Amid renewed US-Iran tensions, Dubai’s DP World is exploring plans for a new port on the UAE’s east coast to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported.
The proposed development would include a new multipurpose port and terminal in the emirate of Fujairah, offering direct access to the Gulf of Oman without the need to cross the Arabian Gulf.
DP World told the Financial Times there are “plans in the works around diversification to get through this disruption”, although no further details have been confirmed.
The alternate route would allow shipping containers to deliver and collect goods at the UAE port before being transported overland to other emirates and the wider GCC region. Connectivity across the country would be further boosted with the UAE’s Etihad Rail, which has been running freight services since 2023.
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Beyond its role in trade, the new port could open new possibilities for cruising itineraries in the GCC region, as the industry looks for alternative options amid ongoing disruptions in the Arabian Gulf.
Despite looking at an eastward expansion, DP World’s Jebel Ali hub would still remain operational, as it continues to serve as a major logistics centre for the city. The port handled more than 15 million 20ft containers in 2025, recording its highest cargo volumes in more than a decade. A senior official from the company added, “Jebel Ali will continue to be Jebel Ali. It will never be downsized.”
Sharjah-based Gulftainer is also planning similar expansions near Khor Fakkan, with a new US$2 billion investment aimed at increasing infrastructure capacity and streamlining logistics operations.
The discussions follow a new wave of air strikes impacting the region with heightened tensions between the US and Iran. Among recent developments, two UAE tankers were also struck by missiles in the Strait of Hormuz on 14 July 2026, resulting in one casualty and the injury of eight other crew members, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence.
For more information, visit dpworld.com