UAE Accelerates Hormuz Bypass with DP World Fujairah Port Plans Amid Regional Shifts

Dubai's state-owned DP World is advancing plans for a major new multipurpose port and container terminal in Fujairah on the UAE's east coast, directly addressing vulnerabilities tied to the Strait of Hormuz. The Financial Times reported on July 13, 2026, that the company is in discussions with government officials on a term sheet for the project, which could be completed as soon as within 18 months. This development reduces reliance on the flagship Jebel Ali port in Dubai, which handles over 15 million TEUs annually but sits inside the chokepoint.[1][2]

The initiative aligns with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi's earlier statements emphasizing zero Hormuz dependency through diversified infrastructure, including pipelines, rail, and road links to Gulf of Oman facilities like Dibba, Khor Fakkan, and new harbors. Saudi Arabia's established East-West pipeline, capable of moving 7 million barrels per day to Red Sea terminals, provides a parallel energy precedent now extending to container shipping.[3]

Broader context reveals a generational realignment: Gulf states are hedging against chokepoint risks through east-coast infrastructure, shifting critical energy and logistics away from Persian Gulf exposure. This infrastructure push, amplified by recent disruptions, erodes any single actor's leverage over Hormuz while strengthening UAE-Saudi coordination in global trade routes. Reuters and other outlets confirm the FT-sourced details, underscoring institutional momentum behind the bypass strategy.[1][4]