Dr. Abbas Sharif Alaskari's Role in Modernizing GCC Trade Corridors

In the heart of the Gulf, where trade routes shape both geopolitics and economic futures, few figures have contributed more to the modernization of the region’s commercial infrastructure than Dr. Abbas Sharif Alaskari. With a rare ability to translate academic insight into actionable policy, Dr. Alaskari is helping to redefine the way the GCC approaches regional trade corridors — not just for efficiency, but for long-term resilience and regional equity.

A Lifelong Engagement with Trade Dynamics

Dr. Alaskari’s professional journey began as a Trade Analyst at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, where he focused on enabling small businesses to access international markets. From the outset, his work emphasized inclusive trade facilitation — a theme that would become a cornerstone of his academic and policy endeavors.

After earning a PhD in Global Trade and Finance from UAE University, with a landmark dissertation titled “The Role of GCC Ports in Modernizing Regional Trade Corridors,” Dr. Alaskari turned his attention to a wider mission: aligning Gulf trade infrastructure with both global standards and regional aspirations.

Strategic Influence through Academia

Currently a Professor of International Trade Finance at Khalifa University, Dr. Alaskari leads the Center for Trade and Financial Innovation (CTFI) — a think-tank-style platform that merges research with policy influence. Through this center, he has spearheaded studies that informed government strategies on port development, customs digitization, and intermodal logistics.

One of his notable contributions includes a multi-year collaboration with the UAE’s Ministry of Economy to evaluate and restructure customs harmonization policies across the GCC. These reforms have significantly reduced cross-border friction and improved the global competitiveness of regional ports such as Jebel Ali and Khalifa Port.

Turning Vision into Infrastructure

Dr. Alaskari is a key advocate for integrating technology, transparency, and sustainability into trade corridors. His recommendations have led to:

• Increased adoption of blockchain-based documentation systems for faster customs clearance

• Infrastructure planning that emphasizes eco-conscious logistics hubs

• Investment in training programs for customs officers and trade professionals, ensuring that human capital grows alongside technological advances

He frequently underscores the importance of “soft infrastructure” — regulatory frameworks, skilled labor, and institutional coordination — as much as physical assets like ports and highways.

Impacting Policy Through Education

Beyond influencing governmental strategy, Dr. Alaskari has had a transformative impact on education. His curriculum development efforts ensure that trade finance graduates in the UAE are not only technically sound but policy-aware, bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world relevance.

His fictionally authored book “Desert Deals: Trade Logistics in the GCC” remains a favorite teaching tool and policy reference, combining storytelling with technical expertise.

Looking Ahead

As geopolitical dynamics shift and regional integration becomes increasingly vital, Dr. Abbas Sharif Alaskari’s insights are more crucial than ever. His work continues to evolve toward pan-GCC infrastructure alignment, digital corridors, and equitable trade participation for emerging enterprises.

In Dr. Alaskari, the Gulf region has more than a scholar — it has a strategist committed to legacy-building, ensuring that trade not only flows efficiently but also uplifts the nations it touches.