Definition

The Port of Sharjah encompasses the maritime port facilities operated by Sharjah’s Gulftainer and the Sharjah Port Authority across the emirate’s territories on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The primary facility, Sharjah Container Terminal (Khorfakkan on the east coast and Port Khalid on the west), handles container, general cargo, bulk, and ro-ro operations. Khorfakkan Container Terminal, situated on the Gulf of Oman, offers the strategic advantage of direct ocean access without transiting the Strait of Hormuz, making it attractive to major shipping lines seeking to reduce transit times for east-west trade routes.

UAE Context

Sharjah’s port infrastructure offers a cost-competitive alternative to Dubai and Abu Dhabi for certain cargo types and trade routes. Khorfakkan Container Terminal, in particular, has carved out a significant niche as a transshipment port for mainline vessels that do not need to enter the Arabian Gulf. The terminal’s natural deep-water harbor eliminates the need for expensive dredging, and its geographic position shortens transit times for vessels traveling between Asia and Europe. The Port of Sharjah historically played a central role in Sharjah’s economy before the rise of Dubai’s Jebel Ali, and the emirate continues to invest in modernizing its maritime facilities to remain competitive.

Key Data

• Main facilities: Port Khalid (Arabian Gulf), Khorfakkan Container Terminal (Gulf of Oman)
• Operator: Gulftainer (Sharjah-based, one of the world’s largest private port operators)
• Khorfakkan advantage: Direct ocean access, no Strait of Hormuz transit required
• Cargo types: Containers, general cargo, bulk, ro-ro
• Notable feature: Khorfakkan’s natural deep-water harbor
• Sharjah Port Authority: Oversees regulation and development of all Sharjah maritime facilities

Significance for Vision 2031

The Port of Sharjah contributes to Vision 2031’s objective of developing all seven emirates as active economic participants. Sharjah’s maritime facilities provide capacity overflow and competitive alternatives to the larger ports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, supporting the national goal of distributing trade infrastructure across multiple locations. Khorfakkan’s strategic position outside the Strait of Hormuz adds resilience to the UAE’s overall maritime trade network, complementing Fujairah Port’s similar geographic advantage on the eastern coast.

Related Terms

• Sharjah - The emirate operating these port facilities
• Fujairah Port - Another UAE port outside the Strait of Hormuz
• Jebel Ali Port - The region’s dominant container port in neighboring Dubai
• Hamriyah Free Zone - Sharjah’s industrial free zone with port facilities