UAE and Oman Launch Land Corridors to Bypass Hormuz

The United Arab Emirates and Oman have implemented strategic land-based trade routes to maintain economic stability amid continued maritime disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Following Iranian strikes on international shipping, Dubai Customs launched the 'Green Corridor' in March 2026. This initiative operationalized an accelerated land route via the Hatta Border Crossing within 72 hours of the initial disruptions. Between March and April 2026, the volume of customs declarations through this corridor surged from 12,000 to nearly 100,000, with the value of goods increasing from AED 1 billion to over AED 8 billion.

Building on this model, the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority launched its own integrated logistics corridor on May 14, 2026. This network connects Sharjah to the Omani ports of Sohar, Duqm, and Salalah, utilizing the Khatmat Malaha and Al Madam border crossings to streamline clearance and reduce transport costs. First shipments moved from Port Khalid to Sohar Port to establish this regional supply chain flexibility.

Parallel to these customs efforts, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company announced plans to expand the West-East Pipeline by 2027. This expansion aims to increase oil capacity to three million barrels per day, transporting oil from Habshan to ships in Fujairah to completely bypass the Strait of Hormuz.