The UAE Minister of Energy said keeping the Strait of Hormuz open without obstacles is a top priority for the US and Gulf states.
Maintaining the flow of this waterway is critical for global energy security. Any disruption to the strait could trigger volatility in international oil markets and threaten the economic stability of energy-exporting nations.
Speaking during the "Make in the UAE 2026" [1] conference and exhibition, the minister emphasized that the stability of the region depends on the freedom of navigation. The minister said that no party should be allowed to control the strait or use it as a leverage tool [2].
This stance aligns the UAE with the strategic interests of the US, which seeks to ensure that global trade routes remain unobstructed. The minister noted that the cooperation between Gulf states and the US is essential to prevent the waterway from becoming a point of geopolitical conflict.
Beyond maritime security, the minister addressed the UAE's role in the global energy market. The minister said the UAE will continue to act as a responsible oil producer in cooperation with its partners in OPEC and OPEC+ [3]. This commitment suggests a continued adherence to production quotas and market stabilization efforts coordinated by the alliance.
While maintaining its role in the oil market, the UAE is simultaneously working to diversify its economy. The minister indicated that the country is focused on developing its industrial base as part of a broader strategy to reduce long-term reliance on crude exports. This industrial expansion is a central theme of the current 2026 [1] exhibition, which promotes domestic manufacturing and innovation.
By balancing its responsibilities as an OPEC+ member with a push for industrialization, the UAE aims to secure its economic future while remaining a pillar of global energy stability.
“Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open without any obstacles represents a top priority for the US and Gulf states.”
The UAE's emphasis on the Strait of Hormuz underscores the fragile balance of energy security in the Middle East. By explicitly linking the interests of the US and Gulf states, the UAE is signaling a collective deterrence against any regional actor attempting to weaponize the waterway. Furthermore, the dual focus on OPEC+ cooperation and industrial growth reveals a strategy to maintain current oil revenues while aggressively pivoting toward a post-oil economy.
