs]].  These relationships were visualized using multidimensional scaling (MDS) plots, which graphically represent genetic distances between populations.  The MDS analysis placed Qatar within a cluster of populations from the upper Arabian Peninsula, including [[Iraq]], [[Jordan]], and [[Palestine]], suggesting shared genetic affinities within this broad geographical area. Further analysis using phylogenetic trees and population structure analysis (STRUCTURE) corroborated these findings, consistently grouping Qatar with Iraqi Arabs and highlighting its distinctiveness from other Arabian Peninsula populations in some analyses, while also showing broader connections within the Middle East.<ref name=":0" />

The study also investigated gene flow, or migration patterns, using [[Bayesian statistical analysis|Bayesian statistical methods]].  The analysis suggested that the primary migration route influencing the Qatari population was from [[Yemen]] to [[Kuwait]], passing through Qatar. This finding aligns with a model of coastal migration within the Arabian Peninsula.  While there was evidence of bidirectional migration between Qatar and neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, and the [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]], the strongest signal pointed towards this Yemen-Kuwait axis. This genetic evidence supports historical understandings of tribal movements and trade routes along the Arabian Gulf coast.<ref name=":0" />