The UAE has unveiled an Abu Dhabi-built probe for its 2028 Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt targeting asteroid 269 Justitia. Gulf states including Saudi Arabia and Oman are advancing domestic space capabilities and infrastructure to diversify their economies. The regional expansion comes as West Asian countries navigate international partnerships between the United States and China.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik concluded talks in Beijing, signing 16 bilateral cooperation instruments across supply chains, AI, and energy. The agreements integrate Omani maritime ports into Chinese logistics routes alongside a central bank currency swap. Bilateral trade between both nations reached approximately $25 billion in 2025.
The Oman Investment Authority signed a preliminary term sheet with China's Silk Road Fund to establish an $800 million joint investment fund during Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's state visit to Beijing. The deal is part of a 23-agreement package covering finance, logistics, artificial intelligence, solar energy, and mining. Other agreements involve China Merchants Bank, IDG Capital, JD.com, Huawei, and Hongda International.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman in Beijing to advance bilateral and regional economic ties. Premier Li called for accelerating negotiations to reach an early conclusion of the China-Gulf Cooperation Council free trade agreement. Discussions also covered strategic alignment across oil, gas, clean energy, and advanced technology sectors.
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