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- Al Jaber Warns on Hormuz Security; Saudi-Kuwait Push Energy Deals; Syria Passes $10.5B Budget
Al Jaber Warns on Hormuz Security; Saudi-Kuwait Push Energy Deals; Syria Passes $10.5B Budget
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Happy Wednesday everyone!
Global energy markets remain on edge as Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber warns that any disruption to the Strait of Hormuz—a passage carrying nearly 20% of global oil—threatens total economic instability. In response to rising tensions, Saudi Aramco and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation are fast-tracking major infrastructure deals, including a $7 billion pipeline lease, to reroute crude toward the Red Sea. Simultaneously, Ahmad Al Shara announced that Syria has approved a $10.5 billion budget for 2026, targeting a $65 billion GDP recovery and the nation’s first budget surplus as part of a broad post-war reconstruction push.
In the wake of developments in the region, we hope everyone stays safe. At this critical moment, it is essential to remain united and follow guidance issued by official authorities from your country.
Markets
EGX30 | 46,930.88 | 1.43% |
DFMGI | 5,383.02 | Closed |
ADX | 9,523.94 | 1.07% |
Tadawul | 10,949.38 | 0.029% |
Sultan Al Jaber Warns of Economic Terrorism as Strait of Hormuz Closure Triggers Global Energy Crisis and Markets Sink
What Is It About?
Sultan Al Jaber highlighted that the Strait of Hormuz—which carries 20 million barrels of oil per day—is being "held hostage," leading to a 92% drop in tanker traffic since late February. While Brent crude recovered slightly to $103 on Tuesday after a volatile week, the physical reality is bleaker: nearly 20% of global oil and gas supply is currently trapped, forcing a massive repricing of global inflation and growth.
Why it Matters?
Energy security has transitioned from a boardroom slogan to a survival metric. The closure is not just a regional spat; it is a macroeconomic wrecking ball. For Asia, which receives 80% of these flows, the impact is existential. Manufacturing hubs are seeing fuel-sensitive stocks tank, while global fertilizer prices have jumped 28%, threatening a follow-on food security crisis that could ensure a period of global stagflation.
What’s Next?
Analysts from Goldman Sachs and Citi warn that oil could breach the $147 record if the blockade persists. Markets are now hyper-sensitive to "Operation Epic Fury" developments; watch for whether Saudi Arabia and the UAE can successfully scale bypass pipelines or if IEA emergency stock releases of 400 million barrels will be enough to prevent a total industrial standstill in Europe and Asia.
Binance Scores Second US Legal Victory in Anti-Terrorism Act Case
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has secured a second major U.S. legal win in just two weeks, after a federal court in Alabama dismissed all claims against the company under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The court criticized the plaintiffs’ complaint as a “shotgun pleading,” citing its failure to clearly outline allegations or distinguish individual liability, and granted the plaintiffs until April 10, 2026, to amend the filing or risk dismissal.
This follows a similar victory in New York, reinforcing Binance’s defense against allegations of supporting terrorism. General Counsel Eleanor Hughes emphasized that the rulings reflect the need for legal rigour and evidence, and reiterated Binance’s commitment to compliance, transparency, and lawful operations. With these back-to-back wins, Binance strengthens its readiness to vigorously defend itself against unfounded claims.
Saudi and Kuwait Accelerate Major Energy Deals as Regional Conflict Forces Pivot to Red Sea Export Routes
What Is It About?
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are maintaining a "business-as-usual" approach by advancing major midstream deals. Kuwait is targeting a $7 billion valuation for its pipeline lease to attract global funds, while Aramco is looking to monetize key storage and export hubs. These moves are part of a broader strategy to adjust to shifting logistics as the Strait of Hormuz faces continued disruption.
Why It Matters?
The deals highlight a massive shift in global oil flows, with Saudi shipments increasingly rerouted toward the Red Sea to bypass the dangerous Hormuz passage. By bringing in global investment for this infrastructure, these nations are attempting to stabilize their economies even as the regional "tanking" of stock indices reflects deep investor anxiety over the security of Middle Eastern energy exports.
What’s Next?
Analysts are watching for the level of interest from global funds in Kuwait’s $7 billion lease and the official details of the Aramco stake sale. As both countries accelerate their bypass strategies, the market will be looking for signs that these new routes can reliably sustain global supply levels while regional tensions remain at a breaking point.
Syria Approves $10.5 Billion Budget as Shara Hits $65 Billion GDP Target Amidst Market Turmoil
What Is It About?
The 2026 budget represents a "significant achievement" for the Shara administration, which recently recorded Syria's first budget surplus in decades. The plan prioritizes infrastructure in liberated areas—accounting for 25% of the country's landmass—and allocates specific funds for the Eastern regions to restore schools and hospitals while dismantling displacement camps.
Why It Matters?
Syria’s fiscal expansion is a rare attempt at stabilization in a region otherwise paralyzed by the Strait of Hormuz blockade. While Syrian growth is accelerating due to the return of domestic resources, the broader Middle East is reeling. The recent market "tanking" in Dubai and Seoul reflects a global energy crisis that has kept Brent crude above $103, threatening to swallow the very recovery Syria is trying to fund.
What’s Next?
Analysts are watching if Syria can maintain its 35% growth rate if regional trade remains choked. Investors should look for the upcoming People’s Council sessions to see how the government manages the tension between radical reform and the pragmatic need for international recognition to finally lift the weight of remaining sanctions.
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🗓️ Plan Your Events (March-April 2026)
UAE
31 March - 2 April (Tuesday-Thursday): Arab Media Summit, Dubai.
26-28 March (Thursday-Saturday): Social Capital Conference, Dubai.
7-9 April (Tuesday-Thursday): Future Health Summit, Adnec Center Abu Dhabi.
13-15 April (Monday-Wednesday): AIM Congress, Dubai World Trade Center.
14-16 April: (Tuesday-Thursday): the International Property Show, Dubai World Trade Center.
Saudi Arabia
13-16 April (Monday-Thursday): Leap Tech Conference, Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center - Malham.
20-22 April (Monday-Wednesday): Sports Investment Forum (SIF), Riyadh
Egypt
30 March – 1 April (Monday-Wednesday): Egypt International Energy Conference and Exhibition (EGYPES).
