Middle East

Industry News

Reports Detail Iranian Training and Chinese Commercial Parts in Houthi Arsenal

Yemen's Houthi rebels have expanded territorial control along the Red Sea coast using weapons assembled with Iranian training and imported commercial parts from China, according to media reports cited by Chosunbiz. The military expansion has impacted critical maritime transit routes, contributing to volatility in global oil prices. Intercepted cargo shipments inspected in July reportedly contained commercial dual-use components adaptable for missile and drone manufacturing.

China–UAE News

Gulf Tourism Rebounds as Dubai Targets Chinese Visitors and Industry Partnerships

More than 2,800 exhibitors participated in the Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai, where the "Nihao! China" pavilion facilitated business negotiations between Chinese and foreign tourism entities. Data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism shows Dubai welcomed 6.97 million international overnight visitors in the first eight months of 2026, with August recording 869,000 visitors. Dubai tourism officials are strengthening partnerships with Chinese digital platforms, including Ctrip, Xiaohongshu, and Meituan, to encourage the return of Chinese travelers.

Middle East Travel Alerts

Flydubai Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight Diverts to Saudi Arabia Following Cockpit Attack

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a pilot stabbed the captain and attempted to sabotage the aircraft mid-air. Passengers and crew subdued the attacker before the plane landed, and Saudi authorities placed the suspect under arrest. Flydubai confirmed all passengers were safe, while the Israel Airports Authority set up an information center for families.

Industry News

Abu Dhabi Invests Billions in Zero Hormuz Strategy to Safeguard Trade

Abu Dhabi is preparing to deploy tens of billions of dollars into ports, pipelines, and logistics to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Sovereign wealth fund L'imad is anchoring the effort alongside ADNOC and DP World to develop trade infrastructure around Fujairah. The initiative includes plans to privatise Abu Dhabi Ports Co. at an estimated $9 billion valuation.