To strengthen regional trade integration and speed up cargo movement, trucks travelling between Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) using Sharjah’s transit gateways will now be exempt from transit tariff fees under the newly activated “Logistics Corridor” initiative between the two Gulf nations.
The initiative has been designed to streamline the movement of goods between the two Middle Eastern countries by reducing operational costs, apart from accelerating customs and transit procedures, moves that will enhance supply chain efficiency across ports and border crossings.
According to details announced by the participating authorities from the two countries, the corridor now links Oman’s ports and industrial zones with Sharjah’s ports and land transit network through the Khatmat Malaha border crossing. It will now enable faster cargo movement to Sharjah Port in less than 70km from the border point.
“The new corridor has created a direct land-sea logistics integration between the two countries, supporting exporters, transport operators and logistics firms with smoother procedures and lower transportation costs,” reported Muscat Daily, quoting officials.
“The project is being implemented in cooperation with the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, and the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security,” it added further.
As per the officials from both countries, the corridor is expected to enhance the competitiveness of regional trade, reduce waiting time at border crossings, and facilitate quicker clearance procedures for trucks and cargo movement.
The infrastructure will also bring advantages like integrated land and sea connectivity, faster processing at ports and checkpoints, reduced transit time for trucks, and improved efficiency for commercial transport operations.
“The Khatmat Malaha crossing has been identified as a strategic logistics gateway linking Oman’s road network and industrial hubs with Sharjah’s maritime infrastructure, while Sohar Port continues to play a key role in supporting import-export activity and supply chain integration,” Muscat Daily noted.