Iraq and Saudi Arabia reopened the Arar crossing, a long-awaited sign of closer trade ties after nearly 25 years of hostilities between the two countries. AFP
Iraq and Saudi Arabia reopened the Arar crossing, a long-awaited sign of closer trade ties after nearly 25 years of hostilities between the two countries. AFP
Iraq and Saudi Arabia reopened the Arar crossing, a long-awaited sign of closer trade ties after nearly 25 years of hostilities between the two countries. AFP
Iraq and Saudi Arabia reopened the Arar crossing, a long-awaited sign of closer trade ties after nearly 25 years of hostilities between the two countries. AFP

Iraq-Saudi Arabia border crossing opens for the first time since 1990


Sinan Mahmoud
  • English
  • Arabic

Iraq and Saudi Arabia reopened a major border crossing that remained closed for decades in the latest sign of thawing relations between the two neighbours.

Iraqi Interior Minister, Othman Al Ghanimi, and Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Baghdad attended Wednesday’s ceremony, according to a government statement.

The kingdom severed ties with Iraq, along with other countries, following Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait in 1990. After the Iraqi regime fell as a result of the 2003 US-led invasion, Saudi Arabia kept Shiite-led Iraqi governments at arm's length for their alignment with Iran.

In an attempt to counter Iran's influence in Iraq, the two countries with the US assistance started to forge ties in 2016 as Saudi Arabia reopened its embassy in Baghdad and Iraq emerged from more than three years of fighting ISIS.

The presence of moderate Shiite politicians at the helm has helped to improve ties.

Last week, the two neighbours signed a series of agreements relating to politics, security and commerce. Inside Opec, they also agreed to continue co-operation on stabilising oil prices in international markets.

The rapprochement between Iraq and Saudi Arabia and other Sunni Arab countries has caused a backlash from Iran's allies in Baghdad.

Shortly after last week's announcement that Saudi Arabia is to invest in Iraq’s agricultural sector in four provinces – Anbar, Muthana, Najaf and Basra – Iran-aligned group Asaib Ahal Al Haq started a campaign to denounce the deal and to portray it as a threat to Iraq’s security.

On Tuesday, a Telegram channel followed by Shiite militias published a statement from the newly formed Ahal Al Kahaf group, warning of attacks against Saudi Arabian and UAE interests in Iraq.

'The Batman'

Stars:Robert Pattinson

Director:Matt Reeves

Rating: 5/5

Bio

Born in Dibba, Sharjah in 1972.
He is the eldest among 11 brothers and sisters.
He was educated in Sharjah schools and is a graduate of UAE University in Al Ain.
He has written poetry for 30 years and has had work published in local newspapers.
He likes all kinds of adventure movies that relate to his work.
His dream is a safe and preserved environment for all humankind. 
His favourite book is The Quran, and 'Maze of Innovation and Creativity', written by his brother.

Fixtures and results:

Wed, Aug 29:

  • Malaysia bt Hong Kong by 3 wickets
  • Oman bt Nepal by 7 wickets
  • UAE bt Singapore by 215 runs

Thu, Aug 30: 

  • UAE bt Nepal by 78 runs
  • Hong Kong bt Singapore by 5 wickets
  • Oman bt Malaysia by 2 wickets

Sat, Sep 1: UAE v Hong Kong; Oman v Singapore; Malaysia v Nepal

Sun, Sep 2: Hong Kong v Oman; Malaysia v UAE; Nepal v Singapore

Tue, Sep 4: Malaysia v Singapore; UAE v Oman; Nepal v Hong Kong

Thu, Sep 6: Final

The specs

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Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

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The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid

When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid