The United Arab Emirates has reportedly sought special access to US dollars from Washington as rising geopolitical tensions and disruptions in the Gulf energy market raise concerns over liquidity pressures. According to reports, Emirati officials warned that if dollar availability tightens, the country may be forced to settle oil trade in Chinese yuan or other currencies instead of the US dollar.
The move is linked to broader concerns over regional instability and potential damage to oil exports, including disruptions in key shipping routes. Analysts say the development highlights growing unease in Gulf economies about overdependence on the dollar system and signals a possible shift toward currency diversification in global oil trade.
At the same time, the UAE is said to be exploring financial safeguards such as a US-backed currency swap line to ensure stable access to dollars during any crisis scenario.
The discussions underscore increasing pressure on the traditional “petrodollar” system, which has long dominated global oil transactions.
