Chinese Premier Li Qiang pledged on Sunday to further open up the economy and fully implement national treatment for foreign enterprises, as the country seeks to reassure the outside world amid rising global trade tensions.

China will focus on promoting high-quality development and continue to create a favourable business environment so that companies coming to China can develop with confidence and achieve great success, Li told the China Development Forum in Beijing, state media reported.

The annual two-day forum, which concludes on Monday, serves as a platform for Beijing to promote its economic trajectory and investment opportunities to foreign business leaders, Chinese officials, economists and academics.

This year’s gathering comes as the world’s second-biggest economy faces rising tensions with major trading partners over last year’s record $1.2tn trade surplus.

It also precedes an expected visit from US President Donald Trump, who postponed a trip originally planned for late March due to the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Senior executives attending include those from Apple, Samsung Electronics, Volkswagen, chipmaker Broadcom Inc, industrial conglomerate Siemens, chemical producer BASF and pharmaceuticals firm Novartis.

No Japanese company executives were listed on the guest list on the forum’s website.

China says it’s committed to ‘certainty’ and ‘stability’

Li said China would import more high-quality goods and work with trading partners to promote balanced trade development and expand the global trade pie, describing China as committed to being a “cornerstone of certainty” and “harbour of stability” for the world economy.

He said opening up and technological progress were needed to create new markets.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, led tributes across the UAE on Mother’s Day, announcing a symbolic yet powerful shift in how mothers are recognised in official terminology.

“Mothers are the first school for their children, the place where children learn belonging, responsibility and the values that shape strong nations,” Sheikh Hamdan said in a post on his official X account.

Marking the occasion, he directed the Community Development Authority to adopt the title “Generation Shaper” in place of “housewife,” underscoring the profound societal role mothers play.

“To all our mothers… Thank you. You are the foundation of everything good. Happy Mother’s Day,” he added.

Mothers as pillars of stability and values

Echoing this sentiment, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, widely known as the “Mother of the Nation,” highlighted the enduring influence of mothers in shaping cohesive and resilient societies.

In a statement reported by WAM, she said that the responsible giving of mothers forms “a cornerstone of stability” and reflects deeply rooted values that prepare future generations to take on responsibility with confidence.

“On Mother’s Day, I extend my sincerest feelings of appreciation to every mother in the UAE and around the world,” she said, recognising their vital role in building both families and broader society.

She described mothers as the “foundation upon which tranquility in homes is built” and the starting point for a child’s awareness and sense of belonging.

Health and wellbeing rooted in motherhood

Further reinforcing the central role of mothers, Mansoor Al Mansoori, chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, emphasised their influence on family health and wellbeing.

“Mothers are the first guardians of family health, shaping behaviours, guiding decisions, and building the resilience of future generations,” he said.

He noted that as the UAE marks the Year of the Family, the importance of strong familial foundations, anchored by mothers, has become even more evident.

“In times of uncertainty, this role becomes even more critical,” Al Mansoori added, praising mothers across Abu Dhabi for providing stability, care and reassurance aligned with the nation’s healthcare principles.

He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to equipping mothers with the knowledge and services needed to sustain their essential role within families and communities.

Across official statements, a clear theme emerged: mothers are not only caregivers but nation-builders whose influence extends far beyond the home.

From shaping values and identity to safeguarding health and stability, the UAE’s leadership collectively recognised mothers as the backbone of society, deserving of both gratitude and elevated recognition.

Global trade growth is expected to slow in 2026 after a stronger-than-anticipated expansion in 2025, with the ongoing crisis in the Middle East posing a significant downside risk through higher energy prices and supply chain disruptions, the World Trade Organization said on Wednesday.

In its latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report, the WTO said global merchandise trade growth is projected to ease to 1.9 per cent in 2026, down from 4.6 per cent in 2025, as a surge in demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-related goods fades, and trade flows normalise.

The Geneva-based body warned that sustained increases in energy prices linked to the conflict could further reduce trade growth, with goods trade potentially slowing to as little as 1.4 per cent under a high-energy-price scenario.

AI-led rebound fades

Trade growth in 2025 was driven by strong demand for AI-enabling products, which helped offset the impact of tariffs and policy uncertainty.

According to the WTO, trade in AI-related goods rose 21.9 per cent year-on-year to $4.18tn, accounting for 42 per cent of global trade growth despite representing a relatively small share of overall trade.

This surge, alongside front-loaded imports ahead of tariff increases, pushed global merchandise trade growth above earlier expectations in 2025.

However, economists say these temporary factors are unlikely to persist at the same scale.

Baseline outlook points to moderation

Under the WTO’s baseline scenario, which excludes major energy shocks, merchandise trade growth is forecast at 1.9 per cent in 2026, before picking up to 2.6 per cent in 2027.

Commercial services trade is also expected to moderate, growing 4.8 per cent in 2026 after 5.3 per cent in 2025, before accelerating to 5.1 per cent in 2027.

Combined goods and services trade is projected to grow 2.7 per cent in 2026, compared with 4.7 per cent in 2025, while global GDP growth is expected to edge down slightly from 2.9 per cent in 2025 to 2.8 per cent in 2026 and 2027.

WTO director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the outlook reflects underlying resilience but is increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical shocks.

She cautioned that rising energy costs could increase pressure on consumers and businesses and pose risks to global food security.

Energy and supply chain risks

The WTO said elevated oil and gas prices could reduce global GDP growth by 0.3 percentage points and cut trade growth by 0.5 percentage points, with sharper impacts in energy-importing regions.

The conflict has disrupted critical trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global energy and commodity flows.

Shipping and air transport disruptions have increased costs and added uncertainty for global supply chains.

The report also highlighted risks to fertiliser supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which are critical to global agriculture. Disruptions could affect agricultural production and food prices globally.

Services trade is also under pressure, with transport and travel disruptions weighing on growth. In a high energy price scenario, services trade growth could slow to 4.1 per cent in 2026, down from the baseline projection.

Regional outlook and policy landscape

Regionally, Asia is expected to lead merchandise import growth in 2026 at 3.3 per cent, followed by Africa at 3.2 per cent and South America at 2.5 per cent, while growth in Europe and the Middle East is forecast to remain subdued.

On the export side, Asia and South America are projected to post the strongest gains at 3.5 per cent, while Middle East export growth is expected to slow sharply to 0.6 per cent.

The WTO added that despite policy shifts and tariff adjustments, the multilateral trading system remains largely intact, with 72 per cent of global trade still conducted under most-favoured-nation terms as of early 2026.

Upside potential remains

Despite the weaker outlook, the WTO said there is scope for stronger trade growth if the conflict in the Middle East eases and demand for AI-related goods remains robust.

In such a scenario, merchandise trade growth could be boosted by 0.5 percentage points, reaching as high as 2.4 per cent in 2026.
However, the WTO said these factors were unlikely to continue at the same pace.

Overall, the body said the trajectory for global trade will depend on geopolitical developments, energy market trends and the sustainability of technology-driven demand, urging policymakers to maintain predictable trade policies and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Etihad Airways has enhanced its Etihad Guest loyalty programme, introducing greater flexibility for members as travel patterns across the region adjust.

From March 18, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier reportedly reduced its tier qualification thresholds by 25 per cent across all membership levels, allowing travellers to retain or upgrade their status with fewer miles.

“The adjustment provides greater flexibility for members whose travel plans may have been affected in recent weeks,” Etihad Airways said in a statement.

The airline added: “The change recognises that many members have experienced disruptions to their travel plans in recent weeks and provides greater flexibility for members working towards retaining or upgrading their tier status.”

Etihad Guest members earn tier miles on flights, which can be redeemed for journeys, hotel stays and holidays.

The reduced thresholds have been automatically applied to all members and will remain in place until March 31, 2027, giving travellers additional time to plan and maintain their status.

Etihad is also offering free cancellation for bookings made for travel up to March 2027, reinforcing its focus on customer flexibility, according to a report by The Independent.

Qatar Airways introduces similar support

Across the region, airlines have been adjusting operations in response to changing conditions, with carriers prioritising customer experience and loyalty during this period.

Qatar Airways has also introduced measures for its Privilege Club members, extending tier status for travellers whose renewals may have been affected.

In a communication to members, the airline said it is “implementing tier status extensions for all members whose status was due to be renewed and may have been affected during this period, allowing them to continue enjoying the benefits they love”.

The Privilege Club programme uses Avios points, which can be redeemed for flights, cabin upgrades and hotel stays.

Together, the changes underline how leading regional carriers are strengthening customer loyalty, offering flexibility and reassurance to frequent flyers as travel plans adjust.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if Tehran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, marking a significant escalation barely a day after he spoke about “winding down” the war.

“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” Trump said on social media.

Trump’s ultimatum would expand the scope of US strikes to infrastructure that affects daily civilian life in Iran.

The threat of Iranian attacks has kept most ships from getting through the strait, a narrow waterway that serves as the conduit for around a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, raising the risk of a global energy shock. Its near-closure sent European gas prices surging by as much as 35 per cent last week.

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military command headquarters said on Sunday that if the US attacks Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure, Tehran would target all US energy, information technology and desalination infrastructure in the region.

Energy prices spiked last week after Iran responded to an Israeli attack on its major gas field by hitting Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, which processes around a fifth of the world’s liquefied natural gas, causing damage that will take years to repair.

Israeli officials said Iranian forces had for the first time fired long-range missiles, expanding the risk of attacks beyond the Middle East, even as an Iranian strike injured dozens of people not far from Israel’s nuclear site.

Iran launched two ballistic missiles with a range of 4,000 km (2,500 miles) at the US-British military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir said. The Israeli military said it was the first time Iran had used long-range missiles since the United States and Israel began attacking Iran on February 28.

A source at Britain’s defence ministry said the attack had occurred before the government gave specific authorisation on Friday for the US to use British military bases to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites.

More than 2,000 people have been killed during the war. In Israel, 15 people have been killed in Iranian strikes.