For almost two years now, Qatar has been subjected to an illegal siege by four neighbouring countries — Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

In addition to closing all borders, the four nations had wholly banned the movement of cargo to Qatar.

But things seem to be changing now. There are reports that the UAE has eased the ban on shipping of goods between it and Qatar, according to port circulars and an industry source, reported Reuters News Agency.

UAE: As per the revised regulation from Mina Saqr Port Authorities, henceforth, vessels in Ballast Condition with last port call as Qatar will be accepted with the following conditions:
* Vessel Flag/Owner/Crew Nationality/Transit cargo should not be from Qatar.#Portregualtion pic.twitter.com/XX11EH6x7j

— WaterFront (@waterfront_ms) February 12, 2019

An Abu Dhabi Ports circular, dated February 12, 2019, cancelled previous directives that banned cargoes to Qatar, originating from UAE waters and ports, and those of UAE origin from Qatar.

However, Qatari flagged and owned vessels are still prohibited from docking in Abu Dhabi, and UAE vessels ‘aren’t allowed to call on Qatari ports,’ reported Bloomberg News.

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.

ICYM After almost two years of blocking the flow of cargo with #Qatar, Abu Dhabi allowed third-party direct shipments between the feuding countries https://t.co/GPtRgH3wtJ via @ZainabFattah @A_DiPaola17 #UAE

— Alaa Shahine (@alaashahine) February 20, 2019

It is not clear if the move is linked to complaints filed to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) related to the Gulf dispute.

In July 2017, Qatar filed a wide-ranging legal complaint at the WTO to challenge the trade boycott.

Last month, the UAE filed a complaint against Qatar at the WTO saying Doha has imposed a ban on Emirati products.

On the political front, there has been no indication of a thaw. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have said the dispute is not a priority and that Qatar must accept a list of conditions before ties are restored.

Qatar has said that although it would like the matter resolved it is moving on and last year quit oil producer group OPEC, of which Saudi Arabia is the de facto leader.