Dubai – The United Arab Emirates is actively reviewing alternative pathways for its liquefied natural gas exports. This strategic shift comes as persistent navigation disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz continue to impact global energy shipment flows. ADNOC Gas is currently reassessing supply routes to ensure reliable delivery to international clients.
Fujairah Development Plans
According to information obtained by the Washington-based Platform for Energy, proposed options include studying the creation or development of export capacities in the Emirate of Fujairah. This initiative aims to enable gas transfers to global markets via a terminal located outside the Strait of Hormuz. The move coincides with a decline in UAE LNG exports during the first nine months of 2026 compared to the same period last year.
Strategic Infrastructure Review
ADNOC is evaluating bids from major contracting firms to execute an integrated facility for LNG production and export from Fujairah. This effort seeks to identify necessary infrastructure options to diversify export ports. Fatima Al Nuaimi, CEO of ADNOC Gas, stated that the company has conducted evaluations over recent months regarding various methods and routes for transporting gas to customers.
Al Nuaimi emphasized that no final decision has been made regarding any of the proposed options. Her comments were made during a conference call discussing ADNOC Gas results, specifically addressing questions about developing LNG export capabilities in Fujairah, which has become a key outlet for UAE oil exports away from the Strait.
Financial Performance and Outlook
Peter van der Leer, CFO, noted that the potential Fujairah project remains under study. He clarified that assessments cover project size, producible quantities, targeted markets, with details to be announced after a final decision. The proposed concept relies on three main components to provide an additional outlet via the Gulf of Oman, reducing reliance on Hormuz transit routes.
UAE LNG exports fell 38% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2026, reaching approximately 2.40 million tons against 3.87 million tons in 2025. The UAE currently relies on the Das Island plant, operational since the seventies, with capacity of 5.8 million tons annually. ADNOC is implementing the Ruwais LNG project, targeting 9.6 million tons annually, with first shipments expected late 2028 or early 2029.
Van der Leer confirmed the project is on schedule, while Al Nuaimi highlighted the installation of the first two main refrigeration compressor units. Originally planned for Fujairah, the Ruwais project was moved to Abu Dhabi’s industrial city in 2023. In July 2026, ADNOC launched an international platform on ADX to market 47 million tons annually by 2035.
Operational Updates
ADNOC Gas reported net income of $1.34 billion in Q3 2026, ending September 30. This figure approximates last year’s levels but doubles the second quarter. Improvements stemmed from increased production, higher prices, and better export volumes, despite maritime disruptions. Van der Leer noted a steady increase in ships transiting the Strait without providing specific frequency details.
The company expects net income of at least $4 billion for 2026, assuming Q3 export levels continue into the final quarter. ADNOC Gas continues rehabilitating damaged units at the Habshan complex, targeting full operational capacity restoration by Q2 2027. A $28 billion investment program from 2026 to 2030 includes Rich Gas Development, Ruwais, MERAM, and Estidama projects to boost production and enhance market presence.
This story was produced in the newsroom from the disclosed sources named above.
