Global

Policy & Legal Updates

Smoke Free Sweden Urges UAE to Ease Nicotine Alternative Regulations

A new research report by Smoke Free Sweden suggests the UAE could accelerate anti-smoking progress by incorporating tobacco harm reduction alongside existing regulations. While the UAE reduced adult smoking to 11.1% by 2024, Sweden lowered daily smoking to 5.3% through wider access to alternatives like snus, vapes, and nicotine pouches. The authors recommend aligning UAE taxation and regulatory scrutiny with the relative risk of smoke-free products.

China–UAE News

ADGM Concludes Third Global Media Forum Showcasing Abu Dhabi Investment Ecosystem

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has concluded its third Global Media Forum, bringing together 33 journalists, including 13 from overseas markets including China, the UK, and the US. The three-day event highlighted Abu Dhabi's regulatory framework, digital economy, and cross-border investment opportunities. The forum also featured briefings on the upcoming fifth edition of Abu Dhabi Finance Week and celebrations marking ADGM's 11th anniversary.

China–UAE News

DMCC Urges Diamond Industry to Follow Swiss Watch Playbook Amid Disruptions

DMCC Executive Chairman and CEO Ahmed Bin Sulayem highlighted Dubai's neutral position as an impartial venue to resolve global diamond industry disputes. Speaking at the Dubai Diamond Conference, he urged the natural diamond sector to study how Swiss watchmakers adapted to quartz disruption, noting China's role as a major grower of lab-grown stones.

Industry News

Iran Conflict Disrupts Persian Gulf Oil and Gas Shipments via Hormuz

Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed to a near standstill following military strikes and retaliatory attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure. According to the International Energy Agency, the conflict represents the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market. Disrupted energy flows have triggered sharp increases in international crude and refined fuel prices and pushed European natural gas futures significantly higher.