UAE to cut oil export reliance on Strait of Hormuz

The United Arab Emirates has announced a comprehensive long-term plan to eliminate its reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for energy exports, a strategic pivot driven by recent regional conflict that severely disrupted the critical shipping lane. Minister of Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi stated the country is aiming for "zero Hormuz dependency," a goal that will be pursued regardless of whether the strait is reopened following a recent ceasefire agreement.

The Strait of Hormuz handles approximately one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Earlier this year, conflict involving Iran led to the closure of the strait, with attacks on shipping causing a near-total halt in transit for months. This triggered a global energy crisis and inflicted significant economic damage on Gulf states, underscoring the vulnerability of this maritime chokepoint.

The UAE's plan centers on expanding infrastructure to route exports through the Gulf of Oman instead of the Persian Gulf. The cornerstone of this effort is the acceleration of a second crude oil pipeline to the port of Fujairah, which is located on the Gulf of Oman coast outside the strait. This project, directed by...