A Vortexa report indicates that Gulf crude producers, led by Saudi Arabia and Iraq, are expanding market share in China. Non-Iranian Middle Eastern crude deliveries are projected to hit 4.5 million barrels per day in October 2026. Saudi exports are estimated to surpass 2 million barrels per day, largely taken by state refiners.
Chinese customs data indicates crude oil imports from the UAE rose 5 percent year-on-year to 733,000 barrels per day in September 2026. Conversely, shipments from Saudi Arabia and Iraq fell substantially, driving an overall 20 percent drop in total imports. Chinese refiners offset Gulf shortfalls by boosting purchases from Russia and Brazil.
A UAE delegation concluded its participation in the China International Industry Fair 2026 in Shanghai, focusing on automation and smart manufacturing. Led by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Emirati officials met with Chinese robotics leaders to discuss pilot projects and supply-chain localization. The discussions aim to support the domestic Factory Forward UAE initiative.
The UAE concluded participation in the China International Industry Fair 2026, targeting robotics partnerships for local manufacturing. Concurrently, DEWA International signed four MoUs at WETEX 2026, including a partnership with China Energy International Group for energy and infrastructure projects.
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