Today's Edition
RASHA TABILA (ABU DHABI)
Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, revealed that the UAE has increased the capacity of ports in the eastern region by 20 times since the beginning of the crisis, with further expansion ongoing.
He also noted that Etihad Rail trips have increased sixfold - from one daily trip to six - as part of unified national efforts across supply chains, transport and energy sectors to secure the country's essential needs.
In an interview with Aletihad News Center, Al Mazrouei said a specific mechanism has been introduced, in coordination with the Ministry of Economy, to measure the impact of rising fuel prices on goods. This makes the UAE among the first countries to adopt such a system, ensuring that fuel price increases are not exploited.
He explained that the mechanism calculates the precise impact of fuel costs on goods, noting that fuel represents only a small portion of total product value. He praised the Ministry of Economy team for their swift response and professionalism, stressing: "We will not allow consumers to be exploited in any way."
He added that a national team comprising more than 20 government entities and institutions has been formed to oversee supply and transport sectors.
Coordination began early with key stakeholders and three of the world's leading port operators - Abu Dhabi Ports, DP World and Gulftainer - to ensure the smooth flow of goods through the eastern coast, streamline processes, and facilitate shipments.
Gulf Green Corridors
Al Mazrouei said efforts extend beyond the UAE to support Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Meetings with GCC transport ministers resulted in agreements to remove barriers and establish "green corridors" to facilitate the movement of goods across the region. He emphasised that the UAE remains an active global logistics hub.
The Minister pointed to the continued efforts to increase the capacity of the UAE's ports in the Eastern Region by creating dry ports, increasing handling capacity, streamlining all procedures, removing all obstacles, facilitating truck movement, and covering all the country's needs for food and various goods, transporting them in coordination with the GCC countries.
Smart Systems
Regarding ship entry systems, Al Mazrouei said vessels are approved based on specific criteria coordinated with port operators and the Ministry of Economy, ensuring priority goods - such as food and medicine - are monitored closely, alongside national stock levels.
He highlighted the launch of new digital applications to manage increased cargo movement, explaining that a 20-fold rise in capacity requires advanced systems. An electronic appointment system has also been introduced to prevent congestion and ensure smooth cargo flow.
Energy Resources
Al Mazrouei affirmed that the UAE has diverse energy sources, including peaceful nuclear energy and significant investments in renewables. Solar capacity exceeds 6.5 gigawatts, and the country can meet all its energy needs through domestic production.
"We reassure citizens and residents that they are in safe hands, and we are responsible for securing their energy needs," he said.
Strait of Hormuz
Al Mazrouei stressed the global importance of the Strait of Hormuz, noting that current tensions pose serious challenges. He said: "The world agrees that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz must not continue, and the strait must be reopened as soon as possible. Every hour or day that Iran continues to close the strait will bring difficult times for the world, especially for countries where energy is a vital resource and which imports it from other nations."
He pointed out that the UAE is committed to supplying the world with its allocated energy needs, but the closure of the strait hinders this crucial role.
He added: "The UAE is actively working to ensure its voice is heard through discussions with countries around the world. I recently participated in a conference in St. Petersburg, Russia, which included transport ministers, where discussed the necessity of reopening of the strait."
Energy Security
On oil price volatility, Al Mazrouei expressed optimism that current conditions will not persist. "The world is taking action, and we are calling on the Security Council to act to reopen the strait," he said.
"The return of prices to their normal levels and energy security are of paramount importance to us, given their impact on the global economy," he added.
Al Mazrouei stressed that the world must not allow any country to block such a vital waterway, through which essential energy supplies pass, emphasising that global demand for energy remains critical.
