Ports, shipping, aviation cargo, warehousing and trade
UAE authorities have stated that businesses generating at least AED 50 million annually must appoint an Accredited Service Provider for e-invoicing by October 30, 2026. Under Ministerial Decision No. 244 of 2025, large enterprises must achieve system go-live by January 1, 2027. Smaller enterprises must contract a provider by March 31, 2027, ahead of a July 1, 2027 deadline.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority clarified that a free zone's status as a VAT Designated Zone does not confer automatic Corporate Tax Designated Zone treatment. Each federal tax regime maintains distinct legal definitions and eligibility criteria. Goods distributors must specifically meet Corporate Tax requirements to access the 0% preferential rate.
Safe Airspace confirmed that the Tehran Flight Information Region remains only partially open to international air traffic. While eastern Iranian airspace is accessible for overflights, the western region remains closed. Multiple national aviation regulators continue to issue NOTAMs warning against or prohibiting operations in the area.
A supertanker chartered by commodity merchant Trafigura to transport crude from the U.S. Gulf Coast to China was fixed at an unprecedented $76 million. Middle East producers' ship-to-ship shuttle transfers in the Strait of Hormuz have restricted global fleet availability. On a 2-million-barrel cargo, the freight cost equates to approximately $38 per barrel.
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