UAE transport and supply chain system remains efficient and steady: Al Mazrouei

Abu Dhabi: Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Chairman of the Supply and Transport Committee, affirmed that the UAE's transport and supply chain system continues to operate efficiently and steadily, supported by an integrated national approach based on proactiveness, integration, and future readiness. Al Mazrouei said, "The continuity of the transport and supply chain system reflects a high level of resilience in addressing regional challenges and enhances the efficient flow of goods. This has been achieved through flexible infrastructure that supports the sustainability of supply chains, in addition to the diversity and integration of transport channels across maritime, land, and rail sectors." He explained that since the beginning of recent developments, container handling has exceeded 262,000 containers, alongside the operation of approximately 4,800 trucks daily to strengthen connectivity between ports. Around 1,200 vessels have also been monitored within UAE waters in terms of supply and services. Al Mazrouei further noted that strengthening connectivity between Gulf coast ports and the eastern coast is being achieved through an integrated trucking network, supported by a package of facilitations that include lifting movement restrictions and fee exemptions. This is complemented by effective regional and international cooperation that has ensured an uninterrupted flow of goods. Regarding governance, the Minister explained that the system is managed through the Supply and Transport Committee under a comprehensive national framework. This framework relies on enhanced collaboration with the private sector and coordination among more than 20 federal, local, and operational entities, guided by clear governance mechanisms that prioritize efficiency and sustainability. It also ensures direct operational connectivity between ports, land border crossings, and the railway network. He emphasised that the national team overseeing the supply and transport sector plays a pivotal role during the current phase through specialised operational teams in flow management, data, and logistics. The team runs a national operations room around the clock, monitors shipment movements in real time, prioritises vessel entry and departure in coordination with the Ministry of Economy, and addresses operational challenges immediately. It also redistributes routes based on operational pressure levels, with continuous coordination with relevant entities and operators. On infrastructure investments, Al Mazrouei highlighted their significant contribution to enhancing supply chain readiness. Capacity at eastern coast ports has increased twentyfold, daily truck movement has risen thirtyfold compared to previous levels, cooling points have expanded from 490 to over 2,400 electrical outlets, and the number of cranes has exceeded 30. Additionally, more than 7 million square meters of storage space have been provided, along with dedicated areas at Fujairah Port to handle over 2.8 million metric tons of bulk cargo arriving from GCC countries. On community cohesion, he affirmed that what the UAE is witnessing reflects a strong societal awareness and high confidence in the efficiency of the national system. It also demonstrates a solid partnership between the community and government entities based on readiness and transparency. He noted that the integration between government and the private sector reinforces an advanced model that enhances service sustainability and strengthens social cohesion. The Minister added, "The exceptional solidarity and responsible national spirit demonstrated by the UAE community are a source of pride and appreciation and confirm that the strength of the nation stems from the awareness and unity of its people." For his part, Mohammed Al Mansoori, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, confirmed that the flexible facilitations provided to transport companies have directly supported the logistics sector and enhanced its efficiency during the current phase, ensuring the smooth and continuous flow of goods. He said, "These facilitations included activating alternative routes, lifting restrictions on truck movement between ports, and coordinating with local authorities to remove truck transit bans on roads, which contributed to accelerating transport operations and reducing travel time." Al Mansoori added that gate fees have been waived on routes connecting the eastern coast with other ports, customs corridors have been activated to expedite clearance procedures and reduce transit times, and vehicle entry procedures have been simplified across GCC countries, including allowing the entry of empty vehicles. Regarding port performance, he noted that operations since early March have been a strong indicator of the efficiency and readiness of UAE ports. He emphasised that the UAE's port system is characterised by integrated capabi