Modern ports and land borders must operate as seamless logistical hubs, accommodating exponential growth while maintaining rigorous security protocols.
At the forefront of this operational evolution is the Emirate of Sharjah, which is actively advancing its cross-agency integration to fortify its vital infrastructure. In a significant move to streamline operations, the Organisational Committee of Ports and Border Points in Sharjah recently convened to implement comprehensive efficiency upgrades across the emirate.
The 9th Strategic Leadership Meeting
Held at the Khatmat Malaha Border, the 9th meeting of 2026 brought together key government and security entities. The session was chaired by H.E. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Raisi, Director of Ports and Border Points Affairs at the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, and Chairman of the Committee. A central focus of the assembly was to review the latest developments across Sharjah’s expansive network of maritime and land borders.
Opening the session, Al Raisi welcomed newly appointed members, whose selection followed the issuance of Sharjah Executive Council Decision No. (39) of 2026. This recent mandate amended the earlier Executive Council Decision No. (30) of 2020, which regulates the Committee. He also conveyed greetings from Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, wishing the team continued success in their duties.
Balancing Rapid Transit with Rigorous Security
A primary theme of the discussions was the absolute necessity of working as a unified team. Al Raisi stressed the importance of intensifying collective efforts to continuously develop the border points system. Operational and security readiness must align perfectly with the emirate’s overarching trajectory of growth.
Addressing the complex dynamics of modern border management, Al Raisi stated: "Ports and border points serve as vital gateways for both Sharjah and the UAE. Continued growth in passenger and commercial traffic places a responsibility on the entities operating at these facilities to continue developing their operational systems, improve procedural efficiency and strengthen coordination and integration. These efforts are essential to balancing smooth movement with faster processing while maintaining the highest standards of security, oversight and safety."
Key Operational Enhancements
To achieve these ambitious targets, the committee reviewed its updated mandate under the new regulatory decision. The agenda highlighted multiple pathways to strengthen integration among the diverse entities operating at these checkpoints.
The committee was briefed extensively on recent developments, discussing critical operational matters raised by stakeholders. Key focus areas identified to enhance services for travellers and commercial entities include:
- Refining Inspection Procedures: Developing more sophisticated methods for processing cargo and travellers safely.
- Boosting Checkpoint Efficiency: Upgrading the operational capacity of individual inspection points to reduce wait times.
- Strengthening Oversight: Enhancing overall security measures without compromising the speed of transit.
- Information Exchange: Fostering closer field coordination and the rapid sharing of vital expertise between operational teams.
- Actioning Recommendations: Ensuring that strategic measures proposed in previous meetings are swiftly translated into tangible field operations.
Cross-Agency Alignment and Future Readiness
In a move to further solidify the leadership structure governing these efforts, Brigadier Abdulaziz Sarhan Al Zaabi, Director of Land Ports at the General Directorate of Ports, was officially selected as Vice-Chairman of the Committee.
The immense scale of this cross-agency integration was reflected in the diverse array of senior attendees at the meeting. Alongside the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, the session included Colonel Sultan bin Taliah, Director of the Land and Sea Ports Department at Sharjah Police General Headquarters; Lieutenant Colonel Staff Mohammed Al Shamsi, Commander of the Northern Sector at the Border Guard Group of the National Guard Command; and Abdullah Al Badwawi, Director of the Customs Risk and Ports Security Department at the General Directorate of Customs and Ports Security. Representatives from the State Security Department (SSD) and Abdullah Abdulrahman Al Kindi of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority were also present.
By translating strategic recommendations into practical, on-the-ground measures, Sharjah is building an agile infrastructure capable of anticipating the future demands of global transit.
Elevating border security and efficiency across Sharjah
The session was chaired by H.E. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Raisi, Director of Ports and Border Points Affairs at the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, and Chairman of the Committee.
