Geopolitics
“Gulf states postpone strait of Hormuz talks with Iran as Yemen conflict intensifies.” The Guardian, September 14, 2026.
“Gulf states have postponed a critical meeting with Iran on the future of the strait of Hormuz owing to a lack of Arab consensus and growing Saudi Arabian anger with Tehran for helping the Houthis loosen Riyadh’s grip in Yemen.”
“Kuwait may join Abraham Accords within six months, Israeli envoy says.” I24, September 15, 2026.
“Yossi Shelley, Israel’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), told Kan on Tuesday that Kuwait may join the Abraham Accords within the next six months.”
“US officials met Iran-backed Houthis in Oman over the weekend, sources say.” Reuters, September 16, 2026.
“The meeting, which has not been made public, was held at the US Embassy in Muscat, three of the sources said on the condition of anonymity. Two sources said that Oman’s government, a longtime regional mediator, helped organise the meeting.”
“China presses Iran to help rein in Houthis after Saudi appeal, sources say.” Reuters, September 17, 2026.
“Riyadh turned to China for help after the Houthis made rapid advances along the Red Sea coast and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, moves that have left Saudi oil exports and shipping more exposed, the sources said.”
Go Deeper: “Iranian and Saudi panellists spar at Xiangshan Forum over Middle East attacks.” South China Morning Post, September 17, 2026.
“Trump Moves Ahead With F-35 Jet Sales to Saudi Arabia Despite Intelligence Concerns.” New York Times, September 17, 2026.
“The package of the jets and a spare engine, valued at $24.3 billion, “will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defense,” the State Department said in the announcement. The agency also gave formal notification to Congress of the pending sale.”
Go Deeper: “Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft.” U.S State Department, September 17, 2026.
Market & Economy
“GCC central banks raise interest rates after US Fed rate increase.” Zawya, September 16, 2026.
“GCC central banks raised interest rates after the US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted unanimously to raise its benchmark interest rate to a target range of 3.75% to 4%.”
“Aramco to boost Gulf exports to 60 million barrels in September, October, traders say.” Reuters, September 18, 2026.
“Chinese and South Korean refiners are among the top buyers of the spot supplies, while some volumes will be going to India and Japan, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.”
Go Deeper: “Download Monthly Oil Market Report - September 2026.” OPEC, [PDF].
“Saudi Arabia’s annual inflation rate remains at 1.8% in Aug.” Reuters, September 15, 2026.
“The August data, released by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics, showed an increase by 3.9% in these sectors on an annual basis, slowing from a 4.2% rise in July.”
Go Deeper: “Average Prices of Goods and Services August 2026” General Authority for Statistics, [PDF].
“Saudis Give European Oil Buyers No Supplies for Next Month.” Bloomberg, September 18, 2026.
“The absence of Saudi flows next month will heighten the need for European buyers to secure replacements. Already, Poland’s Orlen SA has been hunting for shipments, helping propel the prices of regional oil grades higher. Dated Brent, which is the benchmark for real-world barrels in Europe, topped $130 this week at one point.”
“OPEC Fund earmarks $40mln for Oman’s Yiti Sustainable City project.” Zawya, September 18, 2026.
“The allocation forms part of $645 million in new financing announced by the OPEC Fund on September 16 for projects across 14 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. The package comprises $435 million for public-sector projects and $210 million for private-sector operations.”
“Saudi Arabia discovers 110 million tonnes of uranium-bearing ore in Medina.” Reuters, September 14, 2026.
“Saudi Arabia has discovered 110 million tonnes of raw materials containing uranium concentrations in Medina, the kingdom’s energy minister said at the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Saudi state TV reported on Monday.”
“Little-Known UAE Investor Adds to Over $40 Billion Bet on Musk.” Bloomberg, September 10, 2026.
“Vy Capital features in the tunneling venture’s Series D round alongside Shamal Holding, which invests on behalf of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. The $3 billion round was backed by the United Arab Emirates and affiliated investment entities, Boring said in a statement on Thursday.”
“Aramco says technology delivered $5 billion in value last year.” Semafor, September 17, 2026.
“The state-controlled oil producer’s “realized value” from technology, its measure of the financial impact of its tech investments, exceeded $5 billion last year. That surpassed Aramco’s targets and should grow further in coming years, senior vice president of digital and information technology Sami Al Ajmi said in an interview.”
“Saudi Arabia’s US Treasury holdings rise by $10.7bln.” Zawya, September 17, 2026.
“The report also indicated that Saudi Arabia’s investments in US Treasury bonds and bills posted a monthly decline of 0.1 percent representing $100 million in July, reaching $142.4 billion. The Kingdom’s holdings are distributed between $110.2 billion in long-term bonds and bills, accounting for 77 percent and approximately $32.2 billion in short-term bonds and bills, that make up 23 percent.”
Thank you for these weekly digest summaries. I find it very useful.