The United Arab Emirates is constructing new infrastructure to allow energy exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz [1].
This project represents a strategic shift to secure the nation's energy exports against regional instability. Because the Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil, any disruption there threatens the economic stability of the UAE and international markets.
Reports on the exact nature of the project vary. Some sources describe the construction of a new port on the eastern coast [2]. Other reports state the UAE is building a new pipeline that will connect the west and east of the country [1]. Both options aim to provide an alternative route for oil and gas that does not rely on the narrow waterway.
Government officials have signaled that the move is a necessary precaution. A high-ranking UAE official said, "Nadie debería cerrar el estrecho de Ormuz" — "Nobody should close the Strait of Hormuz" [3]. This sentiment underscores the volatility of the region and the need for autonomous export capabilities.
The government has confirmed that the project is moving forward. A spokesperson for the UAE government said, "El plan ya está marcado" — "The plan is already marked" [4].
According to official statements, the infrastructure is expected to be operational in 2027 [1]. The project focuses on the eastern coast, and the territory connecting the two sides of the country, to ensure a seamless flow of resources regardless of the status of the Strait [1, 2].
“"Nobody should close the Strait of Hormuz"”
The UAE's move to bypass the Strait of Hormuz is a hedge against the 'chokepoint risk' that has long defined Gulf geopolitics. By creating a land-based or alternative sea route, the UAE reduces the leverage of regional adversaries who could use the threat of closing the Strait to disrupt global energy supplies. This transition increases the UAE's strategic autonomy and ensures that its primary economic engine—hydrocarbon exports—remains insulated from immediate maritime conflicts.
