1/ Regional markets rebounded as hopes of de-escalation around the Strait of Hormuz improved investor sentiment. Dubai’s benchmark gained 1.0%,
Abu Dhabi rose 0.2%, while Qatar added 0.2% after signs that LNG shipments were beginning to normalize.
2/ 🇪🇬 Egypt: The IMF completed the 5th and 6th reviews of Egypt’s reform program, unlocking $1.8 billion ($1.5bn under the EFF and $272m through the RSF). The Fund praised exchange-rate reforms but urged Cairo to accelerate privatization and reduce the state’s role in the economy.
3/ 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: Equities climbed 1.1% on Sunday, led by Al Rajhi Bank (+3.1%) and Saudi Aramco (+0.4%). Aramco also increased August LPG prices, reflecting stronger global demand despite ongoing regional uncertainty.
4/ 🇶🇦 Qatar: Benchmark index gained 1.3% after Iran allowed the first QatarEnergy-controlled LNG tanker to exit the Strait of Hormuz since 11 July, easing concerns over LNG exports. Qatar National Bank rose 3.2% and Industries Qatar gained 2.1%.
5/ 🇦🇪 UAE: Equities outperformed much of the region as strong banking earnings supported sentiment. Emirates NBD rose 1.9%, helping lift Dubai’s benchmark by 1%, while investors continued to favor the UAE’s resilient non-oil economy.
6/ 🇮🇱 Israel: Launched a ₪1 billion fast-track funding program aimed at accelerating investment in high-growth technology companies, reinforcing its position as the region’s leading innovation ecosystem despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
7/ 🛢️ Regional Energy: Brent crude briefly surged to $90.74/bbl, up about 7%, after renewed military escalation threatened shipping through Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, highlighting the region’s continued influence on global energy markets.