Middle East

Industry News

DP World Report Highlights Maritime Trade Resilience as Global Routes Shift

DP World’s Marine Services has released a whitepaper titled 'Navigating the Future of Maritime Trade' to mark World Maritime Day 2026. The report finds that global shipping networks carrying $14 trillion in containerised goods face structural disruptions from tariffs, climate impacts, and shifting manufacturing hubs. It advocates for 'Connected Trade Corridors' integrating feeder shipping, coastal routes, and inland transport to boost supply chain adaptability.

Industry News

US Energy Dominance Strategy Meets Challenges from China and Evolving Global Markets

The United States is pursuing an energy dominance strategy to expand oil and gas exports, but faces headwinds from evolving markets and China's growing influence. China's position as the world's top crude importer is reinforced by roughly 1.4 billion barrels in stockpiles, alongside strong clean-tech supply chains. These structural market shifts have also weakened OPEC's historical influence over global oil prices.

Industry News

Gulf of Oman Oil Transfers Reach Capacity as Tanker Rates to China Spike

Ship-to-ship crude oil transfers in the Gulf of Oman have reached full capacity following the rerouting of Saudi crude through the Strait of Hormuz. Tanker charter rates for Middle East-China routes surged to a record $1.27 million daily, driven by the need for dozens of additional supertankers.

Middle East Travel Alerts

Iraq’s Najaf Airport Suspends All Flights to and from Iran

Iraq's Najaf International Airport suspended all Iranian flights starting Friday at 02:00 local time to comply with US sanctions. The decision follows a directive from the Iraqi prime minister's office amid US Treasury warnings of secondary sanctions.