The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry SCCI, in cooperation with the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, organised an introductory seminar on the integrated logistics corridor connecting the emirate with ports in Oman through land border crossings.
The event brought together representatives from government and private-sector entities operating in trade and logistics. It reflects the Sharjah Chamber’s commitment to supporting businesses to maximise the benefits of the new advanced logistics system, which is designed to improve regional supply chains efficiency and facilitate trade flows.
The seminar, held at the Sharjah Chamber’s headquarters, was attended by Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI; H.E Mohammed Ibrahim Al Raisi, Director of Border Crossings and Entry Points Affairs at the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority; and Jamal Saeed Buzanjal, Director of Corporate Communication at SCCI.
Also present were representatives from various federal ministries, chambers of commerce, government authorities, and free zones. The event attracted more than 50 private-sector participants, comprising business executives, entrepreneurs, and representatives of companies operating in trade, logistics, and supply chain management.
The seminar featured an introductory presentation delivered by Lamia AlMarri from the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, providing an overview of the integrated logistics corridor with Oman. The presentation outlined the strategic objectives of the project and its role in strengthening regional trade connectivity and supply chain resilience.
It also highlighted the comprehensive range of operational and customs facilitation services incorporated into the corridor, which are designed to optimise logistics operations, improve cargo movement efficiency, and streamline customs clearance procedures.
Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi said the introductory seminar forms part of the Sharjah Chamber’s efforts to strengthen public-private sector engagement and enable the business community to stay informed about strategic initiatives that improve the emirate’s business ecosystem.
He affirmed that the Chamber is actively promoting understanding of the opportunities created by the integrated logistics corridor linking Sharjah’s ports with ports in Oman.
“The project offers significant advantages for trade and supply chain operations, providing private-sector businesses with access to new trade routes and world-class logistics infrastructure. These capabilities help companies enhance operational efficiency, expand into new markets, and strengthen their competitiveness and growth potential at both the regional and global levels,” he added.
Al Shamsi noted that SCCI’s seminar provides a strategic platform for increasing awareness of the corridor and highlighting the opportunities and competitive advantages it offers to the private sector.
He explained that the event encourages knowledge sharing and collaboration among key stakeholders, supporting the business community in capitalising on the fast-evolving logistics landscape. This exchange of expertise will help businesses enhance operational efficiency, unlock new growth opportunities, and reinforce their competitive position in regional and international markets.
For his part, H.E Mohammed Ibrahim Al Raisi stated that the integrated logistics corridor linking Sharjah with ports in Oman marks a strategic milestone, reflecting the advanced level of collaboration and coordination among the relevant stakeholders in both markets.
He noted that the initiative demonstrates a shared commitment to building a more integrated logistics ecosystem capable of meeting the evolving requirements of the trade and logistics sectors.
“The initiative is fully aligned with the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority’s vision to strengthen connectivity between ports and border crossings, while fostering a business-friendly environment that supports investment, facilitates trade, and drives sustainable economic growth,” Al Raisi added.
During her presentation, Lamia AlMarri highlighted the operational framework of the integrated logistics corridor, which links Sharjah’s key ports and border points with Oman through advanced customs and logistics solutions, as part of the emirate’s broader logistics ecosystem.
The system incorporates Khorfakkan Port, Port Khalid, and Hamriyah Port on the UAE side, as well as Sharjah’s Khatmat Malaha and Al Madam border crossings. On the Omani side, it extends to Sohar Port, Mahdah, and Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone.
AlMarri noted that the corridor benefits from a highly competitive geographical advantage, with the distance between Khatmat Malaha and Sohar Port limited to approximately 70 kilometres, enabling faster cargo movement, lower transportation costs, and greater operational efficiency across regional supply chains.
She explained that the border crossings process thousands of vehicles and freight trucks daily, benefiting from modern infrastructure and a highly integrated transport network that supports efficient cargo movement.
She further outlined the incentives available to logistics operators and businesses, including direct customs clearance at Sharjah’s border crossings without requiring additional transfer stages, reducing cargo processing times.
Also under the system, trucks entering from the Sultanate of Oman through the two designated crossings are exempt from road toll charges in Sharjah, lowering land transport costs and operational expenses, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of companies operating within regional supply chains.
Several participants commended the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority for organising the seminar and delivering a comprehensive briefing on the integrated logistics corridor.
They stressed the importance of such meetings in raising awareness within the business community about strategic projects supporting trade and logistics growth. They also highlighted the role of these forums in enabling direct engagement with relevant authorities, enabling stakeholders to exchange insights, raise queries, and discuss the future development of regional supply chain networks.
