News
Policy updates, China–UAE developments, industry news and official Middle East travel alerts.
The Saudi Central Bank confirmed its trial engagement with the mBridge cross-border digital currency platform officially ended on May 13, 2025, after testing without live settlement. Between mid-2024 and late 2025, the China-UAE-backed platform processed 4,868 transactions totaling $67 billion, with the digital yuan representing roughly 96% of the value.
The Saudi Central Bank confirmed its pilot participation in the mBridge cross-border digital currency platform ended on May 13, 2025. Between mid-2024 and late 2025, mBridge processed 4,868 transactions valued at $67 billion, with the digital yuan comprising 96% of volume.
Qatar Airways has released an updated passenger security advisory concerning the carriage of power banks and lithium batteries. Passengers are limited to two power banks not exceeding 100 Watt-hours, which must be kept in carry-on baggage. In-flight charging is strictly prohibited, and failure to comply may result in denied boarding and legal action.
The United States updated its Israel travel advisory on October 24, 2026, keeping the country at Level 3 while adding warnings regarding missile and drone threats from Yemen's Houthi movement. The revision coincided with parallel regional security updates for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Iraq, and Lebanon. Officials warned that armed attacks could affect Israeli territory and regional transit routes with little notice.
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