GULF WEEKLY: Abu Dhabi bonds, Riyadh rents frozen, Qatar & Oman GDP, UK & France recognize Palestine

GULF COUNTRIES - Report 26 Sep 2025 by Justin Alexander

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

*Brent rebounded to $70 on concerns about Russian exports, amidst Ukrainian drone strikes.
*Gulf leaders addressed the UN and discussed a new US Gaza plan with Trump.
*Ten more countries, including the UK and France, recognized Palestine.
*Rents in Riyadh have been frozen for five years, after rising 36% since 2023.
*Saudi equities rebounded by 5%, the most in three years, on hopes of higher foreign ownership.
*Dubai’s property market is nearing a record bull run but ranks 5th on UBS’s global bubble index.
*Abu Dhabi raised $3bn in bonds, including a record low spread of +18bp for its 10-year tranche.
*MGX is reportedly investing $2bn for a 15% stake in the US unit of TikTok.
*Qatar’s non-oil GDP growth slowed to 3.4% in Q2, led by agriculture, hospitality and construction.
*The IMF completed mid-year staff visits to Kuwait and Qatar.
*Oman’s non-oil GDP slowed to 2.9% in Q2, led by hospitality but with declines in construction and manufacturing.
*Oman’s deficit rose to -1.6% of GDP in July YTD on weaker oil revenue and higher capex.
*Fitch flagged Bahrain for review under new criteria that include consideration of recovery rates.
*Databank updates: Qatar and Oman GDP; Oman monthly data; Qatar & UAE inflation; Kuwait forecasts.

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