Ports, shipping, aviation cargo, warehousing and trade
China has inaugurated a direct maritime cargo route connecting Jiangsu province's Port of Taicang with Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Islamic Port. The dedicated service bypasses intermediate transshipment hubs, saving two to three weeks of transit time. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $108.2 billion in 2025, alongside significant crude oil shipments.
UAE businesses must submit excise tax returns and settle liabilities with the Federal Tax Authority by October 15, 2026. The requirement applies to entities importing, producing, or stockpiling designated excise goods via the EmaraTax digital portal. The warning comes as the FTA issues guidelines for multinationals regarding the 15 percent Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax regime.
Saudi Arabia has imposed definitive anti-dumping duties between 15.8 percent and 38.7 percent on Chinese aluminum beverage can lids. The five-year measure took effect on October 13, 2026, covering closures with diameters from 50 to 63 millimeters. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has been tasked with collecting the duties.
The Dubai Maritime Authority has introduced Circular No. 35 of 2026 to standardise leisure boat anchoring and the use of recreational mooring buoys in Dubai waters. The regulatory framework applies to boat and yacht owners, operators, agents, marinas, and marine service providers. The rules focus on raising navigational safety, preventing marine collisions, and protecting the marine ecosystem.
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