Custom Search

By Rostom Aram, for Almas Group.

Freight Under Pressure: How Regional Instability Is Reshaping Middle East Logistics

The Middle East remains one of the world's most important logistics corridors, connecting production hubs in Asia with markets across Europe, Africa, and the wider region. However, periods of geopolitical tension continue to test the resilience of supply chains operating through this critical transit zone.

In recent months, regional instability has introduced new uncertainties for freight forwarders, shipping lines, and cargo owners. While global supply chains have become more adaptable following recent disruptions, the current environment again highlights how quickly logistics networks must respond to changing operational realities.

Disruptions to Established Transport Corridors

When political or security developments affect key transit routes, the impact on logistics operations can be immediate. Border inspections may increase, transit conditions can change rapidly, and insurance costs for certain corridors may rise.

For logistics operators, these disruptions often lead to:

• Increased transit time uncertainty
• Reduced capacity on traditional routes
• Higher operational costs
• Greater reliance on contingency planning

Maintaining flexible routing strategies and strong regional coordination therefore becomes essential.

The Growing Role of Alternative Routes

As traditional corridors face pressure, freight forwarders are increasingly relying on diversified transport strategies. Multimodal solutions combining sea and road transport allow cargo to continue moving even when established routes become constrained.

For countries like Iraq, where international trade relies heavily on cross-border road transport and regional port access, the ability to adapt routes quickly is particularly important.

Local Expertise and Operational Flexibility

Periods of uncertainty also highlight the importance of local expertise. Navigating customs procedures, infrastructure limitations, and regulatory environments requires on-the-ground experience.

Logistics providers operating in Iraq and the surrounding region have had to adapt rapidly to shifting conditions. Several traditional routes into Iraq have faced operational constraints, prompting freight forwarders to redesign transit plans and rely more heavily on diversified corridors.

Companies with established regional networks - such as Almas Group, a logistics provider headquartered in Erbil with operations across Iraq - increasingly focus on route diversification and close coordination with regional partners to maintain cargo continuity.

How Almas Group Is Adapting to Support Clients

For cargo owners and project logistics operators moving freight into Iraq and the wider Gulf region, flexibility in routing and strong regional partnerships are becoming essential.

Companies with established networks across Gulf ports, Saudi corridors, and Turkish gateways are better positioned to maintain supply chain resilience.

At Almas Group, this means actively redesigning routing strategies to ensure cargo continues moving reliably into Iraq.

Recent shipments have increasingly been routed through alternative gateways such as Jebel Ali with onward trucking via Safwan, Jeddah with inland transport through the Arar border crossing, and Sohar with trucking corridors connecting through the UAE and Saudi Arabia into Iraq.

These options allow cargo owners to maintain supply chain continuity when certain ports, border crossings, or transit corridors face delays or operational constraints.

In addition to alternative gateways, Almas Group supports clients through flexible logistics solutions such as rerouting cargo, switching ports of entry, adjusting trucking corridors, and planning contingency routes depending on conditions across the region.

Building Resilient Supply Chains

Geopolitical uncertainty reinforces the importance of resilience in modern logistics networks. Companies across the sector continue to invest in diversified routing strategies, stronger partnerships, and improved supply chain visibility.

For cargo owners, working with logistics providers that understand regional complexities can significantly reduce the risk of delays and operational disruptions.

Looking Ahead

The Middle East will remain a critical hub for global trade. As regional dynamics evolve, logistics networks must remain adaptable and responsive.

In this environment, success will depend on operational flexibility, strong partnerships, and the ability to adjust quickly to changing conditions while keeping cargo moving.

Author

Rostom Aram is Marketing Manager at Almas Group, a freight forwarding and logistics company headquartered in Erbil, Iraq, with offices in Baghdad, Basra, and Sulaymaniyah, specializing in freight forwarding, project cargo logistics, and customs clearance services across Iraq.

For more information: www.almastpgroup.com/en | [email protected] | +964 770 222 9005

See also:

New Customs Rules in Force at Umm Qasr Port

By John Lee.

Iraq participated via video link in a meeting of OPEC+ countries to review global oil market conditions and the production outlook.

The group agreed to modestly increase oil production starting April 2026, adding 206,000 barrels per day, as part of a gradual unwinding of earlier voluntary output cuts, citing stable economic conditions and low oil inventories.

However, they emphasized flexibility to pause, slow, or reverse this increase depending on how market conditions evolve.

Full statement from OPEC:

Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman adjust production and reaffirm commitment to market stability

The eight OPEC+ countries, which previously announced additional voluntary adjustments in April and November 2023, namely Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman met virtually on 1 March 2026, to review global market conditions and outlook.

In view of a steady global economic outlook and current healthy market fundamentals, as reflected in the low oil inventories, the eight participating countries decided to resume the unwinding of the 1.65 million barrels per day of additional voluntary adjustments announced in April 2023 and agreed on a production adjustment of 206 thousand barrels per day. This adjustment will be implemented in April 2026 as detailed in the table below. The 1.65 million barrels per day may be returned in part or in full subject to evolving market conditions and in a gradual manner. The countries will continue to closely monitor and assess market conditions, and in their continuous efforts to support market stability, they reaffirmed the importance of adopting a cautious approach and retaining full flexibility to increase, pause or reverse the phase out of the voluntary production adjustments, including reversing the previously implemented voluntary adjustments of the 2.2 million barrels per day announced in November 2023.

The eight OPEC+ countries also noted that this measure will provide an opportunity for the participating countries to accelerate their compensation. The eight countries reiterated their collective commitment to achieve full conformity with the Declaration of Cooperation, including the additional voluntary production adjustments that will be monitored by the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC).

They also confirmed their intention to fully compensate for any overproduced volume since January 2024. The eight OPEC+ countries will hold monthly meetings to review market conditions, conformity, and compensation. The eight countries will meet on 5 April 2026.

(Sources: OPEC / Ministry of Oil)

By John Lee.

The General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) has confirmed that Iraq has formally deposited its maritime zones map and associated coordinates with the United Nations (UN), in a move aimed at consolidating its maritime rights and strengthening its legal position in boundary matters.

Director General Dr Farhan Al-Fartousi said the deposit was made on 18th February by Iraq's Permanent Mission to the UN, following extended technical work involving specialised Iraqi committees and multiple government entities. The map reportedly covers Iraq's internal waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone, and is intended to provide a consolidated legal and technical reference supported by precise coordinates.

Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Government Decision No. 266 of 2025 underpinning the submission was based on Iraqi laws and resolutions governing maritime jurisdiction, and was aligned with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and established principles of international law.

The Ministry described the delimitation of Iraq's maritime zones as a sovereign matter, asserting that no State has the right to intervene, while reaffirming Iraq's commitment to relevant international legal provisions.

However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait has issued a statement objecting to what it described as Iraqi claims affecting Kuwait's sovereignty over certain maritime areas and stable maritime features, including Fasht Al-Qaid and Fasht Al-Aij.

Kuwait said these areas had not previously been subject to dispute regarding its full sovereignty. It summoned Iraq's chargé d'affaires in Kuwait to deliver a formal note of protest, and called on Iraq to adhere to international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as existing bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries.

The Iraqi submission is expected to have implications for ongoing discussions related to maritime boundary arrangements, including matters linked to the Khor Abdullah waterway.

According to Qatar-based Al Jazeera, Kuwait's position is supported by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman.

(Sources: GCPI; Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Al Jazeera)

By John Lee.

Baims, a MENA-based education technology group, has acquired MedMasters, an Iraq-based online medical education platform, marking its second strategic acquisition and its entry into the Iraqi market.

The transaction expands Baims' regional footprint and strengthens its position in digital higher education across the Middle East.

Founded by Dr. Abdulazeez Salam and Dr. Zaid Imad, MedMasters operates a mobile-first marketplace for medical education, serving thousands of medical students across Iraq. The platform has reported strong organic growth and high user engagement.

Yousef AlHusaini, CEO of Baims, said the acquisition forms part of the company's strategy to partner with founder-led platforms demonstrating established academic communities and sustainable business models.

Following the acquisition:

• MedMasters will continue operating under its existing academic identity
• Baims will provide operational support, regional scale and capital resources
• Iraqi students will gain access to additional recorded courses aligned with university curricula
• Expanded 1-to-1 tutoring services will be introduced through Baims' tutoring platform, Orcas

The companies stated that the integration will combine recorded learning, live tutoring and digital infrastructure to expand academic support services across multiple disciplines in Iraq.

Baims currently operates in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and the United Kingdom, providing curriculum-aligned recorded courses and personalised tutoring services.

(Source: Baims)

By John Lee.

The Undersecretary at Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has told state-run Iraqi News Agency that work to rehabilitate the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline remains suspended due to the security situation in Syria.

He added that government is reviewing alternative export routes, including:

• Oil export link via Turkey
• Proposed connection through Jordan to Egypt
• Discussions involving Saudi Arabia
• Development of a linkage project connecting oilfields through Haditha

A statement two weeks ago from the Ministry of Oil said that a review meeting concluded with instructions to accelerate remaining studies to allow the project to proceed in line with planned timelines.

The government has worked in recent years to rehabilitate the oil export pipeline through Turkey. Discussions have also taken place with Jordan and Egypt regarding a potential project to extend a connection through Jordan onwards to Egypt, although construction has not yet begun.

(Source: Iraqi News Agency)

Dubai Makes History as Gulfood Takes Over Two Mega Venues and Unveils the Expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City

The world's largest annual food and beverage sourcing event returns in January with two sold-out venues and a record-setting 280,000 sqm of event space

Dubai makes global exhibition history as Gulfood, the world's largest annual food and beverage event, running from 26-30 January 2026, becomes the first show ever to operate simultaneously across two mega venues, the iconic Dubai World Trade Centre and the all-new, expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai.

In a single record-breaking year, Gulfood delivers an unprecedented 100% expansion, completely selling out over 280,000 square metres of event space at both venues, becoming the inaugural global event to unveil the $2.7 billion upgraded Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City. This landmark milestone cements Dubai's position as the world's leading hub for mega-scale business events and redefines the future of global food and beverage trade at phenomenal scale.

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, CEO, KAOUN International Organiser of GULFOOD said:

"This is a world-record moment for Gulfood, Dubai and the global food and beverage industry. In a single year, we have achieved 100% growth, delivering the world's largest annual F&B event across two mega venues simultaneously, a first in global exhibition history. This milestone goes beyond scale to impact, redefining how giga-scale events are designed, delivered and experienced, and proving such ambition is fully achievable and transformative. By doubling business volumes and opportunity overnight, Gulfood and Dubai now stand as the indisputable nexus of the new global food trade."

Expansion That Unlocks Greater Sourcing Power

As the global food and beverage market accelerates to $11.37 trillion by 2030 and the Middle East emerges as the world's fastest-growing consumption and redistribution hub, Gulfood concentrates global supply and demand into a five-day trading window, uniting over 8,500 exhibitors showcasing 1.5 million products from 195 countries.

The 2026 edition records 40% first-time exhibitors, alongside the largest national participation to date from major producing markets including India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the USA. New countries include Luxembourg, Maldives, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sweden and Uganda further expanding Gulfood's global trade footprint and unlocking new growth gateways.

Two Mega Venues, One Integrated Trade Ecosystem

For the first time, Gulfood extends into Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, anchoring the World Food and expanded Rice, Pulses & Grains sectors within Dubai's future growth corridor and reinforcing the city's role as a global hub for trade, logistics and food redistribution.

Within this core commodities landscape, India has been confirmed as the Official Country Partner for Gulfood 2026, represented by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), delivering its largest-ever presence at Gulfood, with 600+ exhibitors, including leading brands such as Amul and Rasna.

Abishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA commented:

"We are excited to be part of Gulfood 2026 as the Partner Country, particularly as the show enters a new chapter with the expansion to Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City. As Partner Country we are committed to strengthening India's presence in global markets, and Gulfood continues to play a vital role in accelerating our agri-export growth story."

The amplification of Gulfood's reach extends to the launch of three major new sectors at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Gulfood Fresh, Gulfood Logistics and Gulfood Grocery Trade, reflecting the growing importance of perishables, cold-chain efficiency and resilient global supply chains, with confirmed participation from leaders such as DP World, Maersk, MSC, FRESH DEL MONTE, NRTC and Unifrutti.

Mohammed Hamdan, UAE Area Head of Sales, Maersk commented:

"Maersk is proud to exhibit at Gulfood 2026 for the first time, engaging with partners across IMEA and Europe to strengthen supply chains from farm to fork. We'll showcase strategies to build resilient, adaptive networks that ensure business continuity, alongside localized logistics solutions; from cold chain expertise to integrated supply chain management, designed for today's complex environment."

At Dubai World Trade Centre, Gulfood will host Beverages, Dairy, Fats & Oils, Meat & Poultry, Power Brands and Seafood. Dubai World Trade Centre anchors Gulfood Startups, featuring over 250 visionaries, investors and unicorns from over 30 countries, reflecting accelerating investment and deal activity across food-tech, agri-tech and next-generation food systems.

Fabio Mariano, VP Halal Markets, MBRF commented:

"Our participation at Gulfood is strategic and reflects MBRF's leadership in Halal food production and global supply. Gulfood provides a unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships with our valued clients around the world while reinforcing our commitment to quality, safety and innovation in the industry."

Rolodex of C-Suite Buyers From Every Corner of The Globe

Gulfood 2026 will activate The Big Deal Hub, its flagship business-first buyer-seller business-first connections programme, connecting buyers and exhibitors across the full food value chain. Confirmed participants including Cybera Capital, Panamex Groupe and Presidente Supermarket will engage through targeted procurement mandates and structured matchmaking to drive high-value deals.

Sergio Paz, CEO, Latino Trading Imports said:

"The Big Deal Hub gives us direct access to a broad mix of suppliers aligned to our regional trading requirements. The expanded show, particularly Gulfood Fresh and Gulfood Logistics, provides the flexibility and choice we need to place larger, multi-market orders with confidence."

For more information on Gulfood 2026, and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.gulfood.com

By John Lee.

Iraq participated via video link in a meeting of OPEC+ countries to review global oil market conditions and the production outlook, as the group confirmed it will maintain its current production policy during early 2026.

Full statement from OPEC:

Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman reaffirm commitment to market stability on steady global economic outlook and current healthy oil market fundamentals as reflected in low inventories

The eight OPEC+ countries, which previously announced additional voluntary adjustments in April and November 2023, namely Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman met virtually on 4 January 2026, to review global market conditions and outlook.

The eight participating countries reaffirmed their decision on 2 November 2025 to pause production increments in February and March 2026 due to seasonality as detailed in the table below.

The eight participating countries reiterated that the 1.65 million barrels per day may be returned in part or in full subject to evolving market conditions and in a gradual manner. The countries will continue to closely monitor and assess market conditions, and in their continuous efforts to support market stability, they reaffirmed the importance of adopting a cautious approach and retaining full flexibility to continue pausing or reverse the additional voluntary production adjustments, including the previously implemented voluntary adjustments of the 2.2 million barrels per day announced in November 2023.

The eight countries reiterated their collective commitment to achieve full conformity with the Declaration of Cooperation, including the additional voluntary production adjustments that will be monitored by the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC). They also confirmed their intention to fully compensate for any overproduced volume since January 2024.

The eight OPEC+ countries will hold monthly meetings to review market conditions, conformity, and compensation. The eight countries will meet on 1 February 2026.

(Sources: OPEC / Ministry of Oil)

By John Lee.

Saudi carrier Flynas has announced the launch of a new direct service connecting Madinah (MED) and Baghdad (BGW), with flights commencing on 6 December.

The route will operate twice weekly, providing improved travel options for pilgrims and other passengers moving between the two cities.

The new service forms part of Flynas' regional network expansion and supports growing travel demand between Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

(Source: PMO)

By John Lee.

The State Company for Petrochemical Industries in Basra, part of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals, has announced a series of projects aimed at restarting production across its plants and strengthening Iraq's national industry.

Director General Mazen Abdul-Razzaq said the company is continuing implementation of a partnership contract to establish a chlorine and caustic soda production plant at its petrochemical complex. In addition, a nitrogen and oxygen production project has been awarded and is awaiting final approvals to sign the participation contract. Negotiations are also under way to finalise a draft partnership agreement for a hydrochloric acid production plant.

He added that major projects are also planned, including the development of a new petrochemical complex and the Al-Nibras [Nebras] Petrochemical Project. A preliminary agreement has been signed with Ajial Company of Saudi Arabia to prepare feasibility studies for both projects within three months as a step towards full implementation.

Abdul-Razzaq also highlighted ongoing initiatives at the Basra Paper Factory, such as a new chlorine and caustic soda project and other announced ventures to produce notebooks, paper, and egg trays. Similarly, Maysan Paper Factory has launched projects for the production of chlorine, paper, cardboard, and egg trays.

At the Baghdad School Supplies Plant, plans include rehabilitating the notebook production line and adding a new production line with supporting facilities. The Director General emphasised that these projects will provide essential goods for the domestic market and enhance the company's production capabilities.

(Source: Ministry of Industry and Minerals)

By John Lee.

The Italian consultancy BTP Infrastrutture has reportedly completed between 70 and 75 percent of the final designs and studies for Iraq's Development Road Project, which will link Basra to the Turkish border via a railway and international highway.

Project Director Guido Bonini told the state-owned Iraqi News Agency (INA) that BTP has submitted comprehensive designs and studies to the Ministry of Transport and is collaborating with partners such as Oliver Wyman to ensure high technical standards. He added that countries including Turkey, Qatar, the UAE, and Oman have expressed interest in participating, with Saudi Arabia expected to join once studies are complete.

The plan includes a high-speed passenger rail line, with trains expected to run at up to 300 km/h, cutting travel time between Basra and Baghdad to about 90 minutes. The project will also feature a connected highway from Umm Qasr to northern Iraq for cargo transport.

The Development Road is expected to create between 100,000 and 150,000 jobs and stimulate national economic growth. The long-term plan, extending to 2050, envisions the establishment of industrial and economic cities along the route, including oil and petrochemical facilities in Basra and agricultural processing plants in Karbala and Najaf.

Bonini said the remaining 25 percent of design work will be completed within the next three months, after which the Ministry of Transport will launch a global tender platform for international companies to bid on the project's execution phase.

BTP Infrastrutture was de-merged from Progetti Europa & Global S.p.A. (PEG), changing its name from PEG Infrastrutture S.p.A. to BTP Infrastrutture in March 2022.

(Source: INA)