GULF COUNTRIES
Analyst
Justin Alexander
Former Economic Advisor, Qatar Finance MinistryDatabanks
Recent Country Insights
GULF WEEKLY: Ceasefire extended, but Hormuz closed, and oil rebounds, Moody’s puts Bahrain on a negative outlook, Dubai approves metro extension
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 24 Apr 2026
A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * Oil has rebounded as Hormuz remains closed and the US and Iran both seize ships. * A report that it could take up to six months to clear mines added to market concerns. * Trump extended the ceasefire indefinitely, and the...
GULF WEEKLY: Peace hopes rise as Iran reopens Hormuz after Lebanon ceasefire, PIF announces 5-year strategy, Kuwait & Abu Dhabi make $4.5bn in private placements
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 17 Apr 2026
A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * Iran’s foreign minister declared Hormuz reopen in response to the ceasefire in Lebanon. * Brent crude has dropped below $90 for the first time in over five weeks. * OPEC data for March showed production declines as high a...
GULF WEEKLY: Ceasefire holds but without Hormuz transits, Bahrain signs currency swap with UAE, SWFs confirm $24bn for Warner Bros deal
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 10 Apr 2026 · 1 response
A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * Oil remains elevated at about $96 as few tankers transit Hormuz, despite the ceasefire. * Vance and Ghalibaf are headed to Pakistan for talks due tomorrow, although they could be delayed. * Attacks on the GCC have largely...
The Iran Ceasefire: Some positive signs but Lebanon remains an immediate obstacle
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 08 Apr 2026
* The US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire 90 minutes before Trump's deadline to destroy Iranian civilian infrastructure, brokered by Pakistan. * There have already been ceasefire violations. Iran's Lavan Island refinery was struck, and it used this as justification for strikes against mos...
GULF WEEKLY: Smelters and tankers struck, Fitch puts Qatar and RAK on RWN, Qatar and Dubai stimulus packages
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 03 Apr 2026
A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * Hopes for peace talks receded, and Trump's statements imply escalation, then unilateral withdrawal. * Attacks on the GCC included Bahrain and UAE aluminum plants, UAE gas, a refinery and power plants in Kuwait and oil tank...
Iran War Days 28–30: Houthis enter the war and Iran strikes aluminum smelters
GULF COUNTRIES · In Brief · 29 Mar 2026
Highlights There was no confirmation of mooted US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan, but growing talk of a ground offensive, as US marines arrived in the region. Yemen’s Houthis entered the war, firing ballistic missiles. Iran destroyed US plans at a Saudi airbase and attacked aluminum smelters in the...
GULF WEEKLY: Iran rejects US plan but talks mooted, Trojena ski resort cancelled, UAE developers face market stress
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 27 Mar 2026
A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * Trump postponed attacks on power plants until April 6, claiming talks were progressing well. * However, Iran rejected the US plan and is making its own maximalist demands, including reparations. * Iran is proposing tolls ...
Iran War Days 24–25: Trump claims talks with Iran; more tankers transit Hormuz
GULF COUNTRIES · In Brief · 24 Mar 2026 · 1 response
Highlights Trump backed away from plans to bomb power plants and said talks are underway, causing oil to drop by $15. Iranian sources have been more circumspect about talks, but it appears as if Pakistan may host a meeting. In a worrying development, there was a strike on the grounds of the Bushe...
Iran War Days 22–23: Power plants threatened, nuclear sites hit, Iran oil sanctions eased
GULF COUNTRIES · In Brief · 22 Mar 2026
Highlights The war escalated further over the weekend. Trump threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if Hormuz is not reopened, and Iran threatened a tit-for-tat response. Natanz nuclear plant was struck again and Iran targeted Israel’s nuclear facility in Dimona for the first time. Iran f...