On September 8, 2026, at a forum in Abu Dhabi, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Sani Zeyoudi, spoke frankly to political and business figures in the audience, stating that the geopolitical situation in the region has undergone profound changes since 2026, posing more direct and serious challenges to the global supply chain. After the disruption of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the United Arab Emirates quickly launched multiple alternative logistics channels and accelerated the construction of ports on the east coast. He emphasized that these measures are not short-term responses, but long-term strategic adjustments aimed at the future.

Sanwan Connection, transit through Oman

The United Arab Emirates has launched a regional logistics corridor connecting the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and Gulf of Oman, cooperating with Oman to transfer goods to the UAE through the ports of Suhar and Dukum. The connectivity of the Three Bays enables cargo logistics to bypass the bottleneck of the Strait of Hormuz and utilize ports on the east coast of Oman for cargo transfer and distribution, ensuring smooth trade. This regional logistics channel network covers three main channels and two Oman transit ports, forming an alternative logistics backbone covering the Gulf region.

Accelerate the construction of East Coast ports

The United Arab Emirates is accelerating the construction of east coast ports such as Holfakan, Fulaj, and Diba, all located east of the Strait of Hormuz and directly facing the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Simultaneously launch new energy pipelines to connect domestic energy resources with the international market. After the completion of the East Coast Port Complex, the United Arab Emirates will have independent import and export channels that bypass the Strait, and energy exports and goods trade will no longer rely entirely on the Strait of Hormuz, greatly enhancing the supply chain's ability to withstand risks. Keywords: Middle East News Network, Logistics, Ports

Long term strategy to consolidate the hub position

Zeyoudi clearly stated that these measures are long-term strategic adjustments for the UAE's future development. The UAE will continue to expand its network of trade and investment partners, accelerate energy transformation, invest in future industries, and further consolidate its position as a global hub for trade and investment. Moving from improving efficiency to balancing efficiency and safety, the UAE's alternative channel layout not only serves its own economic stability, but also provides new options for regional supply chain diversification.Editor/Gao Xue