ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates is advancing plans to develop a new multipurpose port on its east coast outside the Strait of Hormuz as it seeks to reduce the risk of trade disruptions linked to regional tensions and potential shipping restrictions involving Iran, according to government officials and people familiar with the project.
The proposed facility, expected to be located in Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman, would allow cargo to enter and leave the UAE without transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to diversify logistics infrastructure after months of heightened security concerns in Gulf shipping lanes.
Dubai-based port operator DP World is in discussions over development of the project, according to reports citing people familiar with the matter. The new port would complement existing facilities at Jebel Ali while strengthening the UAE's access to the Arabian Sea through Fujairah.
UAE officials have said recent disruptions affecting navigation through the Strait of Hormuz have accelerated long-term infrastructure plans rather than created an entirely new strategy. Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi said in June that the country's objective is to reduce dependence on the waterway through investments in eastern ports, pipelines, rail links and road networks connecting energy and logistics facilities.
The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments and remains a critical route for energy exports from Gulf producers. Regional governments have increasingly examined alternative export corridors after repeated security incidents and interruptions to commercial shipping heightened concerns over supply-chain resilience.
Industry executives have also announced investments to expand logistics capacity along the UAE's Gulf of Oman coastline. Sharjah-based port operator Gulftainer said this month it is increasing capacity at Khor Fakkan Commercial Terminal and developing inland logistics facilities intended to help accommodate cargo if maritime traffic through Hormuz is disrupted again.
The proposed Fujairah development would add to those efforts by creating another gateway outside the Persian Gulf, although officials have not announced a construction timetable or project cost.
The UAE government has said feasibility studies remain under way, with further details expected once planning is completed. Officials have described the wider infrastructure programme as part of a long-term effort to strengthen the country's trade resilience regardless of future conditions in the Strait of Hormuz.
