🌍 Iraq: The New Investment Frontier of the Middle East

Iraq: A Promising Economic Destination for Arab and Foreign Investment

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 Iraq is currently witnessing a qualitative shift in its economic development, making it an attractive environment for investors from around the world.

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Participants in investment forums emphasized that Iraq has become a preferred destination for companies and businessmen, given its significant economic and tourism potential, coupled with government efforts to create a favorable investment climate.

This comes at a time when trade with neighboring countries has reached record levels, amid a growing willingness by international companies to enter the Iraqi market and contribute to development projects.

In this context, Chairman of the Turkish-Iraqi Business Council, Khaled Akar, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA), "The volume of trade exchange between Iraq and Turkey has reached $16 billion, and we are seeking to increase it to $30 billion." He indicated that "Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization will contribute to developing the volume of trade domestically and internationally, and will enable Turkish companies to contribute to the growth and development of Iraqi trade."

He added, "Turkish businessmen are ready to contribute to supporting development in the construction, health, digitalization, and other sectors," noting that "40 Turkish businessmen participated in the Iraq Investment Forum."

 

  

For his part, Faisal Al-Jarba, a member of the Iraqi-Saudi Business Council, told (INA), "The investment forum held in Baghdad was important and successful, as we witnessed clear satisfaction among Arab investors, as well as investors coming from East Asia and several other countries."

He added that "a large number of influential businessmen in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated in this forum, which means that Iraq has become an important destination and a clear choice for investors." He noted that "the Iraqi government is serious about its work to combat corruption and confront anyone who attempts to seize state property or exploit its authority, and this bodes well."

He expressed his "hope that the Iraqi economy and Iraqi businessmen will receive the status they deserve, and that they will play a fundamental and effective role in building their country, in cooperation with other countries and investors from around the world."

 

In turn, Nasser Al-Noubis, Chairman of the Rotana International Group, confirmed to (INA), "Iraq is a promising country with great potential in the tourism sector. Today, it needs more than thirty thousand hotel rooms, while the available rooms are still insufficient."

He explained that "the more infrastructure develops, whether through the construction of hotels or facilitating investment and entry procedures into the country, the more opportunities will be to attract investors and encourage tourists to come to Iraq."

He pointed out that "Iraq is a great and civilized country, with diverse tourist attractions, especially the religious sites in Karbala, Najaf, and Kadhimiya, which attract visitors from all over the world."

He continued, "We began investing in Iraq more than 12 years ago, opening in Erbil, then Sulaymaniyah. Today, we are present in Baghdad and have also begun operations in Karbala. We look forward to expanding across all governorates, given the broad prospects for growth in Iraq's tourism sector." 

 

Baghdad Municipality launches a grand celebration this evening to mark Iraqi National Day.

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The Baghdad Municipality announced a grand celebration this evening, Friday, in the capital, Baghdad, to mark Iraq's National Day.

"The Baghdad Municipality is preparing to celebrate Iraqi National Day at 7:00 PM," Secretariat spokesman Uday al-Jandil told the Iraqi News Agency (INA), noting that "the celebrations will include the launching of fireworks in all areas of the capital and through municipal departments."

He added, "There will be events and celebrations, including the playing of patriotic songs and the distribution of Iraqi flags and sweets to citizens and security personnel stationed at checkpoints."

Earlier, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered the announcement of celebrations in preparation for Iraqi National Day.

The Prime Minister's Media Office stated in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), "In preparation for the celebration of Iraqi National Day, which falls on October 3, and in order to highlight this occasion, which expresses the value of belonging to the homeland, adherence to the unity of our people, and consolidating the national identity, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has directed the announcement of national celebrations for this occasion."

He added, "The celebrations will be announced in all ministries and governorates, with the Iraqi flag being raised in public places and the implementation of public cultural and social celebrations, as determined by the relevant committee formed under the direction of the Prime Minister on September 18, in addition to holding special events for the National Day inside and outside Iraq."

Joe Wilson: The development of the Kurdistan Region is important to us

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Kurdistan

 

US Congressman Joe Wilson said the development and freedom of the Kurdistan Region is important to us.

"The people of the Kurdistan Region are an inspiring people for the United States. Although there are many problems and challenges in the region, the development and freedom of the Kurdistan Region is important to us," Wilson told Kurdistan2

"It is important for the Kurdistan Region to continue its stability and sovereignty, even for the sake of stability in Iraq, the Kurdistan Region is very important," he said.

“We appreciate the capabilities of the Kurdistan Region and its integrity.

Al-Sudani, congratulating on the National Day: We were keen to protect Iraq and preserve its sovereignty.

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Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, today, Friday, on the National Day, while stressing the keenness to preserve Iraq and maintain its sovereignty.
Al-Sudani said in a statement, "Our most sincere congratulations and best wishes are extended to all Iraqis on the occasion of "Iraqi National Day", which falls on October 3 of each year, on the 93rd anniversary of our country's membership in the highest international body recognized by all countries and peoples of the world."
He added, "This day embodies the entity of the modern Iraqi state, and all that its contemporary existence carries in terms of historical, civilizational and cultural meanings, for our beloved Iraq, and for our noble people with all their fraternal spectra, and with all their deep historical reach and what they have offered to humanity in its journey towards civilization, that journey that began in the land between the two rivers."
He continued, "Throughout their modern history, Iraqis have faced many challenges and struggles, whether during the early days of the founding of the present Iraqi state or during their fight against dictatorship. Along the way, they have offered hundreds of thousands of martyrs so that Iraq may gain its independence and achieve its full sovereignty." He
explained, "Since we assumed our executive duties as head of the government, we have been keen to safeguard Iraq and its constitution, preserve its sovereignty, protect its wealth, and achieve prosperity and economic strength for our people. We have also worked diligently and sincerely to ensure that Iraq comes first in our endeavors and efforts, and that it takes the place it deserves regionally and internationally."

Washington supports the Baghdad-Erbil oil agreement to curb oil smuggling and enhance investment stability.

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Economic expert Nabil Al-Marsoumi said on Friday that Washington's support for the Baghdad-Erbil oil agreement contributes to reducing oil smuggling and enhancing investment stability in Iraq. 

 

Al-Marsoumi explained in a Facebook post monitored by (IQ): “Why does Washington support the oil agreement between Baghdad and Erbil? With the Turkish pipeline closed since March 2023, some oil has been transported to Iran and Turkey via trucks while they search for alternative markets. Resuming exports from Kurdistan also helps offset a potential decline in Iranian oil exports, which Washington has said it will reduce to zero as part of President Trump’s maximum pressure policy against Iran.” 

 

He added, "Limiting the smuggling of Iraqi oil to Türkiye and Iran serves the economic interests of American oil companies investing in Kurdistan." 

 

Al-Marsoumi continued: "The agreement will contribute to creating a more stable investment environment across Iraq for American companies, and will maintain low oil prices, which will help control inflation levels in the United States

 

 

An economist outlines five benefits for Washington in supporting the Baghdad-Erbil oil agreement.

 

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Economic expert Nabil Al-Marsoumi identified five benefits of Washington's support for the Baghdad-Erbil oil agreement on Friday (October 3, 2025).

“With the Turkish pipeline closed since March 2023, some oil has been transported to Iran and Turkey via trucks as they search for alternative markets,” Al-Marsoumi said on his Facebook page, as followed by Baghdad Today. “Resuming exports from Kurdistan also helps offset a potential decline in Iranian oil exports, which Washington has said it will reduce to zero as part of President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran,” he noted. “The second benefit of the support is to limit the smuggling of Iraqi oil to Türkiye and Iran.”

He added, "The third benefit is realizing the economic interests of American oil companies investing in Kurdistan," stressing that "the agreement will contribute to creating a more stable investment environment across Iraq for American companies."

The economic expert noted that "the fifth benefit of the subsidy is maintaining low oil prices, which helps control inflation levels in the United States."

Last September, the Ministry of Oil announced the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region via the Iraq-Turkey pipeline.

The ministry stated in a statement received by Baghdad Today that "oil export operations have resumed without any technical issues," noting that "the resumption of exports reflects the success of cooperation between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government."

She added, "The resumption of oil exports is a significant step towards enhancing the management of national wealth and ensuring the sustainability of exports."

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Former President Barham Salih nominated for the position of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

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Diplomatic sources in New York reported that former Iraqi President Barham Salih has been nominated for the position of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Diplomatic sources in New York reported that former Iraqi President Barham Salih has been nominated for the position of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The sources noted that the position is one of the most prominent within the international organization after that of Secretary-General, as no Middle Eastern figure has held it in the past seven decades. This makes this nomination an exceptional step that enjoys broad Arab, Islamic, and Western support.

This position is considered one of the most important in the organization after that of Secretary-General. No Middle Eastern figure has held it in the past 75 years, with the exception of Sadruddin Aga Khan, of Iranian origin, who was considered part of the European aristocracy. The position was previously held by António Guterres, the current Secretary-General of the United Nations.

The sources stated that the number of current candidates does not exceed ten, including a Swiss, a German, and several other Europeans. They added that Saleh's nomination, which enjoys the support of numerous Arab, Islamic, and Western countries, would be a historic exception to the prevailing tradition of the position, which has long been reserved for Europeans.

Hamas accepts Trump's plan and declares its readiness to enter negotiations immediately.

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Hamas confirmed, on Friday (October 3, 2025), its approval of US President Donald Trump's proposed plan, stressing its keenness to stop the aggression and achieve the interests of the Palestinian people.

The movement said in a statement received by Baghdad Today that it had conducted "extensive consultations to reach a responsible position on dealing with the Trump plan."

She added, "In order to achieve a ceasefire and a complete withdrawal, we announce our agreement to release all prisoners, both alive and dead, in accordance with Trump's proposal."

Hamas indicated that it is "prepared to immediately enter into negotiations, through mediators, to discuss all the details," affirming "its renewed agreement to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to an independent Palestinian body, based on national consensus and Arab and Islamic support."

In a related context, the movement emphasized that "what was stated in Trump's proposal regarding the future of the Gaza Strip and the rights of our people is linked to a national position discussed within a comprehensive Palestinian national framework."

First Kurdish-led Video Game presented at Gamescom

Kevir Entertainment, the first Kurdish-led video game studio, has presented its debut title at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany - the world's largest gaming convention.

The Duhok-based studio, founded in 2023, developed its flagship game Operation Stutter after joining the inaugural Orange Corners KRI Accelerator in Erbil, where it refined its business model and received mentorship. The psychological horror game, set during the Cold War, combines paranoia, puzzles, and fractured identity to deliver a unique narrative experience.

At Gamescom, Kevir premiered its trailer exclusively on IGN, gaining global visibility and engaging with international publishers and developers. The studio also delivered a talk at Devcom on the role of video games in cultural preservation, highlighting how games can serve as tools for heritage and identity.

Dozens of ATMs will be added in different parts of Kurdistan

Al-Maya Hypermarket opens in Basra: comprehensive shopping at reasonable prices.

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