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- Iran Attacks on Gulf Can"Bring Down the Economies of the World," Qatar Energy Minister
Iran Attacks on Gulf Can"Bring Down the Economies of the World," Qatar Energy Minister
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Saturday, March 7, 2026
Happy and Safe Saturday everyone!
Prolonged conflict in the Middle East is sending shockwaves through global energy markets, with Saad Al-Kaabi warning that continued fighting could halt Gulf energy exports within days and push oil prices to $150 a barrel, according to the Financial Times. Qatar has already declared force majeure after an Iranian drone strike hit its Ras Laffan LNG facility, with disruptions expected to last weeks or months. Beyond energy, Gulf governments are reassessing international investment commitments, while the UAE is considering measures such as freezing Iranian assets to safeguard financial stability.
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 | 47,548.09 | Closed |
DFMGI | 5,917.22 | 3.32% |
ADX | 9.903.36 | 1.409% |
Tadawul | 10,753.21 | Closed |
Gulf States Review Global Investment Commitments As War Pressures Regional Economies: FT
What Is It About?
Three of the Gulf’s largest economies — the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait — are reviewing major international investment commitments as the regional war with Iran strains their finances, according to a report by the Financial Times. Officials familiar with the discussions said governments are examining whether force majeure clauses could allow them to suspend certain obligations while they reassess both existing and planned overseas investments.
Why it Matters?
The review highlights mounting economic pressure across the Gulf as the conflict disrupts energy exports, reduces output and slows tourism and aviation activity. Defence spending has also increased as regional tensions escalate. The move is being closely watched in Washington because Gulf sovereign wealth funds rank among the world’s most active investors and have pledged hundreds of billions of dollars in foreign investments in recent years.
What’s Next?
Officials describe the review as precautionary rather than an immediate withdrawal from global investments. However, analysts warn that prolonged conflict could deepen financial pressures and complicate Gulf governments’ ability to balance domestic economic programs with international commitments. Continued disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and regional energy trade could further influence policy decisions and investment strategies in the months ahead.
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UAE Weighs Freezing Iranian Assets As Part Of Broader Effort To Protect Financial System: WSJ
What Is It About?
The United Arab Emirates is considering freezing billions of dollars in Iranian assets held in the country as part of potential measures to counter Tehran’s financial networks, according to people familiar with discussions cited by The Wall Street Journal. Emirati authorities are reviewing steps that could target companies and financial channels linked to Iran, following a series of drone and missile attacks launched by Tehran against targets in the UAE.
Why It Matters?
Analysts say any restrictions on Iranian financial activity in the UAE could significantly limit Tehran’s access to foreign currency and global trade networks. The UAE has long served as a key commercial hub in the region, and a crackdown on shadow financing structures would reinforce its commitment to protecting the integrity of the global financial system while strengthening international efforts to curb sanctions evasion.
What’s Next?
Officials are evaluating several options, including freezing assets tied to Iranian-linked companies, tightening oversight of currency exchanges, and targeting illicit trade networks operating through regional shipping routes. While no final decision has been announced, potential measures would align with the UAE’s broader efforts in recent years to strengthen financial regulations and combat money laundering while safeguarding the stability of its economy and financial sector.
Qatar Warns Gulf Energy Exports Could Halt Within Days As Conflict Escalates
What Is It About?
Saad Al-Kaabi warned that continued conflict in the Middle East could force Gulf energy exporters to halt production within days, according to an interview with the Financial Times. Qatar, the world’s second-largest LNG producer, has already declared force majeure after an Iranian drone strike hit its Ras Laffan facility. Al-Kaabi said disruptions could push oil prices to $150 a barrel and gas to $40 per million British thermal units if hostilities persist.
Why It Matters?
The acquisition is one of the largest media deals in recent years and has drawn attention because it is backed by major Gulf sovereign wealth funds, including Public Investment Fund, Qatar Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi’s L’IMAD, which are investing about $24 billion in the transaction. The involvement of Gulf capital underscores the growing role of Middle Eastern investors in shaping global media and entertainment industries.
What’s Next?
Ellison said the company plans to invest in expanding news brands into streaming while maintaining traditional broadcast and cable distribution. The Gulf-backed Paramount deal could reshape the future of global news and entertainment as the combined company integrates CNN and CBS News with its wider media portfolio. Executives say the focus will be on strengthening journalism, expanding digital audiences and building a more competitive global streaming strategy.
👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
UAE is spending nearly $1 million to intercept one Iranian missile or drone
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CEO Mudassir Sheikha says the company’s top priority is the “safety of our captains”
Khalaf Al Habtoor: “Dubai Remains One of the Safest Destinations on Earth”
'Cancel ChatGPT': Sam Altman Under Fire for Pentagon Deal as US Attacks Iran
🦄 World of Startups
Stake Raises $31M Series B Led by Emirates NBD, Total Funding Hits $58M
US-based Luma AI is planting its flag in Riyadh — opening a regional headquater
Singapore's Ascentium continues its aggressive expansion, acquiring UAE legaltech pioneer Clara in a strategic Middle East play
Abu Dhabi is quietly becoming one of the most influential financiers of the global AI race, with its latest participation in Anthropic’s massive $30B funding round
Safqah Capital has just closed one of Saudi Arabia’s largest-ever seed rounds, raising $15.2 million in a deal that was four times oversubscribed
🔍In other news…
Iranian wallets move millions in crypto despite internet blackout
EA Buyout Banks Eye €4 Billion, $10.5 Billion Split in Debt Sale
Millions of Middle East airline seats cancelled since start of war
Cantor sees $11bn cash flow for UAE energy sector as it assigns overweight rating to Adnoc Group shares
TruDoc raises $15M in Pre-Series B to accelerate virtual-first healthcare across GCC
Maersk latest shipping firm to halt Gulf cargo bookings as Iran conflict pushes up insurance costs
QatarEnergy declares force majeure after Iran attacks halt supply
🗓️ 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).
