MUSCAT: A new trade corridor linking Oman with Sharjah handled goods worth more than RO178 million ($463 million) during its first three months, highlighting growing use of the route as businesses look for more flexible supply chains across the region.

The corridor, launched by the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority in cooperation with Oman Customs, handled more than 32,000 customs declarations and the movement of over 34,000 trucks between May 17 and August 17.

The value of goods moving through the route reached RO178.16 million during the period, an increase of 66.26% compared with the corresponding period a year earlier, according to figures released on the initiative.

More than 200 new importer codes were registered over the three months, pointing to increased participation by businesses using the cross-border route.

The corridor links Oman’s ports and industrial areas with Sharjah’s maritime and land transport network through the Khatmat Malaha border crossing. Sharjah’s port facilities are less than 70 km from the crossing, providing a relatively short connection between the border and maritime shipping infrastructure.

Authorities established the corridor to speed up the movement of cargo between Oman and the United Arab Emirates by coordinating customs and transport procedures and reducing waiting times at the border.

Trucks using the corridor are also exempt from transit fees, a measure aimed at lowering transport costs and encouraging greater use of the route.

The initiative involves the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, and Oman Customs.

The corridor adds another logistics option for businesses moving cargo through Oman and the UAE, connecting Oman’s road, port and industrial networks with Sharjah’s maritime infrastructure.