Customs Corridor Project Launched To Enhance Trade Efficiency Between Khalifa Port And Fujairah Terminals

H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, and Chairman of Etihad Rail, has overseen a preliminary agreement. This agreement involves Etihad Rail, Abu Dhabi Customs, Fujairah Customs, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Fujairah Terminals, and Noatum Logistics to establish a "Bonded Rail Corridor." This corridor will connect Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi with Fujairah Terminals.

The initiative was revealed during the second edition of Global Rail 2025. It marks a strategic step forward in enhancing the efficiency, safety, and integration of rail transport operations across the UAE. H.H. Sheikh Theyab praised this development as a significant milestone in bolstering the UAE’s logistics and trade infrastructure.

H.H. Sheikh Theyab highlighted that the Customs Corridor will strengthen the UAE’s role as a gateway for global trade and investment while improving efficiency and safety. The rail system is crucial for the UAE's economic growth and supports its Net Zero 2050 goals.

The Customs Corridor will provide numerous benefits to Etihad Rail’s customers. It will enable smooth goods movement between Khalifa Port, Fujairah Terminals, and nearby free zones. The corridor aims to cut customs clearance times by coordinating pre-inquiry procedures with final customs formalities at destinations.

This collaboration will ensure seamless, safe, and sustainable goods movement by creating a secure customs corridor linking Khalifa Port and Fujairah Terminals through the UAE’s national railway network. Advanced logistics services will be provided from start to finish.

Goods transported via Etihad Rail trains will have priority clearance within customs systems. The corridor will cover free zones, transit shipments, exports, and domestic goods movement between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

Pilot Operations Scheduled

Pilot operations for the Customs Corridor are set to commence in Q4 2025. Before launching, Etihad Rail is collaborating with authorities and customers to formalise cooperation frameworks. They aim to activate all services and benefits for users while establishing performance monitoring mechanisms for top efficiency and quality standards.

Looking forward, project partners plan to expand the Customs Corridor network to more train stations. They intend to introduce innovative services and competitive advantages using advanced technologies. This aligns with the UAE’s vision for pioneering customs procedures, improved transport safety, and advancing sustainability goals.

The corridor aims to meet global standards while supporting international trade routes. This effort will further solidify the UAE’s status as a leading hub for regional and global trade logistics.

With inputs from WAM