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Saudi Arabia posted a merchandise trade surplus of SR14.36 billion ($3.83 billion) in July, down 25 percent year-on-year, according to preliminary official statistics. Both exports and imports declined amid logistics route adjustments, while China, the UAE, and Egypt ranked among the kingdom's top trading partners.
Wizz Air has delayed the restart of several European routes to Abu Dhabi from late October to January 10, 2027, following updated guidelines from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The carrier said ongoing Iraqi airspace closures require longer detours and refuelling stops for its A321neo aircraft, making flights commercially unviable at current fuel prices. In addition, services to Jordan have been suspended until October 25, 2026, after Jordanian airspace was placed on EASA's conflict zone restricted list.
Stock markets across the United Arab Emirates declined following renewed warnings over prolonged regional air travel disruptions. Dubai's benchmark index fell about 0.4 percent and Abu Dhabi slipped 0.6 percent, led by banking and blue-chip equities including Emirates NBD. Local carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia continue to adjust flight schedules amid regional tensions.
An analysis published by Free Malaysia Today indicates that US attempts to enforce a zero-leakage sanctions regime against Iran face significant operational obstacles. Iran's oil trade, of which China purchased an estimated 90% prior to Hormuz disruptions, largely clears outside the US dollar system via renminbi settlements and shadow networks in Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Consequently, financial compliance scrutiny is intensifying across financial institutions operating within the China-UAE corridor.
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