​GULF WEEKLY: Qatar affirmed, Kuwait downgraded, Oman may issue, Libya partly restarts

GULF COUNTRIES - Report 25 Sep 2020 by Rory Fyfe and Justin Alexander

A skimmable summary of key developments overlaid with our analysis and links to further information. Headlines include:

* Libya reopened some oil fields and export terminals, but less than a third of its capacity.
* The US asserted UN sanctions had snapped back on Iran, while the UN Sec Gen said no.
* Iran was a major topic of debate at the virtual UN General Assembly, which included a rare appearance by the Saudi King.
* Saudi is reopening to pilgrims and has seen a boom in domestic tourism during lockdown.
* Saudi dissidents formed the National Assembly Party, calling for a democratic government.
* Abu Dhabi has relaxed alcohol rules to boost tourism.
* Moody’s affirmed Qatar at Aa3 (Stable) but cut Kuwait two notches to A1 (Stable).
* Kuwait’s crown prince met with reformists as a US award adds to concerns about the emir’s health.
* Oman issued OR200m in local sukuk and may issue $3-4bn in eurobonds as soon as next week.
* Bahrain claimed it foiled an Iranian-backed terrorist attack earlier this year.

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