Gulf shipping disruptions highlight need for alternative export routes, flexibility: ADNOC top exec

ASIA DEMAND REMAINS A PRIORITY 

With Hormuz largely shut, any sustained disruption at Fujairah could force the UAE to further curb output. 

The port is a key outlet for Murban crude, much of which is sold to Asian buyers. 

Al Kaabi pointed to ADNOC’s deep ties to Asian markets, noting partnerships across both upstream and downstream operations. 

“The current circumstances are very challenging to the region (and) the global economy. We’ll (use) our best endeavours to ensure we maintain an acceptable level of operation and meeting the demand, especially in Asia,” he said. 

He added that the energy industry must embed resilience into both infrastructure and strategy, noting that ADNOC has invested heavily to ensure operations continue safely across its offshore and onshore assets. 

Still, Al Kaabi warned that no workaround can fully replace the Strait of Hormuz. Aside from energy, a third of the world’s fertilisers and helium, and a quarter of the world’s petrochemicals, pass through the narrow waterway. 

“The Strait of Hormuz is so critical, not only for the UAE, but for the global economy,” he said. “It’s very critical … that Hormuz goes back to unrestricted movement to serve the global economy.”