Intercontinental Exchange has launched new freight derivatives, including the first tanker freight futures on the TD34 route from the Gulf of Oman to China. The contracts are cash-settled based on Baltic Exchange assessments to help market participants hedge freight risk amid shipping disruptions. Average daily trading volume across ICE freight markets grew 33 percent year-to-date.
Chinese autonomous driving firms, including Baidu Apollo Go, Momenta, and WeRide, are broadening operations in the UAE. The expansion is supported by over 14,500 Chinese commercial licenses in the Emirates and more than $15 billion in bilateral investment. The initiatives focus on integrating autonomous fleets and AI navigation into smart transport grids.
Smart Mobility International has begun UAE customer deliveries of the IM LS9 luxury six-seater SUV, manufactured by China's SAIC Motor. The range-extended electric vehicle offers over 1,500 km of combined range, 523 horsepower of continuous output, and advanced four-wheel steering. The distributor also revealed that a five-seater IM LS8 model with 1,605 km range will follow.
China has set a national roadmap to advance all-solid-state batteries toward initial large-scale deployment by 2030. The initiative leverages a vertically integrated industrial ecosystem spanning cell makers, material processors, and state agencies. According to the International Energy Agency, China manufactured over 80 percent of the world's batteries in 2025.
Policy updates, China–UAE business news and industry insights, delivered to your inbox.
Membership
Tell us about your experience and connection to UAE–China business. UECN assesses your application and offers the right membership category — fees are shared privately with your offer.
We send you a one-time sign-in link — your answers are saved as you go.
