Reports indicate Gulf states are considering building new oil pipelines to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. How feasible is this? Can it resolve the global energy crisis in the short term?

This isn’t something that’s just been 'leaked'—nor is it a new idea. While Middle Eastern monarchies often act recklessly on other matters, they’re shrewdly pragmatic when it comes to making money. Plans to build oil pipelines bypassing the Strait of Hormuz date back many years. Take the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for instance—the country most severely impacted by recent regional hostilities. In 2024, the UAE completed tendering for its West–East Pipeline (WEP) project: a pipeline running from the Jebel Dhanna port storage facility eastward to Fujairah Port, thereby circumventing the Strait of Hormuz. The project spans nearly 500 kilometers and, under its initial design, will have a crude oil transportation capacity of up to 1.5 million barrels per day (BPD). The main contractor is China Petroleum Engineering & Construction Corporation (CPECC). The entire project timeline unfolded as follows: first, 20 months were spent on surveying, design, and consulting services (also carried out by CPECC—so efficiency is assured); then, another 8 months were devoted to finalizing and conducting the construction contractor tender process. The winning Chinese enterprise requires 28 months—from mobilization on site to project handover—to complete construction. 20 months + 8 months + 28 months—that’s already the fastest schedule achievable today under full Chinese EPC contracting.

Bypassing the Strait of Hormuz: The UAE is constructing a new oil pipeline.

The UAE is accelerating its energy infrastructure development to reduce strategic dependence on the Strait of Hormuz—a globally critical oil transit chokepoint. According to a Bloomberg report dated May 15, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is building a new oil pipeline to Fujairah Port on the Gulf of Oman, scheduled for completion in 2027. Upon commissioning, the UAE’s crude export capacity bypassing the Strait of Hormuz will double compared to current levels. ADNOC’s existing pipeline along the same route has operated for over a decade, with a daily throughput capacity of 1.5 million barrels. During the current Middle East conflict, this pipeline has served as a vital channel enabling the UAE to sustain crude exports—but it handles less than half of the UAE’s normal export volume, rendering it incapable of fully replacing the traditional route through the Strait of Hormuz. This bottleneck directly spurred the accelerated implementation of the new pipeline project. Once completed, the new pipeline will operate in parallel with the existing one, significantly enhancing the resilience of the UAE’s crude export infrastructure. Energy Geopolitics in Turbulent Times: The UAE Forges a ‘Backup’ Route Around the Strait

UAE Considers Third Crude Oil Pipeline to Avoid Strait of Hormuz

2 days ago

The UAE is considering a third crude oil pipeline from its western coast to Fujairah to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. While ADNOC initially disputed the report, regional competitors are expanding similar bypass infrastructure amid ongoing security risks.

bloomberg

2026-05-15

UAE to Accelerate Oil Pipeline Project to Bypass Hormuz

2026-05-19

ADNOC Fujairah Pipeline Project Set for 2027 Commissioning

2026-11-04

UAE Considers Third Crude Oil Pipeline to Avoid Strait of Hormuz

UAE Considers Third Crude Oil Pipeline to Avoid Strait of Hormuz

FAQ