Nations Break Ties With Qatar: What Businesses Should Consider

The decisions by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt on Monday 5 June 2017 to break off diplomatic relations with Qatar, and implement a range of related restrictions, has already had effects on businesses in the MENA region and beyond. Since Monday, other states have followed suit, including Libya, Yemen, the Maldives, Mauritania, and Mauritius.

The situation is still fluid and developing, but at present the restrictions imposed appear to target principally air, sea and road transport between Qatar and the other states, as well as the operation of particular Qatari broadcasters. As far as we are aware, there has been no legislation yet passed in the UAE, KSA or Bahrain to give effect to any restrictions on trade with Qatar. The restrictions that have been introduced are being implemented by executive agencies of the relevant governments, such as port authorities and transport ministries, and publicised