Najaf Governorate has intensified its efforts to develop economic infrastructure, aiming to increase non-oil revenues by opening a new international border crossing and reactivating its airport.

The Border Crossing Project with Saudi Arabia

Yusif Kanawi, the Governor of Najaf, announced that the local government is actively executing a project to establish a new border crossing with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He noted that they have obtained approval from Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi for this project and are currently only awaiting approval from Saudi Arabia to commence construction operations.

Najaf Airport's License and Resolving Violations

Regarding the status of Najaf International Airport, the Governor stated that the airport is expected to receive its official license from the Civil Aviation Authority next week. Kanawi revealed that the airport previously had 74 documented violations, all of which have been successfully resolved, rendering the airport fully prepared for international flights.

Oil Fields and Governorate Revenue

The Governor of Najaf pointed to the presence of 3 oil fields within the governorate, stating that the highest grade of oil was discovered in 2 specific wells, alongside strong indications of large natural gas reserves in those fields. He emphasized that these oil projects, combined with the opening of the new border crossing, will serve as vital sources to increase non-oil revenues for Najaf.

Statistics on Iraq's Border Crossings

Iraq possesses 32 official border crossings (including land, air, and sea ports). The Border Crossings Directorate oversees 19 of them, which consist of 13 land crossings, 3 airports, and 3 seaports. In the Kurdistan Region, there are 6 official crossings (4 land and 2 air) and 4 unofficial crossings along the border with Iran.

Growth of Customs Revenues Over the Last Three Years

Revenues from Iraqi border crossings have experienced significant growth, with statistics showing the following trends:

• In 2024, total revenue reached 2 trillion dinars.
• In 2025, revenue increased to 2.5 trillion dinars.
• In the first 4 months of this current year (2026), revenue has already surpassed 1 trillion dinars.
• It is projected that by the end of this year, total customs revenue will reach 3 trillion dinars.