Middle East

Industry News

Uzbekistan and UAE Partner on Trans-Afghan Railway and Regional Trade Corridors

Uzbekistan is working with the UAE to develop the Trans-Afghan Railway to enhance Eurasian freight connectivity, according to Uzbek Investment Minister Laziz Kudratov. Speaking at Investopia Bridge 2026 in Abu Dhabi, Kudratov noted the project could accelerate cargo shipments between India and Europe by about two weeks. He also highlighted progress on a railway corridor connecting China, Uzbekistan, and GCC nations that cuts transit by at least 10 days.

Industry News

Oil Hits Two-Week High Following Drone Strike on UAE Nuclear Plant

Global crude prices rose to a two-week high following a drone strike on the UAE's Barakah nuclear power plant and drone interceptions in Saudi Arabia. Brent crude reached $111.27 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate climbed to $107.75. The market surge follows recent talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping that concluded without resolution to the regional conflict.

China–UAE News

Analysis Evaluates Resilience of Gulf Aviation Hubs Amid Regional Conflict

An analysis published in the South China Morning Post examines geopolitical pressures facing major Gulf aviation hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Passenger traffic at Dubai International dropped 31.3 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2026 following strikes, airspace closures, and heightened operating risks. The author questions whether the region's dominant hub-and-spoke transit model connecting the West and Asia can maintain its pre-conflict market share.

Industry News

Visual Capitalist Charts Hormuz Oil Flows Highlighting China and UAE Shares

A data visualization by Visual Capitalist using U.S. Energy Information Administration figures outlines oil trade through the Strait of Hormuz for the first quarter of 2025. China receives 37.7% of all crude and condensate exports moving through the strait, while the UAE accounts for 12.9% of outbound volumes.