The UAE is positioning its free-zone network as the Middle East gateway for a China-backed BRICS artificial intelligence initiative. The framework connects trade corridors, digital infrastructure, and regulatory sandboxes between Chinese and Emirati tech enterprises. It aims to accelerate commercial AI adoption and support wider Gulf efforts to attract Chinese high-tech investments.
Chinese refiners have suspended refined-product exports beyond Hong Kong and Macau until further notice, pushing Brent futures above $100 per barrel. The move comes as Middle East crude exports rebounded to 17.5 million barrels per day following the restart of Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline.
Abu Dhabi's Mubadala led GCC sovereign wealth funds in the first nine months of 2026, deploying $26.2 billion globally. China, including Hong Kong, emerged as the second-largest international destination for Gulf sovereign capital, attracting 10% of total invested funds.
An Iranian authority stated that three oil tankers recently struck in the Strait of Hormuz were owned or chartered by the United Arab Emirates. The three Liberian-flagged vessels were accused by Tehran of non-compliance with navigation rules over multiple transits. Two of the tankers are managed by UAE-based ADNOC Logistics & Services, and one by Anglo-Eastern Tanker Management.
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