The United Arab Emirates has unveiled plans to further reduce its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz for energy exports.

In an interview with CNBC Arabia, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said that the country has begun implementing a strategy aimed at reducing its dependence on this strategic route to “zero,” especially with regard to oil exports.

According to him, work is currently underway on an alternative supply route, the construction of which is planned to be completed by the end of this year. In addition, the UAE authorities are studying a project to create a third export corridor intended to accommodate future growth in oil production.

Al Zeyoudi also emphasized that linking the UAE’s transport infrastructure with the Iraqi city of Basra and further with Turkey and Syria is a strategically important project. He added that in the coming months the UAE intends to accelerate investments in the development of the Turkey–Basra corridor.