New logistics route aims to lower costs, speed up trade, and strengthen supply chains
Sharjah: A new and better logistics route that connects Sharjah and Oman has made it possible to move goods across the region faster. The transit time has been cut from around three months to 35 days. This helps businesses by giving them a more efficient way to transport goods.
The new route was made possible through cooperation between authorities in the UAE and Oman. The goal is to make it easier to move cargo, improve supply chains, and reduce costs for businesses that import, export, manufacture and provide logistics. According to Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, who works at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the new corridor has infrastructure, faster customs procedures and better coordination between the two countries.
“The transit time used to be three months. Now, with the services, including Khorfakkan Port and this corridor, it has been reduced to 35 days, ” Al Shamsi said. He also said that authorities expect the transit time to decrease further as operations get better.
One of the things about the project is that cargo trucks from Oman do not have to pay toll fees in Sharjah if they use the approved logistics routes. This exemption applies to trucks that enter through the Khatmat Malaha and Al Madam border crossings. It is expected to lower transport costs.
The corridor also gives companies flexibility. Cargo can now be transported directly to container terminals in Sharjah. Customs clearance can be done later, rather than immediately at the border. This reduces congestion. Makes cargo handling easier. Officials think that businesses could save around 15 per cent on logistics costs. This depends on the type of cargo and the route used.
The corridor connects Sharjah with ports in Oman, including Sohar, Duqm and Salalah. Sohar is the gateway because it is close to the UAE border. Commercial operations started on May 14 after technical and regulatory arrangements were completed.
The route is expected to benefit Sharjah’s manufacturing sector, which has over 3,000 factories. This sector contributes a quarter of the emirate’s GDP. Faster access to materials and export markets will improve production efficiency and strengthen supply chains.
Authorities see the corridor as part of Sharjah’s plan to become a logistics hub. The goal is to connect the Gulf with India, Africa and other international markets. By integrating ports, border crossings, customs operations and inland logistics facilities into one system, the project aims to support long-term trade growth and attract investment to the emirate. Officials said the corridor is designed to address logistics challenges and create a sustainable platform for future regional and international trade expansion.
