Iraq Business News brings you the latest news on developments and opportunities in leisure and tourism industries in Iraq.
By John Lee. Iraqi Kurdistan's 'Visit Kurdistan' platform was formally launched on Tuesday. The private-sector-led initiative is focused on advancing the Kurdistan Region's tourism sector and attracting international visitors. During the event, KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani delivered a speech in which he emphasized that the KRG, as part of its development agenda across all […]
From the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC): IBBC calls for sponsors for Zara Murad as she works to become the first ever Iraqi equestrian Olympic rider Zara Murad is a trailblazing equestrian with a historic mission: to become the first-ever equestrian rider representing Iraq at the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. As the first international dressage […]
By John Lee. The Iraqi Prime Minister inaugurated the Al-Zaytoon Baghdad / Mövenpick Hotel on Saturday, marking a partial opening of its main facilities in preparation for the upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad. PM Mohammed S. Al-Sudani highlighted that the hotel is one of the largest private sector projects in tourism and hospitality in the […]
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani visited the historic Ur Tourist City in Dhi Qar Province on Sunday, inspecting both the ancient Sumerian open-air theater and ongoing tourism projects launched during his previous visit last August. Al-Sudani reaffirmed the government's commitment to advancing development and tourism initiatives, citing positive public support and […]
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met on Thursday with Mr. Fettah Tamince, Chairman of Turkiye's Rixos Hotels Group, to discuss the growing investment opportunities in Iraq's tourism sector. Prime Minister Al-Sudani stressed that ongoing development efforts across various sectors have laid the groundwork for numerous investment opportunities, particularly in tourism. He […]
By John Lee. The first phase of the restoration of Charsteen Cave, a major archaeological and touristic site in the Kurdistan Region, has been completed. The work, costing approximately $1 million, was funded jointly by the European Union, UNESCO, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the Kurdistan Regional Government. Located in Gali Duhok, south of […]
By Cathrin Schaer, for DW. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Iraq's ambitious tourism plans: Impossible dream come true? Iraq wants to diversify its economy away from oil and toward tourism. Although Western travelers have made headlines in once-dangerous Iraq of late, […]
By John Lee. Japan's specialty coffee brand % Arabica has reportedly signed a master franchise agreement with Dubai-based Al-Handal International Group, paving the way for its Iraq launch. Key Details: First Iraq Store: Expected to open in Baghdad by late 2025, with further expansion in 2026. MENA Growth: Iraq becomes the 10th regional market for […]
From the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): Developing Tourism Enterprises in Kurdistan Region of Iraq The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq, with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality and Tourism - Board of Tourism of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), proudly announces […]
By John Lee. Baher Alshamal Co. Ltd. has won a contract with the United Nations Secretariat for the "Construction of multi-purpose sports court in Japan Village Project, Rajm Hadeed Neighborhood, Mosul City, Nineveh." Contract value is stated as $70,230. (Source: UNGM)
By John Lee. Kuwait-based Safir Hotels & Resorts has announced its entry into Iraqi Kurdistan with a new 5-star hotel in Erbil. The management contract was officially signed between Hariri Building & Contracting Co. HARCO Offshore, the hotel's owning company, represented by Mr. Mostafa Al-Hariri, Chairman of the Board, and Safir International Hotels & Resorts, […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani launched the construction of Nineveh Central Stadium, also known as the Local Administration Stadium, and an accompanying indoor sports hall in Mosul on Sunday. Key Highlights of the Project: Enhanced Capacity: Prime Minister Al-Sudani directed revisions to the stadium's design to increase spectator capacity to over 15,000 […]
