Ports, shipping, aviation cargo, warehousing and trade
Japan is projected to overtake China as the world's largest importer of liquefied natural gas this year for the first time since 2022. Consultancies ICIS and Kpler report that elevated spot prices and elevated domestic storage levels in China have constrained Chinese purchases. The shift comes alongside disruptions to Asian LNG demand following halts to shipments from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned an attack targeting the Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker Al Mayeda in the Arabian Gulf. The ministry warned that the incident threatens maritime navigation, environmental safety, and global energy supplies. The UAE also expressed solidarity with Qatar and called for the protection of commercial vessels under international law.
Dubai Customs cleared 21.15 million customs declarations in the first half of 2026, with 98% processed automatically. The agency reported 7,871 newly registered companies and a 15.1% year-on-year increase in fulfilled service requests over the period.
Ras Al Khaimah and China's Fujian Province have signed a friendship agreement to deepen economic, maritime, and cultural collaboration. The signing was accompanied by 10 Memorandums of Understanding between Ras Al Khaimah entities and Chinese organisations across robotics, transport, finance, and infrastructure. The developments concluded a six-day official delegation visit to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Fuzhou led by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi.
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