The United Arab Emirates is making progress towards further strengthening its port strategy in view of the changing geographical and commercial situation in the region. According to a British newspaper report, the construction of a new port in Fujairah and the expansion of the existing port are being considered to provide the country with a safe and alternative maritime trade route.
The report states that Dubai’s global logistics and port company DP World is carrying out preliminary work on the project, while consultations are underway with relevant government agencies on various technical and administrative issues. Under the project, a proposal to establish a modern standard container terminal in the existing Port of Fujairah along with a new port in Fujairah is also under consideration, which is expected to significantly increase the capacity of imports, exports and logistics.
According to the report, the main objective of the project is to reduce complete dependence on Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port and provide an alternative port facility from which global maritime trade can continue despite possible disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. According to experts, this strategy can help maintain the continuity of the supply chain.
The British newspaper said in its report that in recent months, rising tensions in the Middle East and concerns about maritime movement in the Strait of Hormuz have forced the UAE to review its trade strategy. In this context, priority is being given to alternative routes and port infrastructure that do not affect trade activities even in uncertain circumstances.
The report also claims that the impact on the activities of Jebel Ali Port was seen during the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, after which the need for an alternative port became more prominent. However, official data in this regard has not been released by the relevant Emirati authorities.
According to sources, after the completion of the new port, more opportunities will be created to transport containers and other commercial goods to the UAE via Fujairah and from there to global markets, which is expected to increase both flexibility and efficiency in maritime trade.
A senior DP World official told the British newspaper that if the project continues to move forward according to the agreed schedule, its completion could be possible in about a year and a half, however, the final timeline will be subject to project approval and construction progress.
Emirati officials have clarified that the aim of building a new port in Fujairah is not to replace Jebel Ali Port but to strengthen and diversify the national port system so that trade activities can continue without interruption in any unusual situation.
According to the report, Abu Dhabi already transports a significant amount of its crude oil to global markets through Fujairah, while further increases in energy exports through this route are also being considered in the future.
Analysts say that if this project takes shape, the UAE will not only be able to further strengthen its commercial security, but it may also have far-reaching effects on port competitiveness, logistics and the balance of international maritime trade in the Gulf region.