GULF WEEKLY: Oman mediates US-Iran talks, Qatar signs major LNG deals, Kuwait reshuffles cabinet

GULF COUNTRIES - Report 06 Feb 2026 by Justin Alexander

A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines:

* Oman mediated US-Iran talks, and the market-implied risk of US strikes this month halved to 30%.
* The Saudi flash GDP reading showed non-oil growth slowing to a two-year low of 3.2% in Q4.
* The UAE’s PMI rose to 55.9, the highest in nearly a year, but Saudi Arabia’s fell to a 6-month low of 56.3.
* Firms in the DIFC surged by 28%, and Musk’s Boring Company will connect it to the Dubai Mall by 2028.
* EGA met with investors and is leading towards an IPO in Abu Dhabi.
* US ethics concerns were raised over Sheikh Tahnoun's $500m investment in Trump’s crypto firm.
* Qatar signed 5m t/yr in LNG contracts with Japanese and Malaysian firms; Germany also wants more.
* QIA is tripling its commitment to locally-based VC funds to $3bn, with five more opening in Doha.
* Kuwait’s cabinet reshuffle included the finance, foreign and economic affairs portfolios.
* Kuwait is in talks with US shale companies and will also invite foreign firms to develop offshore fields.
* Oman’s VAT revenue in 2025 came in 9% above budget, while corporate income tax was in line.
* OQ and KPI are pressing ahead with the Duqm petrochemicals complex, despite Sabic’s withdrawal.
* Bahrain’s crown prince met with Kuwait’s Amir, which might facilitate fiscal support.
* The surge in gold prices means that Lebanon’s central bank gold reserves are worth double its GDP.
* Databank updates: Saudi GDP, Oman forecasts, Abu Dhabi inflation, PMIs, Oman tourism.

Now read on...

Register to sample a report

Register
Must have at least 8 characters
Sign-in
Forgot your password?
Copyright 2026 GlobalSource Partners. All rights reserved. This report is prepared for GlobalSource Partners’ clients and may not be redistributed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, retransmitted or disclosed, in whole or in part, or in any form or manner, without the express written consent of GlobalSource Partners. This report is distributed simultaneously to our website and other portals used by GlobalSource Partners. The information herein was obtained from various sources and is believed to be reliable but GlobalSource Partners does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. Neither GlobalSource Partners nor any Country Analyst, officer or employee accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect or consequential damages or losses rising from any use of this report or its contents.