The Wadi'ah border crossing between Yemen and Saudi Arabia is experiencing a severe congestion crisis, with hundreds of passengers and transport buses stranded, a recurring issue during peak travel seasons. Calls are mounting for permanent solutions to end the suffering of thousands of expatriates, rather than relying on temporary measures.
Sources within the transport sector indicate that over 200 public transport buses are stalled near the crossing, awaiting clearance. Meanwhile, hundreds of passengers endure prolonged waits, sometimes lasting days, under difficult weather conditions and with inadequate basic services.
Passengers have shared videos documenting extensive queues of buses in the Al-Abr area leading to the Wadi'ah crossing. They are urging the Public Authority for Land Transport Affairs and relevant authorities to intervene and implement a permanent mechanism for regulating trips to alleviate congestion and uphold the dignity of travelers.
Government bodies attribute part of the crisis to some public transport companies failing to register in advance through the "Abour" application, designed to schedule crossings. They note that private vehicles completing electronic booking proceed more smoothly, while congestion primarily affects public transport buses that do not comply with the system's requirements or exceed their allocated times.
Amidst the ongoing crisis, activists and travel agencies specializing in expatriate affairs have warned of increasing fraud targeting travelers. Individuals are reportedly claiming the ability to secure appointments on the "Abour" application for a fee. These warnings emphasize that the official booking service is entirely free and requires no payment, with some intermediaries exploiting travelers' needs before disappearing without providing any service.
Activists advise all travelers to download the official application, create personal accounts, and complete booking procedures themselves, without sharing personal data with unauthorized entities. Observers suggest that the recurring congestion at Wadi'ah necessitates a comprehensive review of land transport regulation mechanisms and enhanced coordination between authorities and transport companies to ensure smooth passage and prevent recurring bottlenecks, especially given that thousands of Yemenis rely on this port as their primary land route to Saudi Arabia.
