Industry News

Kazakh Prime Minister Reviews UAE Masdar and China Energy Projects in Shymkent

Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov reviewed major international projects, including UAE-based Masdar's wind farm and China Energy's renewable facilities, at the KGIR-2026 investment forum in Shymkent. The gathering brought together over 500 investors and business representatives from more than 40 countries. Bektenov noted that Kazakhstan's GDP surpassed $300 billion last year and the country has attracted nearly $500 billion in foreign direct investment since independence.

China–UAE News

China Gulf Oil Imports Forecast to Near Pre-War High as Shipments Rebound

China's crude oil imports from the Gulf rose 25.7 percent month on month to 13.8 million tonnes in September, marking a third consecutive monthly increase. According to Kpler, shipments from the region are projected to surpass 5 million barrels per day in October, nearing pre-conflict levels. The rebound follows domestic inventory drawdowns and active bidding by Chinese refiners for crude from Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.

Industry News

Schneider Electric Presents SF₆-Free Grid Technology Survey at WETEX 2026

At the 28th WETEX in Dubai, Schneider Electric shared findings from an IDC white paper on the adoption of SF₆-free medium-voltage switchgear. The research shows 14% of Middle East organisations have begun transitioning away from SF₆, with 99% anticipating regulation within five years. Globally, 73% of buyers indicated utility guidance directs their equipment procurement choices.

Industry News

Dubai’s Economy Shrinks 2.3% in First Half of 2026 Amid Regional Conflict

Dubai's real gross domestic product contracted 2.3% year on year in the first half of 2026 to approximately AED 473 billion, official statistics show. The decline was led by drops in wholesale and retail trade as well as transport and storage, while financial services and healthcare posted gains. Oxford Economics projected that a complete recovery in tourism and logistics will depend on shipping and aviation normalising next year.