UAE Accelerates Key Pipeline to Bypass Strait of Hormuz Route

15/05/2026

ABU DHABI, May 15: The United Arab Emirates will accelerate the construction of a major new oil pipeline designed to double crude export capacity through Fujairah, expanding its ability to bypass the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz, according to an announcement from the Abu Dhabi government media office on Friday.

The project was reviewed during a meeting of the ADNOC Board Executive Committee, chaired by Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at ADNOC's headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

Officials said the new West-East Pipeline, currently under construction, is expected to become operational in 2027 and will significantly increase ADNOC’s export flexibility through Fujairah, outside the Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

During the meeting, Sheikh Khaled praised ADNOC for maintaining safe operations and ensuring reliable energy supplies to domestic and international markets despite regional challenges. He also directed the company to accelerate delivery of the pipeline project as part of ADNOC’s broader expansion strategy to meet growing global energy demand.

Sheikh Khaled reviewed ADNOC’s growth projects and said the company remains well-positioned as a responsible global energy producer capable of increasing output when export conditions permit.

The Executive Committee also highlighted progress in the TA’ZIZ Phase 1 chemicals ecosystem being developed in Al Ruwais Industrial City. Officials said the project is expected to strengthen domestic industrial value chains and support manufacturing growth in the UAE.

Sheikh Khaled welcomed newly announced long-term feedstock and offtake agreements signed by TA’ZIZ during the Make it in the Emirates 2026 forum, along with a partnership with Alpha Dhabi to study the production of up to 14 industrial chemicals used in sectors including construction, automotive and packaging.

The TA’ZIZ chemicals platform is expected to produce 4.7 million tonnes annually of industrial chemicals by the end of 2028, making it one of the Gulf region’s largest integrated chemical hubs.

Sheikh Khaled also reiterated the importance of ADNOC’s In-Country Value programme in supporting local industries and instructed the company to prioritise “Made in the Emirates” products across future projects and operations.