Saudi Arabia

Industry News

China’s Sepco Wins EPC Contract for Saudi Al Khushaybi Energy Storage Project

Chinese state-owned contractor Shandong Electric Power Construction Corporation has secured an EPC contract for the Al Khushaybi battery energy storage project in Saudi Arabia. The facility features a planned capacity of 500 MW/2,000 MWh as part of the Kingdom's utility-scale storage program. French energy firm Engie and Saudi-based Haji Abdullah Alireza & Co. are developing the project, with Saudi Power Procurement Company as off-taker.

China–UAE News

US Midterm Election Scrutiny Threatens Gulf AI Chip Agreements and Tech Ties

US Democrats are threatening congressional investigations into agreements granting Gulf entities license-free access to advanced artificial intelligence semiconductors. The scrutiny is driven by concerns over technology transfer to China and alleged conflicts of interest. However, extensive cross-border investments between Gulf sovereign funds and US AI leaders complicate potential rollbacks.

China–UAE News

DP World CEO Highlights Surging China-Gulf Freight Rates and Trade Rerouting Challenges

DP World Group CEO Yuvraj Narayan has highlighted escalating challenges across Middle East container routes connecting China and the Gulf. Citing Xeneta data, spot rates for a 40-foot container from China surged 214 percent to Jeddah and 442 percent to Khor Fakkan. Narayan cautioned that bypassing primary hubs undermines logistics efficiency, urging investment in shock-resistant transport networks.

Policy & Legal Updates

GCC Inheritance Laws Define Estate and Wealth Transfer Regulations for Expatriates

Inheritance laws across the Gulf Cooperation Council vary significantly based on nationality, religion, and asset location. In the UAE, Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 governs non-Muslim civil inheritance, while neighboring GCC states enforce distinct testamentary and real estate transfer procedures.