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DSCS to Launch Free Zone in Al Sagah Area by 2011

SHARJAH - The Department of Seaports and Customs in Sharjah, or DSCS, will launch a free zone in Al Sagah area by 2011 as part of expansion plans that have not been affected by a drop in goods movement.

Member of Sharjah Executive Council and DSCS-Chairman Shaikh Khaled bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi said the situation is stable and the zone has survived the effects of the global economic downturn despite a significant slump in cargo handling.

“We are even preparing to launch a free zone at Al Sagah area within two years,” he told the members of the Sharjah Consultative Council.

“A plot of land has already been designated for the project, along with all the studies required.”

Shaikh Khaled said that Port Khalid is to go through a complete revamp, and an arrival hall is to be built there soon.

“Starting 2010, most of the big factories and companies shall be moved from Port Khalid to Al Hamriya Free Zone,” he said.

Observing that DSCS is one of the key players in the industry, Shaikh Khalid said Port Khorfakkan ranks 53 in the best 100 seaports in the world.

“Located outside the sensitive straits of Hormuz, Port Khorfakkan is the only natural deepwater harbour in the Gulf region. Though the port has four berths serviced by 14 container gantry cranes, two major berths, 840 metres long, have been added,” he said.

“Hamriya Port is also equipped with the required infrastructure to receive big ships of 17 metres depth.”

DSCS-General Manager Dr Rashid Al Leem said a new fully integrated port is being developed at Sharjah Creek for fishermen. “It will most likely start operation next year.”

“As part of developments, the municipality of Sharjah is to soon replace the old ferries of Sharjah creek with new ones. Their owners shall be compensated.”

Shaikh Khalid said that a new road is to be built from Khorfakkan to Sharjah for trucks so as not to move within residential areas.

“Scrap and stored materials for more than six months are also auctioned off by the purchase department after being advertised in the newspaper,” he said.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com