Sharjah-Oman Logistics Corridor Sees 66% Trade Surge Amid Strait of Hormuz Disruptions

The value of goods transiting through the Sharjah and Oman logistics corridor has surged by more than 66 percent during its first three months of operations. Shippers increasingly rely on this route to bypass the turbulent Strait of Hormuz as the Iran war continues.

Since its launch on May 17, goods valued at Dh1.7 billion ($463.21 million) have been traded through the corridor, which enables seamless border crossings into the Sultanate’s ports. Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority and Oman Customs jointly introduced the dedicated corridor to implement an integrated sea–land logistics model that supports smoother trade flows and enhances supply chain efficiency.

Sharjah Customs noted in a statement on Sunday that the initiative grants importers, exporters, freight companies, and logistics service providers access to flexible and competitive logistics solutions. With the Iran war entering its seventh month, the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut due to continued Iranian attacks on commercial shipping, heavily restricting a vital global route that previously handled a fifth of the world's oil and gas.

To circumvent the closed waterway, heavy goods vehicles are now heavily utilized across the UAE to transport goods from Oman and Saudi Arabia while routing manufactured items through Omani ports. During the initial three-month period, lorry movements through the logistics corridor exceeded 34,000, and processed customs declarations surpassed 32,000.

The corridor connects cargo flows between the ports and logistics hubs of Sharjah and Oman through the Khatmat Malaha Border Crossing in Kalba and the Al Madam Border Crossing, extending directly into Oman. This setup provides businesses with multiple transportation options, shortens the end-to-end cargo journey, reduces handling stages, and optimizes overall logistics efficiency.

Furthermore, the interconnection links Sharjah and other UAE ports with Sohar, Duqm, and Salalah ports in Oman, establishing two complementary routes based on destination and logistics needs. Mohammed Al Raisi, director of Border Crossings and Entry Points Affairs at the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, emphasized that the strong early results highlight the success of the project's foundational vision.