Iraq Business News brings you the latest news on developments and opportunities in leisure and tourism industries in Iraq.
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 […]
By John Lee. The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has formally approved Expo 2029 Garden in Baghdad, marking Iraq's first AIPH-approved International Green Expo. The approval followed an application process, site inspection, and a letter of endorsement from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, who confirmed the project as a national strategic priority. Expo 2029 […]
By John Lee. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has launched the Kawlokan Corniche Project, a key component of the Soran District Tourism Master Plan, aiming to establish the area as a major visitor destination. The first phase will develop five ponds along a 4-kilometre river stretch, with landscaped green spaces, cafés, and restaurants. The project's […]
By John Lee. A British couple have posted a video about their experiences visiting Iraq as tourists; they were very impressed by the hospitality and friendliness of the people, and the quality of the wonderful Iraqi food. Click here to view the video on YouTube. (Source: Bevetravels)
By John Lee. Aspetar, the Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Qatar, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Iraq Football Association (IFA) to provide medical and scientific support to the Iraqi national football team over the next two years. The agreement grants the Iraqi team access to Aspetar's advanced medical facilities and sports […]
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