[13/10/2026 01:48]

ADEN-SABA

Transport Minister Mohsen al-Omari chaired a meeting in Aden on Tuesday to assess the status of seaports in Lahj, Shabwa, Hadramout and Al-Mahra governorates, review compliance with the Presidential Leadership Council’s Resolution No. 11 of 2025 on closing smuggling points, and discuss measures to regulate port operations in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The committee, formed under the prime minister’s directives, reviewed field inspection and monitoring results and discussed measures to combat smuggling, regulate the movement of goods and petroleum products, meet local needs and support legitimate trade and fishing activities.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Fisheries Salem al-Soqatri, Lahj Governor Murad al-Halimi, and, via video conference, Shabwa Governor Awad bin al-Wazir, Hadramout Deputy Governor Riyadh al-Jawhari, and Al-Mahra Deputy Governor Mukhtar bin Owaid.

The committee approved regulating operations at Ras al-Ara port in Lahj, including preparing a feasibility study for establishing a port and the necessary infrastructure, assessing the establishment of a customs center, and providing inspection and health services. It also decided to form a committee comprising representatives of the Transport Ministry, local authorities and customs to establish regulations governing the landing and export of approved goods.

Regarding Qena port in Shabwa, the committee called for completing the technical procedures and studies required for its establishment and identifying funding sources for the first phase, which includes a 100-meter-long wharf and a breakwater. It also discussed regulating petroleum product imports through the existing anchorage to meet the governorate’s needs under approved regulations.

The committee decided to restrict Al-Shihr port in Hadramout to fishing activities and services for fishermen, barring commercial cargo to strengthen the role of Mukalla port in handling commercial shipments, including cargo transported to and from the Socotra Archipelago.

It also stressed the need to regulate Nishtun port in Al-Mahra, limiting its activities to imports of consumer goods, petroleum products and other essential supplies required by the governorate, in accordance with approved quantities and permits issued by the competent authorities. The port will continue to receive fishing vessels and boats.

The meeting underscored the importance of coordination among government agencies, local authorities, and security and oversight bodies to enforce regulations governing seaports, curb smuggling, and ensure that all import and export operations comply with the law.

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