Geopolitics
“GCC urges Russia to press Iran to halt attacks as Lavrov proposes Gulf security framework.” The National, October 19, 2026.
“Mr Lavrov said the Gulf states themselves should have the decisive voice in determining the region’s security arrangements.”
“Saudi Arabia joins GCC chiefs of staff meeting as Gulf states seek closer defense coordination.” Arab News, October 30, 2026.
“Speaking at the meeting, Bahrain’s Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Theyab bin Saqr Al-Nuaimi said current circumstances, and what he described as unprecedented acts of aggression, required “full solidarity, close coordination and joint cooperation” to confront threats to the security and stability of GCC countries.”
“Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid invites Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the UAE.” The National, October 30, 2026.
“The UN conference is to be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10.”
“Oman rescues 25 from burning ship, Iran halts tankers.” The Peninsula, October 31, 2026.
“Iran has demanded that vessels use a designated route through the strait and coordinate their passage with the country’s armed forces, labelling a southern corridor closer to Oman’s shores as unauthorised.”
“The United States has responded to Iran’s blockade of the strait with a counterblockade of Iranian ports, further restricting Tehran’s ability to export oil and conduct trade.”
Go Deeper: “Kuwait-flagged tanker hit in Hormuz; all 21 Indian seafarers other crew safe.” Times Kuwait, October 22, 2026.
“Houthi Attacks on Riyadh Airport Ramp Up Flight Cancellations.” Bloomberg, October 31, 2026.
“From the deadliest bombing on Oct. 10 through Oct. 27, about 94% of the 4,345 flights scheduled to depart Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport were canceled, according to data provided by Cirium Ltd.”
““Now, the war threatens not only their energy exports, but also one of their most successful efforts to move beyond oil.””
Market & Economy
“Gulf economies to contract 4.8% this year with sharp recovery in 2027, IMF says.” The National, October 22, 2026.
“There is divergence between the Gulf countries, with Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar the most affected because of the drop in hydrocarbon production and exports. Their economies are projected to decline by 11.3 per cent, 16.7 per cent and 15.6 per cent, respectively, this year.”
“While the fund anticipates a sharp rebound in Gulf economies next year, the forecast hinges on an end to hostilities and the gradual resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz in early 2027.”
“Qatar’s economy to jump 15 per cent in 2027 on gas sector recovery, S&P says.” The National, October 31, 2026.
“About 17 per cent of Qatar’s liquefied natural gas capacity is offline after Iranian strikes damaged two of its 14 export trains, removing 12.8 million tonnes a year from the market.”
“QatarEnergy has said repairs will take three to five years, meaning even a safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would restore access to only part of Qatar’s prewar supply.”
“Edison, Pakistan gas buyers face QatarEnergy supply halt until year-end.” Zawya, October 28, 2026.
“Edison holds a long-term contract with QatarEnergy for the supply of 6.4 billion cubic metres of natural gas per year to Italy, around 10% of the country’s annual consumption.”
“The lack of supply from Qatar, a low level of gas storage in Europe and gradually cooler weather have pushed the benchmark Dutch price for gas to above €95 per megawatt hour this week, close to its highest levels since December 2022.”
“Kuwait’s 150 million dinar bond issue draws 386 million dinars in bids.” Times Kuwait, October 29, 2026.
“The Central Bank of Kuwait announced that the issuance was conducted on behalf of the Ministry of Finance through a competitive auction, carrying a uniform yield of 4.125 percent.”
“The issuance provides the government with an additional source of domestic financing while offering investors an opportunity to hold government debt securities with a seven-year maturity.”
“Saudi market correction offers ‘very attractive’ entry point: Al Rajhi Capital.” Zawya, October 30, 2026.
“As of October 25, the index lost slightly over 1,000 points in about two weeks and touched levels last seen in 2021.”
“According to the report, TASI has diverged from oil prices for the first time in several years, suggesting a risk premium and near-term corporate earnings taking precedence over long-term fundamentals.”
Environment and Green Economy
“High-level delegation tours Oman’s first green ammonia project.” Zawya, October 29, 2026.
“ACME’s approximately $750 million first phase is designed to produce 100,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually, supported by around 450 MWAC of solar photovoltaic generation and an 800 MWh battery energy storage system.”
“Together, these expansion phases represent an estimated $4.2 billion investment, reinforcing Duqm’s emergence as a major centre for renewable hydrogen production and green industrial development under Oman Vision 2040.”
“The fight to save marine life: how specialists are tackling the oil spill off the UAE coast.” The National, October 24, 2026.
“Inesaf Benzaki, campaigns lead at Greenpeace Mena, said timely containment was particularly important because the Gulf’s semi-enclosed geography limited the exchange of water with the open ocean, potentially allowing pollutants to persist.”
“She warned that even after visible oil was removed, residues could remain in coastal sediments and sensitive habitats, prolonging the spill’s effects.”
Go Deeper: “UAE says oil spill from GEM NO. 2 tanker contained.” The Peninsula, October 30, 2026.
“Abu Dhabi launches rescue network for injured or stranded wildlife.” The National, October 17, 2026.
“The initiative provides a digital framework for logging and managing rescues, dispatching field teams, overseeing rehabilitation and co-ordinating the release of animals back into their natural habitats.”
“Data gathered through rescue cases, the monitoring of species’ health and mortality investigations will be used to strengthen conservation strategies and inform long-term recovery measures.”
Domestics
“UDST set to host Gulf Universities Championship with nearly 350 participating athletes.” The Peninsula, October 20, 2026.
“The three-day Championship will also witness the debut of the women’s volleyball competition.”
“University sport shapes leaders with teamwork, discipline and resilience, and strengthens the bonds among the region’s youth.”
“Qatar will continue supporting culture despite global crises: Sheikha Al Mayassa.” The Peninsula, October 30, 2026.
““You cannot control the geopolitics because these are decisions done by people outside of our country, but we are playing a leading role in trying to bring people together, de-escalate and form spaces for dialogue,” she said.”
“She highlighted the economic significance of cultural investment, noting that expenditure on the arts generates wider benefits across the national economy.”
“Call of Culture brings Italian language, Saudi heritage together in Al-Balad.” Arab News, October 31, 2026.
“The event, organized by Call of Culture in collaboration with the Italian Consulate General in Jeddah, formed part of the 26th Week of the Italian Language in the World, an annual initiative celebrating Italian language and culture across the globe.”
“Bakhreiba launched the initiative in Italy in 2009 to promote Saudi culture.”