On 4 December 2025, Iraq inaugurated the first 62 km section of the USD 17 billion Development Road, linking Al-Faw Grand Port—planned to reach up to 7.5 million teu at full build-out (with early phases around 3.5–4.0 million teu)—with Umm Qasr Port, which is being expanded toward a 4 million teu handling capacity. The segment includes three heavy-truck lanes, two major bridges, reinforced safety systems and solar lighting, forming the first operational component of a corridor that will connect Basra’s port system—projected to become a 10+ million-teu regional hub once Al-Faw and Umm Qasr are fully developed—to the Turkish border via an integrated road-and-rail network. On 8 December, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani reviewed design audits, cost estimates and operational plans with KBR, Oliver Wyman and BTP, directing rapid finalisation of all outstanding requirements to maintain delivery momentum.
The Development Road is set to become one of the Middle East’s most consequential trade corridors, offering a faster, more resilient overland alternative to the Suez Canal and positioning Basra–Al-Faw as a new Gulf–Europe gateway. The corridor is expected to attract large-scale logistics, port-centric industry and cross-border investment while strengthening Iraq–Türkiye–EU connectivity.
Official Source: Iraqi Prime Minister’s Media Office
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