The United Arab Emirates is accelerating the construction of ADNOC's new "West-East Pipeline" project that will double crude oil export capacity through Fujairah, a port city located in the eastern part of the country (ADNOC press release, 15/05/2026). The 4 mb/d pipeline is currently under construction and is expected to be operational in 2027.
In addition, Abu Dhabi already operates the 1.5 mb/d Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline (ADCOP), which connects Habshan, an oil and gas field located in the southwestern region of Abu Dhabi, to the port of Fujairah. Commissioned in 2012, this pipeline has become a critical infrastructure asset and has been running at full capacity since the start of the war, enabling the United Arab Emirates to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
The acceleration of this expansion follows the decision of the OPEC+ member to withdraw from the alliance, effective at the beginning of May 2026, after a review of its long-term production strategy and capacity plans. Abu Dhabi stated at the time that it sought greater flexibility to respond to global oil demand in line with its national interests. Within the organization, the United Arab Emirates had a production quota of 3.5 mb/d, while its production capacity is estimated at around 5 mb/d (KEI, 30/04/2026).