Bypassing Strait of Hormuz Risks
UAE Expands Alternative Energy Routes to Bypass Strait of Hormuz Disruptions
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Trending on XEscalating US-Iran Conflict and Strait of Hormuz Tensions
Key Points
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The UAE suspended all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran in August, citing regional escalation and threats to peace and security.
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Average daily commodity-ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell to about 10 vessels over a 10-day period, the lowest level since May, according to Reuters as cited in the report.
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The Strait of Hormuz normally carries roughly one-fifth of global energy supplies; its disruption drove energy prices higher and contributed to a global economic crisis, the report said.
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Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said that a U.S. security partnership and the presence of international forces were important but insufficient, arguing that Gulf states needed security self-sufficiency.
The UAE is building alternative ports, pipelines, and trade routes along its eastern coast to protect energy exports from Hormuz disruptions linked to the U.S.-Iran conflict. Presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said the UAE will not allow its trade to be held hostage, while warning that Gulf states must develop independent security capabilities rather than rely solely on U.S. protection.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — which normally carries roughly one-fifth of global energy supplies — has plummeted to dangerous lows. Reuters reported that average daily commodity-ship traffic fell to just 10 vessels over a 10-day period, the lowest level since May. The disruption has already pushed energy prices higher and sparked global economic concerns.
UAE Suspends Iran Trade as Tensions Escalate
The UAE suspended all trade, commercial exchanges, and financial transactions with Iran in August, citing regional escalation and direct threats to peace and security. The move marks a sharp break in economic ties between the two neighbors. Anwar Gargash acknowledged that relations with Iran could eventually improve, but warned that rebuilding trust may take decades to achieve.
Eastern Ports and Pipelines Replace Hormuz Route
The UAE is rapidly expanding port capacity along its eastern coast and building new pipelines to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. ADNOC — the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company — is constructing a new pipeline as part of this infrastructure push. These projects aim to create redundancy and shield the UAE's trillion-dollar trade from chokepoint disruptions.
Gargash announced the expansion plans at the Hili Forum 2026, urging Gulf states to develop unified regional strategies instead of acting alone. He criticized the Gulf Cooperation Council for failing to turn shared security concerns about Iran into a coordinated defense approach.
Gulf States Call for Security Self-Sufficiency Beyond U.S. Backup
Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari echoed the UAE's concerns, saying that U.S. military partnerships and international forces alone are insufficient. Gulf countries must build their own defense capabilities and reduce dependence on outside protection. Both officials stressed that regional powers should strengthen independent security frameworks to handle future crises.
Strait of Hormuz Disruption Threatens Global Energy Supply
The Strait of Hormuz normally moves roughly one-fifth of all global energy supplies through its narrow waters each day. Attacks on Gulf territory and oil tankers — combined with reduced shipping traffic — have created acute supply-chain risks. Energy prices have spiked as a result, contributing to broader economic pressure worldwide and forcing energy-dependent nations to find alternatives.
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