Iraq Business News brings you the latest news on developments and opportunities in leisure and tourism industries in Iraq.
By John Lee. Global Bright Future LLC has signed Iraqi international footballer Youssef Amyn to a multi-million dollar agreement to launch a new beauty, grooming, and wellness brand. The partnership marks the 21-year-old's entry into the global personal care market. The debut collection will focus on haircare and fragrance products designed for both men and […]
By John Lee. The Iraqi soccer team has beaten Bolivia 2-1 to secure a place in this year's FIFA World Cup. Iraq's goals were scored by Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein. Iraqi fans will now look forward to the World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada in June and July. […]
By John Lee. A branch of Canadian ice cream and cakes outlet La Diperie has opened at Jadiriya Mall in Baghdad. The opening ceremony was attended by the Canadian Ambassador to Iraq, underscoring growing commercial ties and retail cooperation between Iraq and Canada. La Diperie is a brand of the MTY Food Group. (Source: Jadiriya […]
By John Lee. Yolk Brands, the UAE-based hospitality group behind Pickl and BonBird, has reportedly announced its expansion into Iraq under a new agreement with Al Maysarah Holding. The agreement provides for the opening of five Pickl restaurants and ten BonBird outlets. The first locations are scheduled to open in Q2 2026 at Iraq Mall […]
Dubai Makes History as Gulfood Takes Over Two Mega Venues and Unveils the Expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City The world's largest annual food and beverage sourcing event returns in January with two sold-out venues and a record-setting 280,000 sqm of event space Dubai makes global exhibition history as Gulfood, the world's largest annual […]
By John Lee. A new river taxi terminal / marina on the banks of the Shatt al-Arab has reached 96 percent completion, with the facility expected to open in early 2026. The project comprises a three-storey building designed in the shape of a ship, featuring a glass frontage. The structure has a total built area […]
By John Lee. London-based cafe chain EL&N has opened its first venue in Iraq. Located at the Erbil Avenue development, the new store is open for brunch, lunch and dinner. (Source: EL&N)
By John Lee. Condé Nast Traveler has listed Erbil as one of its best places to go in Asia in 2026. Describing it as "a calm spot in a volatile region," the author says it's, "a place rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, with an ethnically diverse population proud of its Kurdish identity." Click […]
By John Lee. The Zagros Mountain Trail in Iraqi Kurdistan has won the Best Wider World Tourism Project award from the British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW). According to the citation from the BGTW: The Zagros Mountain Trail is Kurdistan's (and Iraq's) first long-distance, multi-day hiking trail. Stretching for 215 kilometres across the Zagros Mountains […]
By John Lee. FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery, has announced a development agreement to open ten co-branded stores across Iraq over the next five years. The partnership is with Eric Wilson, a 27-year U.S. military veteran who previously served in Iraq. Taylor Wiederhorn, Chief […]
By John Lee. Spain's LALIGA has advanced its partnership with the Iraqi Football Association (IFA) by holding an economic control workshop in Madrid for representatives of Iraq Stars League (ISL) clubs. The initiative forms part of a wider consultancy project aimed at professionalising Iraqi football and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its competitions. The workshop addressed […]
By John Lee. On World Tourism Day, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) highlighted the sector's strong expansion under its Ninth Cabinet, supported by major infrastructure investments. Over the period, 80 new tourism projects have been completed with a total value of $7.56 billion [IQD 9.87 trillion]. The Kurdistan Region now offers more than 3,000 tourist […]
