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Saudi-UAE Border Sees Delays on UAE-to-Saudi Shipments as Flows Rise from Hormuz Closure
Trucks moving goods from the UAE into Saudi Arabia face waits of several days, with some drivers sleeping under trailers for over a week. The slowdowns have worsened in recent months at the Al Batha crossing amid broader tensions between the two economies.
Jul 9, 7:52 AM·1m read1 source
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Firms moving goods from the UAE into Saudi Arabia face delays of up to several days at the border, Semafor reported. Some truck drivers have waited more than a week and slept under their trailers while held without explanation. Trade between the two countries exceeds $20 billion annually.
Flows from Saudi Arabia into the UAE at the Al Batha crossing have risen since the start of the Iran war because the Strait of Hormuz is closed, creating new bottlenecks. Affected shipments include building equipment, furniture, spare parts, and fresh flowers.
Companies and individuals have also reported problems with financial transfers from Saudi Arabia to the UAE in recent weeks, prompting some businesses to route payments through third countries and some travelers to carry large amounts of cash.
Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority stated that trade exchange remains within the normal range of customs operations and that no complaints or indications of delays have been received at ports. The current slowdowns follow earlier strains. Saudi Arabia imposed new import restrictions from the UAE in 2021 that produced hours-long queues.
The UAE left OPEC in May. Some businesses have begun seeking alternative routes into Saudi Arabia as a result of the border issues.
