Dubai is planning a new port in Fujairah as the UAE looks to reduce its reliance on the Strait of Hormuz following continued attacks on shipping in the region.
According to the Financial Times, state-owned port operator DP World is in talks to expand facilities in Fujairah, on the UAE’s east coast, including a new terminal and a new multi-purpose port.
The move comes after months of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, where attacks linked to the conflict involving Iran have affected commercial vessels.
The project would provide an alternative to Jebel Ali, the UAE’s main port, which was hit by debris from an Iranian missile earlier this year.
A senior company official told the Financial Times: “We do have our own plan, and we’ve been very active in terms of looking at the eastern coast as far as DP World is concerned. It’s defensive in case things go wrong.”
The official added that Jebel Ali would remain the country’s main port, saying: “Jebel Ali will continue to be Jebel Ali. It will never be downsized.”
The UAE has been one of the countries most affected by the conflict. According to state media, hundreds of missiles and drones have been launched at the country since fighting began earlier this year.
The latest plans also come after another commercial tanker was reportedly hit by an Iranian missile off the coast of Oman, while two Emirati oil tankers were struck in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the UAE defence ministry.
Earlier this week, US president Donald Trump has said the United States intended to “take over” the Strait of Hormuz, become the “guardian angel” of the Middle Eastern shipping route, while being paid for its efforts.