Middle East

China–UAE News

Chinese EV Brands Accelerate Market Expansion Across UAE and Gulf Region

Chinese electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturers are increasingly focusing on the Gulf Cooperation Council as tariffs and regulatory barriers restrict Western market access, according to Asia Times. Industry estimates indicate the UAE represented approximately 42% of the GCC electric vehicle market in 2025, supported by roughly 2,800 charging points. Automakers including BYD, Geely, and Chery are expanding distribution networks, after-sales operations, and charging partnerships across the region.

Industry News

UAE Investments in Egypt Provide Hormuz Hedge as War Shrinks Dubai Economy

UAE state-backed investments across Egyptian energy and port infrastructure are serving as a strategic hedge against transit disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Dubai's real GDP contracted 2.3% year-on-year in the first half of the year due to drops in trade and transport. The UAE continues building alternative maritime corridors through domestic pipelines, Khorfakkan, and Mediterranean ports in Egypt.

Policy & Legal Updates

Saudi Arabia Consults on Data Protection Implementing Regulation Reforms

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has opened a public consultation on proposed amendments to the Implementing Regulation of the Personal Data Protection Law. The proposed revisions include changes to breach notifications, data subject access requests, direct marketing consent, and record retention requirements. The consultation closes on 5 November 2026, with the revised rules entering into force 60 days after official gazette publication.

Industry News

BV China and Pacific Gas Partner on Liquefied Gas Carrier Retrofits

Bureau Veritas (China) and Pacific Gas signed a strategic technical consulting agreement in Shanghai to support liquefied gas carrier retrofits. The partnership focuses on safety compliance, technical routes, and commercial deployment for Very Large Ethane Carriers and dual-fuel vessels. The initiative targets green maritime transitions across global and Gulf energy trade lanes.