Middle EastRegulatory

UAE eases Qatari shipping ban

The United Arab Emirates has partially lifted a ban on transporting goods between it and neighbour Qatar.

An Abu Dhabi Ports circular dated February 12, seen by Reuters, cancelled previous directives that banned cargoes of Qatar origin from UAE waters and ports and those of UAE origin from Qatar. The directive however maintains a ban on vessels flying the Qatar flag, owned by Qatari shipping firms or nationals.

The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain cut diplomatic, trade and transport ties with Qatar in June 2017 over allegations it supports terrorism. Since then Qatari shipping interests have expanded their global footprint dramatically.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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