UAE advances plan to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz with large-scale expansion of eastern ports and land routes

⑴ After the signing of the temporary peace agreement between the US and Iran, the world is quietly waiting for the full resumption of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the UAE is advancing a grand plan aiming to completely eliminate its reliance on this key shipping route. ⑵ UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Thani Al Zeyoudi, stated: "We are moving towards the goal of not relying on the Strait of Hormuz at all, regardless of whether the channel resumes operation. The Strait will eventually reopen, and we look forward to that day coming soon, but the construction of our supporting projects will not come to a halt because of this." ⑶ Zeyoudi stated that the core of this plan is the large-scale expansion of the three eastern ports of Dibba, Fujairah, and Khor Fakkan, all of which are situated on the coast of the Gulf of Oman, outside of the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE will also build at least one new port on the same coastline. ⑷ He stated that the UAE will also make significant investments in new pipelines, railways, and road networks to connect the eastern ports with domestic oil and gas fields and petroleum facilities, creating dedicated transport corridors.