UAE Diversifies Trade Routes Amid Hormuz Disruptions
In response to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE has proactively shifted its logistics strategy to ensure supply chain continuity. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of Foreign Trade, emphasized that the country has moved beyond temporary measures by establishing permanent, multi-modal trade corridors. By leveraging partnerships with Oman to utilize the ports of Sohar and Duqm, while simultaneously expanding its own east coast infrastructure in Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, and Dibba, the UAE has successfully bypassed traditional maritime bottlenecks. These enhancements, supported by integrated rail and road freight, serve as a testament to the nationâs ability to pivot rapidly in the face of geopolitical instability.
Despite these regional challenges, the UAEâs economic performance remains robust, with non-oil foreign trade hitting a record Dh1.94 trillion in the first half of 2026. This resilience is further bolstered by the country's growing network of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA), which currently include 38 deals across six continents. Dr. Al Zeyoudi remains firm that international waterways must remain free and open, asserting that no single nation should control access to vital maritime routes. By viewing these logistical shifts as a structural advantage rather than a crisis, the UAE is effectively cementing its role as a central, secure hub for global commerce and capital.