UAE Fast-Tracks West-East Oil Pipeline to Bypass Strait of Hormuz

The United Arab Emirates announced on 15 May 2024 that it will fast-track the West-East Pipeline, a new oil conduit intended to double export capacity through Fujairah. Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed ordered Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and its subsidiary ADMO to accelerate construction, with operations slated for 2027. The line will augment the existing Habshan-Fujairah pipeline, which moves up to 1.8 million bpd, and is designed to provide a reliable export route that avoids the Strait of Hormuz.

Reuters‘Heart-on-a-chip’ project to help researchers study BMD, DMDGruntWorx and The CFO Project Partner to Help Firms Expand Advisory Services

Since the U.S.–Israeli strike on 28 February 2024, Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, cutting roughly one-fifth of global oil flow. The closure has driven price spikes, fuel rationing and heightened inflation risks. Fujairah, a key hub for the UAE’s oil and food imports, has suffered multiple attacks that Abu Dhabi attributes to Iran, prompting temporary halts to oil loadings in April 2024. Similar attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port illustrate the broader vulnerability of Gulf export infrastructure.

ReutersGruntWorx and The CFO Project Partner to Help Firms Expand Advisory ServicesSewer Authority Coastal Geomorphologist to help Frame Federal Interest for Army Corp “New Start” Project for SAM Flooding; OneShoreline Lobbyists Already Looking for Implementation Funding

Before the strait closure, the UAE produced just under 3.4 million bpd in January 2024; output fell by more than half after the shutdown. ADNOC’s current capacity is 4.85 million bpd, with a target of 5 million bpd by next year, advanced by three years. The West-East Pipeline is projected to enable exports of up to 6 million bpd, effectively doubling the Habshan-Fujairah line’s throughput. By securing a Hormuz-free export route, the UAE aims to lower geopolitical risk, support regional energy security and help stabilise global oil markets.

Reuters

The Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed the acceleration plan, noting the need to “vastly expand” the UAE’s ability to bypass Hormuz. The UAE Energy Minister told Reuters the country can raise capacity to 6 million bpd if required. ADNOC announced its revised target of 5 million bpd by next year. Saudi Aramco’s chief executive Amin Nasser said the Saudi East-West pipeline is essential for the kingdom’s exports.

ReutersGruntWorx and The CFO Project Partner to Help Firms Expand Advisory Services‘Heart-on-a-chip’ project to help researchers study BMD, DMD

ADMO did not disclose the original timeline for the West-East Pipeline, and ADNOC has not updated its capacity figures since May 2024. Precise post-closure production levels for the UAE remain unverified beyond the description that output “more than halved.”

Reuters

• “May 15 (Reuters) - The United Arab Emirates will accelerate construction of a new oil pipeline to double its export capacity through Fujairah by 2027, the government's Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Friday, vastly expanding its ?ability to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.” — Abu Dhabi Media Office

Reuters

• “critical lifeline” — Amin Nasser, CEO, Saudi Aramco

Reuters

• “The UAEcould boost output capacity to 6 million bpdif necessary, its energy minister told Reuters last year.” — UAE Energy Minister (as told Reuters)

Reuters

• “ADNOC is targeting 5 million bpd of capacity by next year, a goal brought forward by three years.” — ADNOC statement

Reuters

The West-East Pipeline is slated to start operations in 2027, with continued monitoring of regional security and possible capacity upgrades depending on market demand and geopolitical developments.

Reuters