UAE Develops Alternative Trade Routes Amid Ongoing Conflict with Iran

The United Arab Emirates is expanding its port capacity along its eastern coast and developing new pipelines, railways, and trade corridors to ensure its energy exports and economic activity are not held hostage by the ongoing war with Iran. UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash announced these measures during the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi on Monday, stating that the crisis has accelerated existing planning to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has significantly impacted Gulf Arab states after Tehran fired missiles at the UAE and attacked oil tankers in the strait. Gargash noted that while functional relations with Iran could eventually be restored, rebuilding trust may take decades.

Reports on the origins and nature of the conflict vary by political lean. Center-right framing attributes the start of the war to strikes by Washington and Tel Aviv on February 28, while center framing describes it as a war between the U.S. and Iran. Some reports highlight that the UAE suspended all financial and economic transactions with Iran in August due to military escalation.

During the forum, Gargash criticized Gulf Arab states for failing to translate a shared understanding of the Iranian challenge into a unified strategic response. This sentiment was echoed by Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, who argued that a strategic alliance with the U.S. is important but insufficient, suggesting that security self-sufficiency is the only way forward. Gargash added that freedom of navigation is a principle that cannot be renegotiated under pressure, emphasizing that any long-term resolution must include credible guarantees against further Iranian attacks.