AGP Executive Report

Red Sea Flashpoint: Saudi-led coalition airstrikes hit Yemen’s Hodeidah and Kamaran Island after Houthi attacks on Saudi-linked tankers; the Houthis vow “escalation for escalation,” while Saudi officials insist ports remain open and strikes target military sites. Maritime Attacks Continue: A Saudi-flagged vessel, NCC MASA, reported minor hull damage after another Red Sea attack, with authorities stressing crew safety and condemning attacks on commercial shipping. Iran–Gulf Tensions: Iran says it carried out drone strikes targeting US facilities in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait, as Bahrain reports intercepts and sirens amid ongoing US-Iran exchanges. Nuclear Deal Politics: Trump says the US won’t move forward on a civilian nuclear pact with Saudi Arabia unless Riyadh joins the Abraham Accords, tying the decision to Israel normalization. Qatar Digital Push: Qatar’s cashless shift accelerates as digital payments surge, with QCB data showing big year-on-year growth in transaction volume and value. UAE–Canada Trade: The UAE finalised a CEPA with Canada, aiming to cut trade barriers and unlock investment in energy, ports and other sectors. Bahrain Defense Alert: Bahrain’s defence force says it intercepted and destroyed multiple Iranian aerial attacks, warning against attacks on civilians. Local Governance & Services: Kuwait foiled a cigarette smuggling attempt at Nuwaiseeb; UAE’s EHS says electronic birth certificates can be issued instantly online.

US-Iran War Escalation: Sirens sounded in Bahrain as Iran-linked attacks targeted US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, with the IRGC claiming drone strikes on Ali Al Salem Air Base and an Amazon data center in Bahrain, while the US said it finished its 13th night of strikes and warned of incoming fire. Red Sea Energy Shock: Wood Mackenzie data shows Saudi Red Sea crude exports fell 41% from a March peak, as Gulf flows shift amid Strait of Hormuz disruption; meanwhile Houthis renewed pressure on shipping and oil prices pushed above $100. Saudi Nuclear Deal Fallout: The US and Saudi signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, but Trump’s reported condition tying it to Israel normalization via the Abraham Accords is drawing fresh regional and congressional concern. Oman Trade & Standards: Oman adopted new national standards for frankincense essential oil and distilled water to boost quality and global market confidence. Pilgrimage Update: Saudi launched a one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa for eligible Muslims via Nusuk, with a 90-day maximum stay. Sports & Culture: ONE Championship and Visit Qatar renewed a three-year partnership for major events in Qatar from March 2027; Qatar also advanced in youth and shooting competitions.

US–Saudi Nuclear Deal Shock: Trump says the civil nuclear agreement is “totally subject” to Saudi joining the Abraham Accords, throwing the pact into fresh doubt and sparking backlash over safeguards and proliferation risks. Red Sea Energy Crunch: Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers pushed Brent past $100 again, while Germany pulls Red Sea naval assets and Gulf states warn of wider shipping disruption. Iran–Gulf Tensions in the Air: Kuwait reports intercepted Iranian missiles and drones, while Iran’s IRGC claims strikes on US bases in Kuwait; GCC states condemn the attacks, including on desalination and infrastructure. Yemen Escalation: Sana’a backs a maritime ban on Saudi “enemy” shipping, and Yemen’s standards body presents work on medicinal honey standards. Kuwait Finance & Economy: Kuwait raises $6bn in three-tranche sovereign bonds and issues new rules targeting shadow-market activity; separate data highlights Kuwait’s public-private employment divide. Bahrain Security & Trade: Bahrain highlights deepening ties with the US and reviews security cooperation with Saudi Arabia, alongside growth in small-vessel registrations. Qatar Diplomacy & Sports Push: Qatar participates in CITES scientific meetings in Geneva and highlights investment in world-class sports facilities. UAE Governance Tech: Ajman launches a headless government service powered by agentic AI, while the UAE expands consular support for Golden Visa holders abroad.

US–Saudi Nuclear Deal: The US and Saudi Arabia signed a peaceful nuclear cooperation “123” agreement, with officials saying it’s for civilian use under safety and non-proliferation standards, while critics in the region and beyond warn it could still reshape security dynamics. Red Sea Flashpoint: Saudi media confirmed a Saudi-owned tanker (Encelia) was hit and caught fire after Houthi claims of attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, raising fears of a wider shipping disruption as prices jump. Iran–Gulf Tensions: Iran and the US traded accusations of strikes, with reports of missile and drone interceptions in Jordan and Kuwait and warnings of further escalation. Oman De-escalation Push: Oman said it’s closely monitoring Red Sea developments and urged political solutions for Yemen while coordinating with Saudi Arabia, Yemeni parties, and the UN envoy. Qatar Public Info Safety: Qatar University urged the public to rely only on official channels and verified accounts to avoid scams and protect personal data. EU Business Watch: Saudi PIF-backed $55bn acquisition of Electronic Arts won EU antitrust approval, clearing a major step for the deal. Weather Alerts: Bahrain and Qatar issued hot-weather warnings, urging residents to follow official guidance and stay safe.

US-Saudi Nuclear Deal: The US and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark civil nuclear cooperation pact that could give Riyadh a pathway to enrich uranium, with US firms supplying reactors and Congress set to review the framework; critics warn it may weaken safeguards and raise proliferation fears. Red Sea Shipping Shock: Yemen’s Houthis claimed missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, ENCELIA and LAYLA, after announcing a maritime embargo, while UKMTO and maritime monitors reported a fire on one vessel and said no casualties were reported. Kuwait Security Alert: Kuwait’s air defences said they were intercepting hostile Iranian drone threats, urging the public to follow safety instructions as the regional conflict spills into Gulf airspace. Qatar Cyber Resilience: A Qatar tech expert stressed that cybersecurity must become a shared national responsibility as AI and digital services expand, warning of eroding “digital trust.” UAE Digital Push: DMCC launched DMCC Cyber to build Dubai’s cyber resilience ecosystem, while Digital Dubai and Emirates Group agreed to expand shared digital platforms and data services. Aviation Milestone: UAE’s aircraft registry surpassed 1,000 registered aircraft, highlighting continued growth in the civil aviation sector.

US-Iran Escalation: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed they hit US military targets in Bahrain and Kuwait, including air defence systems and radars, as the US said it struck Iranian command centres, missile and drone launch sites, and air defences to weaken threats to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Bahrain on Alert: Bahrain said its air defences repelled and destroyed multiple Iranian missiles and drones, urging residents to avoid debris. Qatar Turns to UN: Qatar sent two identical letters to the UN Security Council and chief, condemning Iranian attacks on Qatari territory and a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, and reaffirming its right to respond. Yemen Red Sea Pressure: The UN warned Yemen’s Houthis are risking wider escalation by threatening freedom of navigation, while Qatar and others condemned Houthi claims of a Saudi siege. UAE Energy Move: ADNOC approved a $6.2bn Abu Dhabi gas project to boost output from 2030, as Gulf energy routes face renewed disruption fears. Kuwait Crackdown: Kuwait seized expired cosmetics, detergents and tobacco in a commercial fraud operation.

Gulf Tensions Escalate: Kuwait says it has shut down power generation and desalination units after Iranian attacks, while Iran’s IRGC claims it disabled Kuwait radar systems; Bahrain reports intercepting multiple Iranian missiles and drones targeting civilian areas. Maritime Flashpoints: Kuwait summoned Iran’s ambassador over tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, as oil prices jumped nearly 2% on Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea disruption fears. Houthis Expand Pressure: Yemen’s Houthis say they’ve reversed six ships after announcing a maritime navigation ban on Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh and allies warning they will protect shipping. Diplomacy Calls for De-escalation: Qatar’s PM held calls with Saudi, Bahrain and Oman urging dialogue and implementation of a US-Iran MoU, while Bahrain and Saudi foreign ministers also exchanged views on repeated Iranian strikes. Saudi Umrah Update: Saudi Arabia introduced a one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa (valid 365 days, stay capped at 90 days, Nusuk permission required). Qatar Business & Sports: QFC signed an MoU with CCI France Qatar to boost trade links; Qatar Stars League set its 2026-27 QSL 2 schedule. Kuwait Emergency Funding: Zain and BNK Holding subsidiaries backed Kuwait’s Emergency Response Fund, adding $10m and $6m respectively.

Iran-US Escalation in the Gulf: Iran’s IRGC claimed it struck and “destroyed” Amazon’s central data infrastructure in Bahrain, while also targeting US air defence and radar assets; the US said it hit Iranian command centres, missile/drone launch sites and air defences as the confrontation enters a 10th straight day. Bahrain on Alert: Bahrain sounded missile sirens and said its air defences intercepted and destroyed incoming attacks, urging residents to move to safety. Kuwait Says Infrastructure Hit: Kuwait accused Iran of attacking power and desalination plants for a fourth day, sparking fires and damage, with repairs underway. Qatar Demands Compensation: Qatar sent UN letters demanding Iran compensate it for damage from attacks, citing incidents around the Strait of Hormuz and missile strikes. Red Sea Pressure Builds: Yemen’s Houthis declared a naval blockade/maritime embargo on Saudi shipping, warning of “blockade for blockade” and raising risks for global oil flows. UAE Domestic Moves: The UAE rolled out its new Jaywan national payment card scheme in phases, while MoHRE held 64 open recruitment days for private-sector Emiratisation. Aviation & Lifestyle: Emirates is fitting a new economy headrest across A350 and 777X fleets, and Qatar Airways boosted A380 flights to London Heathrow.

Red Sea Oil Shock: Yemen’s Houthis declared a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia, warning of a new blockade at Bab al-Mandeb and threatening Red Sea oil flows; Saudi Arabia hit back with “strongest condemnation,” while the Saudi-led coalition vowed to protect shipping and respond to threats. Kuwait Under Fire: Kuwait reported intercepted Iranian missile and drone attacks, with officials condemning violations of sovereignty and warning residents to follow safety instructions. UN De-escalation Call: The UN urged immediate de-escalation after renewed Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia, warning a wider escalation could disrupt global commerce and energy. Regional Escalation Loop: Explosions and renewed U.S.-Iran strikes continued to ripple across the Gulf, with Bahrain and Kuwait reporting Iranian aerial activity and air defense responses. Kuwait Policy & Economy: Kuwait issued new e-commerce rules to boost consumer protection and transparency, while inflation rose 2.19% year-on-year in June. Jobs Push: Kuwait’s youth employment centers in the private sector are set to expand nationwide, with completion targeted for 2028.

US-Iran Escalation: The US carried out a ninth straight night of strikes on Iran, saying it aims to degrade Tehran’s ability to attack shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks hitting US-linked sites and Gulf states. Bahrain & Kuwait on Alert: Bahrain sounded air-raid sirens and said air defences intercepted Iranian attacks; Kuwait reported intercepts of hostile drones and said Iranian strikes hit power and water infrastructure. Oman Shipping Disruption: UKMTO warned of a vessel fire near Kumzar, urging caution as tensions keep raising risks for maritime traffic. Umrah & Travel Rules: Saudi Arabia launched a one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa (up to 90 cumulative days) and also rolled out flexible residency renewal rules for domestic workers; the UAE published updated visa fees and clarified its Events Visit Visa process. Qatar Finance & Environment: Qatar’s banks reported lending growth to QR1.47tn with deposits steady, while Qatar joined an IAEA technical meeting on monitoring marine plastic pollution. Aviation & Business: Emirates began installing its U-Dream 8-way headrest across economy cabins, and Saudi Arabia’s Global Airports Forum 2026 was announced for Riyadh.

Gulf Security: The GCC and EU condemned Iran-linked attacks targeting Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Jordan, and warned Tehran to stop Strait of Hormuz violations and comply with international law. Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM/FM held calls with Saudi and Oman urging dialogue and implementation of the US-Iran MOU, including freedom of navigation through Hormuz. Kuwait Under Fire: Kuwait said Iran hit a power generation and water desalination plant again, sparking fires and “extensive damage,” while its forces intercepted missiles and drones; Bahrain also sounded sirens after reported aerial threats. Regional Escalation: Jordan reported intercepting Iranian missiles aimed toward Aqaba, as US-Iran exchanges continue to widen across the region. Qatar Regulation: Qatar issued a new drone law with prison terms up to seven years and fines up to QR300,000 for violations. Economy & Society: Kuwait recorded KD 92.8m in real estate transactions; Kuwait also joined a Gulf education council session and launched climate negotiators training.

Iran-US Gulf escalation: Air raid sirens blared across Bahrain and Kuwait as Iran pressed missile and drone retaliation, with both countries saying their air defenses intercepted and destroyed incoming threats. Kuwait infrastructure under pressure: Kuwait reported repeated strikes hitting power and water facilities, prompting airport disruptions and flight rescheduling. US posture shifts: The US reportedly evacuated refueling aircraft from Qatar’s Al Udeid base to Israel as tensions with Iran intensified, while markets reacted. Yemen airspace dispute: Yemen’s internationally recognized government blocked an Iranian aircraft from landing at Sanaa airport, citing missing approvals, as control of air routes remains a flashpoint. UAE economy & society: UAE non-oil foreign trade jumped 13.1% in H1 to nearly AED2tn, while the UAE also announced an “Emirates Summer” sports festival in Fujairah. Qatar digital push: Qatar’s healthcare sector highlighted rapid digital transformation, and Qatar’s e-commerce and POS transactions kept growing. Maritime security: Suspected Somali pirates hijacked a Tanzanian-flagged tanker off Yemen and moved it toward Puntland waters.

Gulf Escalation: The UAE and Saudi Arabia both urged an immediate halt to hostilities and a return to talks, warning that strikes on civilian infrastructure—including desalination, power, hospitals and transport hubs—violate international law and risk pushing the region into deeper instability. Kuwait Under Fire: Iran’s attacks on Kuwait intensified, with reports of power and water desalination plant hits, fires, and injuries as Kuwait said it intercepted ballistic missiles and drones; Kuwait International Airport operations were temporarily suspended and flights disrupted. Regional Condemnations: The Muslim World League and GCC officials condemned the attacks on Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan as violations of humanitarian norms, while Kuwait reiterated its right to defend vital facilities. Diplomacy & Pressure: Kuwait’s ambassador joined Gulf-Jordanian talks with US lawmakers, as Pakistan and Kuwait urged de-escalation between Iran and the US and called for honoring the Islamabad MoU. Humanitarian & Civil Life: Namaa provided treatment to 250 patients in Yemen, while Kuwait’s WHO-linked medical authority received a WHO collaborating centre designation; amid the crisis, Emirates and other airlines cancelled or rescheduled Kuwait-bound flights. Maritime Security: UKMTO reported a security incident involving a tanker and military forces east of Oman’s Duqm, urging extreme caution in the area.

Gulf Security Escalation: Iran’s renewed missile and drone campaign has hit Kuwait and Bahrain again as the US continues strikes on Iran for a seventh straight night, with Bahrain reporting intercepted attacks and sirens sounding multiple times. Water/Energy Fallout in Kuwait: Kuwait says Iranian strikes targeted power generation and water desalination facilities, sparking fires, shutting down some generating units, and injuring firefighters and a worker; Kuwait Airways rescheduled most flights after Kuwait International Airport temporarily suspended operations. Qatar Air Defense: Qatar intercepted Iranian missiles over Doha; a child was injured by fragments from intercepted projectiles. US Travel Warning: The US State Department urged Americans to reconsider Middle East travel amid the fast-changing security situation. Diplomacy/Regional Links: Saudi Arabia welcomed Jordan’s initiative to run regular commercial flights between Amman and Sana’a, aiming to ease humanitarian pressure in Yemen. Oman Economy: Oman reported a 8.7% rise in foreign direct investment to OMR 32.2bn in Q1 2026, with oil and gas still the biggest draw.

Kuwait Under Missile-Drone Attack: Kuwait says Iran-fired ballistic missiles and drones were intercepted, but strikes hit a power generation and water desalination station, sparking fires and injuring several ground-force personnel; Kuwait reports no civilian casualties and says forces remain fully operational. Qatar Child Injured After Interceptions: Qatar condemned renewed Iranian attacks and says its air defenses intercepted aerial threats over Doha; a child was hurt by falling shrapnel, with emergency response teams activated. Regional Condemnations: Bahrain, Jordan, and the UAE all condemned Iran’s attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan, warning of dangerous escalation and calling for deterrent action. US-Iran Infrastructure Escalation: The US hit bridges in Iran and Iran retaliated by targeting Kuwait’s power and desalination infrastructure; at sea, US Marines boarded a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. Yemen Mobilization & Siege Talk: In Hodeida, mass rallies backed Yemen’s “siege for siege” posture toward Saudi Arabia, while Yemen’s defense minister vowed readiness for “all options.” Maritime Security Worsens: Suspected Somali pirates seized an oil tanker off Yemen and another chemical tanker was reportedly boarded, as piracy fears return along key shipping lanes. UAE Economy Watch: The IMF praised UAE resilience and banking-sector strength amid regional shocks. Humanitarian/Consular: Qatar’s rescue team was dismissed by Venezuela after earthquake support; Pakistan begins issuing e-passports in the UAE from July 20.

Iran-US Escalation: Iran’s IRGC claimed it carried out coordinated attacks on US facilities including Al Udeid in Qatar, radar sites in Oman, and a command center in Syria, warning more strikes are coming. Kuwait Power/Water Hit: Kuwait said an Iranian attack damaged a power generation and water desalination plant, sparking a fire and impairing units, with officials urging electricity rationing. Bahrain Air Defences: Bahrain reported intercepting and destroying several Iranian missiles and drones, urging residents to avoid debris after sirens sounded. Qatar Missile Barrage: Qatar said it intercepted an Iranian missile attack and a child was injured by falling shrapnel. Oman Shipping Incident: A chemical tanker off Oman was struck by an unknown projectile; crew were safe and authorities opened an investigation. Maritime Security in Yemen: Armed assailants reportedly hijacked the chemical tanker Asana in the Gulf of Aden, raising renewed piracy concerns. Oman Investment Push: Oman’s Future Fund approved a 6 GW integrated solar cell and module plant in Sohar, plus other industrial projects. Digital Identity in Bahrain: Mazad integrated Bahrain’s eKey 2.0 national digital ID into its online auction platform.