Drone attacks targeting key energy infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates have intensified concerns over the security of global oil supply routes after strikes hit the strategic oil hub of Fujairah and disrupted activity near Dubai International Airport.
Authorities confirmed that a fire broke out at the Fujairah port and industrial zone following a drone strike, temporarily halting oil loading operations at one of the Middle East’s largest oil storage and bunkering facilities. The incident came as the country’s air defence systems intercepted multiple incoming threats, including six ballistic missiles and 21 drones.
The attacks are linked to the widening regional conflict involving Iran and its adversaries, which has increasingly targeted transport and energy infrastructure across the Gulf.
According to the UAE’s defence ministry, more than 1,900 missiles and drones have been launched toward the country since hostilities escalated between Iran and the alliance involving the United States and Israel.
Energy analysts say the targeting of Fujairah highlights the vulnerability of critical oil supply chains in the Gulf. The port is a key export and storage hub that allows the UAE to bypass the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane through which a significant share of the world’s crude oil passes.
Pipelines from Abu Dhabi oilfields transport crude directly to Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman, enabling tankers to load cargo without navigating the often tense waters of the Persian Gulf chokepoint.
Industry experts warn that attacks on storage facilities and tankers in Fujairah signal an attempt to disrupt global energy flows and create uncertainty in oil markets, particularly for Asian buyers who rely heavily on Gulf crude shipments.
Despite the security challenges, officials and business leaders in Dubai insist the country’s economy remains resilient. The UAE government has pledged to maintain energy exports and restore normal operations quickly, underscoring the strategic importance of Fujairah in keeping global oil supplies moving during periods of regional instability.
BBC