Alternative to the Strait of Hormuz Ready: UAE Decides to Build New Port

ABU DHUBAI: The United Arab Emirates has prepared a plan to establish a new multi-purpose port in the eastern coastal state of Fujairah to reduce dependence on Dubai’s ports and prepare an alternative trade route to the Strait of Hormuz.

According to a British newspaper report, Dubai’s leading port company DP World is working on this project and negotiations are underway with the relevant authorities in this regard.

According to the report, the project will not only build a new port in Fujairah, but also establish a modern container terminal in the existing Port of Fujairah, so that import and export activities can be further expanded.

The report says that the main objective of the project is to reduce dependence on Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port and develop an alternative port from where maritime trade can continue without passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the British newspaper, in recent months, tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran have affected shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, after which the United Arab Emirates began to focus on alternative routes to further strengthen its commercial and economic security.

The report claims that after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, there was a significant decrease in activity at Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port, which further highlighted the need for an alternative port.

According to sources, once the new port is completed, it will be possible to bring containers and other commercial goods into and out of the UAE without passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

A senior DP World official told the British newspaper that if the project progresses at the planned pace, the new port can be completed in about a year and a half.

Emirati officials have clarified that building a new port in Fujairah does not mean that Jebel Ali Port is being dismantled or replaced, but rather that its aim is to provide a safe and alternative trade route for the country.

The report further states that Abu Dhabi already exports a portion of its crude oil through Fujairah and also plans to increase oil exports through this route in the future to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.

According to analysts, if this project is completed, it could bring about a significant change in the UAE’s port strategy, regional trade and Gulf maritime transport.