Daraa - Nasib border center in Daraa is one of the largest in Syria and the Arab region. It is considered Syria's southern gate connecting it to Jordan and the Arabian Gulf, and connecting these countries to Lebanon, Turkey and Europe.
The arrivals and departures reach 4 000 persons per day at their peak, mainly during summer time and pilgrimage. The center provides room for more than 5 million passengers annually.
There has been a remarkable development in the center's work in recent years that caters to the passengers' basic and luxury needs, through a modern trade center and a hotel comprised of 26 rooms, two pavilions and an honor hall to receive official delegations.
Director of Nasib crossing Samer al-Ammour said the center's area is estimated at 3 000 acres, 160 of which are parks for thousands of small cars as well as arriving and departing trucks.
The area of sidewalks is 90 acres, in addition to green expanses in the tourist sections and various trees around buildings and the rest of sections.
He also referred to the General Establishment for Customs' procedure of increasing safety measures, through providing the center with a car detecting goods, secret hideouts and illegal materials where borders are controlled to prevent the illegal smuggling of goods.
Al-Ammour pointed out that a 2400-square meter hall for passengers was opened last year at an overall cost of SP 26 millions. The hall has up-to-date equipment, one well-equipped window, databases, computers and a qualified cadre to provide the easiest measures upon entering and leaving Syria.
By Manal Ismael/Mazen
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2010
