Al-Wadi’ah Port Director: 133 Billion Riyals by 2025; “Unified Sovereign Window” Implemented to Combat Smuggling by 80%.
The Source: Alaber/English.hadhramaut.info/Exlusive - Thursday 19/Mar./2026
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The Director General of Al-Wadi’ah Land Port, Amer Saeed Al-Sayari, revealed a significant transitional phase underway at the port, culminating in the move to new port facilities within three to four weeks. This coincides with the completion of the digital transformation system and the launch of the “Unified Sovereign Window” to electronically link regulatory bodies and customs.
In an exclusive interview with Yemen Monitor, Al-Sayari confirmed that the port—currently the only land crossing connecting Yemen to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—operates around the clock and accommodates unprecedented human and commercial flows amidst the exceptional circumstances the country is experiencing.
He explained that the port has recently faced immense pressure, exceeding four times its capacity. The number of vehicles entering the port has increased from a daily capacity of approximately 500 to around 2,000, previously causing queues that stretched for 7 kilometers and lasted for days.
Al-Sa’i told Yemen Monitor that the port administration has resorted to digital solutions by establishing an electronic booking system to regulate entry and exit. This system, implemented a year ago, has helped eliminate congestion outside the port perimeter and prevent the recurrence of the long queues that negatively impacted travelers, especially the elderly and families.
He noted the existence of field committees to review humanitarian and exceptional cases, including the elderly, families, and first-time port visitors, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to the booking system as the most effective tool for managing traffic. “The Unified Sovereign Window” and Combating Smuggling
Regarding trade, Al-Sa’i announced the imminent launch of the “Unified Sovereign Window” system within a month or two. This electronic system will link all entities involved in the import and export process—customs, agriculture, standards and metrology, and the Medicines Authority—within a unified platform.
He emphasized that this electronic linkage will subject trucks and goods to simultaneous monitoring by multiple agencies, enhancing transparency, reducing manipulation and counterfeiting, and increasing the efficiency of combating smuggling by up to 80%. It will also expedite customs clearance procedures, raise the level of goods monitoring, and thus protect public health and the national economy.
Record Revenues in 2025
Regarding financial performance, Al-Sa’i stated that customs revenues at the port in 2025 exceeded 133 billion Yemeni riyals, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. He explained that this reflects the level of administrative discipline and the growing commercial activity through the port. Near-Daily Coordination with the Saudi Side
Concerning the level of bilateral coordination, the port's director general described cooperation with the relevant authorities on the Saudi side—including passport control, customs, and others—as "near-daily," reaching approximately 90%. He emphasized that this coordination is a fundamental pillar for ensuring the smooth flow of passengers and goods and preventing congestion on both sides of the port.
Transition to the New Port
Regarding the next phase, Al-Sayari announced that the official move to the new port will take place on the 15th of Dhu al-Qi'dah. The new port features wider lanes and separate gates designated for buses, trucks, and smaller vehicles, which will contribute to improving service quality and reducing waiting times.
Al-Sayari concluded by urging passengers and transport companies to adhere to schedules, booking systems, and official arrangements. He stressed that compliance with regulations is the primary guarantee for a safe and efficient journey, while also allowing for prioritizing humanitarian cases through organized mechanisms.
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