The Middle East logistics landscape continues to adapt to shifting market dynamics, evolving trade flows and changing transport capacities across key regional gateways. Most GCC countries are maintaining stable operations across sea, air and road freight. Our teams across the region continue to design alternative routes to support our customers' supply chain planning. To keep you updated of the latest developments, The following country-by-country update provides a snapshot of the current operational conditions in the Middle East, highlighting available routing solutions, operational developments and market trends to help shippers and supply chain managers navigate the region's operating environment.
Bahrain
Overall Operations
- Sea and air import/export operations are running normally.
Road Freight
- The market continues to face a shortage of trucks
United Arab Emirates – Dubai
Sea Imports
- Alternative routing solutions remain available through Khorfakkan, Fujairah, Sohar, Salalah and Jeddah, supported by inter-port transfer (IPT) and land bridge arrangements into the UAE.
- Cargo Gulf continues to provide connections from China and Southeast Asia into Khorfakkan, with onward transport into Jebel Ali.
Sea Exports
- Exports continue to move through Khorfakkan, Sohar, Salalah and Jeddah.
- Weekly services via Khorfakkan provide access to Nhava Sheva and Mundra, with onward connections into South Asia and Southeast Asia.
- Export solutions via Jeddah remain available, and LCL exports have commenced via Dammam and Jeddah
Air Freight
- DXB and DWC remain fully operational.
- Muscat transfers through DNATA continue to operate, offering additional routing options.
- Charter solutions remain available through operators
Road Freight
- Road freight operations continue as normal.
United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi
Sea Imports
- Selected ocean carriers continue to offer on-carriage solutions from China into Khalifa Port via Fujairah on a case-by-case basis.
Sea Exports
- Export services are available from Abu Dhabi through Jeddah.
Air Imports
- Operations remain active with a few delays.
- Freighter capacity into Abu Dhabi continues with a few limitations.
Air Exports
- Export operations continue with some operational limitations.
Road Freight
- Transport services remain operational.
United Arab Emirates – Sharjah
Sea Freight
- Operations at Sharjah Port remain on hold.
- Several carriers continue to divert containers through Khorfakkan Port.
Air Freight
- Sharjah Airport remains operational with limited carrier availability
Road Freight
- GCC road freight movements continue.
Oman
Sea Imports
- Shipments continue to move through Sohar and Salalah.
- A few carriers continue to offer landbridge services through Abu Dhabi and Khorfakkan.
Sea Exports
- Sohar and Salalah remain open for export bookings across the GCC, subject to vessel schedules.
Air Freight
- Muscat Airport remains fully operational.
- A few airlines have resumed services, providing additional cargo routing options.
- GCC cargo can continue to be routed via Muscat.
Road Freight
- Truck shortages continue to impact the transport market.
Qatar
Overall Operations
- Sea, air and road freight operations are running normally across all services.
- Delays can be expected due to carrier availability.
Kuwait
Overall Operations
- Sea, air and road freight operations continue normally.
- Airline frequencies remain limited to one flight per carrier per day.
Saudi Arabia
Sea Freight
- Jeddah continues to serve as a key gateway for import and export cargo moving within Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC, supported by regional land transit solutions.
Air Freight
- Air freight operations remain normal through Jeddah and Riyadh.
- Capacity through Dammam remains restricted due to reduced flight availability.
Road Freight
- GCC road freight movements continue as normal.
- Refrigerated cargo movements potentially impacted by equipment availability.
Jordan
Sea Freight
- Aqaba continues to serve as a strategic gateway for cargo moving into the GCC and Levant markets.
- Aqaba Port remains fully operational.
Air Freight
- Normal operations with only minor delays reported.
Road Freight
- High congestion levels and truck shortages continue to affect road freight operations.
The information contained in this update reflects GAC’s understanding of operating conditions across certain countries in the Middle East at the time of publication. As the logistics environment continues to evolve, transport availability, routing options, carrier schedules, rates and operational restrictions may change at short notice.
This update is intended to provide a market snapshot based on information available through GAC’s regional network and operational teams. Businesses should assess individual shipment requirements on a case-by-case basis and consult their local GAC contact for the latest developments and tailored guidance.
