Iraq is exploring the possibility of importing Egyptian gas through Syria, as it looks for alternatives to buying the fuel from neighbouring Iran.
The two sides discussed future co-operation and "the extent to which the abundance of Egyptian gas can be utilised and transported across the Syrian territories", the Iraqi News Agency reported.
The announcement followed the visit of Syrian oil and mineral reserves minister Bassam Tohme to Iraq to meet his counterpart, Ihsan Abdul Jabbar Ismael.
Syria is connected to Egypt through the Arab Gas pipeline, which stretches across 1,200 kilometres. However, following militant attacks on the infrastructure passing through the Sinai peninsula in Egypt, the pipeline has been used less frequently.
Israel and Jordan began using the section of the pipeline that passes through their territories last year. Tel Aviv began exporting gas to Amman as part of a gas supply agreement.
While Iraq has been looking for alternatives to importing Iranian gas, relying on Syrian infrastructure may not prove reliant. Last year, an attack on the Syrian section of the Arab Gas pipeline caused a blackout across the country. The government said the explosion was the result of a terrorist attack.
Iraq has also looked at additional oil infrastructure to find other means for the sale of its crude.
Last year, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq discussed reviving an oil pipeline project that that could eventually link the three countries.
Jordan and Iraq signed an agreement in 2013 to build the pipeline from Basra to Aqaba, passing through Jordan’s only refinery in Zarqa near Amman.
The proposed pipeline had an initial capacity of 150,000 barrels per day to be built at a cost of $18 billion.
The two countries revived the project last year, as diplomatic relations between them improved, with the scheme expanded to include Egypt.
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
