With the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, logistics operators in the Gulf region have quickly begun to activate alternative land and sea routes that were previously used only to a limited extent. Without comprehensive guidance supported by the state, the private sector is creating new trade corridors while also increasing the capacity of existing routes.

One of the points most rapidly affected by the crisis was the new land connection between Saudi Arabia and Oman. The flow of traffic is particularly directed from the town of Alkwifiriah in Saudi Arabia towards the Saudi-Qatar border near Salwa and from there to the Ramlet Khelah Border Crossing via the Shaybah Oil Field.

The route, which opened in January 2023, had been delayed for years due to the shifting sands in the desert area known as the 'Empty Quarter.' The new highway reduces travel time by approximately 16 hours compared to previous routes and significantly eliminates the need for convoluted crossings through the United Arab Emirates.

According to data from the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, the trade volume passing through the Ramlet Khelah border gate was at $300 million in February, and it tripled in March to reach approximately $830 million. Among the most frequently transported products across the border were fertilizers, construction materials, food, pharmaceuticals, and machinery.

The transportation company Ramool Transportation announced that its revenue in March 2026 surpassed the total revenue for the entire year of 2025.

Saudi Arabia and Oman Establishing New Logistics Centers

Saudi Arabia and Oman had agreed to establish a joint economic zone in 2021 to support the new trade route. The Al Dhahirah Special Economic Zone, which will be established in the interior of Oman, is planned to become operational next year.

The region will also include a land port operated by Asyad Group. However, it is expected that the primary focus of the economic zone will be on manufacturing activities rather than logistics.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia Railways is developing five new freight corridors to strengthen the connection between the country's eastern and western coasts. The new plan aims to enhance access to Red Sea ports, particularly from the centers of Dammam, Jubail, Ras Al Khair, Al Kharj, and Hail.

It is noted that the kingdom also needs to expand the capacity of the North International Highway No. 85, which extends from Dammam through Riyadh to the Al Hadithah Border Crossing on the Jordanian border. With the civil war in Syria largely coming to an end, this route can now be utilized more effectively up to the ports of Tartus and Latakia.

Sea and Land Transportation Merging

Global container companies have also begun developing new hybrid logistics solutions. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company is launching a new service from Antwerp starting in May 2026.

In this model, containers will first be transported to the Port of Jeddah and King Abdullah Port, and then transferred by trucks to Dammam on the eastern coast. From there, shipments will be made to Jebel Ali Port, Khalifa Industrial Zone, and other ports in the Gulf via feeder vessel services.

Hapag-Lloyd has also started offering new land transportation options through Saudi Arabia and Oman.

The Biggest Challenge: Capacity and Driver Shortage

One of the biggest obstacles facing the new logistics networks is the shortage of trucks and drivers. However, it is believed that the high income opportunities in the sector may gradually reduce this gap over time.

Nevertheless, it is stated that the issue of port capacity is a much longer-term problem. The Port of Khor Fakkan and the Port of Fujairah are currently operating with limited capacity.

It is particularly noted that Khor Fakkan's capacity has never exceeded 3 million TEUs annually, whereas Jebel Ali Port has a capacity of approximately 25 million TEUs.

The Port of Sohar and the Port of Salalah stand out with their efficient operations. Notably, Salalah Port was recognized as the second most efficient container port in the world in 2023. However, experts emphasize that both ports are facing serious capacity pressures due to rapidly increasing demand.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye