Syria's land freight recovers as border crossings reopen, logistics chief says

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Mohammed Riyadh al-Sayrafi, head of the Syrian National Transport and Logistics Association, said Syria's land freight movement is recovering strongly, particularly with Lebanon and Turkey, and with Iraq since the reopening of the Rabia border crossing. Al-Sayrafi said Jordan should be viewed not only as a market but as the main transit route for trucks traveling from Syria to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries. The number of trucks heading to Saudi Arabia has risen from about 10 per day to 30, and he said further growth is expected as obstacles along the Syria-Jordan-Turkey route are removed. The Nusaybin crossing has recorded more than 1,000 trucks per day during peak periods, he added. Syria's land exports are led by agricultural goods, food, textiles and industrial products, while imports are dominated by construction materials, machinery, spare parts and fuel products, al-Sayrafi said. In May 2026, dozens of oil and fuel oil tankers began moving through the Yaaroubiye-Rabia route, with more than 100 crossing in a single operation. He described Nusaybin and Jaber as Syria's main land gateways to the Gulf, while Yaaroubiye-Rabia has given eastern Syria new logistical importance. Al-Sayrafi said the sector's main challenge is not a lack of demand but differences in procedures, fees and visa rules between countries, noting that extending driver visas for Gulf routes to 40-50 days would directly benefit the Syrian fleet.