The Bloomberg program "Horizons Middle East & Africa," broadcast live from Dubai on September 28, 2026, focused on the fast-paced growth and significant deals within the Middle East and Africa. It connected market drivers from overnight developments in the US and Asia to the region's trading day, offering in-depth analysis of major business, energy, and geopolitical stories influencing traders' decisions.
A central theme of the broadcast was the ongoing situation regarding the Strait of Hormuz. US and Iranian negotiators were reportedly exploring a phased deal where Tehran would reopen the Strait, and Washington would lift its blockade of Iranian ports. However, oil prices rose as Iran stated it would not soften its demands for reopening the waterway, following President Donald Trump's rejection of an earlier proposal. Brent crude for November settlement climbed 2.6% to $107.02 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate rose 1.9% to $94.13 a barrel.
The program also touched on broader market dynamics, including bonds steadying after a selloff, and US stocks remaining on track for weekly gains despite the oil price fluctuations. Geopolitical tensions in the region remained high, with reports of Iranian forces targeting ships in unauthorized routes through the Strait and Saudi-led coalition forces intercepting Houthi drones and missiles. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that only about 15 million barrels of Iranian crude remained on the water, increasing pressure on Tehran to reach a deal.
Other regional news highlighted during the period included South Africa and Zimbabwe discussing a $500 million dam project to address water shortages, Kenya facing financing strains for its $14 billion housing push, and Ghana International Bank's expansion into the US market. Gold prices tilted lower as the Iran impasse continued to fuel rate-hike expectations.
Bloomberg's "Horizons Middle East & Africa" serves as a daily spotlight on one of the world's fastest-growing regions, delivering global market analysis and news-making interviews with a special focus on MEA, catering to audiences in the Gulf, Hong Kong, London, and Johannesburg.
