Iraq will host a delegation of UAE companies to discuss new investment opportunities at Umm Qasr Port.

Baghdad has yet to name they companies, but they may include the Dubai-based ports operator DP World. It has expressed an interest in development work at the port. Umm Qasr is Iraq’s only deep-sea port.

An official from the Transport Ministry in Baghdad says the companies will discuss a range of opportunities to invest at the site.

Iraq has apparently scrapped plans for a $1bn privatisation of the southern port at Umm Qasr, preferring to lease individual berths to foreign companies on short-term contracts.

DP World was not available for comment.