UAE softens shipping ban against Doha

The United Arab Emirates has eased a ban on the shipping of goods between it and Qatar enforced under an ongoing political and economic boycott of Doha, according to port circulars and an industry source.

An Abu Dhabi Ports circular dated Feb. 12 cancelled previous directives that banned cargoes of Qatar origin from UAE waters and ports and those of UAE origin from Qatar. It maintained a ban on vessels flying the Qatar flag, owned by Qatari shipping firms or nationals.

An industry source told Reuters the circular applied to all ports in the UAE. Government authorities in both Gulf Arab states were not immediately available to comment.