Drone attack disrupts oil operations at UAE’s Fujairah port, a key global energy hub

Abu Dhabi — Oil-loading operations at the United Arab Emirates’ Fujairah port, a critical node in global energy logistics, were partially suspended following a drone attack and subsequent fire on Saturday, according to official reports.

Fujairah port, situated on the Gulf of Oman approximately 70 nautical miles from the Strait of Hormuz, plays a significant role in the international oil market. The port exported more than 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and refined fuels on average last year, based on data from Kpler. This volume represents around 1.7 percent of daily global oil demand.

The port is also a major hub for refuelling ships. In 2025, Fujairah sold 7.4 million cubic metres (about 7.33 million metric tons) of marine fuels, ranking it as the fourth largest marine fuels port in the world after Singapore, Rotterdam, and China’s Zhoushan.

The importance of Fujairah has grown in the context of the ongoing conflict in the region. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed due to the Iran war, the port’s role in maintaining the flow of oil and fuel to global markets has become even more crucial.

For the UAE, Fujairah is strategically vital. Prior to the conflict, the country produced over 3.4 million bpd of crude oil. The port’s location outside the Strait of Hormuz allows the UAE to export oil and refined products without passing through the strait, which is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies.

The recent drone attack and resulting fire have led to the suspension of some oil-loading operations at the port. The full extent of the disruption and the timeline for resuming normal operations have not been detailed in the official reports.

Fujairah’s continued operation is seen as essential for both the UAE’s economy and for stabilizing global energy markets amid ongoing regional tensions.