Middle East

Industry News

GCC Industrial Committee Endorses Participation in Eighth China-Arab States Expo

The 57th GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee convened in Manama to discuss regional industrial integration and supply chain connectivity. During the meeting, member states endorsed the GCC General Secretariat's participation in the eighth China-Arab States Expo scheduled for August 2027. Delegates also highlighted the importance of strengthening manufacturing and supply chain linkages between Gulf economies and China.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE and Saudi Arabia Sign Agreement on Cross-Border Rail and Energy Cooperation

The UAE and Saudi Arabia signed a preliminary bilateral agreement in Riyadh to establish cross-border railway connections and advance energy cooperation. The pact establishes a framework for feasibility studies on integrating rail freight networks and facilitating cross-border logistics. The initiative also covers bilateral electricity interconnection and commercial cross-border power trading.

Industry News

ACWA Power and Prolos Partner on China Renewable Energy and Storage Projects

Saudi developer ACWA Power has signed a strategic partnership framework with Prolos China to explore renewable energy investments across China. The initiative focuses on centralized wind power, photovoltaic solar installations, and energy storage assets. The agreement supports ACWA Power's broader target of deploying $30 billion in China by 2030 across green power, desalination, and green hydrogen.

Middle East Travel Alerts

Israel issues Level 4 travel warning for Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar

Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has intensified monitoring of Umrah pilgrim flights between Egypt and Saudi Arabia following regional security developments that caused flight schedule delays. Specialized committees have been deployed at airports in Cairo, Jeddah, and Medina to oversee flight schedules and coordinate with Saudi authorities. Pilgrims and travel companies are urged to adhere to safety regulations and track updated flight times.