Latest Snapshot of Arab Ports Amid Escalating US-Iran Tensions

Activities at Fujairah Port in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are beginning to be impacted by the escalating conflict between the United States (US), Israel, and Iran, which has triggered disruptions in maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. (REUTERS/Amr Alfiky) According to Reuters, on Friday (8/5/2026), photographs taken on 6 May 2026 show a man driving in the Fujairah port area amid the renewed increase in geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region. The port has now become one of the vital routes for trade and energy exports following restrictions on several shipments through the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict. (REUTERS/Amr Alfiky) Fujairah holds a strategic position because it is located outside the Strait of Hormuz and serves as the main alternative for distributing UAE oil to global markets. Since the conflict has intensified, the flow of oil exports through the port has reportedly surged sharply amid disruptions to shipping activities in the Persian Gulf. (REUTERS/Amr Alfiky) Dozens of logistics trucks are seen queuing around Fujairah Port in the UAE, while cargo ships anchor offshore amid disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz shipping route due to the Iran conflict with the US and Israel. (REUTERS/Amr Alfiky) Fujairah Port and Khor Fakkan are now the lifelines of UAE maritime trade after several major terminals in the Gulf region have practically been paralysed due to rising security threats. Ships owned by global shipping companies such as Cosco and Gardenia are seen waiting their turn for loading and unloading, while service vessels continue to move among the anchored fleet. (REUTERS/Amr Alfiky) Since the war with Iran broke out, crude oil exports through Fujairah have jumped 38% and are approaching the maximum capacity of the Abu Dhabi pipeline directly connected to the Gulf of Oman. This route has become an important alternative to keep UAE oil exports flowing without passing through the Strait of Hormuz. (REUTERS/Amr Alfiky)