The Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority has officially launched an integrated logistics corridor connecting Sharjah with the Sultanate of Oman, marking a significant milestone in UAE-Oman trade relations and the broader effort to strengthen regional supply chain resilience.
Live operations commenced on 14 May 2026, following the completion of technical and coordination requirements between the relevant authorities on both sides. The first shipments were dispatched from Port Khalid in Sharjah to Sohar Port via the Khatmat Malaha border crossing in Kalba — signalling the operational readiness of this new trade artery.
What the Corridor Covers
The corridor links Sharjah’s ports with three major Omani gateways: Sohar Port, Duqm Port, and Salalah Port. Sohar serves as the primary entry point given its strategic proximity to the UAE. The route primarily operates through the Khatmat Malaha crossing in Kalba and the Al Madam border crossing, creating a seamless sea-land logistics chain between the two countries.
Cargo movement is now active in both directions, benefiting manufacturers, trading companies, and free zone businesses seeking more flexible access to regional and global markets.
Key Operational Advantages
One of the corridor’s most impactful features is the ability to complete customs clearance directly at Sharjah’s border crossings, eliminating the need for additional transfer stages. This translates into significantly reduced processing times, lower land transport costs, and faster cargo release. The system also incorporates fast-track shipment lanes, pre-processing of cargo data, and direct transport under customs supervision, supported by real-time data exchange and joint coordination between Sharjah Customs and Omani Customs.
A Strategic Response to Regional Pressures
The launch comes at a particularly consequential moment. With regional shipping routes under pressure following disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE has been actively building alternative logistics pathways. Dubai’s green corridor with Oman saw customs declarations surge from 12,000 in March to nearly 100,000 in April 2026, with trade values rising to over AED 8 billion. The Sharjah-Oman corridor adds another critical link to this expanding network.
The Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority has been clear that this corridor does not replace existing maritime routes — it enhances system flexibility. It diversifies logistics options as part of the UAE’s growing network of alternative trade pathways.
Looking Ahead
Plans include expanding the corridor to incorporate air freight services, further broadening its scope and utility for the regional business community. A joint working team has been established between the two sides to coordinate ongoing operations and develop deeper data exchange mechanisms.
For businesses operating across the UAE and Oman, the Sharjah logistics corridor represents a faster, more cost-effective, and more resilient route to regional and international markets — a development with meaningful long-term implications for Gulf trade infrastructure.
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