Gulf strategy to reduce dependence on Strait of Hormuz

Rising geopolitical tensions are forcing a fundamental reassessment of global energy security and maritime trade routes.
As reliance on narrow waterways grows increasingly fragile, the issue of “strait security” has moved to the centre of strategic decision-making. Recent crises have demonstrated how wars and regional instability can paralyse global trade and disrupt vital supply chains. Breaking free from dependence on these narrow corridors is no longer a tactical option; it is a strategic necessity.
In this context, ports located on open seas and direct shipping routes are gaining renewed importance. Oman stands out in this landscape through the economic zones of Duqm Port and Port of Salalah.
Both enjoy a unique geostrategic position only a few nautical miles from major international shipping lanes. Their location provides a stable maritime gateway outside the region’s traditional chokepoints.
Major economic transformations suggest that the world is entering a phase of strategic repositioning. Countries are increasingly forming flexible economic blocs capable of adapting to shifting geopolitical realities. Within this evolving order, the Gulf states share a strong foundation of common interests and interconnected destinies, creating favourable conditions for deeper economic integration.
However, Gulf economies face a structural challenge: their commercial lifelines remain tied to narrow maritime chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el Mandeb Strait and the Suez Canal.
This geographic dependence leaves regional economies vulnerable to disruptions. Recent tensions have highlighted the economic risks involved. Estimates suggest that trade flows worth roughly $25 billion were disrupted during the first ten days of a hypothetical closure of the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the urgency of developing alternative export routes through open seas.
These realities point towards the need for a new regional economic framework — one capable of shifting the Gulf’s strategic outlook from narrow straits to the openness of the ocean. Oman and Saudi Arabia are well-positioned to lead this transformation.
Their existing logistical links and growing strategic alignment could form the foundation of a broader Gulf economic alliance.
Oman contributes critical geographical advantages and advanced port infrastructure, while Saudi Arabia brings the region’s largest economic weight and investment capacity. Together, they could form the nucleus of a cooperative framework aimed at strengthening regional trade resilience.
At the centre of this transformation stands the Port of Duqm, whose development began in 2011. Located outside the Strait of Hormuz, Duqm offers a strategic outlet capable of ensuring uninterrupted flows of energy and goods during periods of regional instability.
The port is supported by an advanced infrastructure network that includes a deep-water harbour capable of handling next-generation mega vessels, a major dry dock that has emerged as a regional hub for ship maintenance and repair, and large-scale petrochemical facilities that enhance industrial value creation.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia continues to drive a profound economic transformation through Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at diversifying the economy and positioning the Kingdom among the world’s leading economic powers. This momentum strengthens the prospects for a Gulf development model that moves beyond regional competition towards global economic leadership.
The region now stands at a critical strategic crossroads. Lessons from recent geopolitical disruptions highlight the need for resilient economic frameworks that secure supply chains and sustain growth.
An 'Open Ocean Alliance' would not merely be a response to crises; it could reposition the Gulf as a central node in emerging global trade networks and the modern revival of the Silk Road.
The key question now facing regional decision-makers is whether such a Gulf alliance — one that transcends the constraints of maritime chokepoints — will soon emerge to safeguard the region’s development ambitions from the volatility of geopolitics.