The National

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE and Saudi Arabia Sign Agreement on Cross-Border Rail and Energy Cooperation

The UAE and Saudi Arabia signed a preliminary bilateral agreement in Riyadh to establish cross-border railway connections and advance energy cooperation. The pact establishes a framework for feasibility studies on integrating rail freight networks and facilitating cross-border logistics. The initiative also covers bilateral electricity interconnection and commercial cross-border power trading.

China–UAE News

UAE Retailers Charter Ships and Shift Sourcing to Asia Amid Maritime Disruptions

Food retailers and manufacturers in the UAE are restructuring supply chains and booking dedicated cargo vessels and aircraft amid maritime disruptions linked to regional tensions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Retail giant Lulu Group International is independently chartering ships from suppliers in China and other Asian markets as sea transit times reach up to 70 days. Local manufacturers like United Foods and Al Ain Farms Group are also building raw material reserves and expanding domestic production.

Policy & Legal Updates

Dubai gives building owners 12 months to comply with shared housing rules

Dubai Municipality has introduced new regulations for shared accommodation, giving building owners 12 months to comply. The rules apply to over 40 designated areas, requiring a minimum of five square metres per occupant per bedroom. Non-compliance carries fines ranging from Dh500 to Dh1 million for repeat offences.

Industry News

India Condemns Projectile Strike on Dubai-Owned Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz

The Indian government has condemned a projectile strike on the Panama-flagged oil tanker MT On Peace, owned by Dubai-based company Onex, in the Strait of Hormuz. Twelve crew members were injured, including 11 Indian nationals, and were evacuated to Oman for treatment. India's Ministry of External Affairs called for an immediate cessation of attacks on commercial shipping in the region.