Iraq is moving ahead with plans to reinforce its economic ties with Saudi Arabia through the development of the Al-Jamima border crossing.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi has approved funding for the construction of facilities and buildings ahead of its expected opening in 2027, according to Arab News.
How Can Infrastructure Boost Trade?
The project seeks to enhance cross-border trade and strengthen transport links between the two neighbors. In Al-Muthanna Governorate, where the crossing is located, authorities see the development of border infrastructure as an opportunity to stimulate commercial activity and support the local economy.
Governor of Al-Muthanna Tawfiq Al-Hassani said on Saturday that rehabilitating the highway connecting the city of Samawah to the Saudi border, alongside constructing the crossing’s facilities, would help advance these objectives.
Turning Border Links Into Economic Gains
For Al-Muthanna, the project represents an opportunity to generate additional revenue while expanding the governorate’s economic activity.
In this context, Al-Hassani said the crossing would allow local authorities to benefit from border revenues in accordance with applicable legal frameworks.
The local government and provincial council are working to finalize the requirements for its operation, reflecting the importance officials attach to the project’s economic and developmental potential.
Remarkably, the Al-Jamima project forms part of a broader push to enhance regional economic cooperation, according to former MP Haider Al-Mulla, who noted that Iraq is seeking to strengthen ties with neighboring Arab and non-Arab countries through trade, energy, and transport links.
Al-Mulla highlighted Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Syria as important partners in this effort, emphasizing that expanding economic cooperation and facilitating energy transit would serve Iraq’s interests.
A Historic Route With New Potential
The Al-Jamima project builds on an existing border link between Iraq and Saudi Arabia through the Arar crossing in Al-Anbar Governorate.
Reopened in 2020 after nearly 29 years of closure, Arar provides an established point of connection between the neighboring countries.
Meanwhile, Al-Jamima has historical roots as one of the principal pilgrimage routes and could take on a renewed role with its planned development.
Stability Along the Saudi Border
Alongside the development of border infrastructure, security remains a significant consideration in Iraq’s cross-border relations with Saudi Arabia.
A local official in Najaf Governorate said the border areas were stable, with no breaches reported along the border fence.
At the same time, Al-Zaidi reaffirmed Baghdad’s interest in strengthening regional relations, telling state television on Friday that Iraq was keen to “establish good relations with Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries.”
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