The United Arab Emirates is accelerating pipeline infrastructure to expand UAE oil exports through Fujairah, reducing reliance on the Strait of Hormuz and strengthening energy security amid regional tensions.
Abu Dhabi accelerates its Fujairah export strategy
The United Arab Emirates is moving to accelerate the construction of a new oil pipeline aimed at doubling its export capacity through the port of Fujairah by 2027, strengthening its ability to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed has instructed the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to speed up work on the West-East pipeline project. The new infrastructure will allow larger volumes of crude oil to reach the strategic Fujairah hub on the Gulf of Oman without transiting through Hormuz. The pipeline is currently under construction and is expected to begin operations next year.
The UAE already operates another major export route, the ADCOP/Habshan-Fujairah pipeline, which has been in service since 2012. Stretching approximately 380-406 km, it links Abu Dhabi’s onshore oil fields to Fujairah and has repeatedly served as an alternative export corridor during periods of heightened regional tension.
The Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline (ADCOP) remains the country’s primary route for bypassing Hormuz. Running from production facilities in Habshan to the Fujairah export terminal on the Gulf of Oman, it has a nominal capacity of nearly 1.5 million barrels per day. Since the outbreak of hostilities in late February, the pipeline has played a critical role in maintaining UAE crude exports.
According to analysis by Kpler, ADCOP handled around 30% of UAE crude cargoes in 2025. That share surged to 80% in April 2026. Exports from Fujairah reached 1.82 million barrels per day during the month, indicating that the system was operating at, and even beyond, its effective capacity.
Export flexibility, energy security and regional influence
Accelerating construction of a second pipeline would significantly strengthen UAE oil exports. The project could increase total pipeline capacity to Fujairah to nearly 3.3 million barrels per day, while overall export capacity from the port could reach 4 million barrels per day.
Such an expansion would allow the UAE to export almost all of its overseas-bound crude without relying on the Strait of Hormuz, while also creating room for future production growth.
ADNOC has repeatedly stated its ambition to help meet global energy demand. To achieve that goal, the UAE is seeking greater independence from regional oil producers and export bottlenecks. This broader strategy also helps explain Abu Dhabi’s decision to leave OPEC and OPEC+.
“The United Arab Emirates’ decision to withdraw from OPEC and OPEC+ was a sovereign and strategic choice based on a comprehensive assessment of its production policy and future capabilities,” UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei wrote on X over the weekend. He added that the move was not politically motivated and did not reflect any disagreement with the country’s partners.
From a geopolitical perspective, a second pipeline would reduce, at least partially, Tehran’s leverage over Hormuz and its ability to use the waterway as a pressure tool against the UAE. However, it would not eliminate all risks. Fujairah itself remains vulnerable to potential attacks, as previous incidents have shown.
Drone attack near the Barakah nuclear plant
According to UAE authorities, the fire that broke out on Sunday, May 17, near the Barakah nuclear power plant, the only nuclear facility in the region, was caused by a drone launched by Iran or one of its proxy groups.
The UAE described the incident as a “dangerous escalation.” The fire occurred outside the plant’s perimeter and caused no injuries or safety alerts. The national nuclear regulator stated that there was no radioactive release and no danger to the public.
The UAE Ministry of Defence reported that three drones targeted the country on the same day. Two were intercepted, while the third struck the perimeter of the Barakah facility, prompting the armed forces to raise their alert level to maximum readiness.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. However, even before this incident, Abu Dhabi had accused Iran of targeting its energy infrastructure. Other countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia and Oman, condemned the attack. Meanwhile, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, expressed “serious concern” over the incident.
