Baghdad witnessed a truly exceptional evening, reminiscent of One Thousand and One Nights, as it hosted a grand ceremony marking its selection as the 2025 Arab Capital of Tourism. The event, held under the patronage of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, saw Baghdad receive the official key from Sur, Oman, in a celebration of its rich history and promising future.

In his speech, Al-Sudani warmly welcomed Arab tourism ministers, emphasizing that Baghdad’s selection was the result of meeting key international tourism standards, including strong infrastructure, effective tourism management, environmental sustainability, and security.

Major Tourism Projects on the Horizon

Al-Sudani announced several ambitious projects aimed at transforming Baghdad into a world-class tourism destination, including:

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• The Tourist City in Al-Radwaniyah

• Baghdad Forests and Al-Nahrawan Forests

• The Global Village

• A Cultural City near the historic Ziggurat of Aqar Quf

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to urban renewal and the restoration of historic landmarks, ensuring that Baghdad retains its cultural heritage while embracing modernity.

Preserving Baghdad’s Historic Districts

Al-Sudani highlighted the ongoing revitalization of Baghdad’s historic downtown, a district known for its architectural and cultural significance. He confirmed the completion of Phase Two of the Historic Baghdad Rehabilitation Project, with Phase Three now underway, focusing on restoring Al-Rasheed Street and its surrounding areas.

Tourism as a Key Economic Driver

Currently, Iraq welcomes around 10 million visitors annually, primarily for religious tourism, contributing 3% to the country’s GDP. However, the government aims to increase this contribution to 10% by enhancing infrastructure, expanding tourism offerings, and positioning Baghdad as a prime destination for cultural and leisure tourism.

With Baghdad stepping into its role as the 2025 Arab Capital of Tourism, these initiatives signal a bold vision for the future, blending heritage preservation with modern development to create a thriving, internationally recognized tourism hub

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