Deliveries of advanced artificial intelligence semiconductors from the United States to the Gulf have faced hold-ups amid regulatory scrutiny in Washington. US authorities have raised national security and export-control concerns regarding the flow of advanced computing technology to the region, including the risk of technology diversion. The delays affect data centre operators and technology projects across the Gulf that rely on high-performance American graphics processing units.
Singapore state investor Temasek plans to open offices in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh in the first half of 2027, pending regulatory approvals. The expansion will increase Temasek's global network to 15 offices across 11 countries, serving as strategic hubs for the firm and its portfolio companies. The move introduces heightened competition for regional investments and partnerships alongside Gulf sovereign wealth funds.
Gulf producers are utilizing short-haul shuttle tankers to transport crude through the Strait of Hormuz for offshore ship-to-ship transfers off Oman and the UAE. According to Arabian Gulf Business Insight, Saudi Arabia adopted the workaround following the disruption of its East-West pipeline, pushing loadings back toward 4 million barrels per day. The crude is transferred off Sohar and Fujairah to long-haul vessels serving Asian destinations including China.
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