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Policy & Legal Updates

US Iran Sanctions Campaign Strains China-Dubai Trade and Banking Compliance

US Treasury measures against Iran place an increasing investigative burden on foreign banks to monitor opaque cross-border transactions, including transfers disguised between Hong Kong and Dubai companies. Prior to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, China bought an estimated 90% of Iran's oil exports, with trade largely settling in renminbi through shadow-banking channels. Secondary sanctions under Operation Economic Outcast threaten to cut non-compliant foreign institutions off from dollar clearing.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Approves Accession to Singapore Convention on Mediated Cross-Border Settlements

The United Arab Emirates has issued Federal Decree No. 85 of 2026 approving its accession to the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation. The framework will allow commercial cross-border mediated settlements to be directly enforced by domestic courts without starting fresh litigation. The convention will take effect six months after the deposit of the UAE's instrument of accession with the UN Secretary-General.

Industry News

Analysis Highlights Gulf Energy Supply Risks Across Hormuz and Alternative Export Routes

An analysis published by Eurasia Review details growing vulnerabilities across Gulf energy export infrastructure amid ongoing regional hostilities. The commentary notes that alternative transit options such as Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline have faced disruption, leaving no completely insulated route for regional oil and gas. Rising maritime insurance rates and chokepoint risks pose significant economic exposure for top Asian destinations, including China.

Industry News

UAE’s Port of Fujairah Resumes Oil Loadings Following Drone Attack

Oil loading operations at the UAE's Port of Fujairah resumed following a drone attack and fire, though it remained unclear if operations were fully back to normal. An Indian-flagged tanker carrying 80,800 tonnes of Murban crude departed safely for India after the strike. The port remains a vital strategic export bypass located outside the Strait of Hormuz.