Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base explained: The largest US military hub in Middle East

Dubai: Al Udeid Air Base, established in 1996 just southwest of Doha, Qatar, is the largest US military installation in the Middle East.

Serving as the forward headquarters for US Central Command, it plays a critical role in coordinating military operations across the region. Over the years, the base has grown into a sprawling hub hosting thousands of American service members and supporting key missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and beyond.

Iranian missiles targeted the base on Monday.

Understanding Al Udeid’s history, purpose, and strategic importance helps explain why it remains a central point in regional security and global military strategy.

Location and establishment

Al Udeid Air Base is located about 30km southwest of Doha, the capital of Qatar, built on flat desert terrain. The base was established in 1996 and has been developed over two decades with more than $8 billion invested by Qatar.

Initially a relatively low-profile installation, it quickly grew into a critical strategic asset for the US military.

Why was Al Udeid built?

The base was set up to serve as a key logistical and operational hub for US forces in the region. Its primary purpose is to provide a forward command post and air operations center for military activities across the Middle East, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and beyond.

The volatile regional environment makes having a large, well-equipped base in Qatar essential for rapid deployment and coordination of air and ground forces.

Size and capacity

Al Udeid is the largest US military base in the Middle East. It hosts thousands of service members, with troop levels varying depending on operational demands.

At the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it housed approximately 10,000 US troops; more recently, numbers have been around 8,000 personnel. The base includes extensive facilities for command and control, logistics, intelligence, and air operations.

It also houses the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the US Air Force, the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force and other foreign forces, according to Aljazeera.

It houses around 10,000 troops.

The Hill, a Washington, DC-based newspaper, reported that Al Udeid’s “long, well-maintained runways enable rapid deployment, making it a critical component of US force projection”.

The Hill also reported that Qatar’s investment in Al Udeid has kept it “at the forefront of military readiness while saving US taxpayers billions of dollars”.

Strategic role

The base serves as the forward headquarters for the US Central Command (CENTCOM) and houses the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC), responsible for planning, directing and executing air campaigns in the region. This makes Al Udeid a critical hub for coordinating military operations against threats such as Daesh (Isis) terror network , as well as for broader strategic military planning.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Al Udeid features runways capable of handling large cargo planes, fighter jets, bombers, and drones.

It includes extensive support infrastructure, including hangars, maintenance facilities, housing, medical centers, and command buildings. The base also operates secure communications networks essential for coordinating complex missions.

US Presidential visit

In May 2025, President Donald Trump visited Al Udeid — the first sitting US president to do so in over 20 years — highlighting the base’s importance in U.S. military strategy.

Security measures

Due to rising regional tensions, Al Udeid has been on heightened alert with increased security and precautionary measures. Ahead of recent US airstrikes on Iran, many aircraft and drones were dispersed from the base’s tarmac — a common military tactic to minimise damage in the event of an attack.