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United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The latest news, analysis and opinion on United Arab Emirates (UAE). In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Abu Dhabi

Head of State

President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Head of Government

Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Shipping data shows a Hong Kong-flagged ship passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. Photo: AFP/Getty Images/TNS

China-Middle East relations

Exclusive | Hong Kong-flagged tanker passes through Strait of Hormuz in test of US blockade

AVA 6 passage marks at least the second transit of a China-linked tanker through the waterway since the US military operation began.

17 Apr 2026 - 9:38PMvideocam

Middle East

‘First of its kind’ flying taxi station completed in Dubai

17 Apr 2026 - 6:36AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

China’s Wang Yi calls on Iran to ensure freedom and safe passage through strait

16 Apr 2026 - 2:52PMvideocam

Banking & finance

Mark Mobius, pioneering investor in China, dies at 89

‘Father of emerging markets’ was among the first fund managers to champion investments in Hong Kong and mainland China.

16 Apr 2026 - 7:13PM

Mark Mobius, pictured during a media event on May 30, 2024, in Hong Kong. Photo: Enoch Yiu

US, Israel war on Iran

Chinese tanker retreats twice from US’ Hormuz blockade in 48 hours

While the Rich Starry didn’t visit an Iranian port, it is on a US blacklist for allegedly helping Tehran evade sanctions.

15 Apr 2026 - 10:14PMvideocam

Africa

Sudan enters 4th year of war as ‘abandoned crisis’ grows

The war has pushed parts of Sudan into famine and the UN says about 34 million people, or almost two of every three Sudanese, need help.

16 Apr 2026 - 12:07AM

Pakistan

Pakistan seeks to shield Gulf states as US-Iran talks set to resume

A senior official involved in Islamabad’s diplomacy says it is trying to defuse the crisis ‘in any way we can’.

15 Apr 2026 - 10:50PMvideocam

US Vice-President J.D. Vance (centre) walks with Pakistan’s Field Marshall Asim Munir (left) and Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar after arriving for talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad on Saturday. Photo: AFP/Getty Images/TNS

US, Israel war on Iran

China cements Russia ties as both win from US war

Russia is boosting oil exports, including to China, as the Iran war upends Middle East supplies, while Chinese renewables companies will benefit from efforts to diversify away from fossil fuels.

15 Apr 2026 - 5:49PM

2026 Trump-Xi summit

Xi Jinping meets foreign leaders: tracker 2026

World leaders are flocking to Beijing this year as Trump’s trade war spurs US allies to look for new ties.

15 Apr 2026 - 5:45PM

Hong Kong economy

Letters | Hong Kong is the perfect complement to Dubai, not a replacement

Readers discuss the possibility of the wealthy migrating to Hong Kong from the United Arab Emirates, and the Hong Kong government’s response to war’s disruptions.

15 Apr 2026 - 11:30AM

People on the Star Ferry take in Victoria Harbour on March 23. Photo: Eugene Lee

China-Middle East relations

Xi’s meeting with Abu Dhabi crown prince highlights Gulf turn towards China

Analysts said the trip was a sign that the UAE was seeking ‘more reliable partners’ in the wake of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

14 Apr 2026 - 10:27PMvideocam

China’s President Xi Jinping welcomes Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

SCMP Highlights

Japan’s sakura season rift, Singapore’s Hormuz stance: 7 Asia highlights

From Japan’s sakura season rift to a defamation hearing, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

14 Apr 2026 - 3:15PM

Pakistan

Minister says Pakistan ‘committed’ to repay US$3 billion loan from UAE

Finance Minister Aurangzeb said the government was exploring a ‘combination of many sources’ to pay back the amount.

14 Apr 2026 - 8:51AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

China says open Hormuz key to global interests as Trump blockade looms

Beijing’s foreign ministry denies that China plans to provide weapons and military tech to Iran.

13 Apr 2026 - 9:44PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump has said that the “the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz”. Photo: Nasa Earth Observatory/AFP

Banking & finance

HSBC stays the course in the Middle East despite war

The bank will continue to invest in the UAE, alongside India, China and Singapore, says Surendra Rosha, co-CEO for Asia and the Middle East.

13 Apr 2026 - 6:17PM

Surendra Rosha, co-CEO for Asia and the Middle East at HSBC. Photo: Jonathan Wong

SCMP Highlights

Hormuz oil crisis hits China; a family of dentists: 5 weekend reads you missed

From how Pakistan paid the price for mediating in the Iran war to a family of dentists, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

13 Apr 2026 - 12:12PM

Hong Kong transport

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific and HK Express cut some flights as jet fuel prices rise

Cathay reduction affects flights mainly on regional routes, along with some services to Australia, South Asia and South Africa, from May 16 to June 30.

11 Apr 2026 - 10:56PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

How the Gulf conflict recast risks for Asian investors in Dubai

Asian firms that use Dubai as a launch pad into the Middle East are weighing new threats to liquidity, logistics and confidence.

13 Apr 2026 - 10:16AMvideocam

Smoke rising from an area near the Dubai International Airport is seen after a drone attack amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran on March 16. Photo: Reuters

Pakistan

UAE pulls US$3.5 billion from Pakistan after Iran war mediation

As Abu Dhabi signals its displeasure with Islamabad, analysts say other indebted partners will be watching closely.

11 Apr 2026 - 12:18PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

US-Iran talks leave Gulf states on edge about the price of peace

The six GCC nations worry that the US will prioritise Tehran’s needs and leave the Gulf monarchies vulnerable to Iranian retaliation.

10 Apr 2026 - 7:01PMvideocam

War and conflict

Opinion | China’s role in the Iran-US ceasefire reflects its strategic distance

In taking a back seat in de-escalation efforts with Pakistan, China is decoupling its influence from responsibility.

9 Apr 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning answers questions from journalists regarding US attacks on Iran, on March 2, in Beijing. Photo: dpa

US, Israel war on Iran

Why US-Iran truce may not end high airfares and flight disruptions

According to airline bosses, it will still take months for jet fuel supplies and prices to normalise.

9 Apr 2026 - 9:53PMvideocam

An Emirates A380 aircraft is parked at Cornwall Airport Newquay in southwest England on Monday. Photo: AFP

Banking & finance

Everest’s US$250 million buy signals rising global appetite for China biotech

Sovereign wealth funds from Singapore and Abu Dhabi join Chinese state capital as cross-border biotech licensing reaches record highs.

9 Apr 2026 - 8:30AM

Thailand

Thailand confirms deaths of 3 cargo ship crew in Gulf attack

The Thai-flagged ship was struck on March 11 while travelling through the Gulf waterway.

8 Apr 2026 - 7:40PM

Middle East

Opinion | For Gulf states, geography is both a generous and treacherous patron

Sandwiched between Iran and Israel, oil-rich transport hubs like the UAE now face the fragility of their newly built economic prosperity.

7 Apr 2026 - 4:30PM

A couple stands looking at the Dubai skyline, with a view of the Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest building, seen from Creek Harbour on April 3. Photo: AFP

SCMP Highlights

UAE retaliates against Iran, Bali’s spate of murders: 7 Asia highlights

From how UAE is fighting Iran back to a series of murders in Bali, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

7 Apr 2026 - 12:30PM

An Emirates aircraft prepares for landing as a smoke plume rises from a fire near Dubai International Airport on March 16. Photo: AFP

SCMP Highlights

Chinese-made drone shot in Iran, Australia’s diplomacy pivot: 5 weekend reads

From a Chinese-made drone shot down in Iran to where Hongkongers went over the holidays, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

6 Apr 2026 - 12:30PM

Ukraine war

Ukraine and Syria pledge security cooperation as Zelensky expands Middle East tour

Zelensky and Sharaa discuss drone defence and food security as Kyiv seeks to export its military expertise.

6 Apr 2026 - 9:50AM

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United Arab Emirates (UAE)

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Hong Kong-flagged tanker passes through Strait of Hormuz in test of US blockade

AVA 6 passage marks at least the second transit of a China-linked tanker through the waterway since the US military operation began.

‘First of its kind’ flying taxi station completed in Dubai

China’s Wang Yi calls on Iran to ensure freedom and safe passage through strait

Mark Mobius, pioneering investor in China, dies at 89

‘Father of emerging markets’ was among the first fund managers to champion investments in Hong Kong and mainland China.

Chinese tanker retreats twice from US’ Hormuz blockade in 48 hours

While the Rich Starry didn’t visit an Iranian port, it is on a US blacklist for allegedly helping Tehran evade sanctions.

Sudan enters 4th year of war as ‘abandoned crisis’ grows

The war has pushed parts of Sudan into famine and the UN says about 34 million people, or almost two of every three Sudanese, need help.

Pakistan seeks to shield Gulf states as US-Iran talks set to resume

A senior official involved in Islamabad’s diplomacy says it is trying to defuse the crisis ‘in any way we can’.

China cements Russia ties as both win from US war

Russia is boosting oil exports, including to China, as the Iran war upends Middle East supplies, while Chinese renewables companies will benefit from efforts to diversify away from fossil fuels.

Xi Jinping meets foreign leaders: tracker 2026

World leaders are flocking to Beijing this year as Trump’s trade war spurs US allies to look for new ties.

Letters | Hong Kong is the perfect complement to Dubai, not a replacement

Readers discuss the possibility of the wealthy migrating to Hong Kong from the United Arab Emirates, and the Hong Kong government’s response to war’s disruptions.

Xi’s meeting with Abu Dhabi crown prince highlights Gulf turn towards China

Analysts said the trip was a sign that the UAE was seeking ‘more reliable partners’ in the wake of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Japan’s sakura season rift, Singapore’s Hormuz stance: 7 Asia highlights

From Japan’s sakura season rift to a defamation hearing, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Minister says Pakistan ‘committed’ to repay US$3 billion loan from UAE

Finance Minister Aurangzeb said the government was exploring a ‘combination of many sources’ to pay back the amount.

China says open Hormuz key to global interests as Trump blockade looms

Beijing’s foreign ministry denies that China plans to provide weapons and military tech to Iran.

HSBC stays the course in the Middle East despite war

The bank will continue to invest in the UAE, alongside India, China and Singapore, says Surendra Rosha, co-CEO for Asia and the Middle East.

Hormuz oil crisis hits China; a family of dentists: 5 weekend reads you missed

From how Pakistan paid the price for mediating in the Iran war to a family of dentists, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific and HK Express cut some flights as jet fuel prices rise

Cathay reduction affects flights mainly on regional routes, along with some services to Australia, South Asia and South Africa, from May 16 to June 30.

How the Gulf conflict recast risks for Asian investors in Dubai

Asian firms that use Dubai as a launch pad into the Middle East are weighing new threats to liquidity, logistics and confidence.

UAE pulls US$3.5 billion from Pakistan after Iran war mediation

As Abu Dhabi signals its displeasure with Islamabad, analysts say other indebted partners will be watching closely.

US-Iran talks leave Gulf states on edge about the price of peace

The six GCC nations worry that the US will prioritise Tehran’s needs and leave the Gulf monarchies vulnerable to Iranian retaliation.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | China’s role in the Iran-US ceasefire reflects its strategic distance

In taking a back seat in de-escalation efforts with Pakistan, China is decoupling its influence from responsibility.

Why US-Iran truce may not end high airfares and flight disruptions

According to airline bosses, it will still take months for jet fuel supplies and prices to normalise.

Everest’s US$250 million buy signals rising global appetite for China biotech

Sovereign wealth funds from Singapore and Abu Dhabi join Chinese state capital as cross-border biotech licensing reaches record highs.

Thailand confirms deaths of 3 cargo ship crew in Gulf attack

The Thai-flagged ship was struck on March 11 while travelling through the Gulf waterway.

Opinion | For Gulf states, geography is both a generous and treacherous patron

Sandwiched between Iran and Israel, oil-rich transport hubs like the UAE now face the fragility of their newly built economic prosperity.

UAE retaliates against Iran, Bali’s spate of murders: 7 Asia highlights

From how UAE is fighting Iran back to a series of murders in Bali, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Chinese-made drone shot in Iran, Australia’s diplomacy pivot: 5 weekend reads

From a Chinese-made drone shot down in Iran to where Hongkongers went over the holidays, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

Ukraine and Syria pledge security cooperation as Zelensky expands Middle East tour

Zelensky and Sharaa discuss drone defence and food security as Kyiv seeks to export its military expertise.

Exclusive | Hong Kong-flagged tanker passes through Strait of Hormuz in test of US blockade

Opinion | China’s role in the Iran-US ceasefire reflects its strategic distance