Read the June 2026 MEED Business Review

GCC looks beyond the Strait; Iraq’s reform window narrows as fiscal assumptions shatter; MEED Top 100 – GCC valuations recover unevenly amid disruption

For decades, the Strait of Hormuz has served as a critical artery of the global energy system. Despite being only 33 kilometres wide at its narrowest point, this strategic maritime passage has traditionally handled around one-sixth of global oil consumption and nearly one-third of worldwide liquefied natural gas trade.

Following Iran’s effective closure of the strait in 2026, Gulf states have been compelled to rapidly identify and develop alternative transport corridors. This effort extends beyond safeguarding oil exports from the region to ensuring the continued flow of food, consumer products and industrial supplies that underpin the Gulf’s economies. Read more here.

June’s market focus is on Iraq, which is entering mid-2026 with the largest project pipeline in its post-2003 history, encompassing more than $420bn in planned and ongoing investments. However, the country faces an exports collapse that could challenge its ability to deliver this ambitious programme.

This edition also includes our Top 100 report – an annual ranking published by MEED that identifies the 100 largest publicly listed companies in the Middle East and North Africa based on their market capitalisation.

We hope our valued subscribers enjoy the June 2026 issue of MEED Business Review.