The United Arab Emirates is accelerating the construction of a second West-East oil pipeline to bypass the Strait of Hormuz [1].

This move is critical for the UAE's energy security. By reducing reliance on the narrow maritime chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz, the government aims to protect its oil flows from regional tensions that have historically disrupted exports [1, 2].

The pipeline will transport crude oil from the western oil fields of the UAE to the port of Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman [1, 2]. This route allows tankers to load oil without entering the contested waters of the strait, providing a strategic alternative for global energy markets [2, 3].

According to official reports, the new pipeline will double the crude oil export capacity through Fujairah [1]. This expansion is intended to ensure a more stable supply chain, and provide the UAE with greater flexibility in how it delivers energy to international buyers [1, 2].

State oil authorities said the project is accelerating. The pipeline is expected to be operational by 2027 [1, 2].

The project comes as a response to heightened regional instability. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most volatile maritime passages, a fact that has prompted the UAE to invest in land-based infrastructure to mitigate the risk of naval blockades or conflict [2].

“The new pipeline will double the UAE's crude oil export capacity through Fujairah”

The acceleration of this infrastructure project signals a strategic shift toward energy autonomy for the UAE. By diversifying its export routes, the UAE reduces the geopolitical leverage that regional adversaries hold over the Strait of Hormuz, effectively insulating its economy from maritime disruptions while strengthening the port of Fujairah as a global oil hub.