Dubai Is Building a New Route to Bypass the Strait of Hormuz

Summary

The video argues that Dubai’s reliance on Jebel Ali port leaves its trade vulnerable because ships must pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage increasingly exposed to conflict and disruption. Jebel Ali handled 15.5 million containers in 2024, while the Strait carries roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day and about a third of global liquefied natural gas trade.

On July 22, 2026, DP World announced an agreement to develop two terminals on the UAE’s eastern coast: one at Al Rigaylat near Fujairah and another at Dibba. Located outside the Strait, the terminals could receive cargo directly from the Gulf of Oman. They would handle containers and other freight, increasing DP World’s UAE capacity by nearly 15% once operational.

Challenges and Context

The plan’s main challenge is moving cargo from the coast to Dubai and Jebel Ali across the Hajar Mountains. Existing roads, Etihad Rail and bonded freight corridors provide a foundation for this land link, but they would need to be expanded.

DP World’s reported rerouting of more than 350,000 container-equivalents during a disruption shows that the system can work, though that volume is far below Jebel Ali’s usual annual throughput.

The Fujairah terminals are presented as a backup, not a replacement for Jebel Ali, whose surrounding warehouses, businesses and logistics services took decades to develop. The project is part of a broader UAE effort to reduce dependence on Hormuz, alongside the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah oil pipeline and a second pipeline under construction. The video also contrasts the port plan with the more ambitious Union Strait canal proposal.

Overall, the terminals could make the UAE more resilient and strengthen links between its Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman coasts, but they would not make the country invulnerable.

Presenters and Contributors

No individual presenters or contributors are named. The video is narrated under the Looking 4/Looking For channel branding.