The United Arab Emirates is reportedly considering a third oil pipeline to move crude from its western coast to the eastern port of Fujairah. The proposed route could help the country reduce its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping passage that has faced serious security threats.
People familiar with the discussions said Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, known as Adnoc, is assessing the possible project. The pipeline could also be made available to other oil producers and exporters, allowing third parties to move crude through the UAE without using the narrow waterway.
However, the proposal remains at an early stage. Its route and other details have not been finalized, and the plan could still change. Adnoc has also rejected the report, describing it as inaccurate and speculative.
The company said it had informed the reporting outlet that the claims about a third pipeline were not accurate. Its response leaves uncertainty over whether the project will move beyond the assessment stage.
The reported proposal comes as the UAE works to expand its ability to export oil through routes that avoid Hormuz. The country already operates a pipeline connecting oil fields in its western region with Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman.
The existing pipeline has a capacity of about 2 million barrels per day. It allows a large share of the country’s crude exports to reach the open sea without passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Adnoc is also speeding up construction of a second pipeline. The company said in May that it wanted the new line completed next year. Once operational, the additional route is expected to roughly double the total pipeline capacity.
People familiar with the matter said Adnoc had discussed the second pipeline with some Asian refiners. They may be able to load crude shipments at Fujairah in early 2027.
A third line would add another export option alongside the existing pipeline and the second route under construction. This could give the UAE more flexibility during periods of regional tension or disruption to shipping through Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes. Large volumes of crude oil and other energy products pass through it on their way to international markets. Any major disruption can affect supply, shipping costs and global oil prices.
The Iran war has increased the risks for vessels using the waterway. At the height of the conflict, the strait became almost impossible to navigate safely. Although more ships have resumed operations, vessels have continued to face threats and attacks.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have relied on alternative pipeline routes to keep oil moving during the crisis. Abu Dhabi has also invested heavily in expanding its eastern coast infrastructure and port capacity.
However, bypass pipelines cannot remove every security risk. Fujairah has itself come under attack several times during the conflict. Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline also faced disruption after an attack in September.
Saudi Arabia has used its East-West pipeline as its main export route during the conflict. The country has said it plans to increase the line’s capacity and examine further alternatives.
Kuwait is also looking for ways to reduce its dependence on Hormuz. The country currently relies entirely on the strait for its oil exports. Kuwait’s state-owned oil company has discussed possible alternative pipeline routes with Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
These developments show how Gulf energy producers are trying to protect export operations from regional security threats. They also reflect growing competition among producers seeking to recover revenue lost during the conflict.
The UAE’s plans are part of a wider effort to strengthen its position in global energy markets. The country left OPEC in May and has signaled its intention to invest heavily in new infrastructure.
Earlier this year, Foreign Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi said the UAE planned major spending on pipelines, railways and roads. He also pointed to plans for at least three ports along the country’s eastern coast.
Expanding these facilities could allow more crude to reach international buyers without crossing Hormuz. A third pipeline, if approved and completed, would add another layer of protection for the country’s energy exports.
For oil markets, additional routes could reduce the risk of sudden supply interruptions. They may also help limit sharp increases in shipping insurance costs during periods of tension.
Still, alternative routes are not a complete solution. Attacks on Fujairah and Saudi infrastructure show that pipelines and ports can also face security threats.
Investors and energy traders will therefore watch the progress of Adnoc’s second pipeline, any formal decision on a third line and Saudi Arabia’s planned capacity upgrades. These projects could shape the future of Gulf oil exports and influence global supply conditions.
For now, the third pipeline remains an unconfirmed possibility. Adnoc’s public denial means the reported proposal should be treated with caution, even as the UAE continues to strengthen its existing export network.
