A new trade corridor has been launched to strengthen regional ties, creating a direct link between Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The route, starting in Egypt, is designed to boost cooperation and reduce transportation costs. Officials emphasized that the initiative could reshape commercial exchanges across the Middle East.
The project begins in Cairo and extends through Egypt’s highway network to Safaga Port on the Red Sea. From there, goods move across the sea to Saudi Arabia’s Neom Port. After arrival, shipments continue overland through Saudi territory and reach Erbil in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region.
This new route highlights the growing importance of trade between Saudi Arabia and Iraq. For both countries, it represents an opportunity to expand economic activity and deepen regional partnerships. Moreover, it shortens delivery times and offers companies faster access to markets.
Safaga Port already handled the first trial shipment. Maritime officials confirmed that transportation time dropped by more than 50 percent compared with traditional routes. As a result, the corridor provides a strong competitive edge in today’s challenging trade environment.
Observers noted that the corridor could serve as a vital alternative to older, slower routes. Traditional trade passages cause delays and raise costs due to global uncertainty and regional pressures. Therefore, this new link ensures greater stability and efficiency for businesses.
Saudi Arabia and Iraq have long sought to expand their trade ties. This corridor demonstrates a concrete step toward achieving that vision. In addition, it creates opportunities for investment, logistics cooperation, and industrial growth between the two nations.
Egypt plays an important role in connecting the Red Sea to this trade line. However, the real spotlight remains on the strengthened Saudi-Iraqi relationship. The corridor guarantees faster movement of goods and more reliable commercial flows between them.
The successful pilot shipment marks only the beginning. Both governments expect the corridor to evolve into a cornerstone of regional trade. Ultimately, the new route symbolizes a strategic step toward stronger cooperation and deeper integration between Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
