China

Policy & Legal Updates

Dubai KHDA Adds 17,000 School Seats and Global Universities for 2026-27

Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced the opening of 26 new private educational institutions for the 2026-27 academic year under its Education 33 Strategy. The expansion adds nearly 17,000 school seats and features international university launches, including Peking University HSBC Business School. The authority is also prioritising AI literacy, future workforce skills, and the addition of 18,000 affordable school places over the next two years.

China–UAE News

UAE Joins Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to Study Railway Link to Pakistani Ports

The UAE, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch a feasibility study for the Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (CASA) railway corridor. The route aims to connect Central Asia to Pakistani seaports on the Indian Ocean and complement the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway currently under construction. A joint working group may be formed to assess infrastructure needs, economic viability, and financing options.

Policy & Legal Updates

Japan Imposes Sanctions on Russian Oil Fleet and UAE-Based Entities

Japan has introduced additional sanctions targeting Russia's shadow fleet of oil-transporting vessels, according to the Foreign Ministry. The measures restrict maritime services to 35 ships and impose export bans on four entities located in the UAE and Turkey. Restrictions also apply to 33 Russian-linked entities, nine individuals, and 102 export items.

Industry News

China Targets 1 Trillion Yuan Hydrogen Industry Under 15th Five-Year Plan

China's National Energy Administration released the China Hydrogen Energy Development Report (2026), detailing rapid expansion in renewable hydrogen capacity and transport infrastructure. The report projects that annual green hydrogen demand will reach 2.4 million to 4.3 million tons during the 2026–2030 period. Total industrial chain output value is forecast to exceed 1 trillion yuan ($139 billion).