GULF COUNTRIES
Analyst
Justin Alexander
Former Economic Advisor, Qatar Finance MinistryDatabanks
Recent Country Insights
GULF WEEKLY: Oil production rebounds, Oman’s surplus widens while Qatar’s deficit grows, Abu Dhabi records GCC’s highest inflation
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 13 Nov 2026
A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * Iran fired drones at Bahrain for the first time since September, in response to several US strikes. * Qatar’s PM met with Trump for mediation. Vance is reportedly considering direct talks with Rezaei. * The Houthis have r...
Implications of the US midterms for the GCC
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 12 Nov 2026
An analysis of what the Democratic sweep of Congress in the November 3 midterms means for the Gulf. * A resounding result. The Democrats took both chambers of Congress on Nov 3 with as many as 56 Senate seats and around 260 in the House, the largest midterm margin since 1974. The new Congress ...
GULF WEEKLY: Midterms reshape the war outlook, Saudi deficit expands, ADNOC signs LNG deals
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 06 Nov 2026 · 1 response
A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * The stronger-than-expected Democratic midterm victory raised pressure on Trump to end the Iran war. * The sharp fall in oil to $94 on Wed suggested the market was hopeful, but it has partly rebounded. * Escalation concern...
GULF WEEKLY: Concerns grow for renewed US-Iran clashes, Saudi Arabia cuts subsidies, Qatar buys more US LNG
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 30 Oct 2026
A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * There were more signs of US post-election strike plans, despite mediation by Qatar and Saudi Arabia. * The inconclusive Israeli election may also give Netanyahu political motivations to revive the war. * Prediction market...
GULF WEEKLY: Oil rises on US strike threat, Kuwait issues bonds, UAE leads UN Sec'y General race
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 23 Oct 2026
A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * The US and Israel are reportedly considering renewed strikes on Iran after the midterms. * Iran threatened it would respond with attacks on Gulf infrastructure. Brent crude has risen to $114. * The Houthis tightened their...
GULF WEEKLY: Houthis strike Riyadh, Iran hits a record 12 ships, IMF forecasts -5% contraction
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 16 Oct 2026
A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * A Houthi strike on Riyadh airport killed 13, and they also hit Aramco’s HQ in Dhahran. * The Houthis tightened their encirclement of Taiz, Yemen’s third-largest city, and held on to most of the coast. * 12 ships were stru...
GULF WEEKLY: Houthi strikes kill 6 in Saudi airports, UAE non-oil GDP contracts, Omani equities considered for EM upgrade
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 09 Oct 2026
A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * Iranian attacks on shipping were the most intense since March, sharply reducing Hormuz transits. * Trump said there would not be major strikes on Iran before the midterms, after reports of planning. * Yemeni forces recapt...
GULF WEEKLY: Hormuz transits and East-West flows pick up, Saudi pre-budget statement, Qatar’s GDP contracts by -15%
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 02 Oct 2026
A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * Ongoing Qatari mediation produced a new proposal but has not yet bridged the US-Iran differences. * Trump has ordered a third aircraft carrier to the region, adding to fears of a post-election escalation. * Oil and LNG Ho...
GULF WEEKLY: US-Iran talks in UN sidelines, Europe rallies to defend Saudi Arabia, Qatar issues bond
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 25 Sep 2026
A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * US-Iran indirect talks were held in New York, but it is unclear how much progress has been made. * Trump’s UN speech contemplated annihilating Iran but said he expects a deal after the midterms. * European countries offer...