Today's Gulf intelligence covers 6 key signals shaping regional markets. The stories below represent the most material developments for portfolio positioning and strategic awareness.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has suspended efforts to evacuate ships through the Strait of Hormuz following an attack on a cargo vessel. The strike sparked a brief increase in oil pri
Despite a ship being struck in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday and another incident over the weekend, some vessels continue to travel the strait on both the Iranian and Omani sides. However, overall
There are worse ways to escape the anxieties of wartime in Dubai than behind the wheel of a powerful sports car. When I took the Aston Martin Vantage for a weekend test drive, missiles were still occa
The Iran war has changed perceptions of energy markets, according to former US secretary of state John Kerry, with oil and gas viewed as vulnerable to trade choke points while sources like solar and w
Oil prices tumbled as markets bet Strait of Hormuz disruptions will ease, with Brent down 10% on the week and Middle East crude benchmarks slipping into contango. Friday, June 26, 2026 Whilst ship tra
Baghdad’s crude sales were drastically reduced when US-Iran war blocked exports via Strait of Hormuz
Brent holding $80-85 range. OPEC+ discipline intact through Q3. Non-OPEC supply growth slowing. Asian demand forecast revised up 0.4% by IEA.
GCC bank profits up 18% YoY. NIMs stabilizing. Loan growth strongest in Saudi (22%) and UAE (16%). DIFC: 47 new fintech licenses Q1.
Dubai residential transactions hit AED 42B in April — monthly record. Saudi giga-project awards reached $18B Q1.
Gulf VC: $1.2B across 84 deals Q1. Saudi startups 37% of total. Fintech and logistics lead. 3 deals above $50M in Riyadh.