Sharjah Customs launches an integrated logistics corridor with the Sultanate of Oman and launches the first shipments to Sohar Port

Sharjah, 17 May / WAM / The Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, within the framework of joint coordination and cooperation with the customs of the sister Sultanate of Oman, launched an integrated logistics corridor within an advanced logistics system that enhances the connectivity and integration between the ports of the Emirate of Sharjah and the ports of the Sultanate of Oman through the land ports of the Emirate of Sharjah, which contributes to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of supply chains at the regional level and supports the flow of trade movement and the diversity of logistical options for the business sector.

The corridor covers a number of Omani ports, led by Sohar Port due to its geographical location close to the UAE, in addition to the ports of Duqm and Salalah, providing a flexible system of logistical routes that support the continuity of trade flow and meet the needs of the markets.

This logistical corridor comes within Sharjah’s integrated logistics system, which is based on the integration of its maritime infrastructure between the eastern and western coasts, and the seaports constitute one of its most prominent pillars, most notably Khor Fakkan Port, as a major regional maritime center and a strategic hub that supports the efficiency of receiving and handling containers and goods.

The corridor also enhances integration between sea and land transport by providing an integrated logistical extension that expands access to markets and enhances the efficiency of operations without replacing existing sea routes, but rather contributes to supporting the flexibility of the logistics system and the diversity of its options.

The logistical corridor is operated through the land ports of the Emirate of Sharjah, most notably the Khatma Milaha border port in Kalba and the Madam port, which enhances the efficiency of the logistical connection between the ports and commercial centers in the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman and ensures the smooth movement of shipments between the two sides.

The actual operation of the logistics corridor began on May 14, after completing all technical and coordination requirements between the concerned authorities. The corridor witnessed the launch of the first shipments from Khalid Port in Sharjah to Sohar Port, passing through the Khatma Milaha border port, in a qualitative step that confirms the readiness of the operational system, reflects the efficiency of integration between sea and land routes, and opens broader horizons for the smooth flow of trade movement between the two sides. The movement of mutual shipments through the corridor also began, which enhances the flow of goods and establishes logistical integration between the Emirate of Sharjah and the Sultanate of Oman.

The logistical corridor provides an integrated package of operational and customs facilities provided in coordination between Sharjah Customs and Customs of the Sultanate of Oman, ensuring a smooth and integrated experience for customers and enhancing the efficiency of procedures throughout the various stages of transit.

Prominent among these facilities is the ability to complete customs clearance procedures directly at the border ports of the Emirate of Sharjah, especially the Khatma Milaha and Al Madam ports, without the need for additional transportation stages, which contributes to reducing the time of procedures, accelerating the release of shipments, reducing land transportation costs, and enhancing the smooth movement of goods.

The corridor also relies on an advanced system that includes fast-tracking of shipments, pre-processing of data, direct transportation under customs supervision, in addition to data exchange and joint coordination between the two sides to ensure speedy delivery, raise the level of reliability, and achieve high operational efficiency.

The corridor provides a flexible logistical path supported by geographical proximity between Sharjah ports and Omani ports, especially Sohar Port, which contributes to reducing transit time, enhancing the efficiency of operations and supporting the flexibility of supply chains in various circumstances.

The logistics corridor supports import, export and re-export operations and enables local factories, commercial companies and establishments operating in free zones to access regional and global markets through flexible logistical solutions, which increases business competitiveness and improves the efficiency of operational processes.

The corridor also enhances the flow of goods coming through Sohar Port and Omani ports to local markets in the UAE via the land ports of the Emirate of Sharjah, which supports the diversity of supply chains, enhances supply flexibility and provides more efficient options for the commercial sector.

The two sides formed a joint working team to coordinate operations and develop data exchange mechanisms in a way that enhances the efficiency of customs procedures and ensures the highest levels of smoothness and reliability, while adhering to the best international standards in the fields of security, safety and risk management.

The Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority confirmed that the launch of this initiative reflects the depth of economic relations between the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman and embodies an advanced level of strategic integration between the two sides, which contributes to the development of an integrated logistics system that supports the continuity of trade flow with high efficiency.

She also explained that the corridor represents a qualitative step towards strengthening the position of the Emirate of Sharjah as a leading regional center in logistics services by providing flexible options that support the movement of trade and enable companies to adapt to operational changes.

The logistics corridor represents a strategic step towards developing an integrated transport system based on integration between various modes of transport, with a move towards expansion in the future to include air freight services, in a way that enhances the flexibility and sustainability of supply chains, supports regional economic growth, and consolidates the position of the Emirate of Sharjah as a leading logistics center in the region.

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