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.

In the latest issue, we explore why the UAE’s Opec departure fulfils multiple ends; investigate why insurers will only cover a fraction of war damage to oil and gas facilities; analyse Saudi Arabia’s real estate ownership reforms; and examine the first trade deal between the GCC and a G7 nation.

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

Must-read sections in the June 2026 issue of MEED Business Review include:

> AGENDA: Gulf races to reroute trade

> EXPORT ROUTES: Regional war boosts oil and gas pipeline project activity

> CURRENT AFFAIRS: UAE’s Opec departure fulfils multiple ends

> OIL & GAS: Insurers will only cover a fraction of war damage to oil and gas facilities

> LEADERSHIP: Building the infrastructure that makes net zero possible

> LEGAL: Saudi Arabia’s foreign property ownership milestone 

> TRADE TALKS: UK-GCC trade deal talks conclude

> IRAQ MARKET FOCUS: 
> COMMENT: Iraq’s reform window narrows
> GOVERNMENT: Al-Zaidi takes Iraq’s premiership under US shadow
> BANKING: Financial challenge tests Iraq’s resolve
> ECONOMY: Iraq enters era of resilience, reform and rising risks 
> OIL & GAS: Iraqi oil and gas sector in crisis
> POWER & WATER: Focus shifts to delivery of Iraq utilities expansion
> CONSTRUCTION: Momentum builds in Iraq’s post-war construction sector

> MEED COMMENTS: 
> Institutional capital sees past conflict risk
> Gulf conflict fails to slow Dubai’s projects push
> Oman steps up hydrogen plans
> Bidders assess partnership strategy for utilities projects

> GULF PROJECTS INDEX: Gulf Projects Index resumes growth trajectory

> APRIL 2026 CONTRACTS: Middle East contract awards

> ECONOMIC DATA: Data drives regional projects

> OPINION: Hoping for a long, cool summer

> BUSINESS OUTLOOK: Finance, oil and gas, construction, power and water contracts