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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)

By John Lee.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has opened the new Al-Fadhiliya General Hospital in Baghdad on Thursday, a 246-bed medical facility that had been stalled since 2014.

According to a press release from the Prime Minister's Media Office, the project, now completed eight months ahead of schedule, marks a major milestone in Iraq's healthcare infrastructure renewal under the government's plan to deliver services across all districts and sub-districts.

The new hospital, built on 27 dunams of land, serves the areas of Al-Fadhiliya, Kamilia, Baladiyat, Al-Mashtal, Al-Amin, and other eastern Baghdad neighbourhoods. It features ten state-of-the-art operating theatres, three modern maternity suites, departments for surgery, paediatrics, endoscopy, physiotherapy, laboratory testing, radiology, and dialysis, as well as 36 clinics, a lecture hall, a central pharmacy, and on-site accommodation with 48 apartments for staff.

The project was completed in cooperation with Saudi Arabia's PVR Group.

Al-Sudani confirmed that eight major hospitals have already been completed in Baghdad, with sixteen more 100-bed hospitals scheduled for opening soon across Iraq's districts and sub-districts. He also highlighted progress in implementing the national health insurance system, which now covers more than 2.3 million citizens.

(Source: Prime Minister's Media Office)

By John Lee.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Monday received Mr. Hisham Talaat Moustafa, Chairman of Egypt's Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG) along with his accompanying delegation. The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the National Investment Commission (NIC) and the Saudi Ambassador to Iraq.

The discussions focused on the Al-Rafeel [Rafael] Economic City project, west of Baghdad, for which a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the NIC and the company in May, as well as the challenges facing its implementation and possible solutions.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani emphasised the importance of fostering productive economic partnerships with Arab countries to promote sustainable development and ensure shared prosperity through stronger investment cooperation.

Mr. Moustafa reviewed the progress made so far and affirmed the company's commitment to advancing the project in line with the agreed implementation framework.

(Source: PMO)

By John Lee.

The Iraqi Ministry of Transport has received bids from several international companies to develop Baghdad International Airport (BIAP).

According to Bassem Waheed, Acting Director General of the Contracts and Licensing Department, the Ministry's evaluation committee will select the best offer to ensure high-quality development services for the airport.

Three consortia submitted proposals:

• Asyad Holding [Saudi Arabia], in partnership with YDA Construction [Turkey]; Lamar Holding [Bahrain]; Top Engineering Corporation Arabia (TEIC) [Saudi Arabia], which is a branch of China's Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group; and Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) [Ireland].
• ERG International [UK], leading a consortium including Terminal Yapi [Turkey], and ERG Construction.
• Corporación América Airports [Luxembourg, Argentina] in partnership with Amwaj International [Iraq].

Waheed noted that the offers were received within the designated timeframe and documented transparently, describing the process as a key step in Iraq's broader effort to attract private investment in infrastructure.

The selected investor will be responsible for rehabilitating airport infrastructure, constructing a modern passenger terminal, and managing airport operations for 25 years in line with international safety and service standards.

The evaluation phase will now proceed to a technical review, followed by a public verification session. Financial bids will be opened only for qualified technical bidders on 16 October 2025.

(Source: Ministry of Transport)

By John Lee.

The Minister of Industry and Minerals, Prof. Eng. Khaled Battal Al-Najm, oversaw the signing of partnership agreements between Iraqi private sector companies and their Saudi counterparts in the field of transformer and electrical equipment production.

The signing took place during the Iraq Investment Forum, attended by the Saudi Ambassador to Iraq.

According to a statement from the Ministry, the initiative reflects its strategy to support Iraq's private sector, foster technology transfer, and promote industrial cooperation in line with Iraq's national development plans.

(Source: Ministry of Industry and Minerals)