Back-ups worsen at Saudi-Emirates border

Back-ups worsen at Saudi-Emirates border Cairo  - Queues for lorry drivers trying to pass the border between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates now extend for 15 kilometres, local media reported Tuesday.

According to estimates published in the regional Gulf News, some 750 trucks are stuck at the border itself, with about 5,000 in total waiting at nearby car parks and rest areas to cross into Saudi Arabia.

Drivers said the queue continue to lengthen as more trucks arrive and the slow pace of entry to the kingdom does not quicken. Since Sunday checks on the border have taken much longer than usual, the truckers stuck at the rest stops said.

Transport associations warned that the delays could cause a hike in prices for the goods being delivered, which include basic products such as food supplies and cement.

UAE officials and Saudi authorities had no comment on the incident.

In June, massive delays took place at the border, after Riyadh said it would fingerprint drivers passing through the country.