Global

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Central Bank Launches Global Financial Health Innovation Hackathon for Businesses

The Central Bank of the UAE has launched a Financial Health Innovation Hackathon to discover practical solutions that help individuals and businesses manage their finances. Organised in partnership with international and local bodies, applications are open to both UAE-based and international organisations until November 30, 2026. Successful applicants will proceed to evaluation and pilot testing phases running through 2027.

China–UAE News

Chinese Storage Firms Win 94GWh Orders Led by Massive UAE Contracts

Chinese energy storage suppliers disclosed approximately 94GWh in system orders during the third quarter of 2026, with overseas contracts accounting for 93% of signed volumes. Major Middle East deals drove this surge, including an 11.275GWh contract between BYD and the UAE's Masdar as well as a 7.5GWh deal won by Sungrow in the UAE. The Middle East represented 21.3GWh, or 28.7% of total signed capacity, behind Europe's 31.2GWh.

Industry News

High Freight Rates Prompt Chinese Refiners to Favor Middle Eastern Crude

Surging maritime shipping costs have led Asian and Chinese refiners to favor Middle Eastern crude over West African supplies, according to analytics firm Kpler. Shipping freight rates have quadrupled from pre-crisis baselines, shutting down long-haul arbitrages. Resurgent Persian Gulf exports and restored Saudi logistics have consequently reclaimed market share in East Asia.

China–UAE News

Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds Rebalance Capital Across Asian Markets and China

An analysis published by Modern Diplomacy examines how Gulf sovereign wealth funds navigate emerging Asian markets amid changing interest rates. According to Global SWF data, about 45 percent of Middle East sovereign capital deployed in 2026 targeted the US, while 10 percent went to China and Hong Kong. Gulf investors are balancing long-term Asian partnerships against broader global allocations.