UAE Pursues New Energy and Trade Corridors After Iran Attacks

On September 7, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash told the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi that the United Arab Emirates is constructing alternative routes for its energy exports and trade. The plan includes expanding port capacity along the eastern coast and developing pipelines, railways and other corridors to prevent the nation’s commerce from being “held hostage” by the ongoing war between the United States and Iran.

UAE says building alternative trade, energy routes after Iran attacks UAE ?builds alternative trade, energy routes amid Iran attacks Reuters

The drive follows a series of Iranian actions that have heightened regional tension. Tehran fired missiles at the UAE and struck oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that carries roughly one-fifth of global energy supplies. The attacks, part of a six-month conflict, disrupted flows, pushed energy prices higher and prompted the UAE to suspend all financial and economic transactions with Iran in August.

UAE says building alternative trade, energy routes after Iran attacks

Gargash emphasized that while the U.S. partnership remains essential, the conflict has exposed the need for greater national capability. He warned that rebuilding trust with Iran could take decades, even if a functional relationship is eventually restored. Qatar’s foreign-ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari echoed the call for Gulf states to develop self-sufficiency in security, noting that reliance on the U.S. alliance alone is insufficient. Both officials stressed that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be guaranteed without concession to pressure.

Reuters

• “Our energy exports will not be held hostage, nor will our trade and economic activity,” — Anwar Gargash, UAE presidential adviser

Reuters

• “A functional relationship with Iran can and must be restored, but rebuilding trust is another matter,” — Anwar Gargash, UAE presidential adviser

UAE says building alternative trade, energy routes after Iran attacks

• “Self-sufficiency when it ?comes to security is the only way forward.” — Anwar Gargash, UAE presidential adviser

Reuters

• “Freedom of navigation is not a concession to be granted, nor a principle to be renegotiated under pressure,” — Anwar Gargash, UAE presidential adviser

Reuters

• “The UAE has been expanding port capacity along its eastern coast, as well as pipelines, railways and trade routes for alternative corridors.” — Mr Gargash, UAE presidential adviser

UAE ?builds alternative trade, energy routes amid Iran attacks

By diversifying export pathways, the UAE aims to shield its economy from geopolitical shocks and reduce dependence on vulnerable maritime routes. The initiative also signals a broader shift among Gulf Arab states toward greater strategic autonomy, potentially reshaping regional trade patterns and security calculations amid ongoing U.S.–Iran tensions.

Reuters