AI-Human Team Proposes $85B UAE Canal to Bypass Strait of Hormuz

In a groundbreaking development, a consortium of seven humans and three AIs has unveiled a proposal to construct a twin canal system in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that would bypass the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The plan, spearheaded by Green Growth Technology (GGT), aims to build two 116-kilometer-long, 83-meter-wide sea-level canals connecting Fujairah Port to Sharjah Port Khalid, entirely within UAE territory. This ambitious project would enable the continuous export of Gulf oil, gas, and goods while avoiding the Iranian coast by hundreds of miles, significantly reducing the threat of Iranian blackmail and potential disruptions. The canals would save each Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) 18 hours and 350 nautical miles, translating to approximately $60,000 in Time Charter Equivalent savings, plus reduced insurance war premiums.

The proposal addresses previous barriers of cost and time through innovative AI-driven engineering and Chinese mega-construction expertise. By leveraging agentic AIs, drones, and modular mega-machines, the consortium claims the project can be completed in under five years at a cost of less than $100 billion, a fraction of the $600 billion estimated for a rival proposal by Dubai architect Znera. The plan includes five construction teams starting simultaneously, using conventional equipment initially and transitioning to AI-controlled laser and waterjet cutting machines built in China. The Hajar Mountains, a major geological obstacle, will be tackled with advanced rock-cutting and fusion techniques. The consortium emphasizes that this is the first time humans and AIs have collaborated at such scale, resulting in solutions that are "cleverer than humans could achieve on their own."

Geopolitically, the proposal suggests a consortium including China, South Korea, Japan, and Gulf Cooperation Council states to ensure protection and shared ownership. If China retains a small interest, any attack on the canals would be considered an attack on China, deterring potential aggressors. The UAE would emerge as a regional powerhouse, with expanded storage facilities in Fujairah making it the largest oil storage and trading hub beyond the Strait. The project also includes automated oil spill cleanup systems and early warning defenses. Captain Richard Byrne, CCO of GGT, highlighted that the consortium is already in talks with influential Middle Eastern power brokers, and funding is not an issue. The proposal represents a paradigm shift in mega-infrastructure projects, showcasing the potential of human-AI collaboration to solve complex global challenges.