Iraq’s upcoming matches against Iran and Bahrain, scheduled to be played at the Basra Sports City Stadium, must be relocated to a “neutral venue outside Iraq.” World football’s governing body, FIFA, has asked Iraq to find a neutral venue to host its upcoming World Cup 2022 qualifiers. The anti-government demonstrations in Iraq have gripped the […]
Archive | Leisure and Tourism in Iraq
Iraq Business News brings you the latest news on developments and opportunities in leisure and tourism industries in Iraq.
Iran to Lift Visa Restrictions for Iraqis
Iran’s Ambassador to Iraq Iraj Masjedi (pictured) praised the Baghdad government’s move to remove visa restrictions for Iranian pilgrims visiting the Arab country during the Arbaeen season and said the Islamic Republic will do the same for the Iraqi nationals in the near future. Speaking at a meeting of the Arbaeen Headquarters of the western […]
Over 3m Iranians to Visit Iraq in Arbaeen Season
More than three million Iranians have registered to visit the holy cities of Iraq during the Arbaeen season, which marks the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shiite Imam, a senior official said on Saturday. Amir Moradi, the executive manager of a task force charged with handling the Arbaeen […]
Iran, Iraq Reopen Border Crossing after 6 Years
The Khosravi border crossing between Iran and Iraq reopened on Friday, more than six years after a terrorist attack led to its closure. In a ceremony on Friday, Iranian Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli and his Iraqi counterpart Yassin Al Yasiri reopened the Khosravi border crossing. The border crossing had been closed in 2013 in […]
Iran, Iraq to Expand Tourism Ties
By John Lee. Iraq and Iran have reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) relating to cooperation in the tourism sector. According to Tehran Times, the document includes the areas of medical tourism and religious tourism, and was agreed between Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, and Iraq’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities. […]
Video: Ramadan Ring Game returns to Mosul
From Al Jazeera. Any opinions expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Mheibes: Iraq's Ramadan ring game returns after ISIL's defeat A traditional Arab game is making a welcome return for players in northern Iraq. Known as the ring game or Mheibes, it has been […]
Successful Scheme for Security of Pilgrims in Najaf
Iraqi officials said they have successfully carried out a plan to ensure the security of pilgrims converging on the holy city of Najaf, south of Iraq, to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali (PBUH). In a statement on Monday, the central Euphrates operations command said the Iraqi security forces have managed to implement a […]
A whistle-stop Tour of Iraq
By Padraig O'Hannelly. Our friend and former contributor Robert Tollast has been touring Iraq's religious and archeological sites. Writing in Middle East Eye, he says: "Iraq still gives visitors a sense of having a private viewing of some of the world's wonders, such as the 4,000-year-old ruins of Babylon, and the awe-inspiring Holy Shrines of […]
US issues New Iraq Security Alert
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad hasd advised all U.S. citizens of heightened tensions in Iraq and the requirement to remain vigilant. Actions to Take: Do not travel to Iraq Avoid places known as U.S. citizen gathering points. Keep a low profile Be aware of your surroundings Assistance: U.S. Embassy Baghdad Al-Kindi Street, International Zone, Baghdad […]
Chartered flights from Netherlands to Kurdistan
By John Lee. The Turkish charter company Freebird Airlines will reportedly offer flights from Eindhoven Airport in the Netherlands to Erbil and Sulaymaniya throughout the summer. According to Eindhoven News, flights depart once a week from April to October. (Source: Eindhoven News)
Iraq to Expand Karbala Shrine
From Al Jazeera. Any opinions expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Iraq to expand Karbala shrine for growing number of pilgrims The Iraqi city of Karbala is planning a major expansion of a key religious site to cope with a growing number of pilgrims. […]
Saudi Arabia to give Iraq $1bn to build Sports City
By John Lee. Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has reportedly committed a grant of $1 billion to build a sports city in Iraq. A high level Saudi delegation traveled to Baghdad on Wednesday for meetings with Iraqi officials on trade and investment. (Sources: Arab News, Reuters)