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.