UAE denies change in policy regarding access to Qatar at ports

The UAE has stressed that there is no change in its policy regarding access to Qatar at UAE ports and border crossings, official news agency WAM reported.

The Federal Transport Authority – Land and Maritime clarified in a circular that news reports that claimed the UAE had eased a ban on shipping to and from Qatar were “inaccurate and misconstrued”.

The authority reiterated that it is the only body responsible for regulating the land and maritime transport sector in the UAE and that any regulatory procedures in this connection are under its jurisdiction.

“Any information in this regard are issued only by the authority and no-one else,” the report stated.

The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain cut all diplomatic, trade and transport ties with Qatar in June 2017 over allegations that it supports terrorism.

A report by Reuters on Thursday cited port circulars and an industry source as saying that the UAE’s ban on the shipping of goods to and from Qatar had been eased.

“An Abu Dhabi Ports circular dated February 12 cancelled previous directives that banned cargoes of Qatar origin from UAE waters and ports and those of UAE origin from Qatar,” the Reuters report said.

“It maintained a ban on vessels flying the Qatar flag, owned by Qatari shipping firms or nationals. UAE-flagged vessels still cannot call at Qatar ports,” it added.