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Qatar LNG Shock; Blackstone Bets on UAE; Emaar 'Not Worried'
Friday, March 27, 2026
Happy Friday everyone!
The Iran attacks on Gulf countries are sending shockwaves through global markets, but also revealing resilience and opportunity. Qatar’s LNG shutdown has triggered a helium supply crisis, with force majeure declarations rippling across energy and industrial sectors. At the same time, global capital isn’t retreating. Blackstone’s $250 million UAE investment signals continued confidence in the Gulf as a safe, long-term growth hub despite rising geopolitical risks. Meanwhile in Dubai, Emaar remains unfazed. Leadership insists market dips are temporary, betting on strong demand to sustain the property sector.
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 | 47,320.26 | 0.37% |
DFMGI | 5,518.24 | 3.15% |
ADX | 9,603.21 | 1.790% |
Tadawul | 11,089.55 | 0.09% |
QATAR’S LNG FACILITY CLOSURE TRIGGERS GLOBAL HELIUM SUPPLY SHOCK AND FORCE MAJEURE
What Is It About?
Airgas has declared force majeure on helium shipments after QatarEnergy halted production at the Ras Laffan Industrial City following an Iranian attack, disrupting global gas-linked helium output.
Why it Matters?
Qatar produces about one-third of global helium. The outage has cut LNG capacity by 17%, threatening supplies to Europe and Asia. Helium shortages are already hitting industries, with healthcare prioritised, while UAE gas imports remain exposed via the Dolphin Pipeline.
What’s Next?
QatarEnergy boss Saad Al-Kaabi warned of significant revenue losses, as ADNOC Group CEO Sultan Al Jaber called the situation “global economic warfare.” Expect prolonged supply disruptions, rising costs, and continued volatility as geopolitical tensions escalate.
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.
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BLACKSTONE COMMITS $250 MILLION TO UAE FIRM DESPITE IRAN WAR RISKS
What Is It About?
Blackstone has committed $250 million as a strategic investment into a UAE-based firm, signalling continued dealmaking in the Gulf even as the Iran conflict disrupts regional energy and financial markets.
Why It Matters?
The move highlights strong investor confidence in the UAE as a stable capital hub despite escalating geopolitical tensions. Global firms are increasingly deploying—not just raising—capital in the region, betting on long-term growth, diversification, and resilience amid energy shocks and market volatility.
What’s Next?
Expect more global capital inflows into the Gulf, particularly in tech, infrastructure, and AI-linked sectors, as investors look past short-term war risks. The deal signals a broader shift: the Middle East is becoming a destination for investment, not just a source of funding.
EMAAR ‘NOT WORRIED’ ABOUT IRAN WAR AS DUBAI PROPERTY MARKET SHOWS RESILIENCE
What Is It About?
Emaar Properties chairman Jamal Bin Thaniah said the company is “not worried” about the Iran war’s impact, despite a 20% share price drop. He described the decline as temporary, noting past regional conflicts have not damaged the developer’s long-term performance.
Why It Matters?
Dubai’s property market is a key economic pillar. While off-plan prices fell 9% and transactions dropped sharply, demand remains strong. Mohamed Alabbar previously said a major price crash is “unrealistic,” reinforcing confidence that the market can withstand geopolitical shocks.
What’s Next?
Emaar expects a rebound as tensions stabilise, though signs suggest the market may be nearing the top of its cycle. A short-term cooldown is likely, especially in off-plan sales, but strong demand and limited supply could support prices and drive recovery in the coming months.
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👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
UAE is spending nearly $1 million to intercept one Iranian missile or drone
Abu dhabi’s MGX-backed OpenAI sees ChatGPT app uninstalls jump 295% in the US
UAE Successfully Intercepts Iranian Missiles, Naguib Sawiris Voices Support
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
🔍In other news…
🦄 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
🗓️ 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).
