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The Emirates News Agency reported that the UAE is transitioning from a traditional import-export hub to an end-to-end logistics platform connecting manufacturing and storage directly with ports airports and border crossings. This integration of maritime land air rail and free zone operations aims to maintain global trade flows and improve transit adaptability amid regional developments. WAM noted that the Sharjah Ports Customs and Free Zones Authority worked with Oman Customs to create a dedicated logistics corridor linking Sharjah facilities including Khorfakkan port which targets future capacity of 10 million containers to Omani ports in Sohar Duqm and Salalah.
According to WAM the domestic component includes development of the Al Dhaid Logistics Complex spanning more than 16 million square feet and offering an initial capacity of 1.5 million TEUs. Hafeet Rail signed contracts in February 2025 to design and build railway facilities in Oman expanding cross-border freight capabilities. Etihad Rail operated across 11 terminals linking industrial hubs and ports such as Khalifa Port and Jebel Ali during 2026.
WAM data places Etihad Rail volumes at approximately 1.8 million tonnes of sulphur more than 4 million tonnes of aggregates and 129000 containers in the period. Air freight capacity is growing through the Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone featuring the 8.3-million-square-metre Al Falah Logistics Park. The East Midfield cargo terminal at Abu Dhabi is scheduled for completion in 2027 with annual handling of 1.5 million tonnes while Fujairah Terminals processed over 70000 TEUs and accommodated 100 cargo vessels during recent disruptions.
In Dubai the Dubai Logistics Corridor continues to connect Jebel Ali Port with Al Maktoum International Airport according to the agency. Jebel Ali Free Zone attracted Dh854 million in new investments during the first four months of 2026 across manufacturing logistics healthcare and food production sectors. The Abu Dhabi Digital Authority expanded its ADDED platform partner network to more than 30 logistics operators in 2026 enabling real-time cargo tracking and rerouting.
WAM figures show these logistics advances contributed to 3 per cent real GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026 reaching Dh485 billion at constant prices. Non-oil foreign trade achieved a record Dh1.937 trillion in the first half of the year representing a 13.1 per cent year-on-year increase as reported through WAM. The growth underscores the non-oil sector’s rising contribution which expanded 4.8 per cent in the opening quarter according to UAE Media Office data referenced in multiple outlets.
The enhanced network has drawn major international companies including healthcare firm Novo Nordisk which established one of its three global distribution hubs in the UAE. WAM highlighted that the multi-route system improves cargo accessibility rerouting storage manufacturing re-export and distribution functions. Such capabilities place supply chain resilience at the center of the country’s economic strategy.
