Gulf Markets Ease and Red Sea Shipping Slows Following Attacks on Oil Sites

Key Facts

1Data shows Red Sea shipping has slowed following Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabian oil sites.

2Most Gulf equity markets eased in trading as a reaction to security tensions in the Red Sea.

Amid escalating geopolitical risks threatening the stability of global energy supplies, shipping activity in the Red Sea has slowed significantly according to analyst reports. This decline in maritime traffic follows Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabian oil infrastructure. These developments have heightened maritime security risks, prompting shipping companies and regional investors to adopt a more cautious stance.

The security tensions directly impacted Gulf equity markets, which eased in trading as a reaction to threats against energy infrastructure. Per market data, Saudi Aramco (2222.SR) closed at 26.6 SAR, while 1111.SR stood at 120.1 SAR (close of July 26, 2026). This performance reflects broader investor concern regarding the implications of these attacks on vital regional trade routes.

Investors are currently monitoring technical support levels for blue-chip stocks, as 2222.SR hit a day low of 26.56 SAR in its most recent session (close of July 26, 2026). With a lack of immediate local economic catalysts in the coming days, market focus remains on maritime security updates and the upcoming US EIA Weekly Petroleum Report on July 22 to assess the global inventory outlook.