The conflict between the United States and Iran has pushed Dubai authorities to seek an alternative route bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Port operator DP World plans to build a new port on the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates, allowing ships to enter the country directly from the Gulf of Oman, reports infohub.kz.
According to the Financial Times, activity at Dubai's main port, Jebel Ali, has dropped by 90–95% due to shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. DP World is now considering constructing a new multipurpose port and container terminal on the UAE's east coast, specifically in the emirate of Fujairah, which has access to the Gulf of Oman and lies outside the Strait of Hormuz. The new route would allow vessels to reach UAE ports without navigating the dangerous waterway.
The project has a key nuance: the new port will be located in the UAE but outside the emirate of Dubai. As the Financial Times notes, this move could eventually shift Dubai's role as the region's primary logistics hub. Amid the crisis, other regional countries are also seeking alternative routes. Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait are working on export and transport options avoiding the troubled sea lane.
The United States previously reinstated a blockade of Iranian ports and launched a new wave of strikes against Iran. Tehran responded with attacks on U.S. military facilities in the region. Against the backdrop of hostilities, commercial vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has declined, leading to shipping disruptions and rising oil prices. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has abandoned the idea of imposing a 20% fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, instead relying on trade and investment deals with Gulf countries.