The Eastern Gateway Bonded Zone (EGBZ), a state-ofthe- art multi-model, multi-user, temperature-controlled, bonded storage & customs clearance gateway, is now up and running. As the facility's official handling agent, Almajdouie Logistics is playing a key role in its operation, helping to serve the needs of a growing number of resident and non-resident users.

Located on a 100,000 sqm site at Da mam's King Fahad International Airport, EGBZ is designed to facilitate the movement of air and road cargo into Saudi Arabia in a seamless and efficient way. Almajdouie Logistics is providing cargo handling equipment, manpower, IT solutions, and inventory management services that ensure day-to-day activities run smoothly.

EGBZ affords a number of benefits to its u ers, including time savings, efficiency improvements, cost reductions, deferment of duty & VAT payments, expedited clearance times, extended customs clearance operating hours, and a safe and secure environment to store/clear cargo.

At present, the facility offers cargo handling and clearance servicesfor any carrier through its general cargo area, with additional space available for companies seeking dedicated handling areas. Although the chamber is currently being utilised for clearing cargo, its storage capabilities are proving incredibly beneficial for customers needing deferred duty or re-export solutions. The facility has dedicated chilled and frozen chambers for the safe handling and inspection of perishable and temperature-sensitive cargo to ensure food safety as well as quality assurance In recent years, overland bonded/transit trucking traffic between the UAE and Saudi Arabia has grown exponentially. While it can take several days for road transit arriving at the Saudi border from Dubai to clear customs and be released into the country, this process has been shortened significantly at the EGBZ's clearance facilities.

From a transporter's perspective, this means greater operational efficiency, quicker turnaround, improved asset utilisation, and reduced lead times. There is currently a team of dedicated Almajdouie Logistics employees at the EGBZ, handling all inbound trucks and airfreight daily. As the facility's other chambers open up, the volume is projected to rise to almost 200 trucks a day and the number of employees will increase accordingly.

To accommodate this growth, the EGBZ's opening hours have been extended from 8 to 16 hours presently, and then, to 24 hours in the near future. Having 24-hour customs clearance capabilities at the facility would be a game changer for Saudi Arabia, improving the competitiveness of the country's business environment, and driving economic growth and diversification in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

The EGBZ is a project financed and owned by the Eastern Gateway Logistical Services Company (EGLSC), an investment vehicle established by a group of prominent Saudi Arabian merchant families, including Albawardi Group, Al Muhaidib Group, The Globe Group, and Alissa Group.