The United Arab Emirates is considering a third crude oil export pipeline to reduce its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, according to Bloomberg. Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) is reportedly evaluating a route connecting western UAE oil fields to the eastern port of Fujairah, allowing crude exports to bypass the strategic waterway. The proposal remains preliminary, and ADNOC has described the report as speculative.
The proposed pipeline would complement an existing 2-million-barrel-per-day link and a second pipeline expected to double export capacity by 2027. The UAE is also expanding eastern port infrastructure to improve access to international oil markets.
The initiative reflects the UAE’s broader effort to strengthen energy security and protect exports from regional conflicts and shipping disruptions. However, attacks on Fujairah demonstrate that alternative export routes still face security risks.
