Gulf Markets Brace for Q2 Earnings Amid Strait of Hormuz Disruptions

As the four-month conflict with Iran chokes the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf corporations are preparing to release second-quarter earnings that threaten to expose a deepening regional economic divide. While energy price volatility offers a windfall for some, the mounting pressure on banks and real estate is testing the resilience of major economies.

Editorial·July 9, 2026·reads: 275

Gulf Markets Brace for Q2 Earnings Amid Strait of Hormuz Disruptions

Tariq Qaqish, deputy CEO at FH Capital, warns that the initial shock to aviation and tourism seen in the first quarter is now bleeding into the broader financial landscape. The results from Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, and Qatar will likely reflect a stark disparity in fortune, largely dictated by geographical exposure to the blocked maritime corridor.

While Saudi Arabia retains positive growth projections, the UAE and Qatar are grappling with potential contractions as inflation and interest rate hikes weigh heavily on local industries. The contrast is sharp: energy and telecom sectors demonstrate surprising stability, yet the banking and real estate markets face a downward trend. Investors are now watching these disclosures to gauge whether regional stability can survive the ongoing supply chain disruptions.