Regional collaboration crucial for Gulf logistics resilience, says Deloitte
The GCC region has long served as a vital artery for global commerce, functioning as a primary transit point for international freight. However, as the operating environment grows increasingly complex, a report from Deloitte suggests that the historical focus on individual port performance is no longer future-proof.
In order to navigate recent disruptions in critical maritime routes like the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, experts argue that system-wide resilience through regional cooperation is now a necessity. Geopolitical instability has now become the rule, not the exception – and more disruption is likely to come if the ongoing conflict in the region is not quickly resolved.
By aligning responses and pooling resources, ports across the region can better anticipate and recover from unexpected challenges. This shift toward collaboration does not eliminate competition, but rather complements national efforts to ensure that trade flows remain steady even during periods of high pressure.
Strategic levers for a connected system
Several practical mechanisms are currently being deployed to weave these individual hubs into a more cohesive network. Timely information exchange and the establishment of secure communication channels allow authorities to share threat assessments and operational data. This proactive approach to decision-making is already visible in initiatives such as the introductory guide published by Saudi Arabia, which helps beneficiaries optimize their use of ports along the western coast.
Standardization also plays a central role in reducing the friction of cross-border trade. By aligning digital platforms and customs processes, cargo can move more fluidly between different jurisdictions, reducing administrative hurdles.
Vivien Catto, partner at Deloitte, emphasizes the importance of this evolution for those on the ground. According to Catto, operators should focus on “exploring bilateral and multilateral agreements, investing in interoperable systems, and enhancing operational coordination mechanisms.”
Multimodal infrastructure and the future of trade
The physical integration of the region is perhaps best illustrated by the development of the GCC Railway Project, an ambitious initiative designed to connect all six member states and their major seaports. Such infrastructure supports a gradual move toward corridor-based logistics, which reduces the reliance on any single node and offers more flexible routing options.
Recent milestones include the Jebel Ali Rail Terminal, which began operations in March 2026 to facilitate joint work between DP World and Etihad Rail. In arrangements like this, harmonized protocols reduce friction and enable smoother coordination during disruptions.
There is also the Dubai-Oman Green Corridor, activated in March 2026, which demonstrates how coordinated customs procedures can speed up the movement of goods through land borders. These integrated corridors combine maritime, rail, and land infrastructure to create a more reliable environment for investors and ecosystem players.
More overland connections between neighboring GCC countries is a good strategy moving forward: For example, Saudi Arabia has managed to bypass the Persian Gulf with an oil pipeline across the country to the Red Sea. This, however, only accounts for a small portion of energy resources and there is still the lingering threat of the Houthis in Yemen, who have threatened to attack ships in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, yet another chokepoint.
Reflecting on the necessity of these coordinated efforts, Luigi Burlando, Manager at Deloitte, highlights the path forward for governing bodies. Burlando notes that progress depends on "supporting alignment of policies and procedures and facilitating cross-border infrastructure development."
As the GCC logistics landscape becomes more complex, these unified strategies in policy and technology will be the defining factor in shaping a predictable and stable trade environment for the region.
“Competition will remain a defining feature of GCC port dynamics. At the same time, regional cooperation offers a complementary pathway to enhance resilience and ensure continuity of trade flows,” says Burlando. “As operating environments become more complex, coordinated approaches across infrastructure, operations, and policy are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of GCC logistics systems.”
