Sharjah prioritizes ports and rail logistics amid global trade shifts

Sharjah is prioritizing port infrastructure and rail logistics to stabilize trade flows amid rising regional geopolitical tensions, according to H.E. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). The strategy centers on leveraging Khorfakkan Port and the nearly completed national rail network to provide diversified alternatives for global shipping routes. Speaking at the ninth Sharjah Investment Forum on Thursday, 15 October, Al Qaseer identified the logistics sector as a primary pillar for the emirate's economic resilience. The shift comes as rail operators and logistics firms convene in Sharjah to discuss port connectivity and the integration of Etihad Rail into the local supply chain. Al Qaseer noted that the UAE’s existing infrastructure has allowed the country to absorb global shocks more effectively than other markets. Strategic Infrastructure and Rail Connectivity The emirate is positioning Khorfakkan Port as a critical deep-water asset on the UAE's east coast, offering direct access to the Indian Ocean and bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. By linking this port to the national rail network, Sharjah aims to reduce transit times and lower costs for international traders. Al Qaseer stated that the government remains ready to adapt regulatory frameworks to support these infrastructure investments, citing the rapid post-pandemic recovery as evidence of the UAE's economic agility. While declining to disclose specific investment…