United Arab Emirates develops alternative trade routes to bypass Strait of Hormuz

The United Arab Emirates is actively developing alternative trade and energy export routes to reduce its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic shift follows increased regional tensions, including missile attacks and threats to oil tankers attributed to Iran.

Anwar Gargash, presidential adviser to the UAE, stated at the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi that the nation's energy exports and economic activity must not be ‘held hostage’ by ongoing conflicts. To secure economic stability, the UAE is expanding port capacities along its eastern coast and investing in pipelines, railways, and alternative trade corridors.

Gargash also noted that while restoring a functional relationship with Iran is necessary, rebuilding trust may take decades. He criticized the collective response of GCC states, suggesting that previous efforts to confront regional challenges lacked a sufficiently united and strategic approach.