Bushehr and Dayyer Ports Poised to Become Iran’s Export Hubs to Arab Countries

TEHRAN (Iran News) Khurshid Gazdarazi, head of the Bushehr Chamber of Commerce, said the head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization has agreed in principle to designate Bushehr Port as Iran’s main export gateway to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, mirroring the current role of Dayyer Port as the country’s primary export hub to Qatar.

“Bushehr’s proximity to the Persian Gulf states provides a strategic opportunity to expand regional trade,” Gazdarazi told ILNA. “Given that Bushehr ports are the closest Iranian ports to Dammam, we proposed the province be positioned as Iran’s representative in trade with Saudi Arabia—a proposal that received support from national authorities.”

Currently, Iranian goods are exported to Saudi Arabia indirectly through Kuwait. Gazdarazi emphasized the need to enhance port infrastructure to align with the province’s growing commercial potential. “As trade and economic exchanges grow, so must our port facilities. The Ports and Customs Organization must invest in the necessary upgrades to realize this vision.”

Dayyer Port already serves as a transit hub in addition to an export site, but Gazdarazi highlighted the urgent need to upgrade infrastructure in both ports, especially Bushehr. He called for the dredging of Bushehr Port to a depth of 14 meters to accommodate large cargo vessels with capacities exceeding 50,000 tons, which are expected to arrive in the coming months.

With nearly 700 kilometers of coastline, Bushehr Province hosts 10 active commercial ports, including Kangan, Genaveh, Deylam, Kharg, and Asaluyeh. While Dayyer plays a key role in fruit and vegetable exports to Qatar, mineral exports are mainly handled through Bushehr Port.

Addressing Iran’s trade presence in Qatar, Gazdarazi mentioned the Iran Trade Center in Qatar was launched during the current administration. The Iran-Qatar Joint Chamber of Commerce has recommended the center operate under private sector management with government oversight. This approach was welcomed during a recent visit by the head of the Trade Promotion Organization to Bushehr, who agreed that Bushehr Province would represent Iran’s Chamber of Commerce at the center. The center is expected to resume operations later this year.

Commenting on the broader trade landscape, Gazdarazi said any easing of U.S.-Iran tensions could positively impact Iranian trade. “Sanctions have raised the cost and risk of international trade for Iranian exporters. When forced to use third-party countries, not only do costs increase, but risks multiply. Easing these pressures would undoubtedly help expand Iran’s export markets.”