Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani confirmed the availability of all the components necessary for tourism development in Iraq. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office emphasized that Al-Sudani presided over the ceremony where Baghdad was officially recognized as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2025, taking the mantle from the Omani city of Sur.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the event was attended by tourism ministers from various Arab countries, who were welcomed by Al-Sudani. He highlighted that Baghdad’s designation as a tourism capital was a result of meeting various criteria, such as tourism management, infrastructure, environmental preservation, and stability in security and tourism.
Al-Sudani announced ambitious plans to transform Baghdad into a city that harmoniously blends history with modernity. Key projects include developing the tourist city in Radwaniya, enhancing the Baghdad and Nahrawan Forests, and establishing the Global Village. He also mentioned plans for a cultural city near the historic Aqar Kouf Ziggurat.
The Prime Minister shared progress on ongoing development efforts, such as the rehabilitation of Baghdad’s historic downtown area. The second phase of this project is complete, with the third phase focusing on Rashid Street and its vicinity.
Tourism in Iraq, predominantly driven by religious tourism, currently contributes around 3% to the GDP with approximately 10 million tourists annually. Al-Sudani aims to increase this contribution to 10% by leveraging Iraq’s diverse environment and rich collection of over 12,000 archaeological and historical sites.
Al-Sudani emphasized Iraq’s role as an influential nation, attracting tourists worldwide to explore its ancient civilizations. He also linked tourism to economic reform, aiming to diversify Iraq’s economy beyond oil and provide new opportunities in the labor market.
Highlighting tourism’s potential to foster regional integration and partnership, Al-Sudani underscored the necessity of security and peace for the sector’s growth. He condemned the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, calling for concerted efforts to cease the violence, which has also threatened cultural heritage sites in these regions.
Al-Sudani concluded by urging the international community to protect the region’s cultural heritage, which is not only central to heavenly religions but also home to some of the world’s most significant ancient and modern civilizations.