Middle East

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Visa Cancellations Not Bangladesh-Specific as 626 Nationals Affected, Says State Minister

Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam clarified that recent automatic UAE visa cancellations affected 626 Bangladeshi nationals, refuting reports of 5,000 cases. The cancellations also impacted citizens from Pakistan, Egypt, the Philippines, and Nepal. Bangladesh has submitted 417 cases to UAE authorities for renewal while warning expatriates against document forgery and regulatory violations.

Industry News

Asia’s Crude Oil Imports Rebound Driven by Arabian Gulf Shipments

Asian crude oil imports are scheduled to reach 23.96 million barrels per day in September 2026, supported by shipments from Arabian Gulf producers. China increased its imports to 8.93 million barrels per day in August, though total Asian volumes remain 13 percent below pre-tension baselines.

Industry News

Asia Crude Oil Imports Rebound While China Raises Purchases From Gulf Producers

Asian markets are scheduled to import 23.96 million barrels of crude oil per day in September 2026, driven by Arabian Gulf supplies. China's foreign crude purchases reached 8.93 million barrels per day in August, a 6.2 percent increase month-on-month. Despite recovering maritime flows, total Asian crude imports remain 13 percent below pre-crisis baseline levels.

China–UAE News

Chinese Institutional Holdings of UAE Debt Reach USD 7.8 Billion

Chinese institutional holdings of Gulf debt reached nearly $14 billion as of mid-2025, according to International Monetary Fund figures. The UAE represents the largest regional share at $7.8 billion, followed by Qatar and Saudi Arabia.