The recent military escalation between the US-Israel alliance and Iran has introduced heightened uncertainty across the Middle East. Between 28 February and 2 March, aerial strikes and retaliatory actions have triggered short-term disruptions across air, sea, and port operations.
For businesses operating across the GCC and global trade corridors, the key question is not speculation — it is continuity. At TruKKer, we are closely monitoring developments across all transport modes. Below is a structured overview of the current logistics landscape and its implications.
Latest update:
Updates on 22.03.2026
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police General Headquarters have extended the truck movement permit until further notice, allowing trucks to operate across Dubai roads 24/7 to support the logistics sector and help maintain smooth supply chain operations.
Exclusions remain in place: the Airport Tunnel and Al Shindagha Tunnel are not included in this permit extension, and existing restrictions will continue there to maintain road safety and ensure smooth traffic flow.
Updates on 16.03.2026
Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority has highlighted the readiness of a national freight system anchored by a fleet of 500,000+ trucks and 18,500 licensed companies to support cargo distribution and maintain continuity across domestic and GCC corridors. It also references a digital directory of licensed freight carriers , aimed at helping cargo owners and operators identify approved transport providers and assess vehicle availability by truck type/configuration and service destination.
Maersk says the conflict’s impact is now spilling across land, sea, and air corridors, and it has temporarily paused acceptance of nonessential cargo to/from the Gulf due to the “de facto closure” risk environment, while prioritising essential goods such as food and medicine. Maersk also notes it is securing trucking capacity from ports outside the area to move cargo into the Gulf, highlighting Jeddah as a key focus point for Gulf-bound cargo from Europe.
A second-order issue Maersk flags is fuel supply distribution: it says fuel is currently sufficient globally but unevenly distributed, prompting Maersk to adjust its fuel supply chain and reposition fuel to maintain bunkering continuity and protect global network operations. Maersk has also referenced a temporary Emergency Bunker Surcharge (EBS) tied to these conditions.
Updates on 12.03.2026
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in coordination with Dubai Police General Headquarters, has extended the truck movement permit until the evening of Sunday, 22 March 2026. During this period, trucks are allowed to use all roads across Dubai 24/7, as a measure to support the logistics sector and maintain smooth supply chain operations across the city. The only exceptions remain the Airport Tunnel and the Al Shindagha Tunnel, where existing restrictions will continue to apply to ensure road safety and keep traffic moving efficiently on these key corridors.
Updates on 09.03.2026
Qatar has announced a new logistics continuity measure to keep commercial cargo moving smoothly into the country: an alternative land transit route via Saudi Arabia, designed to protect supply chains and maintain uninterrupted trade flows under current regional conditions. The initiative, announced by the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, enables goods to enter Qatar through the Saudi land border under a coordinated transit framework, developed in collaboration with the Qatar General Authority of Customs, to simplify and speed up cargo movement. A key strength of this arrangement is the customs setup behind it—shipments can benefit from dedicated fast-track lanes and expedited clearance through Qatar’s electronic customs platform Al-Nadeeb, allowing documentation to be processed digitally rather than through paper-based procedures. The corridor is also aligned with the international TIR Convention, which supports sealed, cross-border road freight under streamlined customs supervision. Logistics and shipping companies have been encouraged to register under the TIR framework to ensure smoother transit on the new route. Qatar has been part of the TIR system since January 2019 (with the Qatar Chamber as the national guarantor for TIR carnets), and the integration of TIR with the Al-Nadeeb platform, completed in May 2025, now enables fully electronic transit processing. Together, these steps reinforce Qatar’s ability to sustain cargo flows, reduce border delays, and keep essential goods and commercial shipments moving reliably. In parallel, the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority has also noted the partial resumption of Qatar Airways flights through designated emergency air routes, supporting broader transport continuity across modes.
Recent reporting indicates the disruption is now moving from “risk” to real supply constraints. Al Jazeera (citing Reuters) says the conflict has already contributed to the suspension of about one-fifth of global crude and natural gas supply, with a near-shutdown dynamic around the Strait of Hormuz affecting outbound flows.
A major second-order impact is now emerging: oil and gas storage in the Gulf is rapidly filling, forcing production cuts in Iraq and Kuwait, with analysts warning the UAE may be next if vessel movements do not resume.
In parallel, Qatar has declared force majeure on LNG exports, and sources cited by Reuters estimate it may take at least a month to return to normal production levels, a significant risk given Qatar’s role in global LNG supply.
Markets are reflecting these operational constraints: Reuters reporting on 9 March 2026 puts oil prices around the $111/barrel level in that update, underscoring that this is no longer just a “geopolitical premium” story but a disruption story with direct implications for freight costs and lead times.
Updates on 06.03.2026
Wide-spread air and sea route disruption
The air and sea logistics disruption is now spreading well beyond the Gulf, with airfreight hit hardest due to multiple airspace restrictions and limited flight resumptions. While some cargo services have restarted at reduced levels, passenger flights remain largely suspended, and since a big share of global air cargo normally moves in passenger aircraft, this has tightened capacity and pushed rates up.
On the ocean side, there are full closures of both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, which is forcing carriers to reroute and delaying any hopes of normal Suez traffic. There is growing operational congestion: industry tracking suggests a large number of container vessels are effectively stuck or idling in the Gulf, creating equipment imbalance risks that could translate into weeks of knock-on disruption across global networks even if conditions stabilize.
Costs are rising fast too: Brent crude jumped to $84.09 per barrel (6 March) from ~$75 (2 March), adding pressure on freight rates, while shipping lines have begun applying war-risk surcharges of ~$2,000–$3,000 per container, pausing contract negotiations, and in some cases suspending new bookings except for essentials like food and medicine.
AD Ports Group has shared a fresh update on how shipping is adjusting to the current regional situation. The company expects more cargo to move through its international port network as shipping lines reroute vessels away from usual Gulf routes. At the same time, it says some ships may temporarily skip or reduce stops at Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi while routes are being rearranged — but Khalifa Port is still operating normally. AD Ports also noted that most of its 122 ships run outside the Strait of Hormuz, which lowers direct disruption risk, and the vessels that are already inside the Gulf will continue regional services where possible to keep trade moving between nearby ports.
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DP World has confirmed that all terminals at Jebel Ali Port are operating normally, with enhanced safety and security measures in place and continued coordination with relevant authorities, as UAE companies proactively update investors amid the ongoing regional military escalation. The update follows Dubai authorities’ note that debris from an aerial interception caused a fire at one berth at Jebel Ali Port on Sunday, with Dubai Civil Defence responding immediately and continuing efforts to fully extinguish it. In parallel, AD Ports Group has also stated that operations across its clusters are continuing as normal, while activating crisis management and business continuity protocols as a precaution. DP World also highlighted a seasonal supply-chain reality: retailers typically ramp up Ramadan planning six to eight weeks in advance, with trade data (2023–2025 averages) showing higher inbound volumes of staples such as rice (+25%), onions/garlic (+35%), nuts (~+15%), and beverages (~+5%)—underscoring why continuity at major gateways like Jebel Ali matters even more during periods of disruption.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police have temporarily allowed trucks to use all roads across the Emirate 24/7 until Wednesday evening, 4 March 2026, to support the logistics sector and keep supply chains moving smoothly during the current regional disruptions. The only exceptions remain the Airport Tunnel and the Al Shindagha Tunnel, where normal restrictions continue to apply to maintain safety and traffic flow on these critical corridors. Authorities have also stated that regular truck-movement restrictions will resume on Thursday, 5 March 2026, and have urged transport operators and drivers to follow traffic instructions and applicable regulations.
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Over the past few days, the US–Israel–Iran situation has sharply increased maritime risk in and around the Gulf, making the Strait of Hormuz a less reliable passage for time-sensitive cargo. In response, TruKKer is keeping GCC freight moving by routing shipments through alternative port gateways and shifting control to predictable overland legs: freight received via Jeddah is trucked into Riyadh as a consolidation point before being dispatched onward to Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan as conditions allow; cargo routed through Khorfakkan is moved into Dubai and Abu Dhabi with onward connectivity into Bahrain and Qatar where required; and shipments arriving via Sohar are run on repeat trucking cycles into the UAE to cover Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. This routing approach reduces dependence on a single maritime corridor, helps keep lead times manageable, and enables daily re-planning as port conditions, border dynamics, and customer priorities change. If you’re re-mapping import flows or reviewing contingency lanes into the GCC, we’re happy to compare notes—and for urgent capacity or support, reach out at contact@trukker.com
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In line with recent UAE Government advisories and the evolving regional situation, precautionary measures have been implemented across select operational areas to further safeguard personnel and assets. As part of a proactive risk management approach, particularly considering the potential risk of falling debris in open environments, non-essential work in open areas has been temporarily suspended until 3 March 2026.
Port Operations Across the GCC
Port operations across the Middle East remain fluid, with conditions evolving in response to security guidance and local authority directives. While there is no internationally recognised legal closure of the Strait of Hormuz, heightened military risk and company-level advisories have significantly reduced commercial traffic through the waterway.
Below is the latest confirmed operational status across key ports and maritime hubs.
United Arab Emirates
Port operations in the UAE are largely operational, with selective precautionary measures in place.
- Jebel Ali Port (Dubai): Port operations are temporarily on hold and are expected to resume shortly.
- Abu Dhabi Ports (AD Ports Group): All UAE ports managed and operated by AD Ports remain fully open and operational.
- Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi): Operating as usual.
- Sharjah Port: Open and operating normally.
- Fujairah and Khor Fakkan: Fully operational, with no navigational warnings issued.
- Ruwais Port and Abu Dhabi petroleum ports: Operating at ISPS Level 2 (heightened security).
- All other UAE ports remain at ISPS Level 1.
Airspace across the UAE remains closed. Crew change in Abu Dhabi is restricted, while in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Khor Fakkan it is permitted but limited to hotel transfers only.
Kuwait
All ports remain operational.
- Shuwaikh Port: Operating at ISPS Level 2.
- All other ports remain at ISPS Level 1.
- Mina Al Ahmadi, Mina Abdulla, and Mina Al Zour remain operational.
- No formal stoppages reported by port authorities.
As a temporary operational adjustment, container vessels originally bound for Shuaiba Port are being redirected to Shuwaikh Port (subject to draft limitations).
Crew change is restricted at Shuaiba and permitted at Shuwaikh with prior approval.
Oman
Port operations are subject to partial restrictions.
Suspended operations:
- Asyad Dry Dock
- Duqm
- General Cargo Terminal (GCT) at Port of Salalah
Operational ports:
- Muscat
- Mina Al Fahal
- Sohar
- Port of Duqm
- Salalah Container Terminal
ISPS Level remains at Level 1.
Oman’s airspace remains open, though airline cancellations are affecting crew change logistics.
Qatar
Ports remain operational, with precautionary adjustments.
- Ras Laffan and Mesaieed remain open, though traffic is reduced.
- Hamad, Doha, and Al Ruwais ports remain open.
- Official security status remains at ISPS Level 1.
- GPS signal degradation has been reported; vessels are advised to verify navigation through alternative means.
Qatar’s Ministry of Transport has instructed shipping lines and freight agents to continue operations without interruption and maintain business continuity.
Airspace closures have temporarily impacted Qatar Airways operations. Crew change is permitted, limited to hotel transfers.
Bahrain
All port movements remain temporarily suspended, including pilotage services.
ISPS Level remains at Level 1.
Airspace remains closed, and crew changes are not currently possible.
Egypt
The Suez Canal and all Egyptian ports remain fully operational at ISPS Level 1.
Airspace remains open, with no port operational disruptions reported.
EgyptAir has suspended selected regional routes due to airspace closures in neighboring countries.
Jordan
Aqaba Port remains fully operational.
Terminals, marine services, cargo handling, and gate operations are functioning without disruption.
ISPS Level remains at Level 1.
Jordan’s airspace remains open, though flights to certain regional destinations are suspended.
Strait of Hormuz: Maritime Traffic Disruption
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy and trade chokepoints, has experienced a sharp decline in vessel traffic.
Major container lines and crude tanker operators have suspended or rerouted crossings through the waterway. Several global carriers, including MSC, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM, have paused transits and introduced war-risk surcharges. Japanese carriers have instructed vessels to remain in safe waters.
Impact:
- Vessel rerouting and sailing delays
- Increased war-risk and insurance premiums
- Potential upward pressure on ocean freight rates
- Risk of congestion at alternative discharge ports
Maritime Security Incidents
Recent strikes have resulted in direct impacts on vessels in the region, including tanker damage and crew injuries off the coast of Oman. While anchored vessels appear to have been targeted rather than transiting ships, the strategic sensitivity of the area has heightened risk perception across the maritime industry.
Carriers have begun implementing war-risk surcharges ranging between USD 1,500 and 2,000 per container in affected lanes.
Impact:
- Increased marine insurance premiums
- Elevated risk assessments
- Potential rerouting away from Gulf ports
Sea Freight Network Adjustments
Beyond Hormuz, carriers continue to avoid the Red Sea and Suez Canal corridor, rerouting vessels via the Cape of Good Hope. Emergency conflict surcharges have been introduced, and vessel diversions are expected to impact global sailing schedules.
Outlook:
- Longer lead times
- Spot rate increases
- Increased scheduling complexity
- Congestion risks at alternate hubs
Air Freight Disruptions
Airspace closures and restricted corridors across parts of the Middle East have disrupted international flight operations.
Airlines have suspended or rerouted services, resulting in:
- Extended transit times
- Reduced cargo capacity
- Potential rate volatility
- Increased fuel surcharge risk
Global trade lanes — particularly Far East–Europe and Asia–Middle East corridors — may experience capacity tightening as aircraft redeploy and avoid affected airspace.
Contract Logistics & Warehousing
Warehousing and contract logistics operations across the Gulf remain active, supported by business continuity frameworks. While inbound and outbound irregularities may occur, facilities continue operating with reinforced workforce coordination and contingency planning.
Road Freight Stability Across the GCC
Amid disruptions across sea and air networks, road freight remains the most stable and reliable transport mode across the GCC at this stage.
Cross-border and domestic logistics continue to operate across the UAE, KSA, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar corridors. While minor congestion and selective customs delays are being observed — largely due to cargo shifting from sea and air to land — movement remains active and structured.
Heightened security checks and compliance protocols may introduce temporary transit variability at certain border points. However, border crossings remain open and functional.
Our technology platform enables live tracking of shipments, predictive routing adjustments, and immediate communication between drivers, operations teams, and clients.
As cargo shifts from sea and air into road networks, proactive capacity planning becomes essential. TruKKer’s digitally connected fleet ecosystem allows us to scale capacity while maintaining control and transparency.
Broader Market Implications
- Oil prices have shown early signs of volatility.
- Jet fuel costs may increase.
- War-risk and insurance premiums are under review.
- Spot container rates are expected to trend upward.
- Hopes for a full-scale Red Sea/Suez normalisation in 2026 are now uncertain.
This is not yet a systemic supply chain shutdown, but it is a period of heightened sensitivity and network recalibration.
TruKKer’s Approach
We are continuously monitoring regional developments across all GCC markets to assess potential impacts on ground movement, border flows, and trade corridors.
Our technology platform provides real-time shipment visibility across fleets, enabling proactive decision-making, early risk identification, and faster response to changing conditions. This level of transparency allows our teams — and our partners — to operate with confidence rather than uncertainty.
We remain in close coordination with customs authorities, border officials, port operators, and on-ground personnel across the region. This direct connectivity ensures that any regulatory adjustments, security escalations, or corridor changes are immediately factored into operational planning.
Flexible routing strategies and disciplined capacity management remain central to our approach. As cargo shifts across modes and corridors, maintaining structured execution becomes critical.
While air and sea networks are experiencing pressure, GCC road freight corridors continue to function. Stability in times like these depends not on headlines, but on execution — clear communication, coordinated action, and real-time visibility.
We will continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as the situation evolves.
If you require shipment-specific guidance, contingency planning support, or capacity assistance across GCC corridors, our team is ready to help. Please reach out to us at contact@trukker.com
We remain committed to supporting your supply chain with responsibility, responsiveness, and reliability.
Moving Forward
The Middle East remains a vital artery of global trade. Periods of volatility test resilience — but structured logistics networks, diversified routing, and real-time coordination allow businesses to adapt. We have strong confidence in the leadership across the region and in the measured, coordinated efforts underway to manage the situation with clarity, strength, and a continued commitment to the safety and stability of all communities. Supply chains may be recalibrating, but they are not stopping. For shipment-specific guidance or support, connect with your TruKKer representative.