Strait of Union

A speculative inland maritime corridor rethinking resilience, sovereignty, and urban growth in the UAE.

Strait of Union is a speculative infrastructure proposal that envisions a sovereign inland maritime corridor connecting the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, conceived as a major infrastructure, energy, and transportation corridor for the region.

Developed as a strategic study, the project explores how infrastructure can respond to evolving geopolitical and economic conditions by enabling greater control, continuity, and resilience in trade networks.

The proposal explores two routing scenarios across the UAE, each shaped by topography, proximity to existing urban centres and logistical performance. The corridor is conceived as a fully controlled national waterway, offering an alternative to external maritime passages.

Architecturally, the proposal is expressed through a series of fluid, parametric interventions that frame the waterway as both infrastructure and urban landscape. Key nodes are marked by sculptural bridge structures and vertical markers, while mixed-use districts extend from the canal edge in terraced formations. Marinas, logistics platforms and civic spaces are integrated into a continuous waterfront condition, creating a sequence of urbanised hubs along the corridor.

At ZNERA, we believe design has a role to play at this scale – contributing to conversations that shape not just cities, but the future direction of nations.

Beyond its logistical role, the canal is also envisioned to contribute to the ecological transformation of surrounding desert regions – drawing parallels to the transformative ecological and agricultural impact of the Nile, supporting new microclimates and landscape regeneration along its path. The project frames the corridor as a linear urban system, with districts distributed along its length, including logistics hubs, financial centres and tourism zones.

Positioned as a national spine, Strait of Union reimagines infrastructure not only as a means of movement, but as a framework for future urban growth and long-term strategic positioning.