{
  "id": 1491531,
  "title": "Most Gulf markets ease as Iran tensions, Hormuz shipping disruptions weigh",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/most-gulf-markets-ease-as-iran-tensions-hormuz-shipping-disruptions-1491531",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-17T13:51:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40435213/most-gulf-markets-ease-as-iran-tensions-hormuz-shipping-disruptions-weigh"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Most Gulf stock markets declined on Monday as stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations rekindled worries of an extended conflict, compounded by diminished traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions remained elevated after Iran urged the United States to \"accept defeat\" on Saturday, while President Donald Trump labeled Tehran \"very evil\" and cautioned Americans to prepare for prolonged high fuel prices. With no significant progress toward peace talks, shipping through the vital waterway continued to suffer disruptions. President Trump also announced plans to soon designate the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory.\n\nSaudi Arabia's benchmark stock index slipped 0.1%, primarily due to a 0.5% drop in Al Rajhi Bank and an 0.8% decline in oil giant Saudi Aramco. The Civil Defense in Saudi Arabia reported on Sunday that the danger in Jazan province had passed, following an earlier alert warning residents of potential danger in the area. In Qatar, the benchmark index fell 1.5%, with nearly all constituents trading in negative territory. Qatar Islamic Bank dropped 2.3%.\n\nShipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz slowed significantly over the weekend following last week's tanker attacks. Kpler ship-tracking data indicated only five commodity vessels passed through the waterway on Saturday, and none on Sunday, compared to 31 during the prior weekend. Dubai's main share index declined 0.5%, with leading lender Emirates NBD falling 1.7%. The absence of diplomatic progress and ongoing regional uncertainties kept investors cautious. Resilient domestic fundamentals and a promising earnings season offered some support to markets, said Joseph Dahrieh, Managing Director at Tickmill. Markets are expected to remain range-bound and sensitive to regional developments. Diplomatic progress or improved shipping flows could boost sentiment, while robust local fundamentals should keep downside risks minimal. In Abu Dhabi, the index rose 0.3%, buoyed by a 14.9% surge - the largest since September 2022 - in Abu Dhabi Ports after wealth fund L'IMAD announced plans to take the company private. L'IMAD, which holds 75.42% of AD Ports through its wholly owned subsidiary ADQ, is offering to buy the remaining shares at 6.25 dirhams each. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index slipped 0.8%. Saudi Arabia experienced a 0.1% decline to 10,908, while Dubai fell 0.5% to 5,856, Qatar declined 1.5% to 9,892, Bahrain eased 0.1% to 1,952, Oman added 0.1% to 7,541, and Kuwait dropped 0.9% to 9,214.",
  "summary": "Most Gulf stock markets fell on Monday as stalled U.S.-Iran diplomacy revived fears of a prolonged conflict, while reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz added to concerns over energy supplies and trade flows. Tensions remained high after Iran on Saturday urged Washington to “accept defeat,” while U.S. President Donald Trump called Tehran “very evil” and urged Americans to prepare for…",
  "key_points": [
    "Gulf markets ease amid Iran tensions and Hormuz disruptions",
    "Saudi Arabia's benchmark index down 0.1%, Al Rajhi Bank and Saudi Aramco lag",
    "Shipping through Strait of Hormuz slows to five vessels on Saturday"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}