Khatib & Alami (K&A), a multi-disciplinary design consultancy operating across the Middle East and Africa, has announced the completion of design for a new land port in Safwan, on the Iraq-Kuwait border.

Subject to authority approvals, the project will enhance the passage of commercial goods and people by increasing capacity to around 1,000 vehicles per day, with the seamless separation of traffic between commercial goods and travelers, a statement from the consultancy said.

It added that the final designs and plans for the 727,500sqm site include industry-leading technologies for customs transactions and goods clearance. These will improve the experience of travelers, increase the efficiency of customs revenue collection and reduce overcrowding, while maintaining preventive health measures.

Fadi Tannir, K&A’s project manager for the new land port, said: “This is a strategically important project for the Basra Governorate, which will stimulate economic growth and long-term prosperity in southern Iraq, while energising tourism activity between Iraq and other Gulf countries.

“Our design will transform the Safwan border crossing, introducing much-needed infrastructure to enable the swift and efficient entry and exit of goods and people, taking advantage of best practice systems and technologies,” he added.

The Safwan Land Port is among several high-profile infrastructure projects being undertaken by K&A on behalf of Basra Governorate, the statement continued.

This includes critical water projects which will significantly improve the resilience of the water system, including access to safe drinking water throughout the region.

K&A has maintained an active presence in Iraq for almost 15 years.