KURDISTAN REGION OF IRAQ
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PRODUCTION Producer: Pascal Belda Managing Director: Carolina Mateo Sales Executive Manager: Abel Peña Secretary General: David Hazán Legal Department: Lucía Martí Project Director: Emma Goldsmith Project Associate: Anna Hirtenstein Creative Director: Luisa Tronea EDITION Written and edited by eBizGuides - FOR ALL SOURCE MATERIAL SEE BIBLIOGRAPHY Sector overviews provided by Several Ministries and Secretariats, and the eBiz Guides team Agriculture Sector Overview provided by the Board of Investment, the Ministry of Planning, and the Kurdistan Statistics Office Economic Sector Overview assisted by the Board of Investment and the Ministry of Planning Energy Sector Overview provided by the Board of Investment and the Ministry of Electricity Finance Sector Overview assisted by the Board of Investment and the Ministry of Planning Real Estate & Construction Sector Overview assisted by the Board of Investment and the Ministry of Planning Trade and Industry Sector Overview assisted by the Board of Investment Health and Education overview assisted by the Board of Investment, the Ministry of Planning, and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Tourism Information provided by the Tourism Board- Directorate of media and the Board of Investment Investment & Legal Framework written by Deloitte Iraq and Ernst & Young Iraq Investment data and graphs provided by Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and different Ministries and Authorities Other information sourced from various websites and documents, all to be found in the Bibliography at the back of the guide Photos: pictures by eBizGuides, Stafford Clarry, Adam Mirani, Francois-Xavier Lovat, Jose Marquez, KAR Group, Genel Energy, the Duhok Board of Investment, and the Kurdistan Tourism Board-Directorate of Media ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank the following people for their collaboration and support: Herish Muharam – BOI, Dara Jalil al Khayat – Chairman Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jamal Asfour-Asia Insurance, Dr. Amanj Saeed-Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Engineer Ameen Hawramany-Ministry of Electricity, Directorate of Media-Tourism Board, Mr. Bakhtiyar Ameen – BOI Duhok, Sheikh Ayad Abdulhalim – Chairman Duhok Chamber of Commerce and Industry. We would also like to thank the heads of the following companies and organisations for their sponsorship and support and without whom this eBizGuide would not have been possible: Faruk Group Holding, Galala Group, GEG, KAR Group, Nalia Co., Asiacell, Canyon Hotel, Repsol, Marathon Oil, Hunt Oil Middle East, Afren, Erbil Chamber of Commerce, Erbil International Airport, Mass Group Holding, Genel Energy, Northern Logistics Services, Khanzad Hotel & Resorts, Bella Roma Hotel, DHL, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, Hermes-IBC, Babylon Media Group, Newroz Telecom, NES Global Talent, KOREK, Tangram Hotel Erbil, Ghanima Group, Mirani Imaging, Nobel Hotel and Makyol. DISCLAIMER While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, this cannot be guaranteed and neither eBizGuides nor any related entity shall have any liability to any person or entity that relies on the information contained in this publication. This publication is not a substitute for professional advice and it should not be acted on or relied on or used as the basis for any decision or action that may affect you or your business. Any reliance is solely at the user’s risk.
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HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE The goal of eBiz Guides is to offer extensive economic and investment information on a country, with a focus on the top companies, while offering the best tourism and entertainment information for your spare time. With this tool, we believe that our readers can get fully acquainted with the country, before investing in it long term. This book comprises three major sections, which deal with general information, business information and entertainment.
General Information Background information on the country is coupled with a useful map and vocabulary.
Business This section of the book starts off with the main business resources available for you as well as an in-depth look at the country’s investment and legal framework and the economy itself. Through personal interviews with the most important business people in the country, we then provide our readers with privileged information and sector analysis, including introductions written by decisionmakers in the sector, such as government ministers. You will also find fact files of all major corporations, outlining their business activities, key projects and any investment opportunities.
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INDEX INTRODUCTION Map and Regional Profile
10
General Information
12
Diplomatic Institutions
28
Did you know?
? 32
Vocabulary
aA
33
BUSINESS Top Companies
36
Business Resources
40
Investment and Legal
50
Kurdistan´s Economy
72
Holding Companies and Conglomerates
82
Finance
94
Energy
104
Trade and Industry
142
Real Estate and Construction
150
Transport and Communication
162
Agriculture
182
Education and Healthcare
190
Tourism Industry
208
ENTERTAINMENT Introduction
224
Erbil
238
Sulaimani
249
Duhok
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NECHIRVAN BARZANI PRIME MINISTER
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It is a pleasure to welcome you to the eBiz Guide on the Kurdistan Region. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) recognises the value of the private sector and its important contribution to the growth of our economy. Over the past decade, successive cabinets have adopted key policies while our parliament has enacted vital legislation designed to encourage investment from the international community to build strong foundations for a prosperous future for our vibrant people. This includes initiatives and schemes to strengthen the rule of law and encourage economic and social development as well as advancing our economic portfolio. In 2006, we adopted an investor-friendly investment law to offer incentives, including ownership of land and the repatriation of international business community. In 2007, we passed a progressive oil and gas law in line with Iraq’s Constitution, paving the way for approximately $20 billion in investments from companies from around the world. This substantial investment is also providing support and opportunities to small and medium-sized businesses, nongovernmental organisations, entrepreneurs, and joint-ventures with the authorities to deliver better services for our people. This pivotal legislation has enabled us to produce 250,000 bpd crude for the betterment of the Iraqi people as a whole, and we plan to produce much more in the near future. Our economy, empowered by the private sector and strongly supported by the government, is witnessing an 8% growth rate this year - making the Kurdistan Region one of the world’s fastest growing economies. We are upgrading existing infrastructure and constructing new airports, roads, hospitals and schools as part of our ongoing efforts to rebuild a region that underwent decades of bombardment and chemical attacks by the former regime. But we aren’t just focusing on the economy. We are strengthening the region’s education system and providing scholarship opportunities to our students and civil servants through a
$100 million programme to study abroad. This initiative will allow our students to bring back their experience and knowledge for the betterment of our region and its continued development. Our people’s expectations have changed rapidly but my government is committed to meeting their demands, no matter how challenging it may seem at times to keep pace. Over the next several years, we will continue to build institutions to protect our success and to work with the international community for our historic experiences with other countries, towards delivering greater peace and stability. This guide will be an essential tool for visitors who want to see our key strategic projects and to understand our priorities for the future, as well as our history. We have just begun and you’re invited to be part of this success story. An investment today in the Kurdistan Region is an investment into a bright and prosperous future. Nechirvan Barzani Prime Minister
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MAP
TURKEY
Zakho
SYRIA
Duhok
Amedi
IRAN Shekan
Soran
Akre
Erbil
KURDISTAN
Makhmur
Sulaimani
Penjwin
IRAQ Kifri
Capital Main towns Towns Roads
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KURDISTAN REGIONAL PROFILE
Land Area: Population: Capital: Other Main Cities: International Airport:
40,643 km2 / 15,692 sq mi
Sulaimani, Duhok, Zakho, Klar, Rawanduz, Halabja, Amadia, Chamchamal Erbil International Airport and As Sulaimania International Airport
GDP per Capita: GDP Growth: Main Exports: Government System: Languages: Climate: Major Religion:
Crude oil 84%, crude materials excluding fuels, food, and live animals Parliamentary Democracy Armenian, and Assyrian in some areas Semi-arid continental: very hot and dry in summer, and cold and wet in winter The majority are Sunni Muslims, mainly of number of Christians of different churches (Syrian Catholic, Syrian Orthodox, Assyrian Church of the East, Armenian, and Catholic
Time: Currency: Internet Domain: International Dialling Code: Electricity: Measures:
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Kurdistan. GMT+3 .iq +964 230 V / AC 50 Hz Metric system
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GENERAL INFORMATION Kurdistan is an autonomous region located in the north of Iraq. Often called ‘the Other Iraq’, for its unique culture, stable political situation and booming economy. A must to visit for both business and entertainment opportunities!
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General Information
INTRODUCTION The name Kurdistan literally means Land of the Kurds. In the Iraqi Constitution, it is referred to as the Kurdistan Region. The full name of the government is Kurdistan Kurdistan is also referred to the region as Kurdistana phical location within the whole of the greater Kurdistan region. Iraqi Kurdistan or Kurdistan Region is an autonomous region of Iraq. It borders Iran to the east, Turkey to the north, Syria to the west and the rest of Iraq to the south. The regional capital is Erbil, known in Kurdish as Hawler. The region is officially governed by the Kurdistan Regional Government.
HISTORY Pre-Islamic Period In prehistoric times, the region was home to a Neanderthal culture, whose remains have been found at a number of archaeological sites, for example the Sha-
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The Erbil Governate Building
nidar Cave. The region was host to the Jarmo culture circa 7000 BC. The earliest Neolithic site in Assyria is Tell Hassuna, the centre of the Hassuna culture circa 6000 BC. The region was inhabited by the northern branch of the Akkadians, which were later known as the Assyrians, and to some degree the Hurrians. The Akkadian Empire ruled the land from 2334 BC until 2154 BC. Assyrian kings were attested from the 23rd century BC according to the Assyrian King List, and Assyrian city-states such as Ashur and Ekallatum started appearing in the region from the mid 21st century BC. Prior to the rule of King Ushpia circa 2030 BC, the city of Ashur appears to have been the regional administrative centre of the Akkadian Empire, as documented by Nuzi tablets subject to their fellow Akkadian Sargon and his successors. Large cities were built by the Assyrians, including Asjor Assyrian cities in the area was Erbil, then known as Arba-Ilu. This name stems from the distinctive cult of Ishtar, the goddess of love and war, and means "the Lady of Ishtar" in the Assyrian language.
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The Assyrians ruled the region from the 21st century BC. The region was known as Assyria, and was the centre of various Assyrian empires particularly during the periods 1813-1754 BC, 1385-1076 BC and the Neo Assyrian Empire of 911-608 BC. Between 612 and 605 BC the Assyrian Empire fell, and it passed to the neoBabylonians and later became part of the Athura Satrap within the Achaemenian Empire from 539 to 332 BC, where it was known as Athura, the Achaemenid name for Assyria. The region fell to Alexander The Great in 332 BC, and was thereafter ruled by the Greek Seleucid Empire until the mid 2nd century BC and was renamed Syria, a Greek corruption of Assyria, when it fell to Mithridates I of Parthia. The Assyrian semi-independent kingdom of Adiabene was centred in Erbil in the first Christian centuries. Later, the region was incorporated by the Romans as the Roman Assyria province but shortly retaken by the Sassanids who established the Arab Islamic conquest. The region became a centre of the Assyrian Church of the East and developed a flourishing Syriac literary tradition during Sassanid rule. Islamic Period The region was conquered by Arab Muslims in the mid 7th century AD and Assyria was dissolved as a geopolitical entity, although Assyrians remain in the area to this day. The area became part of the Muslim Arab Rashiduns, Umayyads, and later the Abbasid Caliphates, before becoming part of various Turkic, and Mongol emirates. After the Ottomans gained power in the region in the 16th century, the area today known as Iraqi Kurdistan was formerly ruled by three principalities of Baban, Badinan and Soran. In 1831, direct Ottoman rule was imposed. This lasted until World War I, when the British defeated the Ottomans and their influence increased in the region. Kurdish Revolts Under British Control During World War I, the British and French divided Western Asia in the Sykes-Picot Agreement. The Treaty of Sèvres, which did not enter into force and Treaty of Lausanne, which superseded the former led to the advent of modern Western Asia and the modern Republic of Turkey. The League of Nations granted France mandates over Syria and Lebanon and granted the United Kingdom mandates over Palestine (which then consisted of two autonomous regions: Mandatory Palestine of the Ottoman Empire on the Arabian Peninsula were eventually overtaken by Saudi Arabia and Yemen. On December 1, 1918, during a meeting in Sulaimani with Colonel Arnold Wilson, the Acting Civil Commissioner for Mesopotamia, Kurdish leaders called for British support for a united and independent Kurdistan under
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British protection. Between 1919 and 1922, Sheikh Mahmud Barzanji, an influential Kurdish leader based in Sulaimani, formed a Kurdish government and led two revolts against the British rule. It took the British authorities until 1924 to put down his uprisings. The first revolt began on May 22, 1919 with the arrest of British officials in Sulaimani and it quickly spread to Mosul and Erbil. The British employed aerial bombardments, artillery, ground attacks by Anglo-Indian troops and Assyrian Levies, and on one occasion, chemical gas, in an attempt to quell the uprising. Then, with the collapse of the Kurdish forces, the British exiled Mahmud Barzanji to India. In July 1920, 62 tribal leaders of the region called for the independence of Kurdistan under a British mandate. The objection of the British to Kurdish self-rule sprang from the fear that success of an independent Kurdish area would tempt the two Arab areas of Baghdad and Basra to follow suit, hence endangering the direct British control over all Mesopotamia. In 1922, Britain restored Sheikh Mahmud to power, hoping that he would organize the Kurds to act as a buffer against the Turks, who had territorial claims over Mosul and Kirkuk. However, defiant for the British, in 1922 Sheikh Mahmoud declared a Kurdish Kingdom with himself as king. It took two years for the British to retake the Kurdish areas, while Sheikh Mahmud found refuge in an unknown location. In 1930, following the announcement of the admission of Iraq to the League of Nations, Sheikh Mahmoud started a third uprising which was suppressed with British air and ground forces. By 1927, the Barzani clan had become vocal supporters of Kurdish rights in Iraq. In 1929, the Barzanis demanded the formation of a Kurdish province in northern Iraq. Emboldened by these demands, in 1931 Kurdish notables petitioned the League of Nations to set up an independent Kurdish government. In late 1931, Ahmad Barzani initiated a Kurdish rebellion against Iraq, and though defeated within several months, the movement gained a major importance in the Kurdish struggle later on, creating the ground for such a notable Kurdish rebel as Mustafa Barzani. During World War II, the power vacuum in Iraq was exploited by the Kurdish tribes and under the leadership of Mustafa Barzani, a rebellion broke out in the north. They effectively gained control of Kurdish areas until 1945, when Iraqis would once again subdue the Kurds with British support. Under pressure from the Iraqi government and the British, the most influential leader of the clan, Mustafa Barzani, was forced into exile in Iran in 1945. Later he moved to the Soviet Union after the collapse of the Republic of Mahabad in 1946.
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General Information
Mustafa Barzani, the leader of the Revolution
Barzani Revolt 1960–1970 After the military coup by Abdul Karim Qasim in 1958, Mustafa Barzani was invited by Qasim to return from exile, where he was greeted with a hero's welcome. As part of the deal arranged between Qasim and Barzani, Qasim had promised to give the Kurds regional autonomy in return for Barzani's support for his policies. Meanwhile, during 1959–1960, Barzani became the head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party early 1960, it became apparent that Qasim would not follow through with his promise. As a result, the KDP began to agitate for regional autonomy. In the face of growing Kurdish dissent, as well as Barzani's personal power, Qasim began to incite the Barzanis historical enemies, the Baradost and Zebari tribes. This led to inter-tribal warfare throughout 1960 and early 1961. By February 1961, Barzani had successfully defeated the pro-government forces and consolidated his position as leader of the Kurds. At this point, Barzani ordered his forces to occupy and expel government officials from all Kurdish territory. This was not received well in Baghdad, and as a result, Qasim began to prepare for a military offensive against the north to return government control of the region. Meanwhile, in June 1961, the KDP issued a detailed ultimatum to Qasim outlining Kurdish grievances and demanded rectification. Qasim ignored the Kurdish demands and continued his planning for war. It was not until September 10, when an Iraqi army column
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was ambushed by a group of Kurds, that the Kurdish revolt truly began. In response to the attack, Qasim lashed out and ordered the Iraqi Air Force to indiscriminately bomb Kurdish villages, which ultimately served to rally the entire Kurdish population to Barzani's standard. Due to Qasim's profound distrust of the Iraqi Army, which he purposely failed to adequately arm (in fact, Qasim implemented a policy of ammunition ratiothe insurrection. This stalemate irritated powerful factions within the military and is said to be one of the main reasons behind the Ba'athist coup against Qasim in February 1963. In November 1963, after considerable fighting amongst the civilian and military wings of the Ba'athists, Abdul Salam Arif ousted them in a coup. Then, after another failed offensive, Arif declared a ceasefire in February 1964 that provoked a split among Kurdish urban radicals on one hand and Peshmerga forces led by Barzani on the other. Barzani agreed to the ceasefire and fired the radicals from the party. Following the unexpected death of Arif, whereupon he was replaced by his brother, Abdul Rahman Arif, the Iraqi government launched a last-ditch effort to defeat the Kurds. This campaign failed in May 1966, when Barzani forces thoroughly defeated the Iraqi Army at the Battle of Mount Handrin, near Rawanduz. At this battle, it was said that the Kurds slaughtered an entire brigade. Recognizing the futility of continuing this campaign, Rahamn Arif announced
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a 12-point peace program in June 1966, which was not implemented due to the overthrow of Rahman Arif in a 1968 coup by the Ba’ath Party. The Ba'ath government started a campaign to end the Kurdish insurrection, which stalled in 1969. This can be partly attributed to the internal power struggle in Baghdad and also tensions with Iran. Moreover, the Soviet Union pressured the Iraqis to come to terms with Barzani. A peace plan was announced in March 1970 and provided for broader Kurdish autonomy. The plan also gave Kurds representation in government bodies, to be implemented in four years. Despite this, the Iraqi government embarked on an arabization program in the oil rich regions of Kirkuk and Khanaqin in the same period. In the following years, Baghdad government overcame its internal divisions and concluded a treaty of friendship with the Soviet Union in April 1972 and ended its isolation within the Arab world. On the other hand, Kurds remained dependent on the Iranian military support and could do little to strengthen their forces. Second Kurdish Iraqi War and Algiers Agreement In 1973, the U.S. made a secret agreement with the Shah of Iran to begin covertly funding Kurdish rebels against Baghdad through the Central Intelligence Agency and in collaboration with Mossad, both of which would be active in the country through the launch of the Iraqi invasion and into the present. By 1974, the Iraqi government retaliated with a new offensive against the Kurds and pushed them close to the border with Iran. Iraq informed Tehran that it was willing to satisfy other Iranian demands in return for an end to its aid to the Kurds. With mediation by Algerian President Houari Boumédiènne, Iran and Iraq reached a comprehensive settlement in March 1975 known as the Algiers Pact. The agreement left the Kurds helpless and Tehran cut supplies to the Kurdish movement. Barzani went to Iran with many of his supporters. Others surrendered en masse and the rebellion ended after a few days. As a result, the Iraqi government extended its control over the northern region after 15 years and in order to secure its influence started an arabization program by moving Arabs to the vicinity of oil fields in Kurdistan, particularly the ones around Kirkuk. The repressive measures carried out by the government against the Kurds after the Algiers agreement led to renewed clashes between the Iraqi Army and Kurdish guerrillas in 1977. In 1978 and 1979, 600 Kurdish villages were burned down and around 200,000 Kurds were deported to the other parts of the country.
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Iran–Iraq War and Anfal Campaign During the Iran–Iraq War, the Iraqi government implemented anti-Kurdish policies again, and a de facto civil war broke out. Iraq was widely condemned by the international community, but was never seriously punished for oppressive measures, including the use of chemical weapons against the Kurds. The Al-Anfal Campaign constituted a systematic genocide of the Kurdish people in Iraq. The first wave of the plan was carried out in 1983 when 8,000 Barzanis were arrested and their remains were returned to Kurdistan in 2008. The second and more extensive and widespread wave began from March 29, 1987 until April 23, 1989, when the Iraqi army under the command of Ali Hassan al-Majid carried out a genocidal campaign against the Kurds, characterized by the following human rights violations: The widespread use of chemical weapons, the wholesale destruction of some 2,000 villages, and slaughter of around 50,000 rural Kurds, by the most conservative estimates. The large Kurdish town of Qala Dizeh (populaarmy. The campaign also included the arabization of Kirkuk, a program to drive Kurds and other ethnic groups out of the oil-rich city and replace them with Arab settlers from central and southern Iraq. Establishment of the Autonomous Region Regional autonomy had originally been established in 1970 with the creation of the Kurdish Autonomous Region following the agreement of an Autonomy Accord between the government of Iraq and leaders of the Iraqi Kurdish community. A Legislative Assembly was established and Erbil became the capital of the new entity in Northern Iraq, encompassing the Kurdish authorities of Erbil, Duhok and Sulaimani. The one-party rule that had dominated Iraq however meant that the new assembly was an overall component of Baghdad's central government; the Kurdish authority was installed by Baghdad and no multi-party system had been inaugurated in Iraqi Kurdistan, and as such the local population enjoyed no particular democratic freedom denied to the rest of the country. Things began to change after the 1991 uprising against Saddam Hussein following the end of the Persian Gulf War. The United Nations Security Council Resolution 688 created a safe haven following international concern for the safety of Kurdish refugees. The US and British government established a No Fly Zone over a large part of northern Iraq (under what however, it left out Sulaimani, Kirkuk, and other im-
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General Information
portant Kurdish populated regions. Bloody clashes between Iraqi forces and Kurdish troops continued and, after an uneasy and shaky balance of power was reached, the Iraqi government fully withdrew its military and other personnel from the region in October 1991 allowing Iraqi Kurdistan to function de facto independently. The region was to be ruled by the two principal Kurdish parties: the Kurdistan
and national anthem. Economic Sanctions At the same time, Iraq imposed an economic blockade over the region, reducing its oil and food supplies. Elections held in June 1992 produced an inconclusive outcome, with the assembly divided almost equally between the two main parties and their allies. During this period, the Kurds were subjected to a double embargo: one imposed by the United Nations on Iraq and one imposed by Saddam Hussein on their region. The severe economic hardships caused by the embargoes fuelled tensions between the two dominant political parties. Relations between the PUK and the KDP started to become dangerously strained from September 1993 after rounds of amalgamations occurred between parties. This led to internecine and intra-Kurdish conflict and warfare between 1994 and 1996. After 1996, 13% of the Iraqi oil sales were allocated
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for Iraqi Kurdistan and this led to a relative prosperity in the region. Saddam had established an oil smuggling route through territory controlled by the KDP, with the active involvement of senior Barzani family members. The taxation of this trade at the crossing point between Saddam’s territory and Kurdish controlled territory and then into Turkey, along with associated service revenue, meant that whoever controlled Duhok and Zakho had the potential to earn several million dollars a week. Direct United States mediation led the two parties to a formal ceasefire in Washington Agreement in September 1998. It is also argued that the Oil for Food Program from 1997 onward had an important effect on cessation of hostilities. After the 2003 US-led invasion Iraqi Kurds played an important role in the Iraq War. Kurdish parties joined forces against the Iraqi government during the war in Spring 2003. Kurdish military forces, known as Peshmerga, literally meaning nment. However Kurds have been reluctant to send troops into Baghdad ever since, preferring not to be dragged into the sectarian struggle that dominates much of Iraq.
Key Dates in the Kurdistan Region’s History Nawroz, Kurdish New Year celebrated on the spring equinox
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Birthday of Mustafa Barzani, leader of Kurdistan’s national democratic movement
terim between "full sovereignty" and the adoption of a permanent constitution.
Halabja Day, commemoration of chemical weapons bombardment on the city of Halabja
The Kurdistan Regional Government has constitutionally recognised authority over the provinces of Erbil, Sulaimani, and Duhok.
Uprising against Saddam Hussein’s regime, which began in the town of Rania
DEMOGRAPHICS The population is about 5-6 million. 95% of these are Kurdish Sunni Muslims. There are also significant numbers of Yazidis, Kakeyíand Christians. Kurds comprise the ethnic majority in the region while the Turkmen, Assyrians, Armenians and Arabs who reside particularly in the western part of the area make up the rest
PRESIDENCY The Presidency of the Kurdistan Region is a political, administrative, and legal institution that was promulgated by the Kurdistan National Assembly, the national parliament, in 2005 under Law 1, Article 1. The President of the Kurdistan Region has the highest executive authority in the Kurdistan Region. He or she is elected by secret ballot in a popular vote every four years and can stand for election for a second term.
KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT Iraqi Kurdistan is a parliamentary democracy with a regional assembly that consists of 111 seats and it is formed by the three governorates of Duhok, Erbil and Sulaimani. The traditional structure of Kurdish social and political organization is inherently tribal, with a tribe being a socio-political unit with distinct territorial limits and membership based on kinship. Since 1992, the Kurdistan Regional Government parliament, elected by popular vote, called the Iraqi Kurdistan National Assembly, and a cabinet composed of the KDP, the PUK and their allies (Iraqi ComStructurally and officially, the two parties exhibit few differences from each other. Both of their international organizations are similar and both have a similar structure of authority. After the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Kurdish politicians were represented in the Iraqi governing council. On January 30, 2005, three elections were held in the region. One was for the Transitional National Assembly of Iraq, the second was for the Iraqi Kurdistan National Assembly, and the third was for provincial councils. The Law of Administration for the State of Iraq for the Transitional Period recognized the autonomy of the Kurdistan Regional Government during the in-
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Massoud Barzani
On 31 January 2005, the Kurdistan National Assembly elected Mr Masoud Barzani as Kurdistan Region’s first President. He was re-elected during the 2009 Iraqi Kurdistan elections. Presidential elections are conducted by secret popular ballot by the people of the Kurdistan Region. At national and international levels, the President represents the people of Kurdistan, oversees relations between the Region and the Iraqi federal authorities and represents the people of Kurdistan at Iraq’s Political Council for National Security which includes the Iraqi President, the two Vice Presidents, the Iraqi Prime Minister, and the Speaker of Iraqi Council of Representatives. To secure the rights of the people of Kurdistan in the Iraqi Constitution, the President of the Kurdistan Region will represent the Region when conducting negotiations and consultations with other parties in Iraq and will oversee coordination between the Kurdistan Regional authorities and the Iraqi federal authorities.
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General Information
The law sets out the relationship between the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. The President of the Council of Ministers is also known as the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government promotions will be submitted to the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region. After the President’s approval and through Regional Decrees, the applications will be returned to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. The law also stipulates the relationship between the Presidency of Kurdistan Region and the Presidency of Kurdistan National Assembly. The President must ratify any law passed by the Kurdistan National Assembly before it is enacted. The President has the power to return any law passed by the Assembly for further debate. This must be done within ten days of the passage of the law. The decision of the Assembly after the referral is final.
PARLIAMENT The Kurdistan Parliament is the Kurdistan’s Region democratically elected legislature. The Parliament consists of one elected chamber. Its three main functions are: To examine proposals for new laws To scrutinise government policy and administration To debate the major issues of the day The founding principles of the Parliament are liberty, pluralism, accountability, openness and the representation of all peoples in the Kurdistan Region.
each party is allocated seats in proportion to the number of votes it received, using the ranking order of candidates on its list. Members of the Kurdistan Parliament: Kurdistani List: 59 MPs (KDP/PUK & Other smaller Change List: 25 MPs Reform and Services List: 13 MPs (Kurdistan Islamic Union, Islamic Group in Kurdistan, Kurdistan Socialist Islamic Movement List: 2 MPs Freedom and Social Justice List: 1 MP (Kurdistan Communist Party, Kurdistan Toilers Party, Kurdistan Independent Work Party, Kurdistan Pro – Democratic Party, Democratic Movement of Kurdistan People Parliamentary seats reserved for minority groups: Turkoman Democratic Movement: 3 MPs Turkoman Reform List: 1 MP Chaldean Assyrian Syriac Council: 3 MPs Al-Rifadain List: 2 MPs Armenian Independent: 1 MP The Kurdistan Parliament shares legislative power with the federal authorities in the following areas, but priority is given to the Kurdistan Parliament’s laws: customs, electric energy and its distribution, general planning, internal water resources. In addition, under article 121 of the Iraqi federal constitution, the Kurdistan Parliament has the right to amend the application of Iraq-wide legislation that falls outside of the federal authorities’ exclusive powers.
There are 111 seats in the Assembly, as stipulated in Law N°1 passed in 1992. The Kurdistan Parliament is led by the Speaker Dr. Arsalan Baeez.
THE KRG CABINET
Parliamentary Elections: They are held at least every four calendar years (as
according to the Kurdistan Region’s laws, as enacted
The democratically elected Kurdistan Regional
The last elections were held on 25 July 2009. Anyone aged 18 or over who is a citizen of the Kurdistan Region and is on the electoral registering is eligible to vote in a direct, universal and secret ballot. Elections for the Kurdistan Parliament are based on a closed party-list proportional representation system where a number of seats are allocated to each governorate. Electors vote for a party’s list of candidates rather than for an individual candidate. After the election results are announced,
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Nechirvan Idris Barzani
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by the Kurdistan Parliament. The Prime Minister is Nechirvan Idris Barzani, Massoud Barzani’s nephew. This is his second time in office, as he was previously Prime Minister from 1999–2009. Nechirvan spearheaded unprecedented social and economic reforms, including attention to violence against women, improvements in infrastructure and a focus on the private sector and foreign investment. He has also been at the forefront of the rapprochement with Turkey and the active development of oil and gas fields in the Region. His Deputy is Mr Emad Ahmad.
Minister of Housing and Reconstruction: Kamaran Ahmed Abdullah Minister of Justice: Sherwan Haidary Minister for the Interior: Karim Sinjari Minister of Social Affairs: Ms Asos Najib Abdullah Minister of Martyrs and Anfal Affairs: Mamosta Aram
The cabinet is made up of members of the Kurdistani List coalition, which won the region’s parliamentary elections in July 2009, together with other parties. The coalition government consists of the Kurdistan
Minister of Municipalities and Tourism: Dilshad Shahab
Assyrian Syriac Council, Turkmen representatives, Communists and Socialists. The government has 19 ministries.
Minister of Peshmerga Affairs: Jafar Mustafa Ali
The government coalition consists of several political parties, reflecting the diversity of the Region’s people, who are Kurds, Turkmen, Chaldeans, Assyrians, Syriac, Yazidis living together in harmony and tolerance. Ministers appointed to the Kurdistan Regional
Minister of Natural Resources: Ashti Hawrami
Minister of Planning: Ali Sindi Minister of Trade and Industry: Sinan Abdulkhalq Ahmed Chalabi Minister of Transport and Communications: Jonson Siyaoosh
listed alphabetically by ministry. Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources: Serwan Baban Minister of Culture and Youth: Kawa Mahmoud Shakir Minister of Education: Asmat Muhamad Khalir
Other senior officials with ministerial rank: Chief of Staff, Kurdistan Region Presidency: Fuad Hussein President, Divan of the Council of Ministers: Nechirvan Ahmad Secretary of the Cabinet: Mohammad Qaradaghi
Minister of Electricity: Yasin Sheikh Abu Bakir Muhammad Mawati Minister of Endowment & Religious Affairs: Kamil Al Aziz
Head of the Department of Foreign Relations: Falah Mustafa Bakir Chairman of the Board of Investment: Herish Muharam
Minister of Finance & Economy: Bayiz Saeed Mohammad Talabani Minister of Health: Rekawt Hama Rasheed Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research: Ali Saeed
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FOREIGN RELATIONS The Kurdistan Region is allowed to have oversight, to some degree, of its own foreign relations without referring to Baghdad.
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Iraqi Kurdistan houses numerous consulates, embassy offices, trade offices and honorary consulates of countries that want to increase their influence and have better ties with the Kurdistan Regional Government. As of October 2010 there were 26 diplomatic representations in the Region, including Turkey. The representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government to the United States was the youngest son of Iraqi president Jalal Talabani, Qubad Talabani, however at the present he has become a Minister in the KRG. The KRG's high representative to the United Kingdom is Bayan Sami Abdul-Rahman, daughter of Sami AbdulRahman who was killed in a terrorist attack on 1 February 2004. Kurdish-Turkish Relations Since the downfall of the regime of Saddam Hussein, the relations between the KRG and Turkey have been in flux. Tensions marked a high stage in late February 2008 when Turkey unilaterally took military action against the PKK, which at times uses the northern Iraq region as a base for militant activities against Turkey. The incursion that lasted 8 days could have involved the armed forces of Kurdistan into a broader regional war. However, relations have been improved since then, and Turkey now has the largest share of foreign investment in Kurdistan.
SECURITY The Kurdistan Region boasts a remarkable security record. Since the war that toppled Saddam Hussein from power in 2003, not a single US soldier has been killed in Kurdistan Regional Government kidnapped in the region since the 1990s. Today, the Kurdistan Region continues to enjoy a stable security situation. The peaceful security situation in the Region has had a positive effect on the local community and has helped to restore Kurdistan and to boost its economy. This stability has been vital to investment by foreign investors in the region, as they feel reassured that their investments are safe in the region. They do not have this sense of safety and security in other parts of Iraq, hindering investment in the rest of the country. It reduces operational costs for companies, as they do not need security guards for their staff in commercial premises in the region.
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The responsibility of security in the Region is in the hands of a handful of security organisations that currently operate as Asaish, Zanyari Agency & Parastin Agency along with the police and peshmerga forces. Kurdish security agencies have worked hard to combat terrorism and uncovering major terrorist networks in the region. One of the most important factors behind this healthy security situation in Kurdistan is the cooperation between citizens and the security agencies, as citizens trust in their security forces and frequently report abnormal activity. The security achievements in the Region can only be stabilized by the current forces working together to keep law and order in the region. Ongoing cooperation between citizens and security agencies maintains Kurdistan’s peaceful status quo. Kurds from the Region have utilized this local success to aid important policing and securityrelated missions in other parts of Iraq. Recognized for their discipline and commitment to duty, Kurdish troops have fought alongside coalition forces in major campaigns throughout the country. Many Kurds are now serving in the Iraqi forces, and several all-Kurdish battalions have served with distinction in places with high levels of inter-communal tension such as Kirkuk, Mosul, and Baghdad. The crime rates in the region according to H.E. Minster of Interior have decreased by 40%. Another major avenue of reform has been efforts to abolish the use of torture in the KRG, a truly remarkable feat given the isolation and cruelty forced upon Kurds under Saddam's regime. While there is still work to be done, the KRG is committed to achieving the highest standards of human rights protection and has actively cooperated with independent monitoring bodies such as Human Rights Watch and the UN Human Rights Commission in order to address potential problems36.
GEOGRAPHY The Kurdistan Region is located in the northern part of the Republic of Iraq. To the north it borders with Turkey, to the northeast and east with Iran, while Syria lies to the west and southern Iraqi governorates to the south. The land is extremely diverse with wide plains,
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seasons with changing temperatures throughout the year. Northern and Eastern areas neighbouring Turkey and Iran are mountainous and at a higher altitude. Temperatures fall below zero most winter days and there is sometimes snowfall. The summers are moderate with average temperatures generally lower than other areas in the Region and the rest of Iraq. The plains in the Southern and Western areas are drier and warmer, with temperatures rising to over 40 degrees Celsius in the summers and occasional dust storms in recent years. Nature scenes around Hallgurd Mountain
valleys, hills and various mountainous regions. The temperatures are relatively low in the mountainous areas while in the plains they are continually higher. Rainfall varies between 200 to 1000 millimeters, and snowfall, which plays an important role in the composition of rivers, semirivers, springs and wells, can be found during the winter months in the higher plateaus. Amongst the important rivers are: Upper Zab, Lower Zab, Sirwan, and Khapur, which all flow into the Tigris River. The mountainous areas are covered with diverse trees and there are several high mountains, such as Hallgurd, Piramagroon and Qandil, but the highest which peaks to 3607m above sea level. Resources: The Kurdistan region is rich in several natural resources such as: oil, natural gas, and minerals such as sulfur, phosphate, uranium, copper, iron, lead, zinc, nickel, and marble. Area: The total area covers approximately 78 000 km including the disputed areas, which in total makes up more than 18% of Iraq's total area. The KRG governs more than 60% of the region’s area, and the remaining 40% are within disputed areas and waiting the implementation of Article 140 in the constitution which has left the destiny of the areas to the wish of its residents via a referendum.
CLIMATE The Kurdistan Region lies in the North-Moderate part of the globe. Winters are cold and rainy, whereas summers are hot and dry. Temperatures differ in the various parts of the Region. There are four distinct
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PEOPLE AND CULTURE The people living in the Kurdistan Region are Kurds as well as Assyrians, Chaldeans, Turkmen, Armenians and Arabs. The Kurds are descendents of the Medes, an ancient Iranic people. They are the largest ethnic group in the world who do not have a state of their own. The region has a young and growing population, with 36% aged 0-14 years, and only 4% aged over 63. The median age in Kurdistan is just over 20, meaning more than 50% are less than 20. The Kurdistan Region’s demography has changed considerably in the last few decades mainly because of forced migration by the previous Iraqi government, which is one of the main reasons for the movement from the countryside to towns and cities. By 2001, at least 600,000 people were internally displaced mainly because of the previous Iraqi regime’s policies since the 1970s. This included more than 100,000 people expelled in November 1991 alone from Kirkuk by the Iraqi government. According to a UNDP survey, 66% of people living in Duhok province have been forced to change their residence due to war at any point in their lives, while the figures in Slemani and Erbil are 31% and 7%, respectively. Traditionally, the majority of people in the Kurdistan Region lived in villages and survived on farming and animal husbandry of mainly sheep and goats thanks to the land’s fertile soil. The Region was known as the breadbasket of Iraq. Today this has reversed, with the majority living and working in the three cities of Erbil, Duhok and Slemani and working in the government, construction, and trade. In the 1980s Saddam Hussein’s regime destroyed
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over 4,000 villages and forcibly moved their residents to collective towns. Many of these villages have now been rebuilt. The Kurdistan Regional Government, with the support of UN agencies and NGOs, after 1991 rebuilt 2,620 of some 4,000 destroyed villages.
LANGUAGES The Kurdistan Region’s official languages for government purposes are Kurdish and Arabic. The two most widely spoken dialects of Kurdish are Sorani and Kurmanji. Other dialects spoken by and Zaza. The Sorani Kurdish dialect uses Arabic script while the Kurmanji Kurdish dialect is written in Latin script. Sorani is spoken in Erbil and Sulaimani governorates, while Kurmanji is spoken in Duhok governorate and some parts of Erbil governorate. As the Region’s Kurdish-language media has developed and the population has moved, today nearly all people in the Kurdistan Region can speak or understand both of the major dialects. The Kurdistan Regional Government’s policy is to promote the two main dialects in the education system and the media. Arabic is also an official language and is widely spoken or understood. Assyrian Neo-Aramaic, Chaldean Neo-Aramaic and Turkmani are also spoken by their respective communities. The Kurdistan Regional Government promotes linguistic diversity and rights, and schools have been established that teach mainly in Assyrian Neo-Aramaic, Chaldean Neo-Aramaic, Turkmen and Arabic.
RELIGION The majority of people in the Kurdistan Region are Sunni Muslims, mainly of the Shafi’i school. Some Muslims in the Region follow Sufi orders. There are also a large number of Christians of different churches, such as Syrian Catholic, Syrian Orthodox, Assyrian Church of the East, Armenian, and Catholic Chaldean. Thousands of Christian families have fled violence and threats in other parts of Iraq and found refuge in the Kurdistan Region. A religion that is practiced only in Kurdistan is Yazidism, which has tens of thousands of adherents. The Kaka'i faith is also practised in the Kurdistan Region. The Kurdistan Regional Government protects people’s freedom to practice their religion and promotes inter-faith tolerance.
EDUCATION Before the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government, primary and secondary education was almost entirely taught in Arabic. Higher education was always taught in Arabic. This however changed with the establishment of the Kurdistan autonomous region. Today, the majority of schools are in Kurdish and some in English. There are several international schools in Kurdistan taught entirely in English. The first one was the International School of Choueifat, which opened a branch in Erbil in 2006. There has been a boom in the higher education sector in Kurdistan since 2003, with 10 new universities opened in the region. Human capacity development
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is a big priority for the government and they are investing a lot of money into scholarships and research programs. The three largest universities are Salahaddin University, the University of Sulaimani, and the University of Dohuk. They offer studies in various subjects leading to specialized diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, and doctorates. The total number of students at higher education institutions in the Kurdistan region is 94,700 with 52% male and 48% female.
NATIONAL SYMBOLS Flag The flag of Kurdistan originates from early Kurdish history, prior to the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government. After the federal decision had been issued and the autonomous region was chosen as the ideal choice for the legal and constitutional relationship between the federal authorities in Baghdad and the authorities of the Kurdistan Region,
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS During public holidays, ministries and government offices are closed. Businesses may also close. Please note that of the national holiday falls at the day is taken as the national holiday and government offices are closed. New Year’s Day Army Day Mouloud (Prophet Mohammad’s
Liberation of Erbil City Mustafa Barzani’s Birthday Nawroz Kurdish New Year (Spring Baghdad Liberation Day (fall of Saddam Labour Day Republic Day Eid-al-Fitr Feast (End of Ramadan.
Flag of Kurdistan
the Parliament of Iraqi Kurdistan approved the flag by virtue of a special law. Thus, the flag of Kurdistan acquired an official character and became an identity symbol to the people of Kurdistan and a symbol of its federal entity. The flag of Kurdistan is made of three horizontal stripes of colour; red, white, and green. In the center of the flag is a yellow sun with 21 rays. All the governmental agencies in the Kurdistan Region fly both the Iraqi and the Kurdish flags side by side. Coat of Arms The Coat of Arms of the Kurdistan Regional Government is an eagle holding a sun on its wings.
Iraq Day (tentative; new public
* Following the Muslim calendar, Islamic holiday dates are estimated only.
BUSINESS WORKING HOURS The public sector works five days a week from 8 am to 3 pm, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. The private sector works on the same days, but normally until 5 pm.
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Coat of Arms
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The sun is red, yellow and green, which represent the Kurdish flag. The words ‘Kurdistan Regional Government’ are written on it in Kurdish, Arabic and English. There is both ancient and modern symbolism in the Coat of Arms. The eagle was an emblem of the ancient Median Empire and the sun has been a symbolic representation of northern Mesopotamia
CURRENCY The Iraqi dinar is the most commonly used currency in the Kurdistan region. US dollars are also accepted. The majority of cash machines distribute both currencies. The conversion rate is approximately 1 USD to 1642.02 IQD.
dating from the early Hurrian period. The banner emblazoned with ‘Kurdistan Regional Government’ is more modern, inspired by Western European heraldry. The number four is prominent in the design, which symbolizes the fact that Kurdistan is divided among has four wing feathers and four tail feathers. There are four red compass points and four green compass points.
Kurdistan National Anthem Ey Reqîb [Oh foes who watch us] Oh foes who watch us, the nation whose language is Kurdish is alive It cannot be defeated by makers of weapons of any time Let no one say the Kurds are dead, the Kurds are alive The Kurds are alive and their flag will never fall We are the sons of the red colour of revolution Our history is one filled with blood Let no one say the Kurds are dead, the Kurds are alive The Kurds are alive and our flag will never fall We are the sons of the Medes and Kai Khosrow Our homeland is our faith and religion Let no one say the Kurds are dead, the Kurds are alive The Kurds are alive and our flag will never fall The Kurdish youth has risen like noble warriors To draw the crown of life with blood Let no one say the Kurds are dead, the Kurds are alive The Kurds are alive and our flag will never fall The Kurdish youth are ever-ready And always prepared to sacrifice their lives To sacrifice their lives, to sacrifice their lives. By the poet Dildar, also known as Yonis Reuf (19171948)
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COMMUNICATIONS Mobile Phones There are three mobile telecommunications providers with nationwide coverage in Iraq. They are Asiacell, Korek, and Zain. Asiacell numbers begin with 0770, Korek numbers with 0750, and Zain numbers with 0780. Sim cards can be purchased at the Erbil International Airport, as well as in the different store locations in Erbil, Sulaimani, and Duhok. Credit can be purchased at most supermarkets. Internet There are several Internet providers in the different cities of Kurdistan, such as Nawroz Telecom, BeTel, WeGo, and Gorannet. Internet connections are also available in many hotels and some private Internet cafes. Not all connections are broadband speed. It is also possible to buy an internet USB stick and credit. Electrical appliances
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General Information
The voltage is 220v. Both UK three-pronged and European two-pronged plugs are in use. Visitors are advised to take a universal adapter with them. However, adapters can be purchased in small electrical shops in the bazaars of towns and cities.
- One will need a sponsor or if not, must contact the Department of Foreign Relations at protocol.dfr@ krg.org - Fill out application - Undergo a blood test
TRAVELLING TO KURDISTAN
- Provide 2 passport-sized photos
Iraqi Kurdistan can be reached by land and by air.
- Clear an investigation
By land, Iraqi Kurdistan can be reached through Turkey by the Habur Border Gate, the only border gate between Kurdistan and Turkey. This border gate can be reached by bus or taxi from airports in Turkey as close as the Mardin or Diyarbakir airports, as well as from Istanbul or Ankara. Iraqi Kurdistan has two border gates with Iran, the Haji Omaran border gate and the Bashmeg border gate near the city of Sulaymaniyah. Iraqi Kurdistan has also a border gate with Syria known as the Faysh Khabur border gate. From within Iraq, Kurdistan Region can be reached by land from multiple roads. Iraqi Kurdistan has two international airports. Erbil International Airport and Sulaimaniyah International Airport, which both operate flights to Middle Eastern and European destinations. A third airport in Duhok is currently under construction. Currently there are 26 airlines flying to Kurdistan, including Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Etihad, Royal Jordanian, Gulf Air, Middle East Airlines, Atlas Jet, and Fly Dubai all service the Region. There are at least 2 military airfields in Iraqi Kurdistan. The people of the Kurdistan region view the West as their friends and allies, and their tolerance and moderation has contributed to the region’s stability and security. Visitors as well as citizens can live and travel safely in the region. Visa Information A 15-day tourist visa is issued upon arrival at the airport. To stay longer, one must contact the Department of Foreign Relations and obtain residency. Residency Visitors wishing to extend their stay in the Kurdistan Region beyond a 15-day period must apply for a Card of Residence.
Blood tests must be procured at the Public Hospital. The results must be picked up 3-4 days later at the Residency Office along with the approved application. The fee is 36,000 Iraqi dinars, and the process usually takes approximately 2-3 hours. It is recommended to go to the Residency Office with a translator.
GETTING AROUND Taxis Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap in the cities in Kurdistan, particularly during the day. They are easily found in the downtown area and by the major hotels. A taxi ride from one destination to another within a city should cost between 3000 and 5000 IQD. If you are driving to a location outside of the city or from city to city, it will be more. Hired Cars There are several car rental companies in Kurdistan. Avis is located inside the Divan Hotel, Kayalar is located to the right of the Noble Hotel and Zarco is in Ainkawa. However, hiring a driver as well is recommended. Driving in Kurdistan is quite different than driving in Western countries. Public Transportation There is not a great deal of public transportation in Kurdistan at the moment. There are plans to build a tramway and there are occasional buses used by the local people, but the majority of people travel by car.
Below is a general outline of the requirements for obtaining a residency card for an extended stay in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq:
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DIPLOMATIC INSTITUTIONS
CONSULATES IN KURDISTAN Consulate General of the Republic of France 33 Salahaddin Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Slovakia ahmedgardy@yahoo.com
consulat.erbil-fslt@diplomatie.gouv.fr Honorary Consulate of the Netherlands 240/9/659 Somar Street, Ashti Quarter Ainkawa-Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Spain The English Village, Villa 106 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq hcspain.erbil@gmail.com
netherlands.consulate.erbil@gmail.com Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey Ster Tower - Floor 11, Gulan Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Commercial Office of the Arab Republic of Egypt Ankawa Main Entrance, the Economy Bank Building Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
consulate.erbil@mfa.gov.tr
erbil@ecs.gov.eg
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DIPLOMATIC INSTITUTIONS
Commercial Office of the Republic of Austria Naz City, Block E, Apt 3 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Consulate General of the United States of America Ainkawa-Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
baghdad@advantageaustria.org
erbilpublicaffairs@state.gov
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Belarus Kasnazan Road Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Honorary Consulate of the Kingdom of Denmark Al Khayat Compound, opposite to Erbil Court Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
belakurd@gmail.com
dara.alkhayat@yahoo.com
Commercial Office of the Hellenic Republic (Greece) Naz City, Block I, 10th Floor, Appt. 43 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq greekcomsec@live.com
Honorary Consulate of Japan
Embassy Office of the Kingdom of Sweden Ster Tower, Gulan Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
www.ebizguides.com Las termas de Pucรณn, uno de los mejores destinos posibles adonde ir en alguno de los largos feriados chilenos
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DIPLOMATIC INSTITUTIONS Embassy Liaison Office of the Kingdom of the Netherlands English Village, Villa #138 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
British Consulate General Bernadette Greene, Honorary Consul Khanzad Hotel, Shaqlawa Main Road Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
bag-erb@minbuza.nl
enquiries.erbil@fco.gov.uk
Consular Office of the Republic of Italy English Village, Villa #87 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
KRG Representation in Australia Representative: Mr Haval A. Syan P O Box 491 Liverpool NSW 2170 Sydney, Australia Phone: 612 98 22 22 72 Fax: 612 98 22 22 76 Email: australia@krg.org Visits by appointment only. For administrative matters, appointments can be made for Thursdays from 10.00 to 15.00.
erbil.office@esteri.it Liaison Office of the Czech Republic Karez Street, near Hadyb Hall Ainkawa-Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq commerce_erbil@mzv.cz Embassy Office of the Republic of Korea Khanzad Hotel, Shaqlawa Main Road Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq koreanerbil@gmail.com
Consulate General of the Palestinian National Authority
Consular Office of Romania Gulan Street, Ster Tower, Floor 7, Unit 702 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran iranconsulate.erbil@yahoo.com Consulate General of The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
erbil@mae.ro www.mae.ro Consulate of the United Arab Emirates Gulan Street, Ster Tower, Floor 10 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
info.erbil@fm.gov.jo Consulate of the Arab Republic of Egypt Waziran, behind Ministry of Religious Affairs Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
arbil@mofa.gov.ae
con.egypt.erbil@hotmail.com
KRG REPRESENTATION INTERNATIONALLY
Consulate General of the Russian Federation District Dashti, opposite to Havana Restaurant Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq rusgencons-erbil@yandex.ru Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany Kirkuk Road, opposite to Salahaddin University Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq info@erbi.diplo.de
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KRG Representation in Austria Representative: Dr Mustafa Ismail Ramazan Goran Canovagasse 7/Top 6, 1010 Vienna Phone: +43 1 5050207 - 0 Fax: +43 1 5050207 - 40 Email: representation@at.krg.org Visits to the office by appointment only.
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DIPLOMATIC INSTITUTIONS KRG Mission to the European Union Head of Mission: Mr Delawar Khalid Ajgayee Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 228 1050 Brussels Belgium Phone: +32-2-513 72 28 Fax: +32-2-513 36 79 Email: eu@krg.org KRG Representation in France Representative: Ms Khaman Zirar Asaad Adresse : 57 Rue de l'Université 75007 Paris Open from Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 18:00 Phone: +33145442021 Fax: +33145442022 Email: france@krg.org Web: http://france.krg.org KRG Representation in Germany Representative: Mr Dilshad Barzani Vertretung der Regionalregierung Kurdistan-Irak in Deutschland P.O. Box 150 101 D-10633 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49 30 2888 495 0 Fax: +49 30 2888 495 29 Email: germany@krg.org KRG Representation in Iran Representative: Mr Nazim Omer No.2, Third Street Zarafshan Avenue Shahrak-e Gharb Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran Phone: +982 188 072057 / +982 188 572224 Fax: +982 188 087972 KRG Representation in Italy Representative: Ms Rezan Hama Salih Qadir Agha Governo Regionale del Kurdistan Via Paisiello55 Roma 00197, Italia Phone: +39 06 8535 6943 Fax: +39 06 8535 6943 Mobile: +39 328 6656690 Mobile: +39 327 0658024 Email: italy@krg.org Web: www.italy.krg.org
KRG Representation in Russia Representative: Dr Aso Jangi Burhan Office under construction KRG Representation in Spain Representative: Mr Daban Shadala C/ Puerto de Santa María 28043 Madrid, España Phone: +34 91 436 26 20 Fax: +34 91 435 29 14 Email: spain@krg.org Web: http://spain.krg.org KRG Representation in Sweden Representative: Mr Herish Farhan Khola Office under construction KRG Representation in Switzerland Representative: Dr Fauzi Kaddur Thunstr. 74 CH-3006 Bern, Switzerland Phone: +41 31 352 00 60 Fax: +41 31 352 00 61 Mobile: +41 79 601 35 55 KRG Representation in the United Kingdom Representative: Ms Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman London SW1E 6LB
Email: uk@krg.org Web: http://uk.krg.org Visits to the office are possible by prior appointment only. For consular matters and documentation, appointments can be made for visits on Mondays or Thursdays from 11.00 to 16.00 UK time. KRG Representation in the USA Representative: In between representatives as this guide is published 1532 16th St., NW Washington, DC 20036 Phone:+1 202 797 7575 Fax: +1 202 821 1870 Email: us@krg.org Web: http://us.krg.org
KRG Representation in Poland Representative: Mr Ziyad Raoof Rynek Glowny 39/8 31-013 Krakow, Poland Phone number: +4812 422 88 22 Fax number: +4812 429 11 93 Email: poland@krg.org
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DID YOU KNOW?
With a population of over 4 million and rapidly increasing, the three governorates of Duhok, Erbil and Sulaimani cover approximately 40,000 km2 larger than the Netherlands and four times the area of Lebanon.
continually inhabited settlements.
Regional Government, the Kurdistan Parliament as the region’s institutions and the Peshmerga guard as the legitimate regional forces. dry plains to cooler mountainous areas with natural springs and snowfall in the winter.
has died nor a single foreigner been kidnapped in the areas administered by the Kurdistan Regional
several political parties that reflect the diversity of the Region’s people, who are Chaldeans, Assyrians, Syriac, Turkmen, Yazidis and Kurds living together in harmony and tolerance.
people, the Kurdistan Region’s security forces have kept the area safe and stable. Security responsibility was formally transferred from the Multinational Forces to the KRG in May 2007.
Hussein’s Regime in the 1980s, more than 65% of the raised villages have been rebuilt.
Government is Erbil, a city known locally as Hawler.
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of Iranian languages, such as Persian and Pashto. There are two main dialects, Sorani and Kurmanji.
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aA
VOCABULARY
English
Kurdish (Sorani)
Arabic
Hello
Slaw
Salaam
How are you?
Choni?
Shonak?
Bash’m supas, ey to?
Ani zein, w ant?
Thank you
Supas
Shukran
Thank you very much
Zor supas
Shukran jazilan
You are welcome
Ser chow
Afwan / Il Yafew
Good morning
Bayanit bash
Sabah al-kher
Good day
Roj bash
Sabah al-Kher
Good evening
Ewarat bash
Maasal Kher
Good night
Shaw shad
Tusbih ala Kher
Goodbye
Ma’a salama
Nice to meet you
Khosh’halim ba nasinit
Where are you from?
Khalki Kweit
Tasharafna
Please
Tkaya
Yes
Bale
Na’am
No
Nakher
La
Do you speak English?
To Englizi Qsa dakay?
Hal Anta tatakalam al englizya?
Sorry
Bbura
Asif
Excuse me
Bbura
Authorni
I do not understand
Tenagam
Mada aftahim
Airport
Frokakhana
Mattar
postakhana
Maktab al-bareed
Museum
Musakhana
Mat’haf
Bank
Bank
Bank
Hospital
Nakhoshkhana
Mustashfa
Pharmacy
Darmankhana
Seydeliya
Police station
Bnkay Police
Markaz al-shurta
Embassy
Balwezkhana
Al-Safara
Restaurant
Cheshtkhana
Matam
Hotel
Otel
Funduk
Can you please help me?
Datwani yarmatim bday?
Mumkin tra’edni, etha mumkin?
I like it
Hazim leyati
ajabani
It is nice
Shteke basha
Taiyba
It is beautiful
Jwana
Jmila
It is tasty
Batama
lathitha
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aA
VOCABULARY
It is expensive
Grana
ghalyaa
It is cheap
Harzana
Rakhisa
How much is it?
Bachanda?
Bkam?
Money
Para
Mass-Ah-Ree/Floos/Nkud
Can I have the bill, please?
Datwani hsabakan bo bene?
Ateyni al hisab
Water
Aaw
Mayee
Wine
Sharabi
Khamir
Red wine
Sharabi sur
Khamir Ahmar
White wine
Sharabi spi
Khamir Abyad
Beer
Bera
Bira
Blue
Sheen
Azraq
Green
Sawz
Akhdar
Red
Sur
Ahmar
Yellow
Zard
Azrak
Black
Rash
Aswad
White
Spi
Abyath
What time is it?
Katzhmer chnda?
Besh al-sa’a
What day is it today?
Amro chandshamaya?
Shnu al yom?
Monday
Dushamma
Al ithnain
Tuesday
Seishamma
Al thulathe
Wednesday
Chwarshamma
Al arba’a
Thursday
Penjshamma
Al Khamis
Friday
Hainyee
Al jum’ah
Saturday
Shamma
Al sabt
Sunday
Yakshamma
Al a’had
Today
Amro
Alyom
Yesterday
Dwene
Ams/Im bera
Tomorrow
Sbeiy
Bachr
Every day
Hamurojek
Kul yuom
Who?
Keiy?
Mnu? /Men?
What?
Che?
Shnu?
Where?
La kwe?
Aina? /Waen?
When?
Kay?
Aimta?
Why?
Boche?
Laish? /Limeda?
How?
Chon?
Kef?
How many?
Chand?
Kam?
Gift
Dyaree
Hidaya
Happy birthday!
Roji ladayikbunit peroz
Kul a Sena wa anta Bekher
Congratulations!
Peroza
Mabruk
Cheers
Nosh
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GOVERNMENT WEBSITES Presidency of the Region Kurdistan Parliament
www.krp.org www.perlemanikurdistan.com
Council of Ministers
www.krg.org
Ministry of Planning
www.mop-krg.org
Ministry of Higher Education
Ministry of Trade and Industry Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism
www.mohe.krg.org www.mtikrg.org www.tourismkurdistan.com
Ministry of Electricity
www.krgelectric.org
Ministry of Transport
www.moc-krg.com
and Communication Ministry of Culture and Youth Ministry of Education
www.moe-krg.org
Ministry of Health
www.moh-krg.org
Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs
www.molsa-krg.org
Ministry of Justice
www.moj-krg.org
KRG Department of Foreign Relations
www.dfr-krg.com
Governorate of Erbil
www.ebizguides.com
www.mosy-krg.org
www.hawlergov.org 35
General Information
TOP COMPANIES
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK Board of Investment Contractors’ Union DARB Global Deloitte
Duhok Chamber of Commerce Erbil Chamber of Commerce Ernst & Young Hermes - IBC Investors’ Union Iraq Businessmen Union Pricewaterhousecoopers Sulaimani Chamber of Commerce Tiller and Co
Petoil Power Men Co Repsol OMV Talisman Energy Viking International Western Zagros
FINANCE Asia Insurance Byblos Bank Dar Es Salaam Investment Bank Gras Savoye Kurdistan International Bank Mansour Bank North Bank Trade Bank of Iraq
AGRICULTURE Al-Hayat Al-Sofy Miwa Fresh Vano Group Wade Al-Fter
ENERGY Afren Chevron Crescent Petroleum Dana Gas DNO Exxon-Mobil Genel Energy General Electric Gulf Keystone Petroleum Hess Hunt Oil Kar Group Marathon Oil Mass Global Middle East Power MOL Group NES Global Talent Northern Logistics Services
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HOLDING COMPANIES Faruk Group Holding Falcon Group Federal Group Golden Eagle Global Nalia Company Sardar Group Ster Group UB Holding Zagros Group Zozik Company
REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION 77 Company Ashur Ban Galala Group Ghanima Group Plan Company Shary Goizha Zarya Company
www.ebizguides.com
General Information
TOP COMPANIES
www.ebizguides.com
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TOP COMPANIES EDUCATION & HEALTHCARE American University of Iraq-Sulaimani Board of Investment British International School Classical School of the Medes Dent Care Clinic Faruk Medical Centre
TRADE & INDUSTRY Awamedica Azady Industries Azady IV Solutions Bazian Cement Plant KIA Motors Lafarge Niva Car Trading Tasluja Cement Plan
International School of Choueifat
TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION TOURISM Bella Roma Hotel Best Inn Erbil Canyon Hotel Copthorne Baranan Copthorne Hotel & Spa Dilshad Palace Divan Hotel Grand Millennium Khanzad Hotel Kurdistan Adventures Jiyan Hotel Jouhayna Hotel LaleZar Hotel Lamassu Hotel Mazi Hotel Noble Hotel Rotana Hotel Tangram Hotel Van Royal Hotel
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Al-Abshar Asiacell Babylon Media BeTel DHL Erbil International Airport Fastlink Gorannet
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TOP COMPANIES
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Business Resources
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www.ebizguides.com
Business Resources
BUSINESS RESOURCES A comprehensive list of services useful for any visitor to the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
www.ebizguides.com
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Business Resources
ADVERTISING AGENCIES Al-Abshar English Village, Villa 131 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 255 4425 www.alabshar.com
Air Olympic www.airolympic.com Atlasjet Tel: (+964) 750 418 4444 info@zagros-group.net www.atlastjet.com
Adexpert & Gray English Village 241 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Austrian Airlines Tel: (+964) 66 224 5470 office.ebl@austrian.com www.austrian.com
Golden Eagle Global
Azmar Air Tel: (+964) 750 124 9696 / 066 264 8601(Erbil office) (+964) 53 319 3929 / 53 319 43 01-02 / 770 157 1906 (Sulaimani office) info@azmarairline.org www.azmarairline.net
Italian City, Bldg # 71, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 445 1752 a.ahmed@goldeneagleglobal.com www.goldeneagleglobal.com
Insight Group English Village 123 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 257 8181 SSHC Reklam English Village, Villa 333 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 796 9999 www.sshcreklam.com Young & Rubicam Italian Village, Villa 450 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 708 3255 www.yrmena.com
Cyprus Airways Tel: (+964) 750 720 5555 info@miranaviation.com www.cyprusairways.com Egypt Air Tel: (+964) 750 8908004 erbil_kk@egyptair.com www.egyptair.com Emirates www.emirates.com Etihad Airways Tel: (+964) 771 299 9811 airportmanagerebl@etihad.ae www.etihadairways.com Fly Dubai Tel: (+964) 750 701 0286 basilal_douri@yahoo.com www.flydubai.com Fly Olympic www.flyolympic.se
AIRLINES
Germania Airways Tel: (+964) 770 15719 06 www.flygermania.de
Air Berlin Tel: (+964) 750 739 2585 alazawi_saad57@yahoo.com www.airberlin.com
Gulf Air www.gulfair.com
Air Arabia www.airarabia.com
Iraqi Airways Tel: (+964) 750 423 5555 iq_erbil@yahoo.com www.iq-airways.com
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Business Resources
Lufthansa Tel: (+964) 66 224 5470 office.ebl@austrian.com www.lufthansa.com Mahan Air www.mahan.aero Middle East Airlines Tel: (+964) 750 601 2933 eblkzme@mea.aero www.mea.com.lb Pegasus Airlines kursat.gunduz@flypgs.com www.pegasusairlines.com Qatar Airways www.qatarairways.com Royal Jordanian Airlines Tel: (+964) 750 477 9898 eblga2@rj.com www.rj.com Transavia Tel: (+964) 750 725 9999 info@miranaviation.com www.flymiran.com Turkish Airlines www.turkishairlines.com Viking Hellas Tel: (+964) 750 423 3511 info@miranaviation.com www.miranaviation.com
Cihan Bank Cihan Plaza Kirkuk Road Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 255 3064 info@cihanbank.com www.cihanbank.com IBL Bank Dar Al-Handassah Building, Ainkawa Road Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 256 1512 estephan@ibl.com.lb www.ibl.com.lb Mansour Bank Koysinjaq Way, near Dyke Hospital Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 447 5766 erbil@mansourbank.com www.mansourbank.com North Bank Alkrada Street Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq info@northbankiq.com www.northbankiq.com Kurdistan International Bank Abdul Salam Al-Barzani Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 223 0822 www.kibid.com
BEAUTY SALONS/ HAIRDRESSERS/SPA BANKS Bank of Baghdad Al-Sittani Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq www.bankofbaghdad.com Byblos Bank 60 Metre Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 256 0017 erbilbranch@byblosbank.com.lb www.byblosbank.com.lb
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Golden Oasis In the Jouhayna Centre 100 Meter Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 347 5555 www.jouhaynahotel.com Gul Hanim Ainkawa Road, Under the Grand Erbil Hotel Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 858 0321 Lebanese Beauty Center Shorsh Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
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Business Resources
Tel: (+964) 750 415 2535 Zen Spa at the Rotana Hotel Gulan Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 210 5555
Whether for a business lunch, afternoon coffee and dessert or getting together with friends over a meal; Saad and Mohamad El Khatib and their mother Zeina are always present to personally make sure you enjoy fresh healthy treats in an intimate homey environment.
CAR HIRE
CINEMAS & THEATRES
Avis Divan Hotel Gulan Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 522 4986 berate@avis.com.tr www.avis.com
Royal Mall Cinemas Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Sulaimani Cinemas Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Family Mall Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Kayalar Company selcuk@kayalar-group.com Zarco Ainkawa Main Road Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 770 152 1991 hafid@zarservice.com www.zarservice.com
CATERING Yalla Food Naz City, Building F 9th Floor, #38 Tel: (+964) 750 434 9268 sales@yallafood.com
CONFERENCE FACILITIES Saad Palace Gulan Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Rotana Hotel Gulan Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 210 55 55 Divan Hotel Gulan Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 210 5000 Tangram Hotel Erbil
BouBa Catering Tel: (+964) 771 111 7741/ 750 35 11 310 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Bouba.resto@gmail.com
Cached away in a cosy corner off two sides road in Ainkawa, Erbil; Bouba is a home cooked food restaurant run by the Lebanese El Khatib family since its opening in Jan 2011. Boasting a wide variety of traditional Lebanese, fusion and continental dishes featured on the extended daily specials menu; Bouba also offers a colourful sandwich, salad and fresh juice bar to its local and expat clientele.
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Kirkuk Road, next to Naza Mall Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 662 296 900 doaa.amin@tangramhotels.com www.erbil.tangramhotels.com
CONSULTANCY FIRMS Alexandria Consultancy Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 770 806 5351 www.alexandriaconsultancy.com
www.ebizguides.com
Business Resources
DARB Global Naz City, Building J, Suite 10 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq info@darbglobal.com www.darbglobal.com
DENTISTS
Definitus Naz City, Building J, Suite 10 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq info@definitus.com www.definitus.com
Dent Care Clinic
British Dental Clinic Italian Village, Erbil Tel: (+964) 770 976 1613
Beside Hevi School, behind Ainkawa Oil & Car Wash, in front of Jordan River Pharmacy and Medical Center Ainkawa Erbil/Iraq
Deloitte Vital Village, Villa 42 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 257 6200 www.deloitte.com
Tel: (+964) 750 759 1411 / (0)750 337 5117 / (0)750 355 6976 dentcareclinic@gmail.com
Ernst & Young
EVENT MANAGEMENT
English Village Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 662 575 777 / (+964) 770 045 4444 www.ey.com
Babylon Media
PricewaterhouseCoopers English Village Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq www.pwc.com Roza Engineering Consultancy Flat 21, 1st Floor Kurdistan Mall, Salim Street Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 53 320 5829 info@uppsala-co.com www.uppsala-co.com Tiller & Co English Village Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) (0) 750 315 4308 info@tillerandco.com www.tillerandco.com
DECORATION & DESIGN SNOB Decoration and Construction Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 144 4750 Lctco.limited@gmail.com
www.ebizguides.com
Ainkawa Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 303 9494 www.babylongroup.info Whitepro (Lebanese Company) Tel: (+964) 750 126 0000/ 770 646 4444 info@whitepro.org www.whitepro.org
INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS BeTel 60 Meter Street, opposite the Ministry of Justice Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 222 3881 info@betelgroup.net www.betelgroup.net Gorannet FGH Building Salim Street Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 53 511 1000 www.gorannet.net WeGo Ainkawa Main Road Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq www.mywego.com
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Business Resources
HEALTH AND FITNESS
HOTELS
Erbil Sports Centre 100 Meter Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Hotels in Erbil Bella Roma Hotel
Tarin Fitness Massif Road Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 411 5500
100 Meter Street, opposite Italian City Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 411 77 55 / 770 447 77 55 Tel: (+964) 066 257 60 08 (reception) info@blromahotel.com reservation@blromahotel.com www.blromahotel.com
Canyon Hotel Rotana Hotel Fitness Centre Gulan Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 210 55 55 Herveen Sport Centre Ainkawa, Erbil Tel: (+964) 66 254 4001/2 harveensc@yahoo.com
Fully equipped gym for both men and women with state-of-the-art facilities. Large indoor swimming pools, one for men and one for women, as well as sauna and steam rooms available for guest use. Erbil International Hotel Kirkuk Road Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 223 4460 Fitness room and large outdoor swimming pool during summer months.
Gulan Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 210 5600 / (+964) 750 635 4444 info@canyonhotelerbil.com www.canyonhotelerbil.com Erbil Rotana Hotel Gulan Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 210 55 55 Fax: (+964) 66 210 55 56 www.rotana.com/rotanahotelandresorts /iraq/erbil/erbilrotana Erbil International Hotel 30 Metre Street Tel: (+964)66 223 4460 – 70 info@erbilinthotel.com www.erbilinthotel.com Divan Hotel Gulan Street, Erbil, Kurdistan region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 2105000 / (+964) 750 6423125 reservations.divanerbil@divan.com.tr www.divan.com.tr/ENG/Hotel-Destinations
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www.ebizguides.com
Business Resources
Hawler Plaza Hotel Kirkuk Road, near Erbil Stadium Tel: (+964)66 222 8890 / (0)66 2519740 / (0)66 254 0050 hawler_plaza@yahoo.com www.hoojoozat.com/HotelDetailSearch. aspx?Hotel-Iraq-Hawler-Plaza-Hotel
Royal Palace Hotel 60 Metre Street Opposite Ainkawa bridge (overpass), near Mahhar Restaurant Tel: (+964)66 2562981/ (0)66 256 2982/ (0)750 423 7426/ (0)750 423 7326 royalpalace_h@yahoo.com
Khanzad Hotel Tangram Hotel Erbil
Salahaddin Road, about 25 minutes outside Erbil city centre Tel: (+964) 66 2245273 / 74 / 76 / 77/ (+964) 66 2505226 info@khanzadresort.com www.khanzadresort.com
Chwar Chra Hotel Abdul Salam Al-Barzani Street Tel: (+964)66 223 1508 / 9 / (+964)66 222 2650 info@chwarchrahotel.com Website: www.chwarchrahotel.com/default.asp
Noble Hotel
Peshawa Qazi Street (100 Meter Street), Ainkawa, Erbil Tel. (+964)66 225 26 30 / (0)66 225 26 20 Mob: (+964)750 431 22 44 / (0)771 193 63 00 www.noble-hotel.com
Ainkawa Palace Hotel Shlama Street, Ainkawa, Erbil (near Residency Office) Tel: (+964)66 225 3030/ (0)750 486 3030 info@ankawapalace-hotel.com www.ankawapalace-hotel.com
www.ebizguides.com
Kirkuk Road, next to Naza Mall Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 662 296 900 doaa.amin@tangramhotels.com www.erbil.tangramhotels.com
Hotels in Duhok Dilshad Palace Hotel Dohuk main street, opposite Mazi Supermarket Tel: (+964) 62 722 7601 – 9 info@dilshad-palace.com www.dilshad-palace.com Slivan Hotel 14 Athar Street Tel: (+964) 62 722 5683 Sulav Hotel Tel. (+964) 62 722 1955 / 722 1956 Mobile: +964 (0)750 445 7004 sulavhotel@sulavco.com/ sulavhotel@yahoo.com Jiyan Hotel Tel. (+964)62 722 24 00/ (0)750 442 7711/ (0)770 051 7711 info@jiyanhotel.com www.jiyanhotel.com Mazi Motel Zakho St. Mazi Mall Area Tel: (+964) 62 760 9900 / (0)750 427 7723 / (0) 750 482 7944 www.alaminest.com/?page=mazi_motel
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Business Resources
Hotels in Sulaimani
MEDICAL SERVICES
Lalezar Hotel Sarchinar Hill Tel: (+964)53 319 2601 info@lale-zar.com www.lale-zar.com
Trident Safety and Security & Blue Crescent Medical Tel: (+964) 750 744 3891 www.tridentsafetyandsecurity.com www.bcm-medical.com Nordic Medical Services Tel: (+964) 750 743 0508 www.nordicmedical.eu
Copthorne Hotel Baranan (A Millenium Copthorne Hotel) Sarchinar Main Street info@mill-sulaimani.com Sulaimani Palace Hotel Tel: (+964) 53 3134141 – 47 Azmir Palace Hotel Tel: (+964) 748 012 3513 Ashti Hotel Salim Street Tel: (+964) 53 312 7999 Parezh Hotel Tel: (+964) 53 210 7185/(0)770 366 8888/ (0)730 154 6525
LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANERS Milano 100 Meter Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
PHARMACIES Family Mall Pharmacy Beside Carrefour 100 Meter Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Majdi Mall Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Royal Mall 60 Metre Street, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Visit Education Street in Erbil for a large selection of local pharmacies.
PHOTOGRAPHERS Mirani Imaging
Mr Clean 60 Meter Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
LEGAL SERVICES Dler Law Office Italian Village, Villa 38 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 451 2308 info@dlerlawoffice.com www.dlerlawoffice.com
Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 888 3210 adam.mirani@gmail.com www.miranimaging.com
Mirani Imaging provides Kurdistan with all types of professional photography from commercial, to corporate, to creative. From oil fields and drilling rigs to corporate events, Mirani Imaging has the experience and technical knowledge to produce high end photography for clients in the region. Check out their website or give them a call to find out more information about setting up a photo shoot.
Nuri Yaba Law Office English Village, Villa No. 405 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 257 4970 / 750 456 4657 bangeen@nuriyabalaw.com
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REAL ESTATE COMPANIES Erbil Aqarat Tel: (+964) 750 472 8730 / 770 409 7949
www.ebizguides.com
Business Resources
EMP English Village, Villa 88 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 770 445 3531 info@erbilmanpower.com www.erbilmanpower.com Bagly Shaklawa Tel: (+964) 750 460 0831 American Village Sales Office Khanzad, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 413 6420 / 6421 Tel: (+964) 770 641 8484 sales@americanvillage.info
RECRUITMENT SUPPLIER LISTING NES GLOBAL TALENT Al Barsha, PO Box 125751, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 395 7262 darren.grainger@nesglobaltalent.com www.nesglobaltalent.com
www.ebizguides.com
SECURITY SERVICES Control Risks Italian City, Villa 140 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: +964 750 456 8281 erbil@controlrisks.com www.controlrisks.com Control Risks is a global risk management consultancy, headquartered in New York and with over 30 offices around the world. They specialize in managing political integrity and security risks in complex and hostile environments. Since their inception in 1975, they have worked with over 3000 clients in nearly every country in the world, including some of the most influential global organizations. Being physically present in so many countries gives them both a comprehensive global perspective as well as an acute understanding of country-specific issues on the ground. This insight translates to the most accurate and up-todate information available for the solutions to be based upon, ensuring that their clients get the best outcome possible.
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Business Resources
Control Risks defines their company and their employees with two characteristics: Ethical and Independent. The independent nature of the company allows them to consistently prioritize their clients’ best interests and give objective advice and information. Control Risks operates with a strict client confidentiality policy and a highly developed ethical approach backed by their in-house Ethics Committee to ensure accountability and credibility. With over 35 years in the industry, the Control Risks team has gained an international reputation, an extensive network, and renowned expertise in their field. This enables them to work with their clients to effectively meet their needs and identify new business opportunities around the world.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS & INTERNET Asiacell
Asiacell Building, Salim Street Sulaimania, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 770 111 5120 sales@asiacell.com www.asiacell.com
Korek Garda World Harem Street, Karez Qtr, 415/33/6 Ainkawa-Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 455 3115 julian.allen@gardaworld.com www.gardaworld.com Garda World is a global risk management and security services company and is the international division of Garda World Security Corporation (TSX:GW) ranked the fifth largest security company in the world.
100m Street, Jouhayna Building, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 445 0139 info@korektel.com www.korektel.com
Newroz Telecom They work in complex and emerging markets, providing risk mitigation services when and where they are needed most. Their team of international security and risk professionals delivers flexible, discreet, avoidance-based security and protective services to secure your people, assets and reputation, and give you the confidence to grow your business. They have been operating since 1984, employing more than 3,500 staff to provide protection, training and crisis response. They are fully licensed and compliant with local regulatory standards in all countries in which they operate. As part of a publicly listed company, and as a founding signatory of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers, they are trusted by their diplomatic, development, defense, oil & gas and infrastructure clients, as a transparent and responsible partner. The mission of Garda World is to be the recognized global leader in providing comprehensive security and risk management services in high-risk and complex environments delivered at a world-class level by the best quality personnel in the industry.
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Kazer Street, Ainkawa Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq www.newroztelecom.com
Zain Shorsh Street, Building 6/8 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq info@zain.com www.zain.com
TRANSLATION Akademi Office Aras Street, opposite the Directorate of Education Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 462 7402 akademit@gmail.com Majeed Magheed Hamed Tel: (+964) 750 469 7257 mmghdid@yahoo.com
www.ebizguides.com
Business Resources
Payam Ahmad Babazadeh
Kurdistan Adventures www.kurdistan-adventures.com
Tel: (+964) 750 317 2023 payambabazadeh@yahoo.com
Hinterland Travel www.hinterlandtravel.com
TRAVEL AGENCIES
Distant Horizons www.distant-horizons.com Terre Entière www.terreentiere.com
Laru Travel Services Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 455 4411 Marjan Group 100 Meter Street Al Qasra Touristic Complex Tel: (+964) 7503711119 info@marjangroup-iq.com www.marjangroup-iq.com
www.ebizguides.com
The Other Iraq Tours www.theotheriraqtours.com Spiekermann Travel www.mideasttrvl.com Babel Tours www.babel- tours.com Secret Compass www.secretcompass.com
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Investment & Legal Framework
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Investment & Legal Framework
INVESTMENT & LEGAL FRAMEWORK A framework clearly outlining the relevant laws and regulations that apply to both local and foreign companies operating in Kurdistan.
www.ebizguides.com
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Investment & Legal Framework
OVERVIEW DOING BUSINESS IN THE KURDISTAN REGION As a general rule, a foreign company which is “carrying on business” in the Kurdistan Region is required to establish a legal presence in the Kurdistan Region (e.g. company, branch office etc.). While there is no specific definition of what constitutes “carrying on business”, typically an obligation would arise when the company obtains premises (including rented premises) in Kurdistan Region, or retains personnel on a more than temporary basis. Penalties may apply in respect of failure to register the enterprise.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN KURDISTAN The Kurdistan Regional Government exercises executive power according to the Kurdistan Region’s laws as enacted by the democratically elected Kurdistan Parliament. The current government, led by Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, assumed office on 5 April 2012. Kurdistan’s notable economic growth, estimated at 12 percent during 2012, has been driven largely by the country’s oil industry. The region’s oil and gas
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reserves are proven to be among the 10 largest reserves in the world. Before 2007, Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) signed 6 contracts with foreign oil companies, which were later honoured by the KRG. After 2007, KRG has adopted KRG oil and gas law, and has concluded around 50 contracts including the ones signed before 2007, almost all of which are production-sharing contracts, covering areas where up to now has seen no substantial commercial production. Growth in the oil sector has positive spillover effects on the rest of the economy. The table & bar chart below shows the overall value of investment over the period 1/8/2006 to 15/2/2012 across 12 economic sectors. Although Kurdistan’s economic future will be marked by the potential of its oil industry, the composition of its GDP already shows the rising power of other areas of the economy. Housing currently represents 20.6 per cent, while tourism contributes 19.3 per cent, trade 14.5 per cent, and agriculture 6.8 per cent, according to figures from the Kurdistan Board of Investment. The KRG is currently adopting a strategic plan to develop the economy. It has set the economic and social objectives in line with its vision and core
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Investment & Legal Framework
Sector
Capital USD million
%
9,080 3,191 2,476 1,656 740 659 426 320 271 70 14 12
48.20 15.95 13.15 8.79 3.93 3.50 2.26 1.69 1.43 0.37 0.07 0.06
Housing Industry Trade Tourism Banks Telecommunication Education Health Agriculture Sports Services Technical
6000
4000
The priorities include working on:
8000
Capital / USD million
Reducing the unemployment rate from 17% to 4% Creating 100,00 jobs a year Achieving an average annual GDP growth rate of 8% Expansion of the agriculture sector by at least 15%, manufacturing industries by 5% and the tourism sector by 7%. The KRG’s Ministry of Planning has taken the lead responsibility in this process, collaborating and coordinating with all ministries and governorates. Resources have been committed; a common vision has been stated; a road map has been agreed; and an implementation program has been set. The planning is on the assumption that Kurdistan will be a region within a federal, pluralist and democratic Iraq. To support these goals, special emphasis has been given to information management and official statistics.
10000
2000
Technical
Sports
Services
Health
Agriculture
Education
Banks
Telecomunica-
Trade
Tourism
Industry
Housing
0
Source: Kurdistan Board of Investment
development and will serve as a reference for all future developments and capital investment projects in the region. Some of the key goals defined include:
Agriculture 7% Trade 14% Other 39%
Tourism 19%
Housing 21%
values, with the aim of effective and balanced growth, a higher standard of living, and a stable democratic environment. The strategy carries a new vision for 2013-2017 which aims to enhance economic
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Infrastructure: Investment opportunities are available to develop roads, railways and tunnel networks, including a highway linking Turkey and Iran through Kurdistan. In addition, work on power, water, airports, communications, the mail service and banking requires input from domestic and foreign investors. Capacity Building: Kurdistan has a balanced human resources strategy. A Regional Centre for Administrative Development and Training has been established to review the public sector system and to provide training for government employees at all levels. A large number of vocational and technical centres will be established to train the unemployed, and re-train public sector employees to enhance their skills. Oil and Gas: The key institutions for the energy sector in Kurdistan region are the Kurdistan Ministry of Natural Resources (for the Hydrocarbons sector in Iraq), and the Ministry of Electricity (for the power sector in Kurdistan) in addition to the oversight of the central government. Proven crude oil reserves in Kurdistan stand at around 45 billion barrels. The Kurdish oil reserve represents 31% of proven Iraqi oil reserves. The Iraqi Oil minister stated that the Kurdish oil exports in 2012 reached 170,000 barrels per day. A consultant in the Kurdish Ministry of Natural Resources stated that production dropped
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Investment & Legal Framework
to 100,000 barrels per day, due to technical difficulties and delays of payments from the central government to the Oil Companies operating in Kurdistan. Tourism: In the tourism sector, the country is trying to take advantage of its archaeological sites – for example, the ancient area around the capital city, Erbil – which has been singled out by publications such as National Geographic magazine and the New York Times as among the most attractive in the world. Investment opportunities exist in establishing and improving air transportation facilities; developing hotels and tourist site attractions; and establishing hospitality training facilities. Industry: A sound manufacturing and industrial platform is yet to be developed. Since 2003, the government has been issuing many licenses for setting up private industrial projects, covering different industrial sectors. The government has also been supporting industrial projects by issuing soft loans and facilitating investors’ acquisition of land pieces, as well as helping them get needed operation requirements. The number of factories and industrial projects (small, medium and large) reached 1,529 by the end of 2006. This number rose up to 2,224 by the end of 2010. Kurdistan’s industry includes: pharmaceuticals, construction material (steel, cement, bricks and pipes) and three oil refineries.
KURDISTAN INVESTMENT LAW The Kurdistan Region (KRG) is considered a particularly attractive investment centre in Iraq, given its political and economic stability in relation to the rest of the country. The approval of the new Kurdistan Investment Law (KIL) in 2006 has attracted local and foreign investments, with businesses and humanitarian missions opting for Kurdistan in general and Erbil in particular as home to their headquarters. The aim of the law is to attract foreign and local investment, to motivate entrepreneurialism, and further improve the standard of living in the region. Law No 4 of 2006, Law of Investment in Kurdistan Region (the “Investment Law”) provides for tax incentives and exemptions for foreign investors in the Kurdistan Region who are involved in certain qualifying projects.
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The Investment Law sets out specific sectors which are considered to fall within the scope of the Investment Law. In general, projects involving vital sectors, such as electricity, agriculture, health and environment, infrastructure and education, etc. According to the Investment Law, projects which fall within the scope of the Investment Law (and which have obtained the requisite approvals) should benefit from an exemption from tax and customs duties for a period of 10 years from the date of providing services under the project, or the date of actual production. The exemptions set out under the Investment Law, should be available to both direct contractors and their subcontractors who are working on qualifying projects. In order to avail of the provisions of the Investment Law, the Kurdistan entity which will be working on the project is required to obtain an Investment License in respect of the specific project. In order to obtain the investment license, the entity should be required to submit a written request to the Investment Authority accompanied with documentation that would assist obtaining the exemption e.g. description of the project, copy of the contract (if available) and a summary of how the project would contribute to the development of the region. We understand that there is no specific list of documents or formal application process in this regard. The application process should usually take between one month to three months to obtain the investment license. Investors operating under an investment license must also comply with specific ongoing regulations, in accordance with the Investment Law. Since July 2006, Kurdistan’s Board of Investment (BOI) has issued 534 licenses for development projects across all sectors in the region. The total investment size is estimated at USD26.2 billion, with national investment amounting to USD21.3 billion (81.25% of total investment), foreign investment at USD3.5 billion (13.27%) and joint ventures totalling USD1.5 billion (5.48%).
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Federal Government of Iraq Investment Law
Kurdistan Regional Government Investment Law
Investors may only rent or lease project land for a maximum of 50 years.
Total ownership of project land allowed, though investor may not own land containing oil, gas or mineral resources
Prohibits investment in oil and gas extraction/ production, as well as banks and insurance companies.
Does not explicitly prohibit investment in these areas, but final decision is made by Supreme Council for Investments (e.g. hotels, transportation, services).
Full repatriation of project investment and profits allowed.
Full repatriation of project investment and profits allowed.
Project income tax exempt for ten years from date production commences, or offer of services. If Iraqis account for more than 50% of original project investment, project income tax exemption may be extended up to 15 years in total.
Project income tax exempt for ten years from the date that production commences or offer of services; no provision for extension of income tax exemption.
Import of spare parts tax exempt up to 20% of project cost.
Import of spare parts tax exempt up to 15% of project cost.
Hotels, hospitals, universities, schools, tourist institutions, granted tax-exempt import of linens, carpets, furniture and other renovation items every four years.
Hotels, hospitals, universities, schools, tourist institutions granted tax-exempt import of linens, carpets, furniture and other renovation items every three years.
Employment of foreign workers allowed, provided no capable Iraqis available; foreign workers may repatriate earnings.
Employment of foreign workers allowed, provided no capable Iraqis available; foreign workers may repatriate earnings.
Vehicles, equipment, instruments, etc. tax exemption from duties, taxes and import licenses, provided they are imported within three years of investment license approval.
Vehicles, equipment, instruments, etc. tax exemption from duties, taxes and import licenses, provided they are imported within two years of approval granted by Investment Commission Chairman.
Foreign investor and capital treated on equal footing with national investor and capital.
Foreign investor and capital treated on equal footing with national investor and capital.
Law silent as to provision of basic services to project area.
KRG will provide services (water, electricity, sewage, public road, telecommunications, etc.) to the boundary of the project.
Law silent as to import of raw materials for production
Import of raw materials for production tax exempt for customs duties for five years.
Law silent as to additional incentives for project investment in less developed areas or joint projects between Iraqis and foreigners.
Additional incentives for projects in “less developed areas” and “joint projects” between Kurds and foreigners.
Foreign and/or domestic insurance of project allowed.
Foreign and/or domestic insurance of project allowed.
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FINANCIAL REPORTING Entities registered in the Kurdistan Region are required to prepare annual financial statements, prepared under Iraq Uniform Accounting System (UAS) in Arabic, which should be certified by a local accredited auditor. The financial statements should be filed with the Companies Registrar by 30 June (the official deadline is 31 May, but there is an unofficial concession which is consistent applied extending the deadline to 30 June) following the year end. Corporate law requires that entities registered in the Kurdistan Region should maintain Arabic accounting books and records inside the Kurdistan Region. It should be noted that under local law, the entity must engage directly with a local statutory auditor in the Kurdistan Region, and pay the auditor directly. The appointment of the local auditor and obtaining local audit sign-off under UAS is a statutory requirement under local law.
FOREIGN CURRENCY Kurdistan entities are required to prepare financial statements denominated in Iraqi Dinars. Reporting for tax purposes should also be in Iraqi Dinars. US Dollars are widely used for transactions between foreign oil companies and their subcontractors.
BASIC TAX CONSIDERATIONS Corporate income tax Compliance Entities which are established in the Kurdistan Region are required to register with the Income Tax Directorate in the Kurdistan Region (the ITD). For both corporate taxes and employment taxes, the Income Tax Directorate (ITD) in Kurdistan Region typically requires Kurdistan entities to complete the tax registration by way of their first corporate tax filing. Kurdistan registered companies and branches of foreign entities are required to make annual corporate tax filings with the ITD, and make payment of corporation tax, by 30 June following the year end.
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The penalty for late filing is currently 10% of the tax due, capped at IQD 75,000 per year. Corporate income tax rate The current corporate income tax rate for all industries is a flat rate of 15%. According to the tax law, if supporting books and records are maintained, corporate income tax should be calculated based on accounting profits per the audited financial statements. Taxable Income Taxable income is broadly total income less allowed deductions. Total income is generally all income from whatever source. The Tax Law provides that expenses incurred in generating taxable income during a period should be deductible in calculating taxable income. In the absence of audited financial statements and supporting documentation to support expenses disclosed in the financial statements the tax authority may seek to tax on an arbitrary (deemed assessment) basis.
Losses In accordance with local Tax Law, losses incurred during the year may be offset against any other source of income arising in that year. Tax losses may be carried forward for a maximum of five consecutive years, to be offset against profits generated from the same source as the original loss. Up to 50% of the taxable income in a year may be sheltered by being brought forward as tax losses. To the extent that an entity is loss making the tax authority may seek to assess the entity on a deemed profits basis, which would effectively disregard any losses incurred in the current year and deny the entity of tax relief for carried forward losses in future periods.
Transfer Pricing There are no formal transfer pricing rules in the Kurdistan Region, however the tax authority reserve the right to adjust transactions, for tax purposes, which they consider to be not at arm’s length.
Thin Capitalization There are no formal thin capitalisation provisions in the Kurdistan Region.
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Capital Gains There is no separate capital gains tax regime in the Kurdistan Region. Gains and losses realised by a Kurdistan entity on disposal of non-current assets should be included within the entity’s financial statements, and subject to corporate income tax at the applicable corporate income tax rate. The tax law does not specifically provide for a tax on gains realised by a non-resident. However, there are provisions included within the tax law which the tax authority could use to seek to assess tax on a gain realised from the disposal by a non-resident of Kurdistan assets.
There are two components to the SSPC: Employees are required to contribute 5% of their monthly salary. The employer deducts at source this amount from the employee’s salary and remits it to the Pension and Social Security Office (“PSSO”) at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (“MoLSA”). Employers are required to pay 12% of the salary in respect of their employees working in Iraq. Exemptions may be available for foreign nationals working in the Kurdistan Region.
Withholding tax
VAT/ Sales taxes
In practice, there is no withholding tax on dividends. A tax of 15% should apply to payments of interest by non-resident but this is not always consistently applied.
There is currently no VAT or sales tax levied on goods or services in the Kurdistan Region.
The Kurdistan Region does not generally impose withholding taxes on service payments (although provisions do exist in the Federal Tax law that could be applied in the Kurdistan Region).
Under Iraq domestic legislation, customs duty on goods brought into Iraq is generally 5% of the CIF value of the goods imported. Customs duty exemptions may be available for goods and equipment imported in connection with upstream oil and gas activity, or goods imported on a temporary basis.
Employment tax Entities registered in the Kurdistan Region should register with the ITD for employment taxes in respect of their employees who are working in the Kurdistan Region. Employment tax filings are generally filed on an annual basis, at the same time that the annual corporate income tax return is submitted (i.e. by 30 June following the year end). Employees working in the Kurdistan Region should be subject to personal income tax at a rate of 5% on their income which exceeds IQD 1,000,000. Both foreign and local Iraqi national employees should be assessed to tax on the same basis. Social security contributions which are actually paid should be deductible in calculating taxable income.
Social Security contributions All employers operating in the Kurdistan Region are required to remit Social Security and Pensions Contributions (“SSPC”) for their employees in Kurdistan Region.
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Import, Export, and Customs Duties
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS Foreign-exchange controls The currency in Iraq is the Iraqi dinar. Iraq does not impose any foreign-exchange controls. However, according to the Central Bank of Iraq’s instructions and regulations, transfers of funds have to be in accordance with the Anti-Terrorism Law and the AntiMoney Laundering Law.
Debt-to-equity rules The only restrictions on debt-to-equity ratios are those stated in the articles and memoranda of association. Nonetheless, the GCT may disallow claims of interest expense if it deems the expense to be excessive.
Tax treaties Iraq has entered into a bilateral double tax treaty with Egypt and a multilateral double taxation treaty with the states of the Arab Economic Union Council.
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ERNST & YOUNG IRAQ Abdulkarim Maraqa, Assurance Manager Gulan St.-English Village, Villa 284 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 257 5777 erbil.iraq@iq.ey.com www.ey.com/me Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Ernst & Young Iraq was first established in 1923 and reopened in 2004, being the first international professional services firm with operations in Baghdad and Erbil. Today, Ernst & Young Iraq is the largest assurance and business advisory firm in the country with over 45 professional employees. With their vast experience and fresh approach, they aim to help our clients improve performance, add value, and manage risk. The MENA practice of Ernst & Young has been operating in the region since 1923. They are the most globally integrated professional services organizations with a truly borderless approach. They have unrestricted access to the full resources of Ernst & Young internationally and are able to bring together people and solutions from across the works. The Ernst & Young Iraq office, led by four partners from the four service lines, is uniquely structured to achieve the advantages of global capabilities and local knowledge and has a reputation for providing quality professional services working with both public and private sectors.
The Kurdistan Board of Investment serves as the link between investment opportunities and foreign investors. It operates as an independent entity, working alongside governmental bodies and other institutions to ensure that all investment procedures are lawful and transparent. The Board of Investment was founded in 2006 and is chaired by Herish Muharam, a well-qualified and experienced man with a long history of working with international organizations. The BOI provides a professional service to investors, create opportunities, and rebuild Iraq through the Kurdistan region. The semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan has its own unique investment law (see Investment and Legal Framework for a complete overview) that offers incentives such as free land and benefits such as tax holidays in order to attract investment to the Kurdistan region. The Board of Investment is designed to be the first port of call for any investor looking to enter the Kurdistan region. Their trained and experienced staff can provide full information about the region and the legal implications of entering and operating the market, as well as outline the necessary steps in order to ensure a successful venture.
The Kurdistan Board of Investment seeks to promote investment in the following sectors:
“We know your business, the market conditions and the industry you operate in.” Abdulkarim Maraqa, Assurance Manager
KURDISTAN BOARD OF INVESTMENT Herish Muharam, Head of the Board 60 Metre Street, beside Ministry of Culture & Youth Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 2531559 info@kurdistaninvestment.org www.kurdistaninvestment.org
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The Board of Investment’s vision is to promote domestic and foreign investment to achieve economic growth. Their mission is to create investment opportunities, provide top-quality services to investors, and rebuild Iraq through the Kurdistan region. Their experience and long list of projects as seen on their website speak for themselves, describing the successful operations of this organization.
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We’re often there before a business becomes successful. And still there when they do.
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We don’t just help businesses start their ascent. We take your goals to heart and use our experience to help you at every stage of your journey. Because we believe our greatest success is helping you achieve yours. Find out more at ey.com. See More | Achievement
Gulan St. — English Village/villa 284 Erbil — Kurdistan Region Iraq + 964 662 57 57 77 erbil.iraq@iq.ey.com
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IRAQ BUSINESSMEN UNION
foreign investment, and between its members.
fosters
connections
Hersh M. Al-Tayyar, Chairman The Businessmen Union is an exclusive union with 1200 members. It is headquartered in Erbil, but it operates in all provinces in Kurdistan. The members are 90% local and 10% international. In order to join, the company must be registered with one of the local Chambers of Commerce, the Contractors Union, and the Investors Union. They must be a general contracting, trading, or independent business. Then they may apply and enter the selection process. The Businessmen Union is a place for networking and closing deals. Members go on foreign delegations together to attend conferences and exhibitions abroad. The Union facilitates visas, sometimes acting as a guarantor for its members. They also receive delegations from other countries and arrange meetings for them. The Union also engages in charity work. It varies from time to time, sometimes a member acting alone or sometimes the Union acting as a whole. Past programs include the building of schools and hospitals.
They meet international delegations on a daily basis and have established partnerships with chambers of commerce in Turkey, Iran, Czech Republic, Russia, and France. They also participate in many fairs, training courses, and commercial and industrial conferences both locally and abroad. The Erbil Chamber of Commerce coordinates with the Chambers of Commerce in Sulaimania and Duhok to form the Federation of Chambers of Commerce. This union was established in 2007 and together they promote commercial activity and investment in the Kurdistan region as a whole. The Chamber teams are available as a port of call and a source of information for any foreign investor looking to set up a company or find a local partner. “The Erbil Chamber of Commerce arranges ninety percent of the international delegations that come to Kurdistan. We help them plan their meetings, make introductions to local companies, and help them set up their business. There is a lot of work in many different sectors, such as agriculture, industry, education, construction, banking, medical, etc. There are many opportunities for many companies to come and do business.” Dara Jalil Al-Khayat Head of the Erbil Chamber of Commerce
ERBIL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CONTRACTORS’ UNION
Dara Jalil Al-Khayat, Head Gulan Street, Near Turkish Consulate Building Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 222 0671 erbilchamberofcommerce@yahoo.com www.erbilchamber.org
Zanyari Qr, near Zanyari Flat Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Sarow I. Dizayee, President Tel: (+964) 750 445 2411 dizayeecompany@yahoo.com www.kcuerbil.com
The Erbil Chamber of Commerce is an independent and professional organization with over 33,350 members. It was founded in 1966 and is led by an elected Executive Council for the Chamber. The chairman of the council is Dara Jalil Al-Khayat, who also heads the Al-Khayat Group, a large general trading company. The Chamber promotes commercial and industrial activities, facilitates local and
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The Contractors’ Union is an independent organization headquartered in central Erbil. It exists to foster connections between all companies working across the spectrum of the contracting industry and the Kurdistan Regional Government. It was founded in 2001 and today, consists of 1300 members. The Contractors’ Union works to support new companies entering the Kurdistan region, coordinate with members of the KRG regarding
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Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry Address: Aras Street, Erbil Chamber Building - Erbil, Kurdistan-Iraq Phone: +964 222 0671 E-mail: erbilchamberofcommerce@yahoo.com Website: www.erbilchamber.org
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contracting projects, and participate in international fairs both locally and abroad to promote the Kurdish construction industry. The vision of the Contractors’ Union is to improve the contracting laws and companies in Kurdistan to meet international standards. “We have been working hard for over ten years to build up this Union and we are proud to be one of the most active organizations in Kurdistan. We are rebuilding our region and it is a big job.” Sarow I. Dizayee President of the Contractors’ Union
spelled backwards. This quirky and humorous touch is reflective of the CEO’s personality and his easygoing leadership style. Brad Camp, the CEO of DARB Global, is an ex-diplomat who has been living in the Kurdistan region for X years and is extremely well-versed in the ins and outs of the region. “As we look at emerging markets, this one has many of the positive aspects that one would look for when deciding where to put their capital: growing stability, both an internal market in Iraq and a regional market in the countries surrounding, and a government that makes good decisions on the way it’s developing and the opportunities that it’s providing for its people. I think all of these things coming together would make me very interested as an outsider looking in.”
DARB GLOBAL Brad Camp, CEO Naz City, Building J, Floor 2, Suite 200 Erbil, Kurdistan Region Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 620 7634 info@darbglobal.com www.darbglobal.com DARB Global is a consultancy company based in Erbil with two main focuses: The first is advising local and international companies who are exploring business opportunities in the market. The second is investing in emerging opportunities in the market with both its own capital and raised capital. During a client’s pre-market entry phase, their business development teams work with DARB to prepare opportunity analyses and risk assessments. One of DARB’s mandates is ‘presence is access’, which describes their long history in the region and their vast network of both local and international contacts. They believe their longevity in the market provides them with a historical perspective to clarify the path forward for their clients. DARB has a great expertise on political and geo-political opportunities and risks. Their current and past clients include many major oil companies and transnational corporations. The fact that DARB also actively invests their own capital reflects their deep belief in the potential in the market. Their personal projects are in a range of sectors, from agriculture to building materials and supply to entertainment and hospitality.
Mr. Brad Camp CEO, DARB Global
DEFINITUS Paul Bailey, Managing Director Naz City, Building J, Suite 10 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq info@definitus.com www.definitus.com Definitus is the gateway to investment opportunities in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region. The partners’ long history in the region coupled with their international experience and expertise allows them to provide unique insights and solutions to their clients. Definitus has two primary operations. The first is investment banking and the second is private equity. They raise finance for companies with Iraqi operations and advise them on their future developments. They also invest their own capital into projects, both independently and with coinvestors from all around the world. Managing Director Paul Bailey has been based in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq since 2007, working and living for over five years. This longevity demonstrates a deep commitment to the region. Businessmen who fly in and out cannot gauge an opportunity as well as someone who lives and works there full-time. Face time is invaluable in Kurdistan, as building relationships and trust opens the door to many opportunities.
The name of the company ‘DARB’ is simple – ‘Brad’
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When asked if this is ‘the moment of Kurdistan’, Paul Bailey answers quickly and knowledgeably “Yes and no.” When further prompted, he explains that the moment for an oil and gas services company was three years ago and that the moment for an international bank is three years from now. “There is a massive sliding scale.” So what about right now? He emphasizes the demand for commercial real estate, such as office buildings and highlights the multitude of opportunities in the agriculture and agribusiness sector. “Iraq was once the breadbasket of the Middle East and Kurdistan was the breadbasket of Iraq – while that’s a poetic statement, it’s also a very true one. “There is currently a high demand for foreign direct investment for projects in the agriculture sector in the Kurdistan region, as the area is extremely fertile and yet a net importer of food products. The KRG seeks to change this and return Kurdistan to its former cultivation levels and beyond, and for this reason the Definitus management team is investing in a cattle farm, among other personal projects. “There are many challenges working here – I think it is a frontier market, rather than an emerging market. It is true that there are many opportunities here, but it’s because they are starting from zero. It can be a rather difficult environment to operate in and we need to be honest about this. However, at the same time, there is an enormous amount of money to be made here.”
What sets them apart from all of their competitors is the fact that they are the only international law firm in the country that also possesses great strength in Iraqi litigation. They litigate in the Court of First Instance, the Court of Appeals, and the Court of Cassation, in both Kurdistan and the Republic of Iraq. Their extensive litigation experience gives them precious, real world, practical insight on doing business in Iraq and Kurdistan. With that insight they are able to build clients stronger, better, more solid contracts and business structures, securing their investments in Iraq, and reducing the risks of doing business in Iraq’s very fast growing emerging market. Dler Law Office is particularly proud of their work in the oil and gas field. They advise oil and gas companies and oil service companies on all stages of establishing and operating a business in Iraq. Dler Law Office combines its legal counsel with practical, hands-on advice, helping its clients navigate the complexities of actually doing business in Iraq and Kurdistan. They provide expert assistance in critical areas necessary to bid on and execute government contracts and private contracts in Iraq, and they offer litigation and dispute resolution services on diverse commercial, civil and criminal matters, including:
Mr. Paul Bailey Managing Director, Definitus contracts DLER LAW OFFICE Dler Saber, Partner Italian Village, Villa 38 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel. (+964) 750 4541212 dler@dlerlawoffice.com www.dlerlawoffice.com Dler Law Office is a full service Iraq and Kurdistan based international law firm. They are headquartered in Erbil and they practice law in all of Iraq, both north and south. The firm is specialized in business law, company law, contract law, tax law, labor law, oil and gas law, investment law, ministerial regulations, immigration, residency and visas.
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Dler Law Office advises its clients to choose a contingency success fee payment structure; if they lose, you pay absolutely nothing. Dler Law Office fights to win.
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DELOITTE Ayad Mirza, Office Managing Partner – Kurdistan Region Deloitte & Touche Management Consulting W.L.L. Vital Village, No. 42 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: +964 (0) 770 694 6554 www.deloitte.com Deloitte’s practice in the Kurdistan Region provides comprehensive and integrated solutions to our clients.
planning, contract structuring etc.
including feasibility studies, business plans, transaction due diligence, mergers and acquisitions, valuations, IT implementation, corporate governance and restructuring With full-time dedicated resources on the ground in their office in Erbil, available to meet with their clients locally and to liaise with regulatory and tax authority personnel, Deloitte’s practice in the Kurdistan Region blends local knowledge with international expertise a factor which they believe sets their firm apart.
As one of the world’s leading professional services firms, with uninterrupted presence for over 85 years in the Middle East region, Deloitte has a proven track record globally of delivering quality advice to our clients. Operating in over 150 locations around the world and with access to the deep intellectual capital of 200,000 people worldwide, Deloitte deliver services in four professional areas—tax, consulting, audit, and financial advisory services—and serve more than 85 percent of the world’s largest companies, as well as large national enterprises, public institutions, locally important clients, and fast-growing companies.
They understand the risks and challenges facing businesses investing into the Kurdistan Region, and their team of professionals, bring deep industry expertise together with a strong understanding of the local accounting and tax environment in the Kurdistan Region in order to mitigate risk and maximize value.
Their practice in the Kurdistan Region is led by Ayad Mirza. Ayad is an Iraqi National and U.S. CPA qualified accountant, who is based permanently in Erbil, Kurdistan Region and is also responsible for the delivery on our accounting services in country. Ayad is supported by Alex Law, tax partner, who leads Deloitte’s tax capabilities in the Kurdistan Region and is responsible for advising a significant number of multinational and regional companies on all tax aspects of their investment into, and ongoing operations in the country.
Ayad H. Abdulhalim, Chairman Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 446 1155 duhok_traderoom@yahoo.com www.duhokchamber.com
Deloitte offers a full suite of professional services in the Kurdistan Region, with particular focus on: including local bookkeeping, preparation of financial statements under the Uniform Accounting System, in Arabic, statutory reporting services, international audit services, internal audit, IT and cyber security, and other enterprise risk services ; including corporate income tax compliance, employment tax and social security filings, tax audits, tax dispute resolution, customs services, tax due diligence and structuring services and other tax advisory services, such as tax
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DUHOK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
The Chamber of Commerce in Duhok was founded in 1987 and currently has over 8000 members. They are a very active chamber and work hard to provide their members with a wide range of services. They organize a variety of exhibitions, conferences, and workshops every year, produce publications to facilitate communication among members, and are an important networking and social hub in the community. The chamber acts as a bridge between the government and its members, in order to connect people and facilitate business. There is a special category within the organization dedicated to the encouragement of companies headed by women, currently numbering 5. The Chamber of Commerce in Duhok is informative and innovative. Last year they worked in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce in Berlin, Germany on a consultation basis in order to glean insight into their operations and implement them into the Chamber’s activities in Duhok. This is just one example of the way they seek to constantly
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improve their services for their members. “Our members are a mix of local and international companies, maybe 70% local and 30% international. However, we never differentiate on this basis. Our policy is to treat everyone equally and do our very best to help them in any way that we can, no matter where they are from.” Ayad H. Abdulhalim Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce in Duhok
guide and assist the first steps and to link investors to local Iraqi businesses. Some examples of firms that have partnered with Hermes IBC are Babylon Media Group, Family Mall, Korek Group, Yellow Weed International Trading, Atermon Constructions, Mass Energy, Bacacos Pharmaceutical, Argo Travel, B-Plan IT, Divan Hotel, Soskin Paris, among others international and local successful companies. The team at Hermes IBC aims to serve global companies entering the Iraqi market and is confident that their services assist newcomers to reap success in their endeavors.
HERMES INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CENTER
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS
George D. Louizos 100 Meter Street and Falcon Ring Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 831 2221 gl@hermes-ibc.com www.hermes-ibc.com
Ismail Maraqa, Partner English Village, Villa 252 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 770 4653377 info@pwc.com www.pwc.com
Hermes International Business Center is an international integration service provider, enabling businesses to optimize their B2B collaboration and engagement by linking them across a selection of service fields.
PricewaterhouseCoopers in Iraq is an integral part of the PWC’s growing network in the Middle East region. The firm combines in-depth knowledge of the Iraqi economy, regulations, local business standards and customs with extensive coverage, breadth of resources, and quality assurance.
At Hermes, the key aspect is to facilitate connections between clients and entrepreneurs alike in order to enhance overall operations and help them take the next step into their internationalization process. Hermes IBC has many links with international firms in an extensive range of sectors. These links have been established with trading, construction, and pharmaceutical firms, to name just a few. Additionally, Hermes is also linked with utility services companies as well as entities from the energy sector. As well as considerable cooperation with many international firms, Hermes has very strong ties with Commercial Attaches from around the globe. These relations assist in the process of interlinking firms by leveling out issues regarding an eventual partnership. Hermes opened an office in Erbil, Iraq at the beginning of 2013. Regarded as an economically booming region, the Kurdistan Region in Iraq is very attractive for Western firms who have been affected by the global financial crisis. Hermes IBC aims to be the gateway for these firms to enter the Iraqi Kurdish market. Navigating a new market can be difficult. Hermes IBC is the perfect partner to
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Being part of a worldwide network enables PwC’s to combine a coherent global vision with robust local identity. PricewaterhouseCoopers’ vision is to be the firm chosen by the professionals. To achieve this, PwC builds trust and enhances value for its clients and their stakeholders, while setting high standards for the conduct of business and leading our profession. PwC strives to be the professional advisors that help clients solve complex business problems, manage risk, and improve performance in today’s fast-changing, complex and challenging business climate. PricewaterhouseCoopers is a network of firms in 158 countries with more than 180,000 people committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services.
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SULAIMANI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
TILLER & CO
Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq magungsy@gmail.com www.sule-chamber.org
Petra Preining, CEO English Village, Villa Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 771 579 6380 info@tillerandco.com www.tillerandco.com
The Sulaimani Chamber of Commerce promotes commercial and industrial activities, facilitates local and foreign investment, and fosters connections between its members. The three Chambers of the three provinces in Kurdistan coordinate and collaborate regularly to organize regional economic conferences and events and promote investment in Kurdistan as a whole. They meet international delegations and have established partnerships with Chambers of Commerce in many countries abroad. They also participate in many fairs, training courses, and commercial and industrial conferences both locally and abroad. The Chamber teams are available as a port of call and a source of information for any foreign investor looking to set up a company or find a local partner.
Tiller and Co’s main objective is guiding clients through tax, compliance and immigration challenges in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region. Their onthe-ground experience, practical approach and wellestablished expertise, enable Tiller to meet client requirements in the most efficient way. The Tiller and Co’s team of Iraq-based experts has in-depth, practical and long-term expertise in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region. Each team member has direct and hands-on knowledge of the relevant regulatory authorities and regulations. The personnel are predominantly Iraqi and therefore best able to meet the challenges faced by their clients. Tiller’s team have been assisting international clients in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, for many
Optimizing your B2B integration
100 Meters Str. & Falkon Ring
www.hermes-ibc.com info@hermes-ibc.com
YOUR GATEWAY TO IRAQ
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years. They have a proven track record of bridging the gap between the high expectations of their clients and the developing compliance requirements. Tiller’s solution-based approach reflects best international practice in a challenging environment. Tiller provides tax, social security and related compliance services to international companies operating in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region. In particular, Tiller provides compliance services for the following:
Tiller advises international clients on the taxation and social security regimes in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region. They are specialists in both market-entry and structuring and operational advice. Examples of previous experience include:
systems.
Tiller manages internal functions on behalf of clients operating in Iraq including visas and immigration, accounts control and human capital management. Tiller’s team saves clients’ costs by avoiding the need to locate additional personnel in the country. In particular, the Tiller team can perform the following functions:
accounts The Tiller team’s range of expertise addresses client-specific projects to allow our clients to operate efficiently in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, and in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements.
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DISCLAIMER Ernst & Young: his preliminary document has been prepared by Ernst & Young. The information and opinions contained in this document are derived from public and private sources which we believe to be reliable and accurate but which ,without further investigation, cannot be warranted as to their accuracy, completeness or correctness. This information is supplied on the condition that Ernst 6 Young, and any partner or employee of Ernst & Young, are not liable for any error or inaccuracy contained herein, whether negligently caused or otherwise, or for loss or damage suffered by any person due to such error, omission or inaccuracy as a result of such supply. In particular any numbers, initial valuations and schedules contained in this document are preliminary and are for discussion purposes only. The Middle East firm Ernst & Young is a member practice of Ernst & Young Global. DISCLAIMER Deloitte: Any information provided by Deloitte is based upon the law, regulations, cases, rulings, and other tax authority in effect at the time the publication went to print. Subsequent changes in or to the foregoing (for which Deloitte shall have no responsibility to advise readers) may result in the information provided by Deloitte being rendered invalid.
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KURDISTAN ECONOMY The economy of the Kurdistan region of Iraq is based on three primary sectors: energy, agriculture, and tourism. The KRG has established an open investment policy with to further boost other sectors such as trade and industry.
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OVERVIEW THE KURDISH ECONOMY The Kurdistan region’s economy is dominated by the oil industry, agriculture and tourism. Due to relative peace and stability in the region, it has a more developed economy compared to the rest of Iraq. The Kurdistan Region is making serious efforts to achieve high levels of economic and social development. An increasing share of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s budget is allocated to building the infrastructure, including electricity, water, housing, transportation, telecommunication, education and health, as well as other social development indicators. Major efforts are being made to develop commodity production sectors. There are plans underway to restructure the agriculture sector toward cash crops and to increase its productivity and export capacity. There are also plans to rejuvenate the tourist sector. Building a modern industrial base is underway. It includes establishing a comprehensive industrial zone around the capital city of Erbil, to house modern building materials industries, chemical and petrochemical industries, as well as science parks, research and
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Views of Erbil City
development centers, standards and quality control, and information technology centers. There are also plans to establish free trade zones in Sulaimani and Duhok to promote the free flow of goods and manufacturing products for the export market. The Kurdistan Region is currently witnessing an unprecedented expansion in conventional building industries (cement, brick, tiles, etc). Unprecedented growth is also taking place in conventional manufacturing industries. All this has created an acute shortage in the labor market, which has had to be met by importing foreign labor, a remarkable turn-around in development. In all its economic activities the KRG relies on the private sector for implementing projects and activities. It adheres to the policy of promoting joint ventures and shareholding ownership. The private banking sector is picking up and several private and regional banks have opened branches. But there is more room for expansion, particularly for insurance companies. To promote more investment, the KRG has introduced a very liberal foreign investment law. This law equates foreign investors with Kurdish investors in all privileges
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and rights. It poses no restriction on foreign investors regarding local partnership, employment of local workers, or land ownership. It provides generous tax exemptions, and allows dispute settlement by recognized international legal standards.
planning is on the assumption that Kurdistan will be a region within a federal, pluralist and democratic Iraq. To support these goals, special emphasis has been given to information management and official statistics.
The KRG is currently adopting a strategic plan to develop the economy whereby it has set the economic and social objectives in line with the vision and core values, with an aim to have an effective and balanced growth process, prosperous people, and a stable democratic environment. The KRG’s Ministry of Planning has taken the lead responsibility in this process, collaborating and coordinating with all ministries and governorates. An agency has been established to oversee implementation; resources have been committed; a common vision has been stated; a road map has been agreed; and an implementation program has been set. The
Per capita income in the Kurdistan region ranges from $3,300 - $4,500, which is above-average of some neighbouring countries and substantially above the rest of Iraq. Since the fall of the previous regime in 2003, the Kurdistan region has worked hard to build a stable macro-economic environment. Strict monetary and fiscal policy is observed, which has helped to stabilize the exchange rate, the interest rate, and inflation. Iraq has also managed to build a healthy financial reserve and is currently modernizing its trade laws in preparation for membership in the WTO.
ECONOMIC DATA (Figures in USD) GDP GDP growth GDP per capita Current Account Balance Oil Production Oil Exports Inflation Gross Domestic Investment Gross Inland Consumption Gross National Savings Investment Balance External Debt
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12 billion 8% $ 3,60022 $ 15, 519 million 2.6 Million bpd 2.1 Million bpd 6% 31.5% of GDP 85.2% of GDP 10.5% of GDP -21% of GDP 41.8% of GDP
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TOTAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE AND BUDGET Total government expenditure is an indicator that is critical for understanding the extent of the government’s role in an economy. Along with consumption, investment, and net exports, it is one of the components that enter the calculation of the gross domestic or regional product (GDP for a country, GRP for a region) of an economy.
For emerging economies, the breakdown of government expenditures into current or operational expenses (spent for current needs) and capital or investment expenses (spent for the future) is important. An excessive amount of government expenditures, especially operational expenses, relative to the GRP could be a sign of a governmentdriven rather than a private sector-driven economy. On the other hand, inadequate government expenditure, especially in health and education
PRIVATE SECTOR MACROECONOMICS
Total government expenditure, 2010
Consumer Price Index / In a on, Year on Year rate, December 2011-December 2012
MDG/CI
KRI
All Iraq
Source
CI
10.5 TID
83.0 TID
KRG*
(45% of GRP)
(49.4% of GDP)
5.6%
6.35%
CI
KRG Consumer Price Survey**
Notes: * TID is Trillion Iraqi Dinars. GRP is gross regional product. Budge gures of 2010 are used for government expenditures. (2012 budget is discussed in the text.) KRSO es mate of GRP for 2011 is used for percentage calcul on (www.krso.net). Iraq’s 2010 budget es mate is from h p://www.iraqbusinessnews.com/2010/04/05/breakdown-of-iraq%E2%80%99s-2010-budget/, accessed December 27, 2012. Iraq’s 2010 GDP es mate is from h p://www.gfmag.com/gdp-data-country-reports/252-iraq-gdp-countryreport.html#axzz2GI85ef5m, accessed December 27, 2012. The exchange rate es mate for 2010 between the US Dollar and Iraqi Dinar is from www.xe.com, accessed December 27, 2012. **The CPI data in the table and the text are drawn from the KRSO Press Release, dated 13 January 2013. The in on rate for all of Iraq is from the Central Bank of Iraq, h p://www.cbi.iq/, accessed January 17, 2013. The yearon-year in on rate between September 2011 and September 2012 is the lates gure available and presented here.
GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES - TOTAL AND INVESTMENT 60%
50%
40% Government Expenditues / GDP
30%
Investment Expenditures / Total Expenditures
20%
10%
0%
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KRI
Iraq
Egypt
Jordan
Syria
UAE
and investment in sectors lacking privatesector investment, would not augur well for the long-term growth of an economy. In 2012, the total budget for the KRG, which is our best estimate for actual government expenditures, was 15.5 trillion Iraqi Dinars (TID) or roughly 13.3 billion USD. Out of this, 4.72 TID (30.5%) was intended for investment. While it would be useful to focus discussion of these latest
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figures, for the comparison group of countries we discuss below, 2010 is the latest year for which government expenditure data is available. Therefore, we focus on the 2010 figures for the Kurdistan region and the comparison group of countries. Since the share of investment expenditures in the total KRG budget has remained relatively stable at around 30% during the last few years, use of the earlier data is not a significant concern. In 2010, the KRG budget was 10.5 trillion Iraqi Dinars (TID). Out of this, 7.2 TID (69%) was operational, and the remaining 3.3 TID (31%) was set aside for investment. Using an exchange rate of 1 US Dollar (USD) = 1,165 Iraqi Dinars appropriate for 2010, the total budget works out to 9 billion USD. The KRSO estimates the GRP for the Kurdistan region to be 20 billion USD (though this is for 2011, not 2010). The government expenditures as a fraction of this GRP measure is 45%. The Kurdistan region’s government expenditures as a fraction of GRP (45%) is somewhat lower than that of Iraq as a whole (49.4%). However, it is substantially higher than in Egypt (28.9%), Jordan (26.9%), Syria (26.7%), and the U.A.E. (24.3%). The concern of whether there is excessive government involvement in the economy of the Kurdistan region is partly allayed by the high fraction of government expenditures set aside for investment. The 31% of the Kurdistan region budget that is allocated for investment compares favorably with the figures for countries in the comparison group in Figure 8.1, other than the U.A.E. For all of Iraq the investment share is 27.7%; for Egypt, 22.2%; for Jordan, 16.4%; and for Syria, 29%. In contrast, the U.A.E. spent 35.6% of its government expenditures on investment.
INFLATION The general price level, often called the Consumer Price Index (CPI), reflects the cost of a selection or a “basket” of goods and services purchased by the “typical consumer.” The KRSO gathers data on the prices of the selected goods and services on a continual basis. Inflation is the rate of increase of the price level or CPI. The two are often used interchangeably, even though the index is by itself not meaningful; it is the rate of change of the index that really matters. The inflation rate is a closely watched indicator since it affects the real value of an economy’s currency, and therefore the purchasing power of consumers. The “Year on Year (YoY)” inflation between December 2011 and December 2012 was 5.6%. As a point of comparison, the YoY rate was higher for all of Iraq at 6.35% (though this was for the period between September 2011 and September 2012). The annual inflation was also higher in Turkey (6.4%). On the other hand, since 2009, the annual inflation rate of the Kurdistan region has steadily increased, with annual rates of 0.8%, 1.9%, and 7.1%. The annual rate of inflation is the change in average prices between two years, which is different from the YoY rate between the same month in two successive years (say, December 2011 to December 2012) reported in the table above.
PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT Thus, quality of education and necessary training to acquire skills useful in practice are crucial determinants of job creation and welfare of the
PRIVATE SECTOR PRIVATE SECTOR
MDG/CI Share employed in private sector
-
Share employed in public sector
-
Percentage of workers by economic a vity: Agriculture
KRI
Duhok
Erbil
Sulaimaniyah
Iraq -
Source
49%
48%
44.5%
54%
KRLFS
50.5%
52%
55.40%
46%
CI
7.1%
7.6%
8.4%
5.3%
-
KRLFS
Percentage of workers by economic a vity: Industry
CI
19.3%
20.8%
20.2%
17.3%
-
KRLFS
Percentage of workers by economic a vity: Services
CI
73.6%
71.6%
71.4%
77.4%
-
KRLFS
KRLFS
Notes: KRLFS are from Q32012 and were collected by KRSO.
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citizens. The lack of technical and vocational schools has also been a problem in the region. A range of indicators are used to track private sector development in the Kurdistan region. The Share Employed in Private Sector measures the share of the employed population (including employees, self-employed and all other individuals classified as employed) that works in the private sector. Using the KRLFS Q32012, this is estimated to be 49% in the Kurdistan region. As in most economies of the region, public sector employment is a dominant source of employment in the Kurdistan region: approximately half of the working population (50.5%) is found in the public sector (a tiny percentage are classified as neither public or private, for example, working in non-governmental organizations). Reflecting the presence of the capital city, Erbil governorate has the highest prevalence of public sector jobs, amounting to 55.4% of all employment, and correspondingly the lowest share of private sector employment. The share of private employment in total employment is highest in Sulaimani (54%). Considering next the Percentage of Workers by Economic Activity or industrial sector, three quarters of all employment in the Kurdistan region is found in the services sector (73.6%). Industry is a distant second (19%), followed by agriculture with a very small share (7%). Note that these are shares of all employment in the Kurdistan region, including the public sector. The overall shares of services, industry and agricultures are consistent across governorates, with modest variations. Within the smaller industrial sector, construction dominates, accounting for threefourths (74%) of industrial employment. Manufacturing accounts for 12% of industrial employment and less than 2% of all employment in the Kurdistan region. In this section we have viewed the private sector (and activity sectors) from the perspective of employment shares. Subsequent SEMS reports will expand the indicators for private sector activity beyond the labor market and are expected to include the number of enterprises by economic activity, foreign direct investment inflow, fixed investment by firms, and mobile phone and Internet usage (See Appendix B for the complete list of indicators).
LABOR FORCE The Labor Force Participation Rate for age 15+ is the percentage of individuals 15 years old or older who are part of the labor force. The KRLFS data show that the labor force of the Kurdistan region in 2012
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constitutes 38.4% of the total population aged 15 years and older—a relatively low participation rate. Though this rate is essentially the same as in Jordan (38%), it is significantly lower than in Turkey (approximately 50%) and Egypt (approximately 48%). The low overall participation rate in the Kurdistan region is largely driven by the very low participation of women. Indeed, men greatly outnumber women in the labor force. Among men 15 years and older, about two thirds, or 65.7%, are in the labor force, while only 12.2% of women are in the labor force. However, among male youth (aged 15 to 24), only 37.8% are in the labor force, in part because many are still studying. For female youth, the participation rate is only 6.1%. The unemployment rate is the share of the labor force that is unemployed, that is, not currently working but available and searching for work. The overall unemployment rate in the Kurdistan region is 7.4%. The unemployment situation in the Kurdistan region compares favorably to most countries in the region. For example, in 2012 Turkey had an unemployment rate of 8.4%, while Egypt had an unemployment rate of 12.6%. In Jordan and Syria (in 2011), unemployment was 11% and 14.9%, respectively. As with participation, there are striking differences by gender in unemployment. The unemployment rate is four times higher for women than men in the Kurdistan region (20% vs. 5%). It should be kept in mind that the number of men in the labor force is much greater than the number of women, so the higher rates for women do not translate into greater numbers of unemployed women than men. Unemployment rates for youth are closely watched, as they indicate whether the economy is generating economic opportunities for those entering the labor market, thereby aiding both economic growth and social stability. Within the Kurdistan region, youth unemployment (age 15-24) is 17.6%, significantly higher than the 7.4% rate for the entire labor force. The phenomenon of high youth unemployment is well known among countries of the region. However, as with unemployment overall, youth unemployment in the Kurdistan region is among the lowest in the region. While in Turkey the unemployment rate for the 15-to-24 age group dropped in the second quarter of 2012 to 16.1%, in Syria it was 35.8%, in Jordan, 28%, and in Egypt for those aged 20-24, 41.4% (though the Egypt figures, which are from 2012, in part reflect the effects of the 2011 Revolution on the economy). Nevertheless,
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LABOR MARKET MDG/CI
KRI
Duhok
Erbil
Sulaimaniyah
Iraq
Source
Labor Force Pa pa on Rate for age 15+
-
38.4%
34.7%
36.7%
41.9%
-
KRLFS
Labor Force Pa pa on Rate for age 15+, males
-
65,7%
63.3%
64.0%
68.8%
-
KRLFS
Labor Force Pa pa on Rate for age 15+, females
-
12.2%
7.1%
11.2%
16.1%
-
KRLFS
Unemployment Rate, age 15+
-
7.4%
6.8%
6.2%
8.6%
-
KRLFS
Unemployment Rate, age 15+, males
-
5.0%
6.5%
3.6%
5.2%
-
KRLFS
Unemployment Rate, age 15+, females
-
19.9%
9.2%
20.2%
22.3%
-
KRLFS
Youth Unemployment Rate (15-24)
-
17.6%
17.2%
18.0
17.5%
-
KRLFS
Youth Unemployment Rate (15-24), males
-
12.8%
16.2%
10.5%
12.4%
-
KRLFS
Youth Unemployment Rate (15-24), females
-
48.9%
30.2%
55.1%
48.6%
-
KRLFS
Number of paid Employees (thousands)
-
819.3
169.8
308.0
341.5
-
KRLFS
t Notes: KRLFS data are from Q32012 and were collected by KRSO.
while youth unemployment in the Kurdistan region is somewhat less serious than in many countries of the region, it is still quite high and therefore a concern for policy. Further, gender differences in youth unemployment are noteworthy. In the Kurdistan region, the unemployment rate for female youth is exceedingly high, at 48.9%, compared to 12.8% for young men. As with the figures for all adults, it bears keeping in mind that far fewer young women than men are in the labor force, so the actual number of young men who are unemployed is higher than young women. The higher unemployment rates for females, particularly young women, point to barriers to hiring for women entering the workforce. Further, the low participation rate of young women (and women overall) may also be evidence of such barriers, if many women do not enter or stay in the labor force because of difficulties in finding work.
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There are also notable differences by governorate in labor force indicators. A larger proportion of individuals aged 15+ are part of the labor force in Sulaimani (41.9%) than in Erbil (36.7%) or Duhok (34.7%). At the same time, the highest unemployment rate is also in Sulaimani (8.6%), followed by Duhok (6.8%) and Erbil (6.2%). Finally, the number of paid employees counts the total number of workers who are paid wages or salaries. This therefore excludes those who are self-employed, business owners or contribute unpaid labor to a family business or farm. In 2012, according to the KRLFS, there were about 820 thousand paid employees in the Kurdistan region. With larger populations than Duhok, is not surprising that Sulaimani and Erbil have more paid employees (342 and 308 thousand, respectively).
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Economy
CHALLENGES The high dependency of the Kurdish society on foreign skilled labor during the recent years of boom in building up the infrastructures and reconstruction activities is a direct result of the low quality of education and vocational system. This situation is itself a result of a long period of lacking resources, organizational changes, and rapid expansion of the capacity and even mismanagement of the higher education. Since 2003 significant resources have been allocated to universities. These negative qualities of the workforce together with low incentives to work are factors responsible for the fact that not enough jobs are created to absorb the young and graduate labor force. This negative trend is shown in the recent increasing wish of the young population to emigrate to Europe considering that their skills are not fully utilized in the region. It is likely under the best conditions they end up in low skilled jobs, where they lose their earned university skills.
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT
in 2009 the 10 major countries investing in the Kurdistan region were: 1) Turkey 2) Iran 3) United States of America 4) Lebanon 5) United Kingdom 6) Jordan 7) United Arab Emirates 8) Germany 9) Kuwait 10) Italy The French group Lafarge has heavily invested in the Kurdistan Region in joint venture with their partner UCC, both in Bazian and Tasluja cement plants (Governorate of Suleymaniye). Lafarge employs over 3000 employees in Iraq with 2000 employees in the Kurdistan Region. Lafarge entered the Iraqi cement market through the acquisition of Orascom Construction, an Egyptian Group. Thanks to its “star staff policy”, Lafarge has trained many local workers and now depends only on around 120 expatriate staff against 400 in 2007. Currently UCC Lafarge is employing
It is difficult to gather precise figures on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Region: we can nevertheless rely on the following figure from the Kurdistan board of investment, projects that include only FDI licensed by the Board of Investment since 2006. From these figures we can see that nearly $4 Billion dollars of FDI has been invested by foreign, with Kuwait having the lion´s share of $1.5 Billion of investment in the region (which still today is not realized; it is still an intention of FDI). Insert ‘Foreign Investment’ table and ‘Joint Ventures’ table from BOI Doing Business in Kurdistan, page 20-21 However, these figures do not represent all FDI made in the Region. Indeed, many local companies are Iraqi official agents and representatives of major foreign groups. This is particularly the case of Turkish companies: local Iraqi companies invest on their behalf in the Region. That is the reason why according to the brochure “Invest in the Future” published
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750 government workers on the Tasluja site. The Investment made by UCC-Lafarge altogether amounts to $750 Million US Dollars in both plants ($400 million as a green field investment in the Bazian plant which had recourse to the most state of the art technologies, $ 350 million for the Tasluja plant.
Kurdish efforts
PROJECT
TYPE
NO. OF PROJECTS
United States of America UNDG.ITF Korea Japan World Bank. ITF Sweden World Bank UNDP UNDP.TTF(founded by EU) United Kingdom Norway Denmark
Bilateral United Nations Bilateral Bilateral Multilateral Bilateral Multilateral Multilateral United Nations Bilateral Bilateral Bilateral
1759 27 15 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1
Projects The table below shows the projects that have been initiated by various countries around the world for the development of the Kurdistan Economy.
b. Weaknesses
AN ANALYSIS OF KURDISTAN AS A REGION FOR INVESTMENT a. Strengths
production costs are among the lowest in the world
government
countries
access to markets of neighboring countries
Kurdistan does not at present have technical schools of the required standard for training the technical staff needed. In addition, the engineering profession in the Region has not kept up with the advances in construction methods and materials. Specialized training courses are not available to enable engineers and other professionals to improve and upgrade their knowledge and skills.
There are at present no regulations governing technology transfer from abroad.
airports for commercial exchange
good ratio of educated youth)
Financial services are not available at present to enable consultants and contractors to undertake substantial projects.
workers
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HOLDING COMPANIES & CONGLOMERATES The economy of the Kurdistan region of Iraq is based on three primary sectors: energy, agriculture, and tourism. The KRG has established an open investment policy with to further boost other sectors such as trade and industry.
Holding Companies and Conglomerates
OVERVIEW Many of the largest holding companies in Kurdistan began as a smaller family-owned company. As they grew and became profitable, they reinvested and expanded their business, often also into other sectors. In the Kurdistan region and in Iraq as a whole, there are many opportunities in many sectors in the rapidly growing economy. Many local companies have responded to the market demands and diversified their operations. These companies are self-financed, as the banking system in the country has been at the beginning stages of development until very recently. This trend can be seen in many of the largest companies, such as the ones listed below.
professional services. Its philosophy is to provide superior services to their clients, maintain high moral and ethical standards, and exercise professionalism in all relationships while embracing Iraq’s new environment of freedom. As a multi-service company, their ability to maintain the right mix of businesses is critical to success.
The Group includes the following entities:
FALCON GROUP
Empire Complex Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 250 4191 info@falconiraq.com www.falconiraq.com
As a professional multifaceted organization, the Group is specifically focused on the reconstruction of Iraq and maintenance of critical infrastructure.
Iraqi corporate entity that provides unlimited
the unlimited potential of the Iraqi people. Since
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Holding Companies and Conglomerates
its incorporation, the Group has aggressively participated in selected domestic business sectors capitalizing on solid growth opportunities. As participation has enabled the Group to engage in partnership agreements with local and international companies facilitating new development and manufacturing capacity, which is essential for the progress of Iraq.
icon of corporate citizenry in Iraq. They are accomplishing this goal by instituting positive and progressive management models in their businesses, by recruiting as many Iraqi nationals as possible, training, and mentoring them for the workplace of tomorrow and by complementing the national workforce with skilled international professionals certain disciplines that presently require expertise.
They are currently working on the largest civilian construction project in Iraq, the new campus for the University of Sulaimani. The project began in 2005 and the date of completion is set to be in 3-4 months. The campus will accommodate 25,000 students, one of the country’s largest student populations.
with an intimate knowledge of the Iraqi market and with a long history of successful joint ventures and partnerships. SARDAR GROUP Sardar H. Hasan, Chairman & CEO Gulan Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Sales Tel: (+964) 750 710 4444 Service Tel: (+964) 750 491 6666 info@sardargroup.com www.sardargroup.com
economy sustaining the nation’s ability to manage itself as one facet of this reality.
of service not only to their valued corporate clients, but to the ultimate customer, the end user: The Iraqi People.
FEDERAL GROUP Danny Dougramachi, Managing Director 857/U6 Dream City Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 257 6792 contact@federaldc.com www.federaldc.com
founded and based in Iraq. They can trace their roots back 40 years and have expanded to other countries in the Gulf region as well as the former Soviet territories.
and gas services, supply and support of engineering equipment, complex construction projects, and logistics. In oil and gas, their services span a wide range from drilling and wellheads to PPE and other specialized materials. They were one of the very first companies to provide services to oil and gas companies in Kurdistan.
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Sardar Group’s history dates back to the early 70’s in Iraq’s northern city of Kirkuk, where Hajjy Hussein, the father of Sardar’s Group Chairman, Sardar H. Hasan, started his career in the automotive business by selling and renting motorcycles. He established the first fully operational auto showroom in Kirkuk in 1982. With a desire in 2005 to move from automotive trading to fully fledged distributorships, Sardar Group started utilizing the synergies of its existing operations that cover various business activities related to general trading, leasing, vehicles, equipment, machinery trading & servicing, real estate, and major infrastructure projects. With ten companies inside Iraq, two companies in Jordan, and one in UAE, as well as two real estate investment companies in Canada and Australia, Sardar Group covers the diversified needs of the Iraqi market where a substantial number of vehicles and equipment have been supplied. After four decades of extensive experience, Sardar Group has become on of the most valued name in its field, not only in the local Iraqi market but also across the region, as a result of its prestigious heritage. Today, Sardar Group represents automotive brand names as well names in heavy construction machinery, with innovative projects tourism and real estate sectors.
world-renowned as international equipment & underway in the
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Holding Companies and Conglomerates
Born with an inspiration to constantly innovate, Sardar Group strives to blend its local expertise with international functionality, as they believe that things can, and will, only get better.
centers of excellence, built upon modern business principles. Ster Group aims for the deployment of science and technology in the design, development and delivery of high quality globally marketable products and services.
STER GROUP
FARUK GROUP HOLDING
Marcel Daoud, CEO Gulan Street
Hawre Daro Noori, CEO
Erbil, Kurdistan (Iraq) Tel: (+964) 750 2569200 info@stergroup.com www.stergroup.com
of Iraq’s fastest growing conglomerates. The group’s core expertise includes construction, environmental engineering, consultancy, insurance, security, power, communication, general trading, tourism, information technology and research. Ster Group also actively invests in a wide-range of real estate projects. A dominant leader in its domestic market, Ster Group possesses an unparalleled level of scope and experience while maintaining a global reach that transcends international borders.
Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 770 119 3434 info@farukholding.com www.farukholding.com
comprised of twenty-seven companies in twelve different sectors. They are Iraq’s largest and most respected private company with a workforce of 12,000 employees. While the subsidiaries span a wide variety of activities, they collectively partner to create a solid infrastructure to rebuild Iraq.
The companies that form Ster Group are:
The vision of Ster Group is to be a world-class commercial enterprise capable of meeting regional demands and having the edge to compete favorably in the global marketplace. They are committed to the belief that establishing enterprising partnerships with industry, commerce and the professions, as well as with other institutions, and the desire to be the most appealing and well-managed company in Iraq, is key to the fulfillment of their vision. Their mission is to be a leading force dedicated to building a future and productive economy in Iraq and the Middle East. This will be accomplished through innovation and creation of industry specialist enterprises operating across diverse sectors as
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a point in time when the Kurdistan Region of Iraq was still relatively unstable and quality services were often not available. In order to be able to operate their own companies at top standards, they frequently had to create the supporting services themselves, such as the construction of the telecommunications towers to enable Asiacell’s operations, for example. growing and adding company after company to their empire until you see what they have achieved today. set of principles – integrity, reliability, humanity, democracy, and excellence. The combination of
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standards, continuously exceeding expectations, and consistently conducting quality business.
bring international standards to the country whilst with a staff consisting of 80% foreigners and 20% locals. Through a rigorous training process, in only four years this ratio has reversed – 80% locals and that offers employees daily training by example and many opportunities for career advancement.
in areas of many flourishing industries: General Trade & contracting, Transportation, Logistics, Communications, Natural & Petroleum Resources, Tourism, Agriculture and Industrial Goods & Services. Golden Eagle Global is persistent in their endeavors of helping further economic developments across the region. They do this by ensuring positive relationships with both local and foreign affiliations, partnerships, and are likewise open to chartering future long-term associations with willing investors. They are pioneers in optimizing on bestowing quality goods and service to the Kurdish market, adapting to the needs of consumers that were well overdue.
successful partnerships with international companies entering the local market. Hawre Noori, CEO, advises: “The key to a successful investment in Kurdistan is to enter the market as soon as possible; there is a window of opportunities. Anyone entering the market in the next 5 years will have a first movers’ advantage and reap a lot of benefits. As the economy is booming, there are very high demands and still very low supplies. The profit margins that are seen in this part of the country are incredible compared to the rest of the world.” A partnership
Golden Eagle Global has expanded to now having six highly specialized subsidiaries under its wings: Golden Eagle Global Inc. specializes in procurement, international trade, transportation coordination, information exchange, and sales management.
facilitates entry into the market and daily operations on the ground for international companies working in Kurdistan.
Tarin Restaurant is a unique venue specializing in hospitality and event planning, offering unrivaled services.
“Our goal is to develop and invest in companies that create value for FGH customers and employees, shepherding them to become leaders and pacesetters in their respective industry segments in Iraq and in the region, to ultimately benefit Iraq as a whole.”
GEG Reklam specializes in providing top quality and innovative advertising services.
Aqua Tarin has provided a source of amusement and recreation, a large outdoor entertainment project, the first of its kind in Iraq. Tarin Fitness provides a state-of-the-art comprehensive health and fitness facility, catering to the entire community.
GOLDEN EAGLE GLOBAL Ameer M. Ahmed, President & CEO Italian City, Bldg # 71, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 445 1752 a.ahmed@goldeneagleglobal.com www.goldeneagleglobal.com An original Kurdish company established in 2007, Golden Eagle Global sprung up as an authentic and ambitious multi-servicing company specializing
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Autoban Company is a leading civil and environmental engineering construction firm, involved in construction and reconstruction activities throughout Iraq. GEG has stuck to its core values of Excellence, Integrity and Precision, creating brand powers through all 6 subsidiaries and boosting its position as leader in the Kurdish and Iraqi marketplace.UB
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UB HOLDING
characterized by strong family ties, perseverance, and hard work. They are currently looking for international partnerships for future projects.
Hadi Nezir, CEO UB Tower, Ainkawa Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq info@ubholding.com www.ubholding.com
UB Holding is a group of companies involved in a vast array of industries. Its main businesses are in the fields of petroleum, construction, food items, production, consumer goods distribution, transportation, and trade. The company is owned by seven Iraqi Kurdish brothers originally from the town of Zakho in western Kurdistan. The eldest of the brothers, Mr. Hadi Nezir, is the company’s CEO. The company began with the family agricultural business in the early 1990s and grew to include a juice powder factory – the very first factory in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. They began to import and distribute Turkish food products and within a few years, started to manufacture food and drink products locally as well. They started Iraq Oil, a petroleum products trading company in 1996 in has grown into one of the largest petroleum product traders in the Middle East today. UB Holding’s current major projects include a refinery, a cement plant, and an iron and steel factory in Basra. The refinery is in Sulaimani and will have a capacity of 60,000 bpd. The cement factory is just outside Erbil and was an investment of half a billion USD. The construction is presently 95% finished and production will begin in the coming year. The iron and steel factory in Basra was shut down for 20 years and UB Holding is working in joint venture with the Iraqi Ministry of Trade and Industry to refurbish it and bring it back into production. The employees at UB Holding are an international mix consisting of Kurds, Arabs, and people from other continents such as North America, Europe, and Asia, and number between 1500-2000. UB Holding is one of the largest employers in Iraq. UB Holding has also been heavily involved in charity work from its inception. They have a special focus on education and have built 6 schools and renovated another 6 to date. Currently, the company has two projects, one school in Ainkawa and one in Sulaimani. UB
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IRAQ OIL COMPANY Iraq Oil Company for Petroleum Services was launched in 1996 and rapidly emerged as one of the key companies of UB Holding and the largest private oil trading company in Iraq. Throughout its history, the company has been actively trading several petroleum products in both the local and international markets. These products include fuel oil, diesel, gas oil, naphtha, and LPG. Iraq Oil was the first company to begin working with the State Oil Marketing Organization, the official entity of the Iraqi Ministry of Oil in importing and exporting petroleum products. Today, they have contracts for importing petroleum products from neighboring countries to Iraq. Iraq Oil has 16 operating petrol stations with another 14 under construction. They also have a modern lubricant factory where they produce gasoline and diesel motor oils at a capacity of 100 metric tons a day. Iraq Oil also owns two storage and loading/ unloading station compounds for petroleum products. One is located in Erbil and has a capacity of 80,000 metric tons while the other is in Zakho and has a capacity of 20,000 metric tons. They are currently building the refinery in Sulaimani. AHRAM FOOD Ahram is a company within UB Holding that manufactures food and drink products. It has a production facility of 1 million square metres in Zakho, in northern Iraq. The factory was designed and built according to international standards and is equipped with the latest technology in its laboratories and production lines. The production facility premises include nine large manufacturing halls, two large warehouses used for incoming and outgoing products, two cold storage rooms, a maintenance area, a management office building, a restaurant, a dormitory, and an open area for social activities. Presently, the factory has 170 technical staff and 500 workers. Their products include carbonated drinks such as Class Cola, Class Orange, and Class Up, chicken and beef stock cubes, baking powders, vanilla, yeast, salt, whipped cream, cocoa powder, and bottled water. Their water plant is the second largest in the Middle East, and has a capacity of 6 million bottles per day.
story,
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UB Holding is planning to expand into dairy products, with the recent establishment of a new subsidiary, Berivan Dairy. The company ensures that its engineers and experts are frequently sent abroad to attend seminar classes and training courses to keep up to date with the fast evolving technology of today’s world. LEGACY CONSTRUCTION Legacy is a construction company under the UB Holding umbrella. Established in 2010, they have already undertaken several successful projects in Iraq such as a five star hotel in Duhok, a new headquarters for UB Holding in Erbil, and a depot facility for Iraq Oil also located in Erbil. Their current project is the construction of Northfields Mall, a new state-of-the-art shopping mall. It will house a vast collection of the world’s top brands in fashion, jewelry, electronics, home furnishings, as well as a supermarket. It will also have an array of cafes, restaurants, and fast food places for customers to enjoy. Legacy aspires to create a brand new shopping experience and the number one retail destination in Iraq. UB ENGINEERING UB Holding operates an engineering and technical services company with world-class standards. The subsidiary first began to undertake their own internal projects, but it quickly grew to serve other customers as well. Their team of highly trained engineers serves Iraq’s main industrial sectors, including construction, metallurgy, cement, and energy. PLUSPEN PVC UB Holding owns and operates the Pluspen PVC factory. Located in Zakho, the factory manufactures door and window frames and distributes them throughout the whole of Iraq. The factory has four different lines of products and a capacity of 2000 linear meters a day. PAK CHEMICAL PAK Chemical manufactures body care products and cleaning products. Their products are divided into three categories: body care, household cleaning, and industrial cleaning. Their list includes baby shampoo, multi-purpose housing cleaning products, powder detergents, liquid detergents, softeners, air fresheners, dish soap, and floor polishers. The word ‘pak’ means clean and pure in Kurdish and
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perfectly describes the world-class standards of the PAK Chemical factory. BURAK LOGISTICS Burak Logistics distributes crude oil and petroleum products in the Kurdistan region. With an efficient fleet of 1,200 trucks specialized in loading and unloading various kind of petroleum products, Burak Logistics is a market leader. UB HOLDING TOURISM BRANCH In recent years, UB Holding has begun to expand into the tourism industry in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Their projects include the establishment of a modern amusement park in Zakho that will be called Happy Park. They are also building a sight-seeing cable car in Dohuk City and several world-class hotels around the region. HAYAT FURNITURE obtaining the sole distribution rights for Turkish brands Merinos and Dinarsu for the whole of Iraq. Today is also has the sole distribution rights for
furniture importer and distribution company in the Kurdistan region. In addition to providing subsidiary dealerships throughout the region, it has also opened showrooms in the main cities and is planning to expand to the rest of the country. Annual volume sales currently stand at $3 million. UB FOREIGN TRADE and logistical support for UB Holding’s factories and trading activities in Iraq, such as raw materials, packing supplies, and machinery. Their offices are located in Istanbul and their warehouse is in Gaziantep, also in Turkey. In recent years, the company has expanded to import products from around the world, such as the UAE, Their volume sales currently stand at $30 million. UB FZ UAE
UNITED DISTRIBUTION United Distribution was established in 2009 and is based in Istanbul. The main activities include the marketing and distribution of Ulker Company products, a leading Turkish food and beverage manufacturer. United Distribution has a fleet of 40
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sales cars and a 2000 square meter warehouse. MERD MARKETING Merd Marketing is the marketing and distribution arm of UB Holding. They operate as a team of 80 highly trained staff in Erbil, Sulaimania, Duhok, Zakho, and the rest of Iraq. Their daily activities include the distribution and the promotion of UB Holding brands. UB Holding distributes its products through main wholesalers and agents and sells to all socioeconomic levels within the Iraqi population. “The opportunities that are available here in Kurdistan are huge. We are not a poor nation, a lot of people here have money but there are not many places to spend it. There are so many opportunities for people to come here and open up restaurants, cafes, places where people can enjoy themselves. At the moment, we leave on the weekends and spend our money on our neighbors, but someday, this will change.” Abdul Nezir Vice President of Iraq Oil
NALIA GROUP Shaswar Qadir, Chairman German Village, House #12 Malik Mahmud Street Sulaimania, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 770 157 4880 info@naliagroup,com www.naliagroup.com Activity: Real Estate, Tourism, and Media Creation date: 2007
Their housing developments are as follows: German Village, German Village 2, German Village 3, Kurd City 1, Kurd City 2, and Nali City. All the projects consist of 491 villas and 3316 apartments. Chavy Tourism City is the biggest tourism project in Iraq. Located at the foothills of Goizha Mountain, the touristic park overlooks the beautiful city of Sulaimani and the scenic surroundings. Many of the attractions are being built in Iraq for the very first time, such as indoor and outdoor arcade games, a 5D cinema, a wax museum featuring statues of both local and international celebrities, and a musical fountain inspired by those found in Las Vegas, Dubai, and wheel in the Middle East, measuring at 90 meters, as well as the highest rollercoaster at 36 meters with a speed of 120 kilometers per hour. There will also be a 4 star hotel to accommodate visitors overnight as well as a beautiful green park stretching over 600,000 m2 those who prefer to dine in the city, there will also be a selection of restaurants and cafes to provide them with refreshments and meals. Chavy Tourist City will be launched in March of 2013. Nalia Group’s media arm is NRT, the very first independent and neutral private media company in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. They were the first Kurdish satellite channel to cover the whole region’s news and events. The company consists of a TV channel, a “www.nrttv.com”. According to studies conducted by independent NGOs, both NRT TV and Radio Nalia audience numbers in the Kurdistan region.
Nalia Group was established in 2007, beginning with an investment in the real estate sector. Their first housing development was German Village, a modern complex with 60 villas and 320 apartment buildings. Today, Nalia Group is a wellestablished company in the Kurdistan region. Their investments have grown considerably to include six real estate developments, one tourism development, and a private media company.
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Today, Nalia Group’s investments are worth close to 1 billion USD and their projects are considered a symbol for socio-economic development in the Kurdistan region. “Kurdistan is a region going through a lot of development. A lot of progress has been made but there is still a lot of work to do before we reach our full potential, many changes must still be implemented. My message to international investors is that our doors are open, now and in the future.” Shaswar A. Qadir
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ZAGROS GROUP Delsoz Sherwani, CEO Shaklawa Street Erbil, Kurdistan (Iraq) Tel: (+964) 66 224 216 970 info@zagros-group.net www.zagros-group.net Zagros Group is a company of companies that is active in construction, energy, IT, health, aviation and trade fields. The business life of the group began in 1991 with general contracting and trade companies. Today, Zagros is one of the most important entities in the Kurdistan business environment and is proud to serve the development of its region. Zagros Group is highly regarded by international enterprises for their vast experience, engineering know-how, successfully delivered projects respecting the agreed deadlines, their business ethics and high standard of performance. Zagros Group is formed by the following subsidiaries companies: Zagros General Contracting. Projects include school construction, public buildings, health cares, irrigation projects, etc. Zagros Energy Group (ZEG). Services include security services, transportation services, mine detection, etc. Zagros Technology. The company is a long-term provider of services to different Ministries Medical Care International (MCI) Zagros AMBS consultancy. Zagros AMBS is providing technical consultancy on the following topics: Regional and urban planning, architectural design and consultancies, structural design and consultancies, etc. Zagros Air. G.S.A. for Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa and Iraq Airways in the North of Iraq Laveen Air. Regular flights to connect Erbil with Istanbul Zagros Oil Zagros Trading The aim of the group is to extend its business opportunities on a regional level, to protect the reliability of Zagros according to international ethical codes and continue with the responsibility to develop Iraq.
ZOZIK COMPANY Salam Karim Khan, CEO Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq zozik@zozik.com www.zozik.com
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Zozik is currently one of the leading human resource firms in Iraq. With a wide range of experience and expertise in international recruitment and business, they provide high quality personnel to national and international organizations, and have notable experience in management and executive level appointments. Zozik helps and assists its clients to recruit all level of personnel in construction (labour, skilled labour and engineering), maintenance (labour, skilled labour, and engineering), hospitality, health care (nursing, medical professionals), information technology, power and electricity, oil, gas and petrochemicals, finance, international cash transfers and administration, sales and marketing, and other categories. Zozik is headquartered in Erbil, (Kurdistan, Iraq), with offices in Sulaimanya, Duhok, Syria, and Jordan. Zozik is present in different fields and industries all around the country:
solutions and services to agencies, governments and international companies taking part in the building of a new Iraq. Under the most difficult of economic and working conditions, Zozik has built a reputation of quality, safety and reliability, and is known as one of the fastest growing companies in Iraq. In its first years of operation, Zozik has delivered essential supplies and manpower to areas in great need, and constructed health centres, schools and shelters. In 1993, Zozik became the largest fuel provider in Iraq by supplying fuel to the region through a partnership with CARE Australia. Zozik has worked with HABITAT, UNDP, UNESCO, companies such as ABB (Sweden), BWSC (Holland), ENERGO (Bosnia), and a wide variety of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Zozik provided crucial financial assistance to various UN agencies and international companies working in Iraq during the embargo, when no banking services were available. With monthly cash supplies in the 100 millions, Zozik kept humanitarian and business efforts moving during this difficult and uncertain time, and provided professional manpower to the region.
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Highest Ferris wheel in Middle East ´´90m´´
Address: German Village, Malik Mahmud Street, Sulaimania, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: +964 770 157 4880 info@naliagroup.com www.naliagroup.com 92
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With Nalia your investment is secure
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FINANCE
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OVERVIEW Kurdistan has enjoyed relative peace and stability and as a result, is more developed than other parts of Iraq. Since 2003, the number of millionaires in Iraqi Kurdistan has increased from 12 to over 2000, a number which reflects the financial and economic growth in the region. Finance is a sector in the region, which has seen development in recent years, but further reforms are still needed to enhance this sector. Foreign Direct Investment along with local investment is key to the development of the regional banking system to continuing the growth and expansion of the region’s economy. In 1992, all banking services provided to citizens of Kurdistan were paralyzed for a long period in which banking services were very limited. Citizens in the region suffered huge losses resulting from the expiry of the currency because the central bank stopped exchanging currencies in the
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Kurdistan region. The people of Kurdistan lost confidence in the banking system as a result of the freezing of their accounts by the old regime However, confidence is growing again with more and more banks establishing in the region along with an increasing number of foreign companies as the latter need better banking and financial services. For example, four new Turkish banks have recently established branches in Kurdistan: VakifBank, Ziraat Bank (2 branches) & Içbank. Currently there are over 83 public and 101 private bank branches in the Kurdistan Region. The Branch of Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) “Harem Bank” controls foreign exchange, the Iraqi Dinar, and supervises the banking sector in the region. The monetary policy is set up by the Central Bank in Baghdad. Currently, the banking services offered are still limited. Services such as credit cards, retail loans
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and mortgages are non-existant. Banks in Iraqi Kurdistan follow the principles of Basel I & II, as USAID provided training.
CHALLENGES The Kurdistan region’s economy is still very much a cash economy. 70-80% of transactions are in cash today. The sector is characterized by underdeveloped services, as the banks capacities are limited. There also remains a lack of confidence in the banking sector due to the implication of the previous regime in the past. There is a lack of liquidity in the banking sector, as citizens are accustomed to keeping money at home coupled with a high level of minimum liquidity imposed by the Central Bank. Cheques are seldom used, which is an obstacle to commercial exchanges. There is also a lack of qualified staff in the sector, minimal inhouse training facilities, and a lack of coordination between the Central Bank of Kurdistan and the Central Bank of Iraq. As a result, current services provided by banks are not sufficient to facilitate the local economic development.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES The demand for professional banking is growing with the emergence of the oil & gas sector on one hand and the increasing number of foreign companies establishing in the region on the other. Both require a range of banks services currently not provided.
strengthen economic infrastructure to enable the private sector to flourish and society to develop; the emergence of big multinational banks in the region enables the region to learn and have available to them International Banking Services in the country. Due to the healthy investment climate and the cutting of red tape in the region has become much easier. 16.67% of capital investment has been dedicated to investment in the banking sector, which amounts to around $2.3 billion. Kurdistan is rapidly becoming the ideal place to expand commercial and retail banking sectors with over 15 banking headquarters in the region. The region consists of two state-owned central banks with around 14 state owned banks and 30 privately owned banks that have branches across the region. Joint ventures between local banking institutions and foreign have also taken place like the merger between the Trade Bank of Iraq with JP Morgan, as the latter has taken a consultancy position and is helping to manage investments.
CREDIT CARDS Banks are trying to introduce a credit card system. Some banks in the Region have a system where they provide their customers with a master card with a limit of $20 000. It takes 10 days to set up a credit card. With an extent of credit of $10 000, if a customer spends $3 000, he/she will be required to deposit back the $3 000 back on his/ her account before the end of the month to avoid paying interest. There are currently no credit card systems operating in Kurdistan, only cash or debit cards which can be used at local ATMs in a selective number of stores.
Private banks, public banks, and the Central Bank of the Region are looking for international consulting companies with long-term experience (5-10years) to help plan and strategize for the development of this sector in Kurdistan and to implement new services, new technologies, and a computerized system.
Dar Es Salaam Bank does not issue credit cards, however it delivers free debit cards to individual customers. There is no charge to use the card in the bank distributors. As for as Byblos Bank is concerned, it does not issue credit cards or debit cards, only cash cards: the bank will soon install two ATMs in Erbil (no inter – bank ATM, only international visa cards ATM) one inside Family Mall, one inside the banks facilities.
BANKING
THE HAWALA
The ability to build physical infrastructure helps to
The traditional Islamic hawala system is based
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on trust. This system is considered to be faster and cheaper by its users than the formal banking system. The biggest local firms are licensed by the Central bank and rely upon a network of associates all over the world. The cost of this type of transfer is subject to the transferred amount. The hawala system is still strong and is still being used in many parts of Iraq. To have recourse to a hawala, a residency card in Kurdistan is required. A form detailing personal information, whom the money is sent to, the purpose and the origin of this money is also needed.
LOANS As banks are experiencing liquidity problems, they have very limited capacity to allocate loans. Some banks allocate loans subject to specific requirements and in a very limited amount. Trade Bank of Iraq provides loans to support projects such as power plants, refinery, and commercial centers.
into consideration. The ban will require 35% of the loan as a guarantee (mortgage). The company must provide copies of its financial statements over the past 3 years, and a list of customers. Interest rates for loans vary between 8% and 12% in the form of monthly payments. . In the long run, the loan amount depends on the project.
STOCK EXCHANGE The soon - to - be established Erbil Stock Exchange (ESX) will offer greater flexibility for foreign investors and links Kurdistan to the international business community. Currently, several companies are listed and trade on the Iraqi Stock Exchange in Baghdad. In 2007 the Prime Minister, Mr Nechirvan Barzani decided to establish a stock exchange in Erbil. A committee in cooperation with Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) was formed to assess the situation of the market in Erbil.
Dar Es Salaam Bank does not provide loans to the private sector except for service projects. It will never provide a loan for a real estate project. To apply for a loan and in order to facilitate the procedure, a foreign company must provide a letter of guarantee issued by one of the HSBC Branches belonging to the international network. The company can obtain as much as it could apply in the branch which issues the guarantee letter. Byblos Bank provides loans subject to certain conditions. It is not an investment bank, so in this regard they do not award any loan to real estate and construction projects. The bank takes only commercial projects
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A conference was held with local/regional/national traders which concluded positively and led to the decision to establish the Erbil Stock Exchange. This one would be independent and not a branch of the Iraqi Stock Exchange. The government will manage the stock exchange. Dabin, Zagros, Korek are companies which express the wish to join ESX and to fund the creation of it (Around 8 MUSD : private companies 85%, KRG15%). $3 million has currently been invested in the creation of the Erbil Stock Exchange and plans are underway.
INSURANCE SECTOR
the right legislation and regulation, insurance has the potential to thrive in the region. With the combination of a healthy investment and banking law and a modern insurance market, the Kurdistan region will be able to flourish more than ever. The biggest challenge of the development of the insurance market is the public’s perception of risk. Paying an insurance premium can be a taboo due to religious communities belief that one may only trust God to insure and protect one’s life and assets. Religion has a significant influence in this matter. However, an insurance sector and a reliable banking system are essential to attract foreign businesses and investors and continue overall development.
An insurance market has also started to emerge in the Kurdistan region. The market has been active since 2005 but has yet to profit from the investment drive needed to enhance growth in the sector. The sector has immense potential to develop rapidly. A developed insurance sector will further enhance the investment in the region as investors can minimize risks of their investment through appropriately designed projects. The private sector needs development in this sector in order to enhance their own business potential. The emergence of the insurance sector has helped to professionalize investment in the region. It leads to investors having to oblige with insurance requirements set out by the insurance companies onto commercial companies. In other market economies, insurance has played a pivotal role in the development. With
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ASIA INSURANCE COMPANY Jamal Asfour, CEO Salim Street Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 770 123 0005 Fax: (+964) 53 330 1812 care@asiainsurance.net www.asiainsurance.net
Asia Insurance Company is the insurance arm of Faruk Group Holding. The company works to restore and nourish the Iraqi insurance market, with a vision for it to become one of the largest in the region. Asia Insurance Company is involved in all non-life insurance classes with the major categories being Fire, General Accident, Engineering, Marine, Motor, Group Health, and Individual Health Insurance. Asia Insurance’s fully-fledged capacity and expertise allow them to face the competitive demands of the market and further expand into new lines of business and adopt innovative methods of distribution. Asia Insurance is a customer-centric company, with a strong-minded focus on service. They put their long-term client relationships at the heart of their business. Providing excellent customer service and unmatched convenience is their nonnegotiable objective. Asia Insurance Company is dedicated to becoming one of the leading regional insurance providers of non-life classes coupled with the highest degrees of customer utility. They envision themselves as first class security providers through partnerships with the most solid yet advanced international reinsurance partners. Asia Insurance Company is proud to deal with the world’s leaders in reinsurance. On the NonHealth side, Asia Insurance is backed by top rated reinsurance securities, such as Swiss Re & Hannover Re. Asia Insurance is thus able to provide diversified insurance coverage, for both small retailers as well as for larger risks such as oil refineries and cement plants. As for the
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Health side, Asia Insurance has partnered with Munich Re Health Arm to provide superb health insurance products for the local market, as well as for international companies operating in Iraq. Their products can be tailor-made to suit individuals, families as well as various corporations. Their health insurance administrator is MedNet, a company owned by Munich Health. Asia Insurance holds the exclusivity rights of MedNet all over Iraq and together they built the first cashless medical network in Kurdistan. With MedNet, they are also able to offer their clients with diverse regional and international medical providers. In addition, Asia Insurance deals with the world largest reinsurance brokers, which enables them to reach various top rates securities in the Lloyd’s market and elsewhere. This in turn allows them to provide their clients with unmatched special risks coverage, such as Political Violence & Terrorism, which is a product with high demand in the Iraqi market. Asia Insurance has a strong capital base of 30 Billion Iraqi Dinars, one of the highest in the market in turn providing extra peace of mind to its clients.
BYBLOS BANK Jean Bassil, Senior Country Manager 60 Metre Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 2560017/9 Fax: (+964) 66 2233458 erbilbranch@byblosbank.com.lb aazouri@byblosbank.com www.byblosbank.com Byblos Bank was founded in 1950 in the town of Byblos, just north of Beirut. Today it has grown into one of the largest banks in Lebanon with branches around the globe. It is a universal institution that focuses on domestic and regional markets, providing a full range of banking services through one of the country’s largest branch networks and through overseas subsidiaries. At Byblos Bank, their philosophy is ‘real banking for real life’, which is imbued in every step of their operations. This means paying careful attention to the various ways of interacting with clients, with a mission to ensure that Byblos Bank products and services meet or exceed the constantly changing needs of the market. Their long history of success
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is derived from adhering to the values associated with traditional banking – a conservative approach to risk, total commitment to the many overlapping interests of their customers, investors, and employees, attention to detail, and boundless faith in hard work. Byblos Bank was the very first international bank to open a branch in Erbil in 2007, pioneering worldclass standards in the region. Their local activities cover Corporate, Commercial and Correspondent Banking services, including transfers and trade finance (letters of credit, letters of guarantee and documentary collections) in addition to operating a referral business from other international banks. All of Byblos Bank’s branches’ operations in Lebanon and worldwide are centralized at the Head Office in Beirut and therefore benefit from the experience, expertise, and state-of-the-art practices that their longtime customers have come to depend upon.
DAR ES SALAAM INVESTMENT BANK 60 Meter Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 256 0006 info@desiraq.com www.desiraq.com Dar Es Salaam Investment Bank opened in 1998 in Baghdad. In 2005, the bank joined the HSBC global network, which today has a 75% stake. The bank opened two branches in the Kurdistan region, one in Erbil and Duhok. A third one will open in Sulaimani. The bank also has a temporary branch in Mosul. Dar Es Salaam Bank provides a variety of services: letters of credit, letters of guarantee, transfers, and savings accounts for businesses and individuals. Following the example of the Trade Bank of Iraq, Dar Es Salaam controls the origin of money following the HSBC regulations. The bank has 22 employees and thousands of customers in the region, over 400 employees throughout Iraq working in 17 branches.
GRAS SAVOYE Dean Killock, Country Manager Italian City Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 770 4093701 dean.killock@e-grassavoye.com www.grassavoye.com Gras Savoye was founded in 1907 and has grown to become the leading insurance company in France and tenth worldwide. With over 100 years of experience, the Group has achieved its success by consistently placing the client first and has favored the following development principles: listening to, understanding and satisfying its customers, and proximity, whether in terms of geography, culture or relationships. Gras Savoye is both a generalist and multispecialist broker, operating in all classes of insurance, and offering relevant and appropriate solutions to the most complex and specific demands. It can also help you address all areas of corporate risk management, such as life and health insurance, damage, liability, alternative risk transfer, just to name a few. The desire to innovate has constantly supported and stimulated the growth of Gras Savoye. It has allowed the group to grow from a simple intermediary, a historical foundation of the brokerage business, to global risk management, guaranteeing clients the most suitable protection of their tangible and intangible assets. Gras Savoye also makes this expertise available to individuals for all their everyday insurance requirements, such as home and car insurance. Gras Savoye is a solid partner for companies with comprehensive regional and international networks. With the premier insurance brokerage network, Gras Savoye works with their partner Willis to support their clients in over 120 countries. Gras Savoye has worked hard over the years to extend its network and develop a dynamic international strategy. This has resulted in a strong international presence in over 120 countries worldwide. The company has expanded its direct coverage to 43 countries in 2012, offering services and solutions along with its partnership with Willis. Iraq is an example of this expansion. Gras Savoye enjoys strong positions in its foreign locations, generally being amongst the top 3
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insurance brokers. Gras Savoye made a turnover of 555 million Euros in 2011 and has 3800 employees worldwide.
KURDISTAN INTERNATIONAL BANK Bustam Al-Jabani, Managing Director Abdul Salam Al-Barzani Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 223 0822 www.kibid.com The Kurdistan International Bank (or KIB) was the very first bank in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. It was established in 2005 by a group of prominent Iraqi businessmen, well-known bankers and financiers. It has grown to become the biggest bank in the region and one of the most successful Islamic private banks in Iraqi today. The KIB was ranked third out of 28 Iraqi private banks and rated as a 2B by the Central Bank of Iraqi in accordance with the CAMEL criteria of 2010. The KIB offers its clients a wide range of services. They can open accounts in IQD, USD, EUR, and GBP for current accounts, savings accounts, or specific investment deposits, receive money transfers from Western Union and SWIFT networks. The bank also issues letters of credit and documentary remittances, executes inward letters of credit, foreign exchange services, internal remittances and bills for collection. They also finance tourist resorts, industry, agriculture, trade, housing, and contracting. The KIB is listed on the Iraqi Stock Exchange and currently has a capital of 300 billion Iraqi Dinars.
MANSOUR BANK Sardar Pirbal Sarspy, Erbil Branch Manager Koya Street near Dyke Hospital Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 447 5766 info@mansourbank.com www.mansourbank.com Mansour Bank (or Al-Mansour Bank) was established with a capital of 55 billion dinar in 2008 and today has increased this to 236 billion dinar, quadrupling their capital. The bank is
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established in Baghdad in 2006, and today has branches in Sulaimani, Erbil, Basra, Karbala, and Najaf. They plan to open a new branch in Duhok in 2013. Mansour Bank is one of the largest and well-known banks in Iraq. A new major stakeholder is Qatar National Bank which currently has a 51% interest as of October 2012. This has enhanced Mansour Bank’s range of services and products in the Iraqi market and widened their international network, as they are now a part of the QHB Group. “Mansour Bank welcomes all international visitors to Kurdistan and we are ready to support and serve them with all of their banking needs.” said Sardar Pirbal Sarspy, Erbil Branch Manager.
NORTH BANK Nawzad Jafr, Chairman Alkrada Street Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq info@northbankiq.com www.northbankiq.com North Bank is a private bank headquartered in Sulaimani, Iraq. It was first established in 2004 and today is the most profitable private bank in Iraq, with a profit of 105 billion dinars in 2012. North Bank offers their customers a wide range of services, from opening bank accounts in Iraqi dinar and US dollar, accepting deposits, credit granting cash, issuing internal and external guarantee letters, opening documentary credits from foreign imports, issuing bills and instruments ratified, internal transfers of all kinds, acceptance of foreign remittance of all kinds, financing small and medium-sized enterprises, and buying and selling foreign currency. North Bank’s deposits grew 45% in the first half of 2012, a strong indication that the Iraqis are beginning to trust the local banking system rather than hoard their capital in cash in their homes. This is a significant change, and will result in increased capability of the bank to finance businesses, among other benefits. North Bank is clearly the bank of choice for the people. They have branches in Sulaimani, Erbil, Duhok, Baghdad, Mosul, Karbala, Kirkuk, Anbar,
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Basra, Al-Najaf, Al-Kut, Al-Umara, and Nasiriyah.
TRADE BANK OF IRAQ Taiseer Al Hairi, Branch Manager Next to Eskan Police Station Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 194 3584 taiser.alhairi@tbiraq.com www.tbiraq.com Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI), wholly owned by the Ministry of Finance, was established in July 2003 to facilitate Iraq’s international trade and the reconstruction of the country after the expiration of the UN Oil-For-Food Program. It has 2 central branches in the Region: one in Erbil and the other in Sulaimani with other smaller offices across the Region.
being the first Iraqi bank to issue VISA credit cards, and the development of the first nationwide network of ATMs in the country. TBI is also the most experienced Iraqi bank in the issuance of Letters of Credit and Letters of Guarantee. Building on its early success, TBI is now introducing modern, innovative products and services to the Iraqi market. These include Project Finance, Salary Accounts, Saving Accounts, and Credit Cards. The bank offers the following services: TBI provides services to individual’s private and public exchange of money, savings accounts and deposit accounts, letters of guarantees, letters of credit transfers. The bank support investors for projects such as electricity stations or a refinery. Bank accounts: There is a special department at the head office involved in money laundering in charge of checking the money and clients’ origin. TBI cooperates with other banks, the all-important one being with CBI of Kurdistan Region – Iraq.
The bank quickly developed into a highly credible and effective organization. In a short period of time, TBI built relationships with an international network of 134 prime banks - the Consortium banks being at its core - covering 63 cities in 39 countries. This gave TBI a truly global reach, a competitive advantage and the ability to provide a diverse range of services. By the end of 2007 TBI was fully capitalised at over 100 MUSD and had total assets of over 6.1bnUSD. An early success was signing agreements with 17 of the largest Export Credit Agencies around the world. Another was the fact that TBI was one of the first Iraqi banks to receive lines of credit from major international financial institutions. TBI has a sound credit policy in place and among the many other ‘firsts’ the bank can claim is the introduction of Iraq’s first fully automated online banking system,
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ENERGY The Kurdistan region of Iraq is rich in natural resources and the energy sector is the powerhouse behind the rapid growth of the economy. The KRG has an active Ministry of Natural Resources that works with the IOCs and the oil services companies in the region.
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I
n October 2005, the people of Iraq voted for a permanent Constitution to underpin the country’s recovery from years of oppression, suffering and neglect. It is a landmark document, not only for the citizens of Kurdistan but also for those of Iraq and the wider Middle East. In both spirit and letter, the Constitution enshrines principles Kurds cherish: democracy, federalism, pluralism, decentralization, power-sharing, wealth-sharing, fairness and justice. The passage of the Kurdistan Oil and Gas Law in 2007 was another crucial step for the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. The law is in full harmony with Iraq’s federal Constitution, and creates a modern, investmentfriendly and transparent legal framework for the oil industry to work and prosper in Kurdistan. The law is a constitutionally valid statute, endorsed and ratified by a democratically elected legislative body, recognized in the country’s federal Constitution. Article 111 makes the ownership of oil and gas very clear. It states: “Oil and gas are owned by all the people of Iraq, in all the regions and governorates.” In short, regions and governorates have ownership rights and powers. Indeed, Article 115 of the Constitution grants primacy to regional laws in case of a clash with federal laws. Nevertheless, the KRG’s approach to the oil and gas sector is based on coordination and cooperation with federal authorities, as the Constitution demands. Existing oil fields, that is those that were producing at the time the Constitution was approved, should be managed jointly with federal government. Meanwhile, the control and management of new fields (discoveries and exploration) falls under the sole authorities of the governorates and Regions. Revenues from the old and new fields should be shared nationally according to a federal revenue sharing law, which remains to be passed. The international Oil and Gas industry recognized and agreed with this approach, through their entrance to the market and the steady rise in world-class companies wanting to enter exploration contracts with the KRG. This represents a vote of confidence in the investment-friendly climate and in the security and stability that these contracts represent. The oil and gas industry in the Kurdistan Region is relatively young, but it is already producing impressive results.
Kurdistan’s oil and gas industry can now export 250,000 barrels of oil per day, while some 150,000 barrels are dedicated for local refining needs. Next year, we anticipate being able to export on average at least 400,000 barrels of oil per day. We are on track to export 1 million barrels per day by 2015 with existing discoveries. And 2 million barrels per day by 2019 as expected discoveries come on line. As for gas, once our domestic needs have been met, the KRG can help meet the long-term gas supply needs of Turkey and Europe, as a reliable alternative to the existing gas suppliers. We are currently in negotiations with our counterparts in Turkey, as well as international oil companies to export gas to Turkey and Europe. All this means a large increase in revenues for Iraq as a whole. We must focus on getting the oil and gas to market. Not just from the fields in the Kurdistan Region, but from the other areas of the north of Iraq. With the right export infrastructure in place, by 2019, over 3 million barrels per day could be flowing through Kurdistan to international markets. So we are working to identify bottlenecks in the export infrastructure, to create the right investment scenario, and to get more oil to the market. This means building additional export pipelines for Iraq. With exploration actvities ramping up, the service industry is also witnessing rapid growth. Meanwhile in the months ahead there will be an added focus on developing a downstream industry, as well as providing an attractive investment framework for mining. But Kurds remain mindful about over-reliance on the revenues derived from oil and gas. Which is why the KRG is implementing policies that will exploit these revenues, to help diversify the economy. In addition, international oil companies operating in Kurdistan, are required to participate in, and commit to, a comprehensive capacity building program, which is already enhancing the physical and human capital and infrastructure.
As the industry progresses over the coming years, we will see beneficial effects on the entire economy.
In the past, Iraq’s oil has been misused by central governments to oppress its citizens and wage war against its neighbours.
With estimated reserves at 45 billion barrels of oil and 3-6 trillion cubic meters of gas, our federal region is pressing ahead.
The KRG is turning this narrative around. Our natural resources must be used wisely and prudently, to secure a safe and prosperous future for generations to come.
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Ashti Hawrami Minister of Natural Resources in the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq
¨ In October 2005, the people of Iraq voted for a permanent Constitution to underpin the country’s recovery from years of oppression, suffering and neglect. It is a landmark document, not only for the citizens of Kurdistan but also for those of Iraq and the wider Middle East. In both spirit and letter, the Constitution enshrines principles Kurds cherish: democracy, federalism, pluralism, decentralization, power-sharing, wealthsharing, fairness and justice.
Energy
OVERVIEW It is no secret that Iraq has a strong presence in the global oil industry. What is less well known is that the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan has a wealth of natural resources of its own. According to the federal government of Iraq, existing oil reserves comprise 112 billion barrels, with an additional 100 billion barrels presently unexploited, of which about half is located in the Kurdistan Region. Kirkuk holds natural gas reserves of about 55 trillion cubic feet, which represents half of Iraq’s natural gas reserve. Kurdistan’s oil reserves are estimated to be 45 billion barrels, which is on par with the estimates in countries like Libya and Nigeria. Estimated gas potential is 2.8 – 5.7 trillion cubic meters. Due to the repressive policies of the past, the oil and gas industry in Kurdistan is at least 30 years behind the developed world. It is one of the very last untapped on-shore reserves on the globe. Since 2003, the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Kurdistan Regional Government has been working hard to develop this sector. Minister Ashti Hawrami is the mastermind behind the impressive growth and success rates, developing the incentives to bring in international oil companies through mutually beneficial production-sharing contracts. There are many international energy companies working in Iraqi Kurdistan such as DNO, Gulf Keystone Petroleum, Chevron, and OMV, just to name a few. Attractive
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profit-sharing contracts mean that investors earn $3$5 per barrel, a significant difference to the south of Iraq where the investors earn less than $1 per barrel. The current maximum production capacity is 250,000 barrels per day. The Ministry of Natural Resources aims to reach 1 million barrels per day by 2015 in export capacity and 2 million barrels per day by 2019. By 2013, international oil companies have invested $10 billion into the Kurdistan region. A compulsory clause in the production sharing contracts mandates that each IOC must contribute a certain amount of money to local capacity building projects. Today, this amounts to over $2 billion invested in projects like schools, technological supplies, roads, and water access. Baghdad and Iraqi Kurdistan are currently negotiating over Kurdistan’s right to independently export oil from its territory, as previously the Iraqi central government maintained that oil could only be sent out of Baghdad. Ashti Hawrami, the Kurdish oil minister, unveiled plans to build a pipeline to export oil directly to Turkey in May 2012, which is expected to be completed by the end of next year. The annual Iraq Oil & Gas Conference is held in Erbil in early December.
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Energy DEFINITIONS International Oil Company (IOC) – An oil and gas exploration and production company with contractual interests in at least one block (contract area) within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Oil Service Company (OSC) – A company that provides IOCs with either services or equipment to support their operations. Oil & Gas Industry (OGI) – The oil and gas industry which includes all upstream, midstream and downstream components. Contract Area (CA) – The exploration or development area operated by an IOC, following any contractual relinquishments. Local Staff (LS) – Employees from the Kurdistan Region and rest of Iraq. Expat Staff (ES) – Employees not from the Kurdistan Region and rest of Iraq.
IMPORTANT DATES February 2007: The Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government in Baghdad agreed that the February 2007 draft federal oil and gas law will be the basis for a future law. June 2007: The KRG and the federal government in Baghdad agreed a draft revenue sharing law for Iraq August 2007: The Kurdistan Oil and Gas Law was approved by the Kurdistan Parliament. April 2009: Dr Ashti Hawrami, the KRG Minister for Natural Resources, discussed the draft revenue sharing law and hydrocarbons policies of the KRG and the federal government at a UN hydrocarbons conference. May 2009: OMV and MOL announced investments to access natural gas from the Kurdistan Region for local supply and export through the Nabucco pipeline. May 2012: Plans to build a pipeline to export oil directly to Turkey were announced.
THE PRODUCTION SHARING CONTRACT SYSTEM The KRG has decided to encourage the sharing and production contract. This type of contract involves the oil company that insures risks of exploration and
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gets a share of the profit. KRG receives 90% of the profit and the remaining 10% go to the operating companies. Revenues from operations KRG Natural Resources are paid into a federal account in Baghdad to be distributed. All companies who prospect must provide a detailed profile of their business and sign a confidentiality agreement. Around 50 contracts for production sharing oil and gas were signed by the KRG with about 40 oil companies with roughly half from the United States, Turkey, the UK, France, Austria, China, Canada and the UAE, as of 2012. Companies signing with the Ministry of Natural Resources are expected to implement corporate social responsibility programs for the local communities in their designated areas. As of the summer of 2012, 357 community support projects have been implemented. 45 are ongoing and 48 more are in the planning stage. The hydrocarbon sector in the Kurdistan region is framed by the law on gas and oil from the Kurdistan Region - Iraq, enacted in August 2007. Note that the investment law passed by the KRG in 2006 (Act No. 4) does not affect oil and gas companies. Also, these are not exempt from taxes.
NATIONAL OIL LAW The Kurdistan Oil and Gas Law was approved by the Kurdistan Parliament on August 6, 2007. It is fully consistent with Iraq’s federal constitution, which has created an investment-friendly and transparent legal framework for the oil and gas industry in Kurdistan. Two notable passages are Articles 111 and 115. Article 111 states “Oil and gas are owned by all the people in Iraq in all the regions and governorates.” In short, the regions and governorates have ownership rights and powers. Article 115 grants primacy to regional laws in case of a clash with federal laws. Existing oilfields (those that were in production at the time when the constitution was approved) should be managed jointly with the federal government. However, the control and management of new oilfields (discoveries and exploration) is under the sole authority of the governorates and regions.
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The KRG’s approach to the oil and gas industry seeks to coordinate and cooperate with the federal authorities and for revenues to be shared nationally. The Kurdistan Oil and Gas Law is constitutionally valid statute and endorsed by a democratically elected legislative body recognized by Iraq’s federal constitution.
CHALLENGES a) Constitutional disputes between the federal government and the KRG The oil and gas issue is one of the major points of tension between the federal government and the KRG. Indeed, because of disagreements between the two governments, in October 2009 KRG had stopped its oil exports via Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline. The companies DNO and Addax involved in the production reduced the production in their two respective oil fields Tawqe and Taq Taq to only supply Kurdish demand. The two governments finally reached an agreement on January 19, 2011 to:
exports)
countries in order to use their transport infrastructure to export oil. The Region has no oil infrastructure of transport and road is mainly used to transport oil by tanks to the point of consumption. Some small pipelines were built to join the oil fields to the refinery facilities. KRG is planning the creation of larger pipelines. c) Education As in other sectors, human resources is the major problem. There are very few qualified local staff to work in this field. Foreign enterprises are encouraged to train and hire local employees but as of date, progress is slow.
OIL EXPORTS The KRG is currently exporting 90,000 bpd with a capacity to export 110,000 bpd or even 150,000 – 200,000 bpd by the end of 2011. The KRG hopes to export 1 million bpd by 2014. Exports are currently from the fields of Tawque and Taq Taq.
REFINING AND DOWNSTREAM Progress in the refining capacity of the Kurdish region (barrels/day):
government.
But in February 7, 2011, the Vice-Prime Minister of Energy, Mr Shahristani said that the agreement had not been completely finalized and must still be amended, particularly regarding the type of contracts. The federal government has signed service contracts with oil companies against share and production contracts by KRG. While KRG has ex nihilo started the exploration and the production of oil, the federal government has to restart the operation of existing fields. That is the reason why KRG68 has offered production-sharing contracts, taking into account the fact that the oil fields are much less abundant than the ones in the rest of Iraq. Faced with conflicting positions within the federal government, the KRG continues to honour the agreement it signed with the federal government and has resumed oil exports. b) Infrastructure The Kurdistan is a landlocked area. It has no other solution other than to reach agreements with the federal government (pipeline running from Kirkuk to the port of Ceyhan in Turkey) and its neighbouring
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Two refineries have been built in the region of Kurdistan (in Kalak and ChamChamal) and a third one on the Tawqe oil field with a capacity of 7,000 bpd.
NATURAL GAS This is the tenth world gas reserve. Probable reserves of gas in Iraq are estimated at 275 trillion to 300 Tcf. According to the Kurdish Ministry of Natural Resources, the gas reserves in the region of Kurdistan are estimated at 3-6 trillion m3, equivalent to the French gas consumption over 100 years. Potential reserves in the region of Kurdistan are estimated at 11.7 Tcf of gas but could actually reach 82 or even 100 trillion Tcf.
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Energy PIPELINES The Nabucco Project In order to more easily distribute its gas, the KRG has established the Nabucco project. The Nabucco project intends to bridge the supply of gas between Asia and Europe connecting Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Iraq to the European market. In Iraq the source of supply for Nabucco would be the ChamChamal gas field, the reserves of which are estimated at 3 to 6 trillion m3 and the recent gas field of Miran roughly 60 km from Shamshamal. Nabucco would have the capacity to carry 30 billion m3 per year, over a length of 4000 kilometres. The cost of the project is estimated at 20 - 25 billion â‚Ź. The three main shareholders of the project are OMV (Austria), RWE (Germany), MOL (Hungary), Botas (Turkey), Bulgarian Energy Holding and Transgaz (Romania). IPIC (International Petroleum Investment Company - Abu Dhabi) could join the Nabucco Pipeline Consortium.
Between that time and 2004, the Kurdistan region was dependent on the power generation from two hydro power plants in Dokan and Derbandikhan. The former Ba’ath regime did not include Kurdistan in their strategic plans for the improvement of the Iraqi electricity network and infrastructure development that was carried out in other governorates. After the collapse of the former regime, the Ministry of Electricity of the Kurdistan Regional Government worked to reconnect the KRG electrical network with the rest of the Iraqi national grid. However even after it was reconnected, the power generated was still distributed unfairly and the Kurdistan region received insufficient quantities for the needs of the people. As the plans for development from Baghdad to provide electrical services to the Kurdish people were unsuitable, the KRG decided that the only solution was to become self-sufficient in 2006. Power projects were promptly planned and executed to provide sufficient power while utilizing the resources within Kurdistan.
REFORMS
So far, oil and gas companies have invested 6.3 billion pounds for the initial phase. The pipeline was started in 2011 and will be completed in 2014.
The Kurdistan Regional Government is increasing electrical energy output through foreign assistance and private investment projects and as a result,
ELECTRICITY
electricity capacity continues to grow. The reformative plans started to involve the private sector for generation of electricity. The first company was Mass Global, an integral part of Mass Group Holding
The electricity network in the Kurdistan region was a part of the Iraqi national grid until 1991.
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Energy that made a significant investment into the creation of power plants. The Ministry of Electricity was responsible for the expansion and the maintenance of the transmission and distribution network, using the KRG budget. This strategy and collaboration has been very successful, as seen by the availability of electricity available in Kurdistan today.
2001 was 1 hour 38 minutes per day and now in 2013 the average availability is 16 to 18 hours per day. All the villages destroyed during the former regime have now been reconstructed and connected to the electrical network along with the areas of expansion of the cities and towns in the region. The number of reconstructed villages that are now connected to the network is at 3183, with 97% of the Kurdistan region now covered by the electrical network.
The latest figures indicate around 14 hours per day; the peak so far has been around 20 hrs per day. The Kurdish provinces of Erbil, Sulaimani, and Dohuk are the highest rated provinces for supplying electricity in Iraq. The provinces meet 83-99% of demand.
The investment made by the private sector in the field of power generation in KRG has reached $5 billion. The Ministry of Electricity plans for the generation capacity of the KRG network to reach 6000MW by 2016. This expansion will be executed in 3 stages: short, medium and long. The value of the projects covering expansion in the sectors of generation, transmission, distribution and control currently under implementation approaches $1 billion from the KRG budget.
The KRG’s Master Plan for electricity has been prepared in 2009 up to 2030. It will be updated in 2011. The aim of the Master Plan is to provide an integrated Power Sector Investment Programme to support the Ministry in providing sustainable electricity supply at the appropriate level of reliability. The Master plan was created in cooperation with Parsons Brickenhoff. International Organizations as JICA have helped the government develop the electricity sector by giving the government loans. In 2004, the peak demand for electricity in the region was 925MW. Today it is 3414MW, nearly quadrupling in less than 10 years. The average power distributed in 2004 was 339MW (including imports from Iraq and Turkey). In 2013, it has reached 2613MW without any power imported from Iraq or Turkey, which equates to an increase of 671% in the power generated within the region. Presently, the KRG export 250MW to Kirkuk, 50MW to Mosul, 10MW to Tuzkhormato, and 100MW to the Kurdistan area outside the region. The average availability of electricity in Kurdistan in
Generation - Demand 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500
Annual growth rate for electricity demand in the region is 15%, which places a huge strain on the Ministry of Electricity. A key strategic project is the implementation of Smart Meters, which records and monitors the consumption of electricity and domestic water. This project is currently in the stage of tender technical evaluation and the contracts will be awarded in 2013. The number of consumers in Kurdistan has risen from 434,066 in 2004 to 1,036,000 today.
RENEWABLE ENERGY An intensive education and encouragement will be needed to establish the concept of renewable energy in all classes of Kurdish society. Renewable energy in Kurdistan is relatively unexplored and needs to be further investigated. 2012 The Ministry of Electricity is currently carrying out feasibility investigations into wind energy and hydropower sites. Other options will be considered once the supply-demand situation has stabilized and resources can be diverted to more renewable options.
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In 2009, the Dutch company Mainwind BV installed two wind power plant in the
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Kurdistan Region to gather wind data, being the first company to invest in wind energy in Iraq. The wind power plants are located in Karadaq and Haroota, and after evaluation, the Kurdish government will consider further wind power plant purchases.
MINING The Kurdistan Region is rich in untapped mineral resources. Iraq has mineral deposits located throughout its various provinces and regions,
including key minerals such as sulphur, phosphorate, salt, gypsum, limestone and ironstone, as well as a range of metallic minerals. The geological environment in KRG bordering Iran and Turkey in a belt approximately 15 - 25 kilometers wide is considered as a highly potential area for the existence of mineral deposits such as: Iron, Chrome, Nickel, Platinum, Cobalt, Copper, Zinc, Lead, Pyrite, Silver, Gold, Talc, Asbestos, Barites & Coal. Officials at the Ministry of Natural Resources are working to draft a mining law designed to generate increased rates in mining development in the KRG.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Infrastructure: The Region needs oil and gas infrastructures in order to exploit Iraqi oil. Petrochemical Industry: With the development of oil by-products industry, the petrochemical industry may arise in the future.
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AFREN David KennedyMENA Regional Manager Empire Business Complex Building C2, 2nd floor Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: +964 (0) 6626 41462 info@afren.com www.afren.com Afren is a leading independent exploration and production company, listed on London’s Main Market and a constituent of the FTSE 250. Afren has 29 assets in 12 different countries. The company spans the full-cycle E&P value chain of exploration, appraisal, and development through to production, and is located in several of the world’s most prolific and fast emerging hydrocarbon basins. With a proven track record and a self-sustaining business model that is underpinned by a clear and consistent strategy, Afren is well-placed to continue to deliver strong growth long into the future. Afren entered Kurdistan in 2011. Despite this relatively recent entrance into the region, Mr. David Kennedy, Afren’s MENA Regional Managing Director, assures that Afren is “in the thick of the Kurdistan boom right now”. They have a presence in two blocks, Barda Rash (60% interest) and Ain Sifni (20% interest). Afren operates the first, while their partner, Hunt Oil, operates the second. Mr. Kennedy is optimistic about their operations. “We bought our interest in Barda Rash from our partner, Komet, a company that started activity a few years prior to our coming to Kurdistan. They had already discovered oil in that block so we knew there was a significant resource there waiting to be developed”. Known for their ability to fast - track projects wherever they operate, Afren are currently in the development phase at Barda Rash with a second drilling rig commencing operations in the 1st quarter of 2013. Afren has a strong corporate social responsibility program worldwide and although they haven’t been in Kurdistan for a very long time, they have already donated 30 million USD to the American University in Sulaimani. The money is going towards the creation of an engineering program in order to boost human capacity development in the region. There is a strong and growing demand for trained engineers in this area and Afren hopes to help the local Kurdish people meet that demand. They have also invested in projects in the villages around Barda Rash and are offering training programs for their staff.
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Recently Dr. Ekwere Peters, former chairman of the Petroleum Engineering Programs of the University of Texas, travelled to Erbil to teach a basic petroleum engineering course for local employees and MNR representatives. Afren has long term plans for Kurdistan. They had a smooth entry into the region, facilitated by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), and have been very pleased by the high degree of cooperation and transparency in their relations with the Kurdistan Regional Government. “Kurdistan is a remarkable success story. Things are already quite good here for living and doing business and if you observe the will of the Kurdish people, you can easily imagine that things will continue to improve at an impressive rate in the coming years. I think the future is very bright here. When you come and see it for yourself and meet the people you can’t help but be impressed.” David Kennedy MENA Regional Manager of Afren
CHEVRON Donald MacDonald, Country President Empire Complex info@chevron.com www.chevron.com Chevron Corporation is an American multinational energy corporation headquartered in San Ramon, California, and active in more than 180 countries. It is engaged in every aspect of the oil, gas, and geothermal energy industries, including exploration and production, refining, marketing and transport, chemicals manufacturing and sales, and power generation. Chevron is one of the world’s six “supermajor” oil companies and has been continuously ranked as one of America’s five largest corporations in the Fortune 500. It is currently ranked in 8th place, as this guide was published. In 2011 it was named the 16th largest public company in the world by Forbes Global 2000. Besides that, Chevron is one of the largest corporations in the world by revenue. In July 2012, Chevron announced that its subsidiaries completed a transaction to acquire interests in two blocks in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Thanks to this operation, Chevron would acquire Reliance Exploration & Production DMCC’s
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80% interest and operatorship of the production sharing contracts (PSCs) covering the Rovi and Sarta blocks. The blocks are located north of Erbil and cover a combined area of approximately 490 square miles (1,124 square kilometers). Chevron subsidiaries will partner with OMV Rovi GmbH and OMV Sarta GmbH, which hold 20 percent interest in the Rovi and Sarta PSCs, respectively.
CRESCENT PETROLEUM Salem J. Razoky, Erbil Branch Manager Ster Tower, 8th and 9th floor – Gulan Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 252 2565 cpci-irbil@crescent.ae www.crescent.ae Crescent Petroleum is a privately owned oil and gas company headquartered in the United Arab Emirates. It began operations in 1971 as the first independent and privately owned Middle Eastern Petroleum Company to engage in the acquisition, exploration and development of petroleum concessions. Crescent Petroleum is also the largest private shareholder in Dana Gas, the first and largest publicly listed private-sector natural gas company in the Middle East. Crescent Petroleum has been present in Iraq for almost 20 years, with offices in Baghdad, Erbil and Basra, all staffed 100% by qualified and experienced Iraqis. The Company has been actively engaged with the Ministry of Oil since the late eighties, carried out studies and training for the Iraqi Ministry of Oil and completed a full field development plan for the Ratawi oil field in Basra province, and would be able to achieve 250,000 barrels of new oil per day in just 18 months. The agreement was fully negotiated in the mid-nineties but not signed due to respect for international sanctions. Crescent Petroleum is in partnership with its affiliate Dana Gas, and currently implementing a major integrated natural gas project in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Under a service agreement signed with the regional authorities, they have agreed to produce, process and deliver 300 million cubic feet per day of gas supplies urgently needed for power generation. The combined project investment of $650m is the largest private-sector investment currently being undertaken in Iraq, and involves the construction of about 180km of pipelines and two LPG plants. The
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project will sustain two power plants to generate 1250 MW providing cost effective electricity for 4 million Iraqis, freeing the extra 300 MW of electricity to other provinces, saving Iraq $2.5bn a year in imported fuels, and creating over 2000 new jobs. The first phase of the project was accomplished within record time, highlighted by the servicing and completion of the wells, laying the pipeline across challenging mountainous and hazardous terrain, and the installation of brand new processing facilities. 50,000 tonnes of equipment were imported. The first gas production commenced on 5th October 2008, delivering the much-needed fuel to the region’s electrical power generation facilities. In addition, Crescent Petroleum and Dana Gas are developing a joint gas strategy with the Kurdistan Regional Government, including gas export plans to Europe, and are jointly leading the Kurdistan Gas City project to use gas supplies to fuel local industry and job creation. Crescent Petroleum is part of the Crescent Group of Companies which includes Crescent Petroleum Company International Limited, Gas Cities Limited, and Crescent Investments LLC, the Group’s nonenergy interests. The Chairman of the Group is Hamid Jafar, with his son Majid Jafar as ViceChairman of Crescent Group and CEO of Crescent Petroleum, and son Badr Jafar as Managing Director of Crescent Group, President of Crescent Petroleum and CEO of Crescent Investments.
DANA GAS Shakir Wajid Shakir, Branch Manager Ster Tower, 8th Floor – Gulan Street Tel: (+964) 748 010 3337 dg_kurdistan@danagas.ae www.danagas.ae Dana Gas is the Middle East’s leading private sector natural gas company producing some 65,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day of oil, gas and natural gas liquids from its operations in Egypt and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The company has proved probable reserves of plus 152 million barrels of oil equivalent and a resource potential of some 900 million barrels from its worldclass acreage in Egypt and Iraq. Dana Gas is a rapidly growing company targeting a doubling in production over the 2011–2013 period
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from its 2010 average of 55,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day. Established in 2005 with over 300 prominent founder shareholders from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, Dana Gas is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). Headquartered in Sharjah in the UAE, Dana Gas has a network of offices in Saudi Arabia, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Egypt, and the UK. Dana Gas’ primary area of activity is in the upstream sector (exploration and production) but the company also operates in the midstream and downstream sectors, in particular where it adds value to its upstream activities. The company has a geographic focus on the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) Region. Dana Gas has been active in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq since April 2007, when it entered into certain agreements with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq for the development of its substantial gas resources. Dana Gas’ interests in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq are held via a 40% shareholding in Pearl Petroleum Company Ltd (PPCL), the partners being Crescent Petroleum 40%, OMV, 10% and MOL 10%. In May 2009, OMV acquired a 5% interest in PPCL from Dana Gas for a consideration of $175 million and MOL acquired a 5% interest in exchange for a 3% shareholding in MOL. Both companies acquired an equal interest from Crescent Petroleum. Dana Gas, together with its partners, is one of the largest private foreign investors in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The Company was appointed to develop, process and transport natural gas from the Khor Mor gas field, and to also appraise the potential of the Chemchemal gas field, in order to provide natural gas supplies to fuel domestic electric power generation plants near Erbil and Suleymania, which now provide electricity supplies to over 4 million Iraqis. This project has saved the KRG the need to use diesel for power generation with significant cost savings. The fast-track development of the Khor Mor gas field and construction of a 176km natural gas transmission pipeline was completed in just 16 months and production of gas and condensate started in August 2008. A two train gas processing plant, with a capacity of 300MMscfpd, has been constructed at Khor Mor with LPG production commencing in January 2011.
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Ongoing studies to evaluate the Khor Mor and Chemchemal reservoirs highlight the fact that these are two potentially world- class gas fields. Whilst the existing wells on Khor Mor have been tested and have sufficient deliverability to meet the current requirements of the power stations, plans are in place for drilling new wells with the dual objective of delineating the fields and increasing deliverable capacity.
DNO IRAQ Nicholas Atencio, General Manager Street No. 10, Hidyab 414 Ainkawa - Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: +964 66 252 9950 www.dno.no DNO International ASA, commonly known as simply ‘DNO’ is a Norwegian oil and gas exploration and production company with operations primarily in the Middle East and North Africa. It is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and publicly listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. In June 2004, DNO signed production sharing contracts with the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq. They were one of the first international oil companies to enter this highly prospective region and holds a pioneering position in developing the local oil industry. Two years after their entry, they made their first oil discovery in the Tawke field. Subsequently, a fast track development was invoked and test production was achieved by 2007. By 2009, the field was connected to an existing northern pipeline system through Iraq, setting the stage for international export that began in 2011. Today, the Tawke facilities have the capacity to export over 70,000 barrels a day, with a strategy in place to increase it to 100,000 barrels a day this coming year and 200,000 in the future.
EXXON MOBIL Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq info@exxonmobil.com www.exxonmobil.com ExxonMobil is an American multinational oil and
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gas company headquartered in Irving, Texas. It is the largest of the supermajor oil companies and the world’s largest company by revenue. ExxonMobil’s presence in Iraq dates back to 2010 when they signed an agreement with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil for the rehabilitation and development of the West Qurna I field in the south of Iraq. The company entered the Kurdistan region in October of 2011, where they signed Production Sharing Contracts for six licenses. The licenses include the Al Qush block where ExxonMobil retains a 80% operating interest, the Betwata block which lies by the Iranian border, and the Arbat East block in the Zagros Mountain zone. ExxonMobil’s recent entrance into Kurdistan is a strong signal of the huge potential and the coming prosperity in the region. The presence of the world’s largest natural resources company plays an important role in the global recognition of the Kurdistan region.
GENEL ENERGY Mehmet Sepil, President Italian City, Villa 70 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: +90312 218 84 00 info@genelenergy.com www.genelenergy.com
Genel Energy is an independent exploration and production company with roots in Turkey and the UK. A collaboration between Tony Hayward and Mehmet Sepil, two well-known names in the international oil business, they are in the top tier of independent E&Ps, founded on a set of assets in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Their portfolio consists of world-class oil and gas assets with significant growth over the short, medium, and long term. Their capital expenditure on the exploration, appraisal and development program in the Kurdistan Region is funded entirely from operating cash flow, with $900 million of cash on their balance sheet available for value-accretive acquisitions to build a high-impact, world-class
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exploration portfolio. Genel Energy first entered the Kurdistan region in 2002, with the agreement on the Taq Taq block. Over 10 years later, they have 7 concessions. Their assets in the Taq Taq and Tawke fields have a combined 2P gross reserves of 1.4 billion barrels and 3P reserves of 1.9 billion barrels. Of the three producing fields in Kurdistan, Genel Energy has interests in two. They are currently the largest producer in the Kurdistan region with a capacity of 130,000 barrels from the Taq Taq field. The Tawke field, which Genel Energy operates in partnership with DNO, has a capacity of 100,000 barrels. Genel Energy aims to hit 140,000 net bpd by 2014. They are also the operator and owner of Miran, the largest gas field to date in the Kurdistan region. Genel Energy works with OMV in the Bina Bawi field and with a Turkish partner in the Chia Surkh field, both which have had recent discoveries. Lastly, they have an interest in the Ber Bahr field, which is in the exploration phase. Mehmet Sepil, founder and president of Genel Energy described the potential he saw in the Kurdistan region in an interview. “I have been working in Kurdistan since 1999, so I was lucky to witness many of the changes. I believe that if there are no political hurdles between Baghdad and Erbil, there will continue to be massive growth in the future.” Genel Energy is steadily growing their business and the appraisal and development of their assets across the Kurdistan region. They are also building a highimpact exploration portfolio, aiming to expand their presence in the MENA region. The portfolio they are building in Africa targets opportunities to take material interests into high impact prospects with the potential for field sizes at 250 million barrels, at conservative estimates. Mehmet Sepil explained “We choose to go into countries that we believe have good geological odds rather than countries with known potential. We are beginning our projects in Africa with a similar pioneer approach as we did in Kurdistan over 10 years ago.” They are currently working in Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire, Somaliland, and Malta, in addition to their operations in the Kurdistan region. Genel Energy has implemented a strong CSR program in the Kurdistan region to give back to the host communities. Thorough research divulged the local needs, which were centered on education, human capacity development, and job opportunities. Genel Energy has contributed considerably to the
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American University of Sulaimani for the development of a petroleum engineering program to address the shortages in the local job market. They have also increased their local workforce by 30% in recent years, training and employing hundreds of Kurdish people. “Kurdistan is the last frontier in the energy business. We have always trusted that there was a huge opportunity in Kurdistan and we want to play an integral part in the development of the region as pioneers. As Turks, we have an advantage over other investors, as the Turkish and the Kurdish people share many similarities in culture and mentality. It is easy for us to understand each other. Personally, I believe that Genel Energy has played a small part in the relations between Turkey and Kurdistan. I always say that economy drives politics, and I believe that increased economic activity, especially concerning energy, will shift the relations between the two governments.” Mehmet Sepil Founder and President of Genel Energy
GENERAL ELECTRIC Zana Rahim, Iraq Sales Manager Italian Village, Villa Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 780 9172044 info@ge.com www.ge.com General Electric Company, or GE (NYSE: GE), is an American multinational conglomerate corporation incorporated in Schenectady, New York and headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut, United States. The company operates through four segments: Energy, Technology Infrastructure, Capital Finance and Consumer & Industrial. In 2011, GE was ranked among the Fortune 500 as the 6th largest firm in the U.S. by gross revenue, as well as the 14th most profitable. However, the company is currently listed the 3rd largest in the world among the Forbes Global 2000, further metrics being taken into account. Other rankings for 2011/2012 include No. 7 company for leaders (Fortune), No. 5 best global brand (Interbrand), No. 63 green company (Newsweek), No. 15 most admired company (Fortune) and No. 19 most innovative company (Fast Company). GE has been in Iraq for over 40 years. Having
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established offices in Baghdad, Erbil and Basra, GE’s investments in the country complement the government’s strategic goals of creating new jobs for Iraqi youth and driving socio-economic growth. With a focus on extending localized training and promoting innovation to meet the country’s pressing challenges, GE will continue to support Iraq’s reconstruction, and sustained growth and development plans through long-term public private partnerships, localization and knowledge transfer. GE has developed different divisions in Iraq due to its aim to be present in different sectors of the Iraqi economy:
GE’s key projects in Kurdistan include technology supporting the generation of about 90% of power in the Kurdistan region and providing Iraq’s first radiation therapy CT technology at Qirgah Hospital in Sulaimani, helping oncologists deliver more precise treatment and drive better outcomes for cancer patients in Kurdistan.
GULF KEYSTONE PETROLEUM John Gerstenlauer, COO UB Centre, 3rd floor Bakhtyari Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 7553111 info@gulfkeystone.co.uk www.gulfkeystone.com Gulf Keystone Petroleum Limited is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The company is registered in Bermuda with further offices in Erbil (Kurdistan), Algiers (Algeria) and London (UK). The company was incorporated in 2001 in Bermuda and listed on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange in 2004. Gulf Keystone Petroleum International (GKPI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gulf Keystone Petroleum Limited, holds Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) for four exploration blocks in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. In November 2007, the company secured
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Largest Holder of reserves in the KURDISTAN REGION OF IRAQ
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interests in the PSCs for the Shaikan and Akri-Bijeel blocks. In July 2009, the company increased its significant acreage in the region with the addition of the PSCs for the Sheikh Adi and Ber Bahr blocks. Gulf Keystone is the Operator of the PSCs for the Shaikan and Sheikh Adi blocks. In July 2009, the company announced its intention to undertake a gradual strategic exit from Algeria. The company’s focus is on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq where Gulf Keystone has made one of the most significant discoveries, holds one of the largest license positions and has amongst the best pre-drill upside in its acreage. Gulf Keystone Petroleum’s strategy can be summed up in 3 points:
realise reserve potential
independent exploration and production players listed on the London Stock Exchange On 6 August 2009, Gulf Keystone announced a significant discovery made with Shaikan-1 exploration well. The company declared Shaikan a commercial discovery in August 2012, after having completed the appraisal programme. The work on the Shaikan Field Development Plan is ongoing. The company’s goal is to be a competent and responsible operator and a partner of choice creating a strong, lasting and mutually rewarding partnership with its hosts in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Gulf Keystone has over 600 personnel including national staff, expats and contractors in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
logistical chain, about 1.360 Hess branded filling stations market gasoline to consumers in 16 states along the East Coast of the United States. Refined petroleum products, as well as natural gas and electricity, are marketed to customers throughout the East Coast of the United States. Although towered over in size by enormous global players in the same industry, Hess placed #55 in the 2009 Fortune 500 rankings. Currently Hess is operating in two different blocks in Kurdistan. The Dinarta block covers an area of 1.319 square kilometres and is located 75 kilometres north of Erbil. A production sharing contract with the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq has an initial threeyear exploration period in which the joint venture plans to acquire 2-D seismic and drill at least one exploration well. Hess interest: 64%, operator. Partners: Petroceltic International PLC (16%), Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq (20%). The Shakrok block covers an area of 418 square kilometres and is located in the Iraq Kurdistan Region 50 kilometres north east of Erbil. A production sharing contract with the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq has an initial three-year exploration period in which the joint venture plans to acquire 2-D seismic and drill at least one exploration well. Hess interest: 64%, operator. Partners: Petroceltic International PLC (16%), Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq (20%). “Kurdistan is today one of the few frontier areas with very large potential. There is the chance to move in and do something very big very quickly… In most places in the world, these big reservoirs are long gone, we found them ages ago. Or they are in very hostile environments… under kilometres of ocean water or in Arctic conditions, for example. But here is a normal environment with the potential for gigantic oil fields. We at Hess are very excited to be working here.”
HESS Frank Mckay, Country Manager Empire Business Complex C2, 5th floor Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq info@hess.com www.hess.com The Hess Corporation is an American-based integrated oil company based in New York City. The company explores, produces, transports, and refines crude oil and natural gas. Vertically completing the
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Frank Mckay Country Manager, Hess Iraq
HUNT OIL COMPANY Steve Suellentrop, President Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq international@huntoil.com www.huntoil.com
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visionaries dream and achieve. And visionaries believe in the Kurdistan Region’s energy future. We are pleased to partner with those who share this vision and risk to discover it.
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US based Hunt Oil Company has drilled wells on every continent except Antarctica. The 78-year-old exploration and production company entered the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in September, 2007 as the first oil company to sign a production sharing contract (PSC) after the Kurdistan Region passed its oil and gas law. Hunt spudded the first well on its Ain Sifni PSC in 2009. After acquiring, processing and evaluating 3-D seismic data in 2011, the Simrit-2 well was spud on October 29, 2011. Originally planned as a 3,300-metre well, Simrit-2 was drilled to 3,800 metres in the Triassic age, KurraChine reservoir in May 2012. Initial analysis of well data suggested a presence of more than 400 metres of hydrocarbon pay extending through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic formations. Early well test results have been encouraging for Hunt, particularly the results from the Triassic formation. Three tests in the Triassic, KurraChine reservoir all proved to be oil bearing with cumulative tests flowing 13,584 barrels of oil per day of light sour crude with an API gravity of 39 degrees, 23.5 MMscfgpd and no water. With a number of tests left to conduct in the Jurassic and Cretaceous, Hunt plans to wrap up testing in the spring of 2013. The Simrit-3 well was spud on August 28, 2012 to help confirm the geologic extent of the oil accumulation. This well is scheduled to reach a final depth of approximately 3,800 metres in the Triassic, KurraChine reservoir by the end of March, 2013. The well has positive indications of hydrocarbons in the Cretaceous and Jurassic reservoir sections, and these will be confirmed with a testing program to be performed during Q2 2013. Beginning with Hunt’s operations in Yemen in the early 1980s, the company has navigated difficult economic and political environments, often operating in countries that lacked a clear policy on hydrocarbons development or substantial infrastructure. In the Kurdistan Region, the local authority had passed its own hydrocarbons legislation barely a month before Hunt’s entrance into the region. While swiftly ramping up exploration activities in the newly opened frontier in Kurdistan might have proved difficult for a public company, Hunt’s small executive team was able to execute a PSC relatively early in the development of the Kurdistan Region’s exploration and production sector and move quickly, setting the stage for the company’s present performance. The probability of prolific hydrocarbons reserves in the Zagros fold and thrust belt of the Kurdistan region are positive advantages for Hunt. Hunt’s Ain Sifni PSC is adjacent to both the Shaikan and Barda Rash PSCs, where exploration and production company
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Gulf Keystone and independent Afren have described similar significant discoveries and hydrocarbons columns. Hunt remains optimistic that wells drilled on its Ain Sifni PSC can produce comparable results. Given the potential scale of Hunt’s Simrit discovery, the Ain Sifni PSC has transformational potential for Hunt’s regional exploration team, and may make a significant impact on the region’s production targets in the coming years. “When the infrastructure and ability to capitalize on these discoveries falls into place, the Kurdistan Region will be a significant component of Hunt’s portfolio. There are few regions that are left with as much undeveloped resource potential as Kurdistan: it is perhaps the most lightly explored region with the highest potential to have consequential discoveries. This type of greenfield exploration is really only seen today in deepwater basins offshore.” Steve Suellentrop President, Hunt Oil Company
KAR GROUP Naz City, Building J, 1st floor, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Tel: (+964) 66 22 44 083 kar@kargroup.net The word ‘KAR’ means ‘meticulous’ work in the Kurdish language. The group was named KAR to put this word in action. KAR was established in 1999 consolidating a number of privately owned Iraqi companies in different business sectors. Over the past two decades, KAR companies have been ranked as some of the most successful firms in Iraq in the annual listing of the Chamber of Commerce. Speedy execution of projects and fostering a new “Iraqi professionalism” continue to be the underlining goals of all the companies under KAR management umbrella. KAR is a full spectrum oil & gas sector services company providing expertise in civil design, engineering and construction, pipeline projects, engineering and installation, and health, safety and security services.
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PRODUCING, DELIVERING, ENERGIZING
Naz City, Building J, 1st Floor, Erbil, Kurdistan www.kargroup.net
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KAR has successfully undertaken EPC contracts for Iraqi and international clients for complete production facilities. Below are some Kar’s activities: -Since 2003 KAR has completed over 2400 civil construction projects. -In 2008 KAR was the first private company in Iraq to receive a refinery license. Today it is producing 80,000 BPD and it will increase to 175,000 BPD by the end of 2013. -In 2004 KAR was awarded the Khurmala Dome development project as the first local company to be awarded such a project. It was then producing 3,400 BPD, today it is at 100,000 BPD and working on increasing that number to 175,000 in the near future. -In 2012 KAR was contracted by the Ministry of Electricity – KRG for building a Combined Cycle Power Plant in Khurmala field with production capacity of 1000 MW, the execution will be done in two stages: First Stage 4-No Gas Turbines operating in Simple Cycle for producing 640 MW expected to enter service and operate in July 2013. The Gas Turbine Generators are produced by SIEMENS and the other plant equipment by ABB. Second Stage: Combined Cycle for producing 360 MW expected to enter into service in mid-2015. -In 2012 KAR received an investment licence to build a Cement plant in Najaf that will produce two million tons per year. “Today we employ over 3000 local people in the various sectors, people that we have handpicked and trained ourselves. Human capacity development is a very important goal at KAR. We want our projects to belong to the communities that host them, not just to the company. We take time to develop the local people, our people. Our greatest asset is our staff.” Sheikh Mahmoud R. Kareem Vice President of KAR Group
MARATHON OIL Adel Chaouch, General Manager Empire Business Complex, Building C1, 5th floor Erbil, Kurdistan (Iraq) info@marathonoil.com www.marathonoil.com
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Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO) is an independent international exploration and production company. Based in Houston, Texas (USA), Marathon Oil had net proved reserves at the end of 2011 of 1.8 billion barrels of oil equivalent in North America, Europe and Africa. The Company has principal exploration activities in Norway, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Poland, Angola, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and the United States, and principal production activities in Angola, Norway, Equatorial Guinea, the United Kingdom, Libya, Canada and the United States. Marathon Oil, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Marathon Oil KDV B.V., was the first of the world’s largest public oil and gas companies to enter the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Their entry was in October 2010 when they acquired a position in four blocks, giving them access to approximately 368.000 total net acres (648.000 gross). Marathon Oil’s operated blocks are Harir and Safen, located northeast of Erbil. With a farmout in 2012, Marathon Oil reduced its stake to a 45% working (56.25% paying) interest in each of the two blocks and remains operator of both blocks. The Kurdistan Regional Government has a fully carried 20% interest in each of these two blocks. The Harir block is approximately 78.000 net acres (174.000 gross) and the Safen block is approximately 47.000 net acres (105.000 gross). Marathon Oil began drilling its first exploration well in the Harir block in July 2012 and reached total depth of approximately 12,500 feet. The well was tested and will be plugged and abandoned. The Company plans to spud a second exploration well in Harir and the first exploration well on its other operated block, Safen, both in the first half of 2013. In addition, Marathon Oil has a 20% working interest in the Atrush block and a 25% working interest in the Sarsang block north-northwest of Erbil. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is crucial for Marathon Oil and the company makes great effort to properly address these elements of its operations around the world. The foundation to their approach is called “Living Our Values”, being a long-standing commitment to health and safety, environmental stewardship, honesty and integrity, corporate citizenship and a high performance team. Marathon Oil’s CSR programs in Kurdistan have a focus on education, healthcare, and access to water. Their most recent project was to provide 11 schools situated within their operated blocks with backpacks and school
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supplies and they plan to double that number in 2013. Marathon Oil is also setting up a scholarship program to send seven local students to a university in the United States, funding their entire undergraduate study period. They are also creating adult education programs to combat illiteracy in rural Kurdistan, awareness programs to educate the public about the benefits of their operations in the region, and focus groups to better understand the needs of the people.
been very pleasant and definitely very interesting. It is an exciting place to be. From a company standpoint, the investment climate is attractive here, which makes this a good place to conduct business. We look forward to building a successful business in this region guided all along the way by our core values, a commitment to responsible operations, and a desire to establish long-term mutually beneficial relationships with the people of Kurdistan. ”
Marathon Oil also shows their commitment to the host country by using local supplies and services throughout their operations. Roughly half of their employees both in the field and in the office are Kurdish, with goals to increase this percentage in the near future.
Adel Chaouch General Manager of Marathon Oil KDV B.V.
MASS GROUP HOLDING LTD. Marathon Oil sees the high potential in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, one of the last frontier resource basins in the world. Their entry and relationship with the Ministry of Natural Resources was described as “one based upon mutual respect” by Mr. Adel Chaouch, the General Manager of Marathon Oil’s Kurdistan operations. When asked for his message to the international investment community, his response was: “On a personal level, my experience in Kurdistan has
Azad Mustafa Hussain Vice Chairman and CEO Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 222 2784 info@massgroupholding.com www.massgroupholding.com Mass Group Holding Ltd (MGH) produces electrical energy, cement, steel, and fertilizer, along with other industrial and service products. MGH focuses on
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Mass Group Holding
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power generation, cement production, steel & iron production, and urea. The current electricity production capacity of Mass Group Holding’s three power plants is 2500 MW, with goals to reach 3500 MW by converting the power plants to combined cycle by the year 2014. The Chairman of Mass Group Holding, Mr. Ahmad Ismail Saleh, is regarded as the bringer of electricity to the Kurdistan region. His personal investments totalling over 3.5 billion USD created the first power plants in Kurdistan, allowing them independence from the national Iraqi electricity grid for the first time. The difference in electricity production and distribution between the Kurdistan region and the rest of Iraq is all the evidence that one needs of their success; 2324 hours in Kurdistan compared to 4-6 hours in the rest of the country. The Erbil Gas Power Station (EGPS) is located in the south of Erbil governorate, about 22 kilometres from Erbil’s city centre. It spans over an area measuring 750,000 m² and has eight gas turbines, along with their generators and auxiliaries. This project began on January 2007 and produces 1000 MW. EGPS runs on dual fuel, both natural gas and diesel. All EGPS units are being converted into combined cycle by utilizing the gas turbine exhaust emissions to produce steam in high recovery steam generators. This steam is then utilized in steam turbines to produce additional electricity. This conversion will increase production capacity by about 50% without using extra fuel, while also reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Conversion to combined cycle will add capacity of 500 MW, raising total power generation capacity of the station to 1500 MW. The Sulaimani Gas Power Station (SGPS) was constructed at the beginning of 2008, as the Ministry of Electricity of the Kurdistan Region contracted Mass Group Holding to undertake the project. This power station produces 1000 MW of electricity power on a BOO basis, and is located in the Chamchamal area, about 60 km west of Sulaimani City. This power plant is designed to run on two types of fuel, mainly natural gas, and diesel fuel as standby. The Duhok Gas Power Station (DGPS) was constructed in early 2010, as Mass Group Holding was contracted by the Ministry of Electricity of the Kurdistan Region to bring power to this province as well. Today it has a capacity of 1000 MW on a BOO basis. The plant is about 35 km north of Duhok city. This plant, similar to ones in Erbil and Sulaimani, is designed to operate on both natural gas and diesel/
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light fuel and is currently running on the latter. This is delivered by truck, stored in tanks, and then treated prior to its use in the turbines. There are plans to changes this; natural gas pipelines to supply fuel are under construction. Power is transferred via 8 hightension lines to the national grid in Kurdistan. Mass Group Holding also produces cement, steel and iron, and urea. Current annual production capacity of the cement plant is around 6 million tonnes, with plans to reach 8 million in 2013. Regarding steel and iron, annual production capacity is at 1.25 million tons under construction, with plans to double in the next few years with recent refurbishments and new production strategies. The urea project is the newest venture of the company and will have an annual capacity of 1.38 million tonnes, which is one of the largest in the industry. Mass Group Holding is one of Kurdistan’s most important companies in the energy and industrial sectors, particularly in electricity. They were true pioneers and their efforts have greatly improved the quality of life of the people in the region. “I would like you to know that the Kurdish people love their country. In the past, we have been disadvantaged, not allowed to develop. We did not have one single power plant before. We were repressed in so many ways, from energy to education. Now, we have so many more opportunities and we see our people developing day by day. We are proud to serve the Kurdish people and to participate in building the new Kurdistan.” Azad Mustafa Hussain Vice Chairman, CEO
NES GLOBAL TALENT Darren Grainger, Regional Director - Middle East iraqikrg@nesglobaltalent.com www.nesglobaltalent.com Established in 1978, NES Global Talent is an awardwinning engineering and technical manpower solutions specialist that has placed over 70 different nationalities into 69 countries across the oil and gas, power and infrastructure sectors worldwide. The company’s global network of 35 offices has been opened strategically within oil and gas hubs across the world to mirror the geographical footprint of its key clients, which include Shell, Chevron, Total,
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EXPERTISE NEEDED EXPERTISE FOUND
NES Global Talent is an engineering and technical manpower solutions provider specialising in the oil and gas industry. Our value proposition defines what we do guaranteed staffing solutions, engineered from the global talent pool by discipline specific consultants. Whatever your skills challenge, we guarantee to meet it with the right solution. With five offices across the Middle East and 35 offices worldwide, we’re ideally placed to support you with your talent requirements.
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ExxonMobil and BP. In the Middle East, the company has five offices across the region in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Iraq, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. NES Global Talent has opened 24 new offices outside the UK since the start of 2004. The strategic decision to grow our business by often entering new and unfamiliar territories, illustrates our commitment to our clients and candidates and we are dedicated to developing that office footprint in the future. The continued success of NES Global Talent can be largely attributed to a company-wide focus on our value proposition which is, ‘guaranteed staffing solutions, engineered from the global talent pool by discipline specific consultants’. Our consultants are discipline specific, meaning that they truly know the sector they work in and are ideally placed to find and represent the best in global talent in highly specialised areas such as geophysics, drilling and production. Enduring relationships are fundamental to our business and the company works hard to put clients and candidates at the heart of everything we do. We provide a whole continuum of support services, ranging from payroll, through to a complete managed recruitment solution and we are always ready to provide support, whatever an individual client’s challenge may be. As well as offering a continual supply of the very best global job opportunities, NES Global Talent provides a range of additional services to our contractors during their assignments including global healthcare, visas, work permits, taxation advice, personal security, full travel and mobilisation and support, all designed to make finding and starting a new role as stress free as possible. Underpinning all of that are a range of financial guarantees to both clients and candidates, which emphasises our confidence in our ability to deliver as promised.
NORTHERN LOGISTICS SERVICES Richard Wilson, General Manager English Village, Villa 83 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 576 7553 www.pentagonfreight.com Northern Logistics Services is a subsidiary of Pentagon Freight Services, the energy logistics
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giant with a worldwide presence. The company was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in the UK. Their operations span the globe, including Europe, Africa, Australia, Asia, and the United States. Northern Logistics Services operates in both the Kurdistan region and in the south of Iraq. They established their office in Erbil in 2011, entering the market early on. Northern Logistics Services has a wide range of services, all catered to the oil and gas industry. Iraq can be a difficult place to do business, but with their offices and warehousing/yard facilities both in Basra and Erbil operational and working for some of the largest oilfield companies in the world, speak volumes in terms of their commitment and success in overcoming any challenges in support of major oil & gas projects in Iraq and the Middle East region in general. Northern Logistics Services offer expertise in the shipping, storage, inventory control and handling of land rigs, OCTG, Line Pipes and all associated Oilfield and Marine products. As oilfield specialists, our personnel have extensive product knowledge and experience thus providing accurate and quick responses which are vital to the industry. With experienced international and local personnel, offering a full range of services with custom clearance agents, and a full range of trucks, forklifts, and warehousing. They strive to be a one-stop shop for all logistics needs, preferring to establish a branch and operate themselves rather than work in joint ventures, which preserves the company’s integrity. Their facilities in Erbil include three 500 square meter warehouses and a 60,000 square meter yard. They are a notifying party that carries out all the customs clearance and delivery throughout Iraq for all entry points into the north of the country. Their clients number among the largest oil and gas companies in the world. In addition to the comprehensive range of freight forwarding and logistical services tailored to the specific requirements of our clients, they also provide a wide range of “value added” services. These include IT Integration, the management of Dangerous Goods, Customs Consultancy services, third party logistics (3PL), attendance services, material/inventory management, export packing and documentation. Full range of services, as listed below:
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MEP has a special focus on Iraq with offices in Erbil and Baghdad, which opened in 2010 and 2011. Their areas of expertise include:
Existing Power Plants
Being wholly customer - and service - focused, we work closely with our clients to fully understand their business, their objectives and their expectations in order to provide optimum value and support. We are committed to surpassing the highest of expectations, working within an environment of continuous improvement and allied with a total appreciation of the criticality of compliance in every aspect of our day to day business. “We are excited to be working in the Kurdistan region – there is just so much going on here. Our Company is growing and improving in leaps and bounds, setting an example for the rest of the country.” Richard Wilson General Manager of Northern Logistics Services
MIDDLE EAST POWER Bachir Al Kheshen, CEO English Village, Villa 406 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 780 914 6791 www.me-power.me Middle East Power or ‘MEP’ was established as an investment company specializing in the energy sector in the Middle East region. Based in Beirut, the company is a subsidiary of II-Holding, a holding company with over 40 years of experiencing in PPP contracting.
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Their projects in the Kurdistan region of Iraq include the Duhok Power Plant and the Erbil Power Plant. The Duhok Power Plant was first constructed in 2000 and began operations in 2001. However, in 2007, the operations were stopped due to severe defects. In 2010, Middle East Power signed a 7 year contract with the KRG to rehabilitate, operate, and maintain the power plant. The Erbil Power Plant has a similar story; built in 2000 but defunct in 2007 as well. Middle East Power’s contract with the KRG includes this project as well and they have managed to proceed with the refurbishment, shortly after beginning operations and maintenance.
MOL GROUP Majdi Ahmad, CEO Italian City, Villas 20-26 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 322 2666 info@mol.hu www.mol.hu MOL Group is an integrated oil and gas group based in Budapest, Hungary. The word “MOL” is derived from Magyar Olaj, meaning “Hungarian Oil”. They have operations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and CIS countries with interests in exploration, production, refining, marketing, and petrochemicals. The company employs over 30,000 people around the world, has 1,635 filling stations, and is a market leader in Hungary and Slovakia. It is the second largest company in Central and Eastern Europe. In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, a 100% owned subsidiary of MOL Group, Kalegran Ltd has a 51.2% operating interest in Akri-Bijeel block and a 13.6% non-operating interest in Shaikan block. MOL currently has three rigs on the Akri-Bijeel Block and will intensify its work program in the next year with the drilling of several exploration and appraisal
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wells and significant seismic acquisition and processing. MOL entered to the second exploration sub-period in November 2010 in order to continue exploring the block potential. MOL plans to drill two exploration wells (Bakrman-1, Gulak-1). The test results of the exploration wells are expected in H2 2012. MOL spudded four appraisal wells (Aqra-1, Bijell-2, Qalati-1, Qandagul-1) in 2012, according to the preliminary work program. MOL Group plans to allocate the largest share of its upstream capital expenditure to the Kurdistan region, a sum of $200 million and expects to start producing oil in 2015-2017.
PETOIL Erdal Ahiska, Regional Manager Ster Tower, 5th Floor, #501 – Gulan Street Erbil, Kurdistan of Iraq Tel : (+964 ) 662 561153 pet@petoil.com.tr www.petoil.com.tr Petoil Petroleum and Petroleum Products International Exploration and Production Inc, is an independent petroleum exploration and production company that currently holds exploration and production assets in Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Established in 1990, the company has a long history of pioneering in regions and countries of the Middle East and Central Asia. Petoil was the first private oil company to enter Azerbaijan in 1992 and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in 2002. It has also operated in Kazakhstan, Yemen and Turkey. Petoil was established in 1990 as a member of Pet Holding Group of Companies in order to run its businesses in petroleum E&P and oil field services. Pet Holding (established in 1974) is a recognized Turkish company based in Ankara, Turkey, that is also active in mining (PETMA), construction (Petkontur), project and land development (Ottoman Life) and tourism (Petya). It has a reputation of supporting education, culture and sports activities (Köksal Education Foundation - KEV) in its regions of operation. Petoil is a dynamic company with high growth potential. It is a trusted business partner and has a proven management team with a strong track record in acquiring, exploring and developing oil and gas opportunities. Petoil cooperates in various areas with partners and business associates from different parts of the world with its own name or with companies either directly or indirectly controlled by Petoil.
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The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has huge undiscovered reserves with access to domestic and international markets via existing and planned export routes. Kurdistan Regional Government offers worldclass business opportunities with favourable tax environment and commercial terms. Therefore, the E&P presence in the area increased to a significant number, thus resulting in major oil & gas discoveries within the last few years. Kurdistan Region of Iraq was one of the major areas of interest for Petoil even before Iraq’s liberation. The company entered the region in 2002 and has maintained its operations in four petroleum exploration and Production blocks since then. The pioneer strategies have paid off as their early successful explorations have led to block sales to some of the world’s largest oil companies in recent years. Petoil acted as the operator of two blocks in the past and still maintains an interest in the Kurdistan Region.
POWER MEN CO Masoud Bapiri, Managing Director PMC Building, Electrical Market Kooran Makhmoor Road Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 4476604 Fax: (+964) 750 4476604 Power Men Company was established in 2004 for running and handling projects in Iraq by presence and supporting a group of experienced and expert engineers and well-known companies. During these years we have executed many projects successfully all over Iraq especially working in the field of electricity (generation, transmission, distribution and automation). The main focus is on deliveries of EPC contracting & project management for power (generation, transmission, distribution, automation) and the petroleum industry, as well as trading of electrical and petroleum products. PMC’s main products and services are high/medium voltage switchgear, transmission lines, power plants, oil and gas, and supervisory control and data acquisition.
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OMV Harald Wuestrich, General Manager Italian City, Villa 41 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq info@omv.com www.omv.com OMV is an integrated oil and gas company with operations in thirteen countries around the globe and has proven oil and gas reserves of approximately 1.13 bn boe and a production of 288,000 boe/d. In their downstream operations, they have a refining capacity of 22.3 mn t and 4,500 filling stations. They sold approximately 24 bcm of gas in 2011 and operate a 2,000 km long gas pipeline network in Austria, as well as the Central European Gas Hub. OMV strives to embody three corporate values: professional, pioneer, and partner. They work hard to embody them into their day-to-day activities in all of their global locations. Future growth is expected from new field developments, explorations, and acquisitions internationally. Their international portfolio is intended to grow to and beyond critical mass on a production per country basis, and OMV is currently searching for new growth areas within the Caspian, Middle East, and Africa regions. OMV was one of the first IOCs to enter the Kurdistan region. They acquired two blocks in 2007 and currently operate the Bina Bawi block. An oil discovery was made in January 2013 and further investigations are underway.
Jorge Eduardo Baldi, General Manager Empire Complex, C1, 2nd floor Tel: (+964) 66 210 5419 info@repsol.com www.repsol.com
Team Repsol is committed to a forward-looking project through proactive and innovative spirit, leadership and professional and personal development. They are committed to cleaner energy and neutral environmental impacts. They follow safe and secure processes to minimize operations hazards. They subordinate the quest for vital energy to the respect for community aspirations in a spirit of good neighbourhood and mutual benefit. Technological innovation: Their technological prowess includes the search for environmentally efficient solutions that bring about sustainable energy outcomes. Transparency is at the core of their ethical behaviour. They believe in clear communications that smooth the path to sound stakeholder relationships.
They care about those who commit their financial resources to the growth of the company and they therefore pursue strategies that reward them fairly Repsol is an integrated Spanish oil and gas company with operations in 30 countries across five continents, employing 25,000 people from 70
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With effort, talent and enthusiasm, they are making progress to deliver the best energy solutions for society and the planet. Their daily work is guided by seven fundamental values:
They complement the emotional link with the Repsol brand with reliable and innovative products that enjoy the trust of their customers.
REPSOL
different nationalities.
They are global by the sheer scope of their operations and the breadth of their shareholder base, but they think local because they are attuned to the aspirations of the people and countries with whom they cooperate.
Repsol spans the entire oil and gas value chain. From well to pump and from reservoir to homes, businesses and plants they operate effective exploration ventures, cost-efficient refineries and streamlined distribution, and marketing networks for the benefit of people and businesses.
locations Their exploration activities are spread around the
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globe – from Brazil, the United States and Canada, in the Western Hemisphere, to Norway, Ireland and Russia, in Europe; and to West and Southern Africa and Asia. Their production sites are primarily located in the Americas and North Africa: deep-water production in Brazil and the United States, and onshore production in North Africa (Tunisia and Libya) and Latin America (Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Peru and Bolivia). Commitment to sustainability For Repsol, sustainability is an inalienable goal. Their capacity to make humanity’s welfare and development demands viable in the long term, depends on effective management of resources, particularly water, energy and land, in a sustainable manner. They understand that their contribution to sustainable development is achieved by providing an energy that is essential to people’s welfare. Additionally, they hope to contribute to such sustainable development with their vision of corporate responsibility which is the responsibility they voluntarily assume, beyond what is legally required, by the impacts that their operations may cause on society and the environment . For this, they must be able to understand and respond to the expectations their stakeholders have on their performance and the actions they put in place to maximize positive impacts and to prevent, mitigate, restore or compensate for the negative. Thus, they assume that the essence of corporate responsibility is to incorporate environmental and social considerations into the decision making processes.
TALISMAN ENERGY Helmut Gutsche, Country Manager Baharan Complex, Unit 4 Sarchnar Hill Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 701 7734 info@talismanenergy.com www.talismanenergy.com Talisman Energy is a global upstream oil and gas company headquartered in Canada. Talisman has an interest in three blocks in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq covering in
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excess of 226 thousand acres. In 2011, they drilled a successful exploration well on the Topkhana Block. In the fourth quarter of 2011, Talisman spudded the Kurdamir-2 exploration well on the Kurdamir Block and on Baranan Block in 2012. Talisman is committed to conducting its business safely and in an ethically, socially and environmentally responsible manner. They have a strong CSR program in Kurdistan, which involves donations to orphanages and local schools.
“I think there are great opportunities for IOCs in Kurdistan, both for what’s there out in the rocks [oil and gas] and for partnering with the Kurds. They are great people to be working with.” Helmut Gutsche Country Manager of Talisman Energy Iraq
VIKING INTERNATIONAL Randy Arnold, Vice President and Country Manager English Village, Villa 73 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq info@viking-intl.com www.viking-intl.com Viking International is a fully integrated oil and gas services company providing a wide range of solutions to the global energy industry. With operations in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, their network is extensive. Their international staff is able to work in virtually any location or environment among conventional or unconventional formations. Viking International’s broad list of services includes geophysical and predrill services, drilling services, completion services, pressure pumping services, and rental tools and equipment. Viking, through its affiliate Maritas Co. operates in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Currently Viking has two drilling rigs running, one for Hunt Oil Middle East and one for Reliance Energy, and has been performing pre-set conductor services for various operators in the region. Viking International’s global footprint is substantial and highly respected. Many years of experience and millions of feet of drilling tell a story of exceptional professional performance, advanced technologies
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We are a global company that seeks the welfare in building a better future through the
Repsol’s
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of people and is a step ahead development of smart energy.
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and leading health, safety and environmental achievements. “I would describe the Kurdistan region as exciting potential with a lot of upside. It is a geologist’s playground.” Randy Arnold Vice President and Country Manager of Viking International
WESTERN ZAGROS Simon Hatfield, CEO Sulaimani Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 770 461 6869 info@westernzagros.com www.westernzagros.com WesternZagros Resources Ltd is an international oil and gas company with operations in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Their asset base is one of the largest exploration areas in Kurdistan and they hold two Production Sharing Contracts with the Kurdistan Regional Government. WesternZagros’s assets include two highly prospective blocks, the Kurdamir and Garmian Blocks. They are adjacent to a number of significant historic oil and gas discoveries and expected to be on-trend with the super-giant Kirkuk oilfield These two Production Sharing Contracts cover 2,120 square kilometres (500,000 acres). WesternZagros entered the Kurdistan region at the beginning stages (as the fourth IOC) and has enjoyed an early entrant advantage and successful drilling program. In late 2011, WesternZagros moved from a pure exploration company to an exploration and production company with extended well testing at Sarqala-1, which is now producing up to 5,000 barrels per day of light, 40° API oil. Audited prospective resource estimates on WesternZagros’s exploration blocks total 3.3 billion barrels of oil, or 5.0 billion barrels of oil, gas and condensate (recoverable).
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TRADE & INDUSTRY The Kurdistan region is a net importer and has strong trade relations with Turkey. The industrial sector is underdeveloped investment and expansion.
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OVERVIEW Kurdistan has enjoyed a long history of both external and internal trade. The region has capitalized on its regional location by implementing policies and laws that attract investment and economic growth. Trade routes have been running throughout the region for over 6,000 years and traditionally have been one of the driving sectors of the economy. Trade is a large source of revenue for the region mainly in the private sector helping to boost small and medium-sized businesses in the region. The World Bank has estimated that trade figures for the Kurdistan region are around 1.4 billion USD. The federal government of Iraq states that the country is at 9.6 billion USD and based on regional statistics, internal parties within the region believe
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that Kurdistan is responsible for roughly 5 billion of the figure. The exact calculation of the region’s trade remains difficult to define as of today. Trade entry points include the Ibrahim Khalil border crossing with Turkey, near Zakho, the Haj Umran crossing, and the Bachmahg, both with Iran. The Mersin Port in Turkey is the nearest sea freight link for the Kurdistna region. Erbil International Airport and Sulaimani International Airport handle air cargo flights. Unlike the trade, the industrial and manufacturing sector is small and underdeveloped. The Kurdistan Region is faced by a multitude of internal and external hurdles that impede industrial capacity development.
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MINISTRY OF TRADE & INDUSTRY
2006. In 2007, Iran exported nearly $2.8 billion worth of goods to Iraq, of which approximately US$1 billion was imported via the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
The Trade and Industry sector in Iraq has undergone major changes since the end of the former regime. In the past, the hyper-centralized government was responsible for the country’s industries. They owned and operated all of the factories and managed all of the trade routes. Since 2003, the KRG has been working hard to encourage the growth of the private sector to undertake these jobs.
There is a lack of regulatory standards for food or basic food safety standards. Regulatory standards are needed for fair competition in the marketplace. This absence of standards has resulted in local government taking its matters into their own hands by banning certain products entering the region. This has helped increase the quality of goods in the region.
Today, the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the KRG plays a regulatory role in the sector, rather than a management role. They regulate internal and external trade activities, support the private and mixed sectors, guide the trade policies for imports and exports, and support local and foreign investment.
Customs The imposed customs are 5% on imports to the Kurdistan region. All imported goods are subject to customs duty and VAT, except the equipment and machinery that are used / imported in order to implement a project.
They plan to renew the trading methods to better suit the global system used by the neighbouring countries, rehabilitate the infrastructure of the sector with the cooperation of the private sector, promote food security, and strengthen economic relations both domestically and internationally. The Ministry of Trade and Industry issues import and export licenses to local and foreign trading companies. The licenses are valid for one year and can be extended. Legislation to protect consumers, ensure healthy competition, and facilitate free trade includes the Consumer Protection Law, the Competition Protection and Monopolistic Practices Prevention Law, Environment Protection Law, Labour Law, and the Free Trade and Industrial Zone Regulations.
IMPORTS Imports account for 85% percent of the estimated US$5.0–5.5 billion of annual external trade in the Kurdistan Region. Most imported goods are consumed in the region and are not re-exported as value-added products. The largest external trading partner for the region is Turkey. Turkish exports to Iraq amounted to $2.8 to 3.5 billion in 2007, based on official Turkish Government figures. The region’s second largest trade partner is Iran. Iraq is Iran’s second-largest, non-oil export market. Iraqis bought some $1.3 billion worth of goods from Iran during
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EXPORTS Exports from the Kurdistan Region involve 5% of trade activities. While there are some agricultural exports from the region, currently much of the export trade involves the re-export of alcohol and tobacco from Turkey to other countries such as Iran.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Region has been predominantly sourced from Turkey and, to a much lesser extent, Iran. The two countries with the largest economic stake in the Kurdistan Region and are also the closest, geographically. Under the assumption that ongoing exploration activities will uncover significant new oil deposits in the Kurdistan Region, it is believed oil companies will dominate FDI of the Region.
FREE ZONES The KRG intends to establish free zones to promote business and other economic related activities. The objectives are to lay down principles and general rules essential for facilitating and execution of diversified business activities such as manufacturing, trading, distribution, foreign investment, and production.
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There will be several Free Zones in the Kurdistan region, by the borders of Turkey and Iran, and near the airports. The Sulaimani Trade Zone was the first one to be established. It is by the Sulaimani International Airport and has strong trade links with Iran.
in Kurdistan was non-existent. Medicines were imported from neighboring countries and the majority were ineffective and even unsafe, affecting national health and national security. Awamedica’s dedication to quality and safety single-handedly changed the face of Kurdistan’s pharmaceutical industry and local health.
INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
Dr. Bahram started from scratch, importing high quality materials and machinery from abroad to build his factory and research labs. Today, his empire has grown to manufacture and package 36 different products to meet the high local demands. The greatest priority of Awamedica’s operations and products is quality, which goes hand-in-hand with patient safety. Medicines made from high-quality ingredients and imported machinery ensures that the patients receive the best care.
An array of essential requirements are absent:
External hurdles include rules-based non tariff barriers to trade, the high cost of technology transfer, increasing protection of agriculture production in developed countries, and limited access to international supply chains and external market information. The KRG has worked hard to promote the Region as a superior business location in the Middle East. To create a competitive environment where they are able to compete on prices, cost of labour, manufacturing cost to cement itself as a regional force.
Awamedica is a true local success story that has gained the trust of the public through their consistent and effective products and policies. “Our greatest achievement is saving lives.” Dr Bahram Resul CEO Awamedica
AZADY INDUSTRIES
AWAMEDICA
Dilshad Mohamed Shakir, CEO Tanjaro, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 53 511 1041 dilshad.shakir@azadyindustries.com www.azadyindustries.com
Dr. Bahram Resul, CEO Peshawa Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 2274277 Fax: (+964) 66 2270008 info@awamedica.com www.awamedica.com
Azady Industries is a company under the Faruk Group Holding umbrella. Their primary business units are Galvanization and Steel Structure in a manufacturing facility encompassing 80,000 m².
Awamedica was the very first pharmaceutical company in the Kurdistan region in Iraq. CEO and founder Dr. Bahram Resul is originally Kurdish, but spent thirty-three years in Uppsala, Sweden where he obtained his PhD. In the early 1990s, he was personally contacted by Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani himself with a special request: Come back to Kurdistan and pioneer a new era of pharmaceutical advancement in the region. In the past, the domestic pharmaceutical industry
Galvanization is a business unit for hot dip galvanization of steel structure elements and for the manufacturing of all steel structure like towers, gable frame, plate girders, and guard rails, etc. The galvanization line consists of a 12.5m kettle with al necessary pre- and post-treatment baths. A quality laboratory is also integrated in the same area.
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Steel Structure Manufacturing utilizes the most sophisticated machinery, including CNC machines
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and up-to-date manufacturing processes to assure the best quality of products and provide ultimate customer satisfaction. The production spectrum of Azady Industries covers a wide range of products essential to the reconstruction of Iraq. Its markets include the telecommunication, electrical, infrastructure, power distribution, and construction industries.
Bazian Cement Plan has been in operation since 2008 and has an annual production capacity of 2.5 million tons. Faruk Group Holding working alongside French industrial giant Lafarge constructed this cement plant in order to serve the rising demands of the Iraqi housing and infrastructure boom.
AZADY MEDICAL INTRAVENOUS SOLUTIONS COMPANY KIA MOTORS IRAQ Wrood Hassan, Manager Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 770 259 9887 www.farukgroupholding.com Azady Medical Intravenous Solutions Company was designed to meet top-quality international standards, essential for guaranteeing the highest quality production, manufacturing, and technology. They are under the Faruk Group Holding umbrella. The primary product line of the plant is standard large-volume intravenous solution, containing pure water for injection and concentrations of solutions, such as dextrose, sodium chloride, ringer lactate, ringer solution, and sodium chloride/dextrose. The production facility will also include standard molds to manufacture 500ml Polypropylene bottles and 5cc glass vials of water for injection. Manufacturing tools, instruments, machines, and apparatuses were procured from European and American sources, Al products are manufactured to the latest international standards and conform to all USFDA, CGMP, and ISO 9001, 2000 regulations, as well as other regulations from local authorities. Azady Medical Intravenous Solutions Company is the first company of its kind in Iraq. IV solutions manufacturing is critical for the well-being of the Iraqi people, an endeavor clearly adhering to Faruk Group Holding’s vision.
BAZIAN CEMENT PLANT LOGO Hero Birzo, Manager Tel: (+964) 770 864 0139 Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq www.farukgroupholding.com Situated thirty kilometres away from Sulaimani, the
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Kia Center 100 Meter Street, Adalet Crossing Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 7373222 Fax: (+964) 750 7373888 info@kiajordan.com www.kiairaqnim.com Activity: Automotive Creation date: In Kurdistan since 2012 Kia Motors, headquartered in Seoul, is South Korea’s second-largest automobile manufacturer, following the Hyundai Motor Company, with sales of over 1.4 million vehicles in 2010. The company is partly owned by the Hyundai Motor Group, the fourth largest automaker in the world based on annual vehicle sales in 2010 after Toyota, General Motors, and Volkswagen AG. Since August 2009, the company has been led by Hyoung-Keun (Hank) Lee. Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) was founded in 1944, and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 1.5 million vehicles a year are produced in 13 manufacturing and assembly operations in eight countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 172 countries. Kia today has over 42.000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of over US$14.6 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA, the governing body of the FIFA World Cup. Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan is “The Power to Surprise”. The word Kia derives from Korean words meaning “to arise to the world from Asia”. International Iraqi for Commercial Agencies is the exclusive distributor of Kia Motors Corporation since the year 2004, for the entire territory of the Republic of Iraq. The company is the only automotive distributor in Iraq that has completed the 3S (Sales,
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Service & Parts) facilities. International Iraqi for Commercial Agencies offers to its customers total solutions on sales, after sales service and warranty. Kia vehicles were recently launched in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, with the distribution centre based in Erbil.
Its main objectives are taking part in the conservation of a major historic edifice which is 7000 years old and in the process of being classified as Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, and contributing to Kurdistan and Iraq’s development and social projects in a country where the Group has been present for more than 4 years and employs 3000 people.
LAFARGE Grant Earnshaw, CEO Tasluja and Bazian Cement Plants Sulaimania, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Lafarge will donate €250,000 to the renovation of two of the Citadel’s historic buildings.
NIVA CAR TRADING LTD Lafarge entered the Iraqi market in 2008, following the acquisition of Orascom. The Group has two cement plants there, with a total capacity of 5 million tonnes per year, located at Tasluja and at Bazian in Iraqi Kurdistan, and employs about 2000 people.
Moh’d Fuad Al-Anaswah, CEO Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 257 8888 fuad.anaswah@nivairaq.com www.nivairaq.com
One of the world leaders in building materials, Lafarge is present in 64 countries to respond to the world’s demand of housing and infrastructure. Lafarge’s operations in Iraq consist of a 2.5 mtpa cement plant in Bazian, Suleimaniya, and a 2.3 mtpa cement plant in Tasluja, Sulaimaniyah, leased from the Government. In addition, Lafarge is in the process of finalizing a lease agreement with the Government of Iraq to rehabilitate and operate a 1.8 mtpa cement plant near Kerbala, Iraq. The project has three components:
to the Bazian plant, originally made as a shareholder bridge loan in the absence of banks willing to lend directly into Iraq.
The development impact of the project is expected to include increased supply of cement to meet Iraq’s needs for reconstruction, the substitutions of imports from neighbouring countries, which will help stabilize prices in the sector, the modernization and standardsetting in the sector, in which Lafarge is currently the only private sector player, and all other plants are state-owned, many of which are small and in poor condition, a demonstrated effect on other potential foreign investors who could help bring much-needed FDI into Iraq, job creation, and tax revenues for the Government of Iraq. Recently, Lafarge is providing financial, technical and scientific support with the restoration of one of the oldest sites of human habitation: the Erbil Citadel in Kurdistan.
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Established in 2007, NIVA is the only authorized dealer for Ford and Lincoln brands in Iraq. There are currently three distribution centers in the country, (Baghdad, Erbil, and Sulaimani) and the company plans to expand to cover all of Iraq by 2015. NIVA stands out in the industry with its premium After-Sales Support, which is provided through expert maintenance services at their state-of-the-art workshops. Vehicles sold by NIVA have a three-year or 60,000 km warranty and free service with original spare parts, if applicable.
TASLUJA CEMENT PLANT Hero Birzo, Manager Tel: (+964) 770 864 0139 Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq www.farukgroupholding.com The Tasluja Cement Plant was originally built in 1985, refurbished in 2007 by Faruk Group Holding, and today is the largest cement plant in northern Iraq. It has two dry process production lines that have a designed production capacity of 2.3 million tonnes annually.
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REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION Since 2003, there has been a major boom in the real estate and construction industry with over 70 residential housing projects. There is also a strong focus on infrastructure improvement in the Kurdistan region.
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OVERVIEW There has been a major construction boom in the Kurdistan region, beginning just after 2003. The landscape has been dramatically changed with the addition of large housing projects and the rapid expansion of the cities. Kurdistan is the most developed region of Iraq. Prior to the removal of Saddam Hussein, the Kurdish Regional Government received approximately 13% of the revenues from the Oil-for-Food program. The region has a long agricultural history and a large percentage of land was cultivated, so the funds were not entirely used for food supply. A percentage of the money was redirected to infrastructure development. This trend continues today, as the largest share of total FDI in the region since 2006 (42%) went to construction, amounting to $5.808 billion. Between 2006 and 2010, the Ministry of Housing and Construction had the largest budget in the KRG to bolster the construction sector, particularly for residential housing.
INFRASTRUCTURE Investment opportunities are available to develop roads, railways and tunnel networks, including a highway linking Turkey and Iran through Kurdistan. In addition, work on power, water, airports, communications, the mail service and banking requires input from domestic and foreign investors. There is a significant gap between the size of the population and requirement for paved roads. The
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roads in the Region are limited to the use of cars, and there are no railways.
RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE The Kurdistan region faced enormous housing shortages. The population has increased significantly, as the job opportunities and the security has attracted people to the region in the thousands. According to the Ministry of Municipalities, in 2010, approximately 120,000 housing units were still needed. Hospitals, and other public buildings were also a priority. Construction plans of both infrastructure and real estate are plentiful in the Kurdistan region. Highways, sewers, water treatment plants, and dams are being built. Large-scale housing developments commonly known as ‘villages’ or ‘cities’ encircle Erbil, Sulaimani, and Duhok. To date, there are 78 housing projects in the region, using 44.51% of investment land distributed, thus far making it the largest capital and land investment in any one sector in the region. Buying off-the-plan is popular, as demand outstrips supply. Although Iraq does not have an official housing index, it has been estimated that housing prices in this region have quadrupled since 2003. High property prices may lead to the creation of a mortgage market in the region, which would be a catalyst for the multinational banking sector to open
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in Iraqi Kurdistan. Another side effect is the state of the rental market: rental yields have increased significantly. The investment law has enabled this sector to flourish since 2003, offering public benefits for companies taking the initiative. The demand for such housing projects is phenomenal as these houses provide 24-hour electricity, complete gas and irrigation systems along with 24-hour security. These modern facilities are essential for attracting international companies to set up an office in Kurdistan’s cities. Many of these newly built houses are used for office space. The major cities of Kurdistan have been transformed in a few shorts years, doubling or even tripling in size. This construction boom is expected to expand to the central and southern areas of Iraq once the security situation in these regions stabilizes.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE The market for commercial real estate is developing quickly in the major cities of the Kurdistan region. As more international companies establish themselves, the demand for office space will greatly increase. The majority of the offices of big local companies and international companies are in the village compounds, such as English Village and Italian Village. These spaces guaranteed modern facilities and maximum access to electricity. Buildings like the Ster Tower and the Empire Business Complex were recently built and many international oil companies and several embassies have set up their offices in these establishments. As the Kurdistan region continues to develop and more international companies enter the market, the demand for office space will skyrocket.
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HOTEL MARKET The hotel sector growth has been fueled by the rapidly developing oil and gas sector and the corresponding sectors, such as oil services and construction. International business tourist travel has greatly increased, especially after the opening of the Erbil International Airport and the Sulaimani International Airport. These factors have resulted in very low hotel room vacancy rates, especially during the annual exhibitions, such as the Project Iraq Fair in September, the Erbil International Fair in October, and the Oil and Gas Conference in December. Currently, Kurdistan has two well-known Middle Eastern hotel chains present in Erbil, the Rotana Hotel and the Divan Hotel. They are the first choices for business travelers and have raised the standard for hotels in the entire region. There is also a long list of three and four star hotels not affiliated with international brands, such as the Canyon Hotel, the Erbil International Hotel, and the Khanzad Hotel. Within 3-4 years, several new five star hotels are expected to open. The Kempinski, Hilton Doubletree, Marriott chains have all begun construction in Erbil. Two Millennium chain hotels are opening in June 2012 in Sulaimani. The hotel market in the Kurdistan region is undergoing rapid development and the KRG is currently developing a star and price regulation system that corresponds with the international hotel rating system.
RETAIL REAL ESTATE MARKET The retail sector of the real estate market is undergoing major changes from the traditional Middle
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Eastern bazaar style markets to modern shopping malls and supermarkets. Several large shopping malls have opened in Erbil, Sulaimani, and Duhok in recent years such as Family Mall, Majidi Mall, and Royal Mall. For more information please consult the Shopping section of the Entertainment chapter.
THE MINISTRIES The Kurdistan Regional Government is heavily involved in the real estate and construction sector. There are two separate Ministries responsible for the development of this industry. The Ministry of Housing and Construction oversees the construction of roads, highways, and tunnels as well as residential housing units, public buildings (such as schools, hospitals, government buildings), and social housing. The Ministry of Municipalities is in charge of urban planning and land allocations. In 2009, the KRG established a system to inspect and establish quality of materials and buildings plans in order to raise the standards of the construction industry. In 2010, the Ministry of Housing and Construction created a plan for the improvement of the road network in the Kurdistan region. Projects like the highway between Zakho and Sulaimani via Erbil, the road connecting Kirkuk to the main cities, and the road between Qandil and Shaqlawa were all built between 2010 and 2012 as part of this strategy.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT The majority of companies in the construction sector in Kurdistan are from Turkey, due to the geographical proximity and general ease for importing materials. Companies from Iran, the Gulf countries, and the United States are also present in this sector. With further investment, the standards will continue to rise in housing and construction projects. Several developments are collaborative between a local company and an international company, for example the American Village in Erbil. These joint ventures are positively received in the Kurdistan region, as they bring in international standards and higher quality of housing.
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INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Roads: Many of the roads in Kurdistan are in poor condition. There is a need for foreign companies to rehabilitate them. The Ministry of Housing and Construction has set a goal for 2020 for every road in the region to have at least 2 lanes. To achieve this goal, skilled technicians, quality equipment, and experienced companies are required. Training Centers: Training centers are another key investment opportunity. At the moment, it is difficult to find qualified local staff. Training programs and facilities could greatly benefit the region. To begin a construction project in Kurdistan, the first step is to contact the Board of Investment. Your application will be reviewed and if successful, a meeting will be scheduled to give a brief presentation. Companies wishing to obtain land must contact the Ministry of Municipalities as well. To participate in tenders, foreign firms must be registered in the Kurdistan region.
77 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTING AND TRADING COMPANY Hersh Al-Tayyar, Chairman Shorsh Main Street, Building 26 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 250 9537 info@77construction.com www.77construction.com 77 Construction Contracting and Trading Company was established in 1998 and concentrates on the construction of infrastructure. Their speciality is bridge-building; every single bridge in the Kurdistan region and most of Iraq was built by them or had the materials supplied by them. They also build roads and concrete products, such as blast barriers. The owner and chairman of 77 Construction Contracting and Trading Company is Hersh AlTayyar, a well-respected businessman in Iraq. He also chairs the Iraq Businessmen Union, an exclusive and well-connected group, and owns Hawler TV, a television channel featuring a variety of content with a focus on Kurdish culture and history for the younger generation. Like many Kurds, Mr. Al-Tayyar’s vision and dream
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for the future of his country is to reunite the four Kurdish zones in four respective countries into a single nation. “When I consider my country, I believe that we are doing well. The Iraqi Kurds have come to furthest to independence; we have created our autonomous region. I sincerely hope that the remaining three will advance on this path and someday we will unite.” Hersh Al-Tayyar, Chairman of 77 Construction Contracting and Trading Company
ASHUR-BAN Avan Pattao, General Manager Ainkawa Main Road Ainkawa - Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 445 8969 sales@ashur-ban.com www.ashur-ban.com
There will be five different types of apartments inside each of the towers. Three will be single storey, with a range of sizes and shapes. There will also be duplex flats and triplex flats. The 4 Towers project will be completed by 20142015.
GALALA GROUP Jamshir Al-Assadi, Chairman English Village, Villa # 267 Ashti City Project Site / Erbil / Kasnazan Road / Behind Blue Sport Center Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 445 7174 / (+964) 770 445 7174 jamshir@galalagroup.com eskan@galalagroup.com www.galalagroup.net www.eskan-co.com www.ashticity.com
Ashur-Ban is a Kurdish construction company. Their main project is called The 4 Towers. The 4 Towers project is a new and modern housing project consisting of four apartment buildings to be built in Erbil. Each building consists of 15 stories. Geographically, it is located within the boundaries of the Ainkawa Municipality urban area, on the line extending to the northwest of Erbil City. The towers are designed for the comfort of future owners with a unique twist. There are 298 flats within the scope of project together with an indoor swimming pool, a sports complex, a shopping centre, and a children’s play area. Residents will be able to access all of these services within their apartment building, a truly convenient living experience. The goals of the project are to evolve the basic concepts for housing solutions, using the allotted land as fruitfully as possible by building up rather than out. A sense of spacious style will be a top priority throughout the architectural process as well as using the highest quality materials and completing the project within a certain time frame. Each of the four towers will have a 24 hours front desk service, three elevators, Wi-Fi connection, satellite channels in every flat, generators which will automatically activate during a power outage, a supermarket, social facilities, a day care center, a sports complex, and highly trained security personnel.
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Galala Group was founded in 1970 and has grown to include various vertically integrated companies:
development Sector (Eskan Company)
(Galala Company)
Stone)
Agenesis Company Ltd) Eskan Company for investment and real estate development was established in 2005 in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq for the purpose of contributing to the implementation of real estate investment projects across Iraq in order to serve the Iraqi people. Eskan Company belongs to Galala and Kar Groups, which have vast experience in the construction material industry and other construction and oil projects. Eskan Company employs 200 employees of various disciplines from architectural and structural specializations, as well as electrical and other highly trained engineers.
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OUR REPUTATION IS OUR CAPITAL Long-term Experience in the construction of Housing Units
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Address: English Village, #267 and 2. Ashti City 2 Project, Koya Road E-mail: jamshir@galalagroup.com / eskan@galalagroup.com www.galalagroup.net / www.eskan-co.com / www.ashticity.com www.ebizguides.com
Real Estate & Construction
The Making of New Life
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Ashti City 1 is a modern residential complex, composed of 1515 individual houses. It has been completed with a success rate of 100% and delivered to the owners. This complex was built for the medium to low income people and includes additional facilities and public utilities commercial buildings. It was constructed under the investment law license 136 and spreads out over 1 million m². Ashti City 2 is a residential project on a 2 million square meters piece of land conveniently situated 10 minutes from the city centre separated into two main parts by the 150 metric road. The project is halfway finished and will be complete within 3-5 years. The first zone will consist of 340 low cost houses (100% completed), 750 unit houses, 422 regular houses, and 300 villas. The second zone is the luxury zone which is also known as Ashti Jewels, and will have 400 villas. There will also be an Andalucía Village (VIPs Zone) with 135 villas with a southern Spanish design. The last area is Global City, which will have 150 gold villas, 200 silver villas, and 50 bronze villas, along with 40 luxury apartment buildings with 12 floors apiece. The villa classification was inspired by the Olympic Games and will showcase several levels of luxury and quality. The Ashti City 2 complex will also include parks, shopping centers, gym centers, cafes, and other conveniences. Galala for investment and real estate development is also currently building Gwaiza City in the Sulaimani governorate, which is a big complex and contains 12 residential buildings. They are also preparing to begin constructing 600 unit houses in Al Salam City in the Al Diwaniyah governorate. Galala Contracting is a general contracting company that specializes in the implementation of all civil construction projects, as well as electromechanical and mechanical installation works, such as power plants, substations (erection, testing, and commissioning), transmission lines, and turnkey projects for hospitals and medical centers. They have frequently undertaken large projects in coordination with international companies in joint ventures and are the perfect local partner for new initiatives in the Kurdish construction market. Galala Stone is one of the key arms within Galala Group. It specializes in producing all kinds of marble, granite, travertine, and other high quality stones. They also provide installation, logistics, and architectural services. They have offices in Baghdad, Erbil, Duhok, and Sulaimani, and have been operating since 1986 when they purchased
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three large public sector factories, imported modern machines from Italy, and began their operations. Tava Factory manufactures wooden and steel doors, furniture, and household decoration items. It was recently established and is in the beginning stages of their long-term plan. Galala Healthcare has been operating since 1997, translating their ideas and visions into achievements by presenting the most suitable solutions and services for their clients. Their dedication and experienced professionalism makes them a real competitor in the healthcare industry in the Middle East. The staff at Galala Healthcare believes in bilateral cooperation with their partners, their team, and especially with their customers. Galala Group’s mandate is “Our reputation is our capital” which describes the name they have built up for themselves over the years. Today, Galala Group is one of the largest and most respected conglomerates in Iraq. Future projects include the construction of towers, office buildings, and a theme park. The theme park is being planned for the Habaniyah City in the Al Anbar governorate on a 5 million square meters piece of land by a lake and will be called Dream Land. Galala Group is currently seeking international partners for joint ventures. They are the perfect local partner in the construction industry, with over 40 years experience working in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. “Kurdistan is a place that is growing day by day. There are a lot of opportunities here for investors and a lot of success already enjoyed. I believe that Kurdistan is only operating using all practical and scientific abilities in this level. We have a lot to do, but we have a strong future ahead of us.” Jamshir Al-Assadi Chairman of Galala Group MAKYOL Adnan Çebi, Chairman Italian City, Villa 70 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: +90312 218 84 00 info@genelenergy.com www.genelenergy.com Makyol is a construction company that is active in the businesses of heavy construction & infrastructure,
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commercial real estate, housing development, and tourism investments. Blending half a century of knowledge and experience with its strong technological know-how, Makyol creates long-term relationships and added value by coming up with creative solutions. A service philosophy whose focal point is customer satisfaction is what distinguishes Makyol from its competitors. Makyol today is a first-class contractor that is the most preferred not only in its own national market but also in the international arena. Makyol is successfully carrying out joint venture operations both in Turkey and abroad with Turkish and foreign firms that are leaders of their sectors. Insightful management approaches, a strong quality philosophy, robust values, a sense of social responsibility, commitment to ethical values, respect for the environment and for job health and safety as well as an exemplary track record on all such issues define the roadmap of Makyol’s sustainable growth. Makyol blends close to half a century of knowledge and experience and business acumen with its strong
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technical competencies to come up with imaginative solutions and create long-term relationships and added value. “As a company that is creative, productive, and profitable, we continue to strive with all our might to build a better future. Guided by our corporate values, we move steadily forward to achieve our goals as the Makyol family. So long as we continue to increase our customers’ satisfaction and our business partners’ trust in us, we have complete confidence in our ability to achieve even greater things.” Adnan Çebi, Chairman PLAN COMPANY LTD Ako M. Wahbi, CEO Shorsh Street Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 770 358 1010 plan@plancompanyiraq.com www.plancompanyiraq.com Plan Company Ltd is one of the largest general contracting companies in the Kurdistan region, classified as a first rank company according to
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Iraqi regulations. They are a part of Faruk Group Holding and have been operating in the Kurdistan Region since 2001 in the following key market sectors: Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Sectors BTS, MW, System and Base Station Installation Building, Foundation Engineering, and Infrastructure (Roads) Plan offers unparalleled construction expertise, competitive pricing, financial strength, integrity, and a commitment to the success of all its projects from start to finish. It is supported by a foundation of quality professionals qualified to undertake projects of any size or complexity. PARA GROUP INTERNATIONAL GHANIMA GROUP SSaif Ghanima, CEO 240/1/560 Adai Sheer Street Ainkawa-Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 380 4333 info@ghanimagroup.com www.ghanimagroup.com Para Group International - Ghanima Group (PGG) is an experienced development and construction group with a long history of working in the construction and infrastructure development industries. Their aim is to acquire a significant amount of market share by focusing on the specific needs of the commercial and industrial construction industry and by providing greater precision controls to their products than competitors. The company is a United States Registered Limited Liability Company and is owned and operated by Saif Ghanima, based in Iraq, and Christian Englund, based in the United States. One of PGI’s major projects is Warin City, a residential complex located near the Sullahaydene Reserve on 150 Meter Street in Erbil. The project covers 875,000 square meters and consists of apartment buildings, villas, and houses. There will be 6 apartment buildings with 15 floors apiece amounting to 312 residential units, as well as 75 villas, and 245 houses.
by green agricultural areas and will contain schools, shopping centers, medical services, and fitness clubs within the area. PGI targets the large gap in the market by providing cost friendly apartments to individuals and families by offering payment plans for purchase of apartments. They utilize their unique position and provide high quality European designed apartments and building techniques. PGI is focusing on its target market, the large urban areas, by maintaining and increasing its relationship base with commercial real estate clientele. Their sales offices in Erbil, Mosul, Baghdad, and Tikrit are ready to serve all potential customers. PGI has also branched out into the Agricultural sector with an Olive Oil Factory, Holy Tree Olive Oil Factory. They produce the finest premium quality olive oils, table olives, soaps and cosmetics, from the Kurdistan Regions local growers. Their partnership with local growers provides them with the olives which are selected for their quality and flavorful oils to be pressed and bottled on their pressing site for maximum freshness. The company believes that good reputation is the most valuable outcome throughout human life, and therefore they chose the slogan: “Reputation is everlasting capital”. This is supported with their well defined aim: “To offer distinguishing services”, as they do believe that confidence and success in the business world can be achieved and maintained only through accomplishing their obligations towards clients. This is achieved through professional objective performance and genuine care, which are key elements to protect their mutual interests, and to guarantee effective and fruitful long term business relations. Para Group International-Ghanima Group’s business policy is derived from Aristotle’s well known saying: “Excellence is not an act but a habit”, taking in consideration that excellence is not a privilege but an added responsibility.
SHARY GOIZHA APARTMENT COMPLEX A second project is Sun Valley City, which is within the Ainkawa district in Erbil, a highly sought out area for both locals and foreign nationals. This complex will consist of 30 apartment buildings with 10 floors apiece and will total 700-800 apartment units, depending on the final design. The complex will be surrounded
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Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq www.farukgroupholding.com Shary Goizha is located at the foothills of Goizha Mountain and has a spectacular view of the entire
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city of Sulaimani. The complex is comprised of 13 twelve storey buildings with 624 residential apartment units. Each unit is air-conditioned and comes with the necessary modern kitchen appliances.
management design, building services, transportation, general trading (import and expert), communication infrastructure services, and project modification.
Additionally, the complex includes a school, supermarket, health center, car wash, laundry, and adequate parking space for all residents and visitors.
Zarya Construction Company also offers all cement services such as quarrying, blasting, engineering, solutions (including design and installation), refactory maintenance services, and supply of all cement materials and heavy equipment.
The Shary Goizha complex is set among greenery with picnic areas, jogging paths, and trees to bring a feeling of natural tranquility to your doorstep.
Zarya Construction Company has a joint venture with Habtoor Leighton Group to develop and create large-scale construction projects in Iraq.
All units were sold out during the construction period. The development is owned by Faruk Group Holding.
Few companies in the region are capable of matching their extensive portfolio of heavy equipment and long experience working in the local market. It is for these reasons that Zarya was categorized as a superior construction company by the Kurdistan Regional Government.
ZARYA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Warzer Sarwar Qadir, CEO www.farukgroupholding.com
Zarya Construction Company is one of the most reputable general construction companies in Iraq. It is part of Faruk Group Holding. Their international team provides specialized services in construction
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“We never set a ceiling on our ambition, undertaking projects which no other construction company in Iraq has ever dared.� Mr. Warzer Sarwar Qadir CEO of Zarya Construction Company
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TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION The benchmark for the future of the transportation sector in Kurdistan has been set by Erbil International Airport, a sleek and modern facility with partnerships with nearly 30 airlines. The communications sector in the Kurdistan region is a huge success story, rapidly changing from next to zero access to ICT in the 1990s, to a modern telecommunications industry in the present day.
Transport & Communication
Faruk Mustafa Rasool Chairman Asiacell Building, Salem Street, Sulaimania, Kurdistan Region of Iraq www.asiacell.com
A
“ s a leading provider of quality mobile telecommunications services in Iraq, with over 10 million subscribers, We at Asiacell were the first mobile telecommunications provider in Iraq to achieve nationwide coverage, offering our services across all of Iraq’s 18 governorates including the capital Baghdad and all other major Iraqi cities. Our network covers 97% of the Iraqi population, making our national coverage the most extensive of any Iraqi mobile telecommunications operator. In 2012, we were recognized by the French market research firm Altai as Iraq’s leading brand – not only in the mobile telecommunications market but across all industry sectors – a reflection of Asiacell’s strong brand recognition and its established reputation for quality, reliability and service. In 2011, the Iraqi Ministry of Communications (MOC) recognized Asiacell as the “best GSM operator” in Iraq. We at Asiacell offer prepaid mobile telecommunications services, which as of 30 September 2012 accounted for 97% of our total subscriber base. In addition to the classic Prepaid Line package, the prepaid service offering contains a number of tailored packages aimed at different market segments – including youth, women and an innovative service aimed at the millions of visitors who visit Iraq each year. In addition, we provide postpaid services to corporate and individual subscribers. We sell our mobile telecommunications services in Iraq through indirect channels (third-party
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distributors) as well as stores managed by Asiacell. We operate 20 directly-owned branded retail outlets, and 16 franchised stores, which opened in the first quarter of 2012 with their launch in Baghdad, with a further 13 franchised stores due to open by the end of 2013 across Iraq. We have agreements with a large number of regional distributors that together distribute to over 12,000 sales outlets. The service network is backed up by four regional call centers, offering [24-hour] services to customers in three languages – Arabic, Kurdish and English. Achieving nationwide network coverage by 2009, we at Asiacell continue to strive to be the first choice for mobile telecommunications in Iraq. Prior to Asiacell’s conversion to a private Joint Stock Company in anticipation of the IPO, we were the largest Limited Liability Company in Iraq. We enjoy the strong support of the Company’s shareholders including myself, Asiacell’s founder, as well as our strategic partner and key shareholder Qatar Telecom (Ooredoo), which has vast experience in successfully operating and supporting mobile telecommunications providers across the MENA region and South-East Asia. Holding one of only three 15-year nationwide licenses issued by Iraq’s Communication and Media Commission (CMC) in 2007, we are entitled to build and operate a mobile telecommunications network throughout Iraq. We currently provide international telecommunications services through the international gateway of the Ministry of Communications. As of 30 September 2012, with Asiacell’s network covering 97% of Iraq’s population of 34 million people, our management believes that Asiacell enjoys a 43% market share of subscribers. Thanks to our dedicated customers and our superb team across the country, we are now the pioneers in mobile telecommunications in Iraq, and we strive to fulfill our promise to all Iraqis to bring them together.”
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Sirwan Mustafa Chairman of Korek Telecom Korek Building Massif Road Erbil, KRG, Iraq www.korektel.com
Korek is the name of a mountain in Kurdistan that lies at the heart of the region. The meaning in the Kurdish language is “the only son”. A company that shares the name and the strong identity is Korek Telecom, the fastest growing mobile operator in Iraq. Their network covers the entire country and they provide their clients with national satellite coverage, full Internet services, prepaid plans, postpaid plans, data plans, special lines and offers for international visitors, and special regional lines and offers. Korek Telecom serves the 18 provinces of Iraq, employing the most sophisticated GSM technology and offering a comprehensive range of wireless communication services to their subscribers. Founded in 2000, they obtained their nationwide mobile license in August of 2007 and today the company is now covering a total population of more than 32 million inhabitants. The founder and chairman, Sirwan Mustafa reminisced “We started a revolution in Kurdistan; we had mobile phones in the north before they had them in Baghdad.” Korek Telecom has recently partnered with Orange, the renowned French telecommunications company with vast international experience, operating in 31 countries worldwide. “In Iraq, the only sector that works properly 24/7, one hundred percent guaranteed is the telecom industry. We have managed to match international standards, having begun during the sanction times and having built up our industry in less than 20 years.” explained Sirwan Mustafa.
development of the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Involved in many projects in multiple sectors, he was the mastermind behind the construction of the Korek Teleferic, one of the largest in the world measuring over 4 kilometers. This is just the very beginning of his plans for Korek Mountain. Sirwan is building a first class resort at the summit, which will be reached by the teleferic. His design includes 150 chalets, restaurants, supermarkets, games, hotels, a spa, and a fledgling ski industry. It will have the highest altitude of any resort in Iraq. Sirwan is also currently building the highest tower in the country, which will be named Korek Tower upon completion. It will contain commercial offices and a modern shopping mall. He is also planning to construct the world’s longest aquarium in the region’s capital; Erbil and he also brought the first Hot Air Balloon to Iraq. Quality and innovation are the two main pillars in his developments; in 2009 he awarded by the European Business Assembly (EBA) the SOCRATES INT AWARD, and EUROPEAN QUALITY AWARD. “Many people say that Erbil is on its way to becoming the next Dubai. I personally think that Kurdistan is something different. Dubai is an international hub for business, but there is not much more. I believe in the potential of Kurdistan. We have everything; oil, water resources, nature, culture, and location. With our state-of-the-art airport, Erbil International Airport, we have the potential to become an important regional hub.” Working closely with the Board of Investment and the KRG, Sirwan plays a key role in the general promotion of Kurdistan to the world and frequently attends exhibitions and investment conferences around the globe. “I would like to personally invite people from abroad to come and see Kurdistan with their own eyes. Do not look at our country only through the news channels. There is so much more and I urge you to come and see for yourself.”
Sirwan Mustafa is a key player in the economic
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Transport & Communication
OVERVIEW The development of transportation infrastructure is a big priority for the Kurdistan Regional Government. The region is aiming to act as a gateway into the rest of Iraq and has been concentrating on building airports and fostering ties with international airlines since 2003. Internal transport is by road, as there is a road network connecting the cities and towns in the three provinces of the Kurdistan region.
AIR The region has recently built two international airports, one in Erbil and one in Sulaimani. A
The Erbil International Airport
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third is currently being constructed in Duhok. The main airport is the Erbil International Airport, acting as a gateway for 26 international airlines and rougly 5 million passengers yearly. The EIA has one of the longest runways in the world and is capable of accommodating the largest aircrafts. The Sulaimani International Airport is slightly smaller but also has regular flights to international destinations. The construction of the Duhok International Airport began in February 2013 and will operational in 2 years.
CARGO A new cargo terminal has recently been built by the Erbil International Airport, which is 64% larger than the first one. The annual handling capacity is approximately 15,500 tons. There are currently three cargo agents in Kurdistan (MATEEN, DHL, and Starlight) and two cargo handling companies (DNATA Aviation and Sky Link Aviation). The cargo terminal is split into 2 sections, one used by MATEEN and the other by DHL and Starlight. The frequency of the cargo airlines is approximately 7 times a week with around 40 tons of cargo being handled on a daily basis.
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1. Modern Taxis are a convenient and cheap way to travel around 2. Transporting goods by road from the Haji-Umran border crossing with Turkey 3. Erbil road network
ROADS
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
There is a functional road network connecting the cities and towns of the three provinces of the Kurdistan region. There is currently a strategy in place to improve the inner city road systems to decrease traffic, such as the 150 Meter Street in Erbil for example. Roads between cities were recently expanded to have two sides, such as the road between Erbil and Koya.
In the Region of Kurdistan, there are no major transport systems belonging to the government. Transportation companies for freight and private oil have certificates issued by the Ministry of Transport. There are about 300 companies in this sector for the whole Region.
As data collection and coordination develops, we expect that this category will include indicators such as the extent of paved roads, the number of passenger vehicles travelling between major cities, tonnage of goods transported on roads, and data on traffic injuries (See Appendix B). For the present, we are limited to the first indicator: Extent of Paved roads (kilometers), and its breakdown by various categories. As shown, there is a total of 14,841 km of paved roads in the Kurdistan region. Of this, almost half (7,033 km) are rural roads. The road system is more developed in Erbil and Sulaimani than in Duhok, though this also reflects the lower population of Duhok. Overall, the road infrastructure in the Kurdistan region is not yet well developed, as indicated by the fact there currently are no highways connecting major cities in the region.
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As a result, public transportation is very limited in the Kurdistan region. There is a small number of bus routes for schoolchildren but otherwise, no regular daily buses within the cities or even from city to city in Kurdistan. There are several companies that have bus routes to Turkey (Istanbul and Diyabakir, for example) and to Iran.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES The Ministry of Transport and Communication has established a master plan with two key projects: A railway line with a length of about 650 km, linking the towns of Zakho, Duhok, Faida, Shikhan, Bardarash, Khabat, Erbil, Koysenjaq, Dokan, Tasluja, Sulaimania, Arbat, Said Sadiq, Nalpariaz, and Penjewin.
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Transport & Communication A light railway transportation system detailed feasibility study for the cities of Arbil (60 Km), Sulaimani (60 Km), and Duhok (40 Km). Foreign companies are welcome to invest in the master plan prepared by the Department, especially by investing in projects above - mentioned. Very few foreign companies have so far invested in the transport sector.
economic development in modern societies and Kurdistan is going to be the first region in Iraq that has an outlined 5 year IT strategy. The Kurdish Department of Information Technology began working with PricewaterhouseCoopers in February 2010 in order to further develop this strategy. A few examples of current projects include the modernization of the government administration (e-governance) and the distribution of ministerial laptops to disadvantaged citizens. Future plans include the construction of a media city in Erbil.
COMMUNICATIONS OVERVIEW The communication sector in Kurdistan has taken a turn towards development and maturation over the past decade. Telecommunications, information technology, media outlets, and Internet access have all seen a considerable amount of advancement in their technology and ubiquity. In retrospect, it can be argued that communication in northern Iraq had been in development since the early 1990s uprising, from quite literally no communications access to a boom in mobile cellular networks, independent television and radio stations and the emergence of free media. The level of communication-related investment indicates the strong position of the sector within the region, with several mobile telecommunications in healthy competition and a strong demand for better communication services. Due to the region’s security, local telecommunications providers have been able to hire foreign experts for consultation and management roles. Companies such as Asiacell and Korek have foreign managers, advisors, and directors in order to create training and development programs for the local workforce. This industry includes companies primarily engaged in operating, maintaining, or providing access to services or technologies enabling the transmission of voice, data, text, sound, and video using wireless telecommunications networks. It also includes operations engaged primarily in purchasing access and capacity from network owners and operators, and reselling telecommunications services to businesses and households. Cellular communications are a large component of this industry.
THE DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Information
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technology
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CHALLENGES Currently there are issues with distributing net access across Kurdistan as the land is mountainous. WiMax technology is breaking this barrier however the lack of wired communications between the region and Internet backbones remains a problem. With the right investment, this issue can also be solved to provide broadband Internet access across the region. IT-based education has been improving for this generation and the demographic demonstrates a perfect picture for potential telecommunication and Internet based investment. The KRG believes that the strategic use of IT is part of their core economic development initiatives. They are relying on established best practices and international know-how and experience, while creating a local institutional capacity to ensure the sustainability of their efforts.
AL ABSHAR English Village, Villa 131 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 255 4425 Fax: (+964) 66 225 2388 info@alabshar.com www.alabshar.com Al Abshar guides their clients through the fields of marketing and media using proven techniques in order to achieve guaranteed results in the promotion of their products and the attention of the public. Al Abshar is proud to be an Iraqi-Emirati company that excels in the fields of media and artistic production, as well as pioneering innovative programs for their company and clients. Their staff operates with a high level of expertise to deliver quality results at every service they provide. www.ebizguides.com
Transport & Communication Their mission is to serve foreign and Iraqi companies and customers and provide them with a high quality level of utilities in Iraq, by implementing advanced results in the company’s work field, based on careful planning. Their vision reflects their passion for media production, which is at the heart of their business. Their mission shows their ambition and commitment. They aim to be the leading company in its different fields and they are also committed to aid society to make radical changes to the current norms of marketing and media, presenting services at a global class to their clients. They also have a deep commitment to legal and moral values of the societies they work in. As a Middle Eastern success story, they understand their people and can anticipate their demands and needs. Their services include marketing, market research, media production, communication solutions, surveys, advertising, digital media, media planning/ buying, satellite broadcasting, training courses, and IT solutions.
Services Al Abshar is a specialized company in the fields of marketing, consulting, researching, studying and evaluating the product, as well as organizing the specialized training programs in this field. Al Abshar also cooperates with the major specialized companies in the marketing field and market research in the world. Alabshar seeks to be one of the best companies that offer developed marketing solutions to the clients and the first choice for the clients who are looking for quality and honesty in this field. Al Abshar seeks to drive the development of media in the region through developing the local talents and managing the leading brands in the Middle East that are able to provide information, education and entertainment. Al Abshar also fosters partnerships with the major media groups in the world to promote their services at both regional and international levels. Al Abshar also provides media services for television, radio, publishing, digital media, music, digital advertising, broadcasting, external production and printing. Al Abshar is one of the leading companies for media production. It provides the necessary modern equipment for the shooting and www.ebizguides.com
artistic production fields, and represents an artistic group of experts in order to source ideas to channels, art and media institutions and the private/public sector. Al Abshar is one of the fastest growing communication companies. It represents the next generation of solutions for Internet services, network, and satellite services. The company had allocated huge investments for infrastructure to provide high quality Internet services. They are also a leading company in the field of processing, set up, maintenance, and operating the communications and satellite systems for individuals, companies and the other sectors (private, public). Al Abshar is always looking for new and innovative ways of hearing from the people that matter most to their clients, whoever they may be. That is why Al Abshar offers the best research methodologies, whether it is qualitative, quantitative, and online or offline. Al Abshar is best at providing audiovisual services, broadcasting, embedded systems and advanced security solutions in the region. Al Abshar staff are professional expertise in the fields of TV, radio and printed advertising based on the newest techniques in the field, as well as the communication lines with the other Iraqi and Arabic media. They are the exclusive representative of AMS and the general agent of the MBC Group in the region. The locations where advertising production takes place is widely spread in order to meet and please the different sensibilities and mentalities in the Arab world: Dubai, the media city in Cairo, Judah, Al Riyadh, Al Sham, Beirut and Erbil. Al Abshar was founded on the principles of integrity and respect for its customers and employees. The company has advanced in several key areas including eCommerce, DSL services and advanced website design. Al Abshar has the capacity to analyze its customers need and to chose the perfect advertising campaign for each, from large national TV channels to small local newspapers. Al Abshar provides technological solutions and professional planning that are suitable for the modern global lifestyle through media, culture and entertainment, and also for the TV stations, film studios and network
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Transport & Communication operators. Al Abshar also provides press services such as shooting staff, production and fixed/mobile broadcasting units. Al Abshar Productions’ aim is to produce and co-produce high quality documentaries within all genres. Al Abshar has its own specialized staff and mobile/fixed satellite broadcasting units to provide the best results of image and sound according to the newest techniques. Al Abshar Productions young & creative team, work with to make a strong and effectual marketing communications that really work for our client. Al Abshar provides training courses in specialized media field according to international training programs. Al Abshar is ready to get a place in the drama production business in the Arab world, coinciding with the rise of interest in the drama field. Al Abshar provides comprehensive IT solutions to meet all your business needs. They’ve built their reputation by creating efficient, costeffective and uncomplicated IT systems to deliver a strong, competitive advantage to their customers.
BABYLON MEDIA Salwan Zaito, Owner and General Manager Alsalam Street, Ainkawa Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 303 9494 info@babylongroup.info www.babylongroup.info Babylon Media Company was first founded in the Netherlands in 1998 by two Iraqi Caldean brothers. They both have a long history of working in the media industry, particularly in the television and production fields. After a calculated yet difficult decision, the two brothers moved their families back to their homeland, the Kurdistan region of Iraq in 2005, bringing their company with them as well. They pioneered the media services industry in the region with their early market entry and have excelled in their field. Today they employ over 140 people.
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Babylon Media has grown into a media empire. They provide a wide range of media services, such as filming, lighting, sound, editing, reporting, producing, media transmission, technical assistance, and logistics. They have two 800 square meter studios, each fully equipped with the latest technology and an adaptable set. They also have an array of modern equipment available for indoor and outdoor shooting, including field cameras, lighting equipment, sound recording systems, reporters, editors, producers, a fullyequipped OB van, SNG with control room ability, and transmission equipment. In addition to media production services, Babylon also established a strong and creative advertising department which manages various functions to ensure highly creative and innovative advertising solutions. Advertising management at Babylon starts with designing an overall media strategy to recognize the target audience. This process then flows into the media planning whereby they select the most appropriate media platform for the client. The next step is to negotiate on purchasing time and advertising space. In addition to defining the audience, selecting the appropriate media, and negotiating on advertising time and space, they also monitor the effects and results of the designed and implemented advertising campaign. Babylon’s quality and creativity has led them to be the go to advertising agency chosen by countless local and international firms, ranging from car manufacturers such as Cadillac and Nissan to multinational conglomerates as Samsung and LG. To safeguard their quality, Babylon cooperates with several European agencies which assist them in their creative and promotional processes. Babylon Media enjoys its trust between several well – known television channels in the Kurdistan Region. The cooperation with channels such as Kurdsat, Korek TV, Channel 4, and Ainkawa TV has established a strong and longstanding relationship which has led to Babylon becoming their exclusive agents for media solutions. In addition to TV channels, Babylon has its own radio station, Babylon FM on the frequency 99.3 FM. This all-English radio channel has become immensely popular among the local and international communities. Babylon is especially known among the local community for hosting festive events. The partnership with the Governorate of Erbil has resulted in Babylon hosting the Hawler Newroz freedom festival for www.ebizguides.com
Transport & Communication many years and for years to come. Another event which is hosted by Babylon is the Christmas & New Years festival with live music, stands selling food and hot drinks, and festive decorations. Also included in their conglomerate is a factory that manufactures sets and props. Originally established to produce their own materials, their factory now manufactures sets for every media company in Iraq. When asked about his greatest achievement or favourite endeavor, Mr Zaito tells the story about the coverage of the 2010 election in Baghdad. “Working with Joe Trippi [the famous American campaigner and Democrat] was exciting, now he is a long-time friend. That election was very interesting to cover; there were so many high emotions.”
to media services that were so normal in our other home, the Netherlands. However, our early entry into the market has been very successful, so it was worth it. Babylon Media has done very well in Kurdistan to date and we look forward to continuing our success in the future.” Salwan Zaito Owner and General Manager, Babylon Media
BETEL
Babylon Media is an ideal local partner for any media company looking to enter the Kurdistan region or for anyone looking for expert media services.
Salih Ibrahim, General Manager 60 Meter Street, Opposite The Ministry of Justice Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+ 964) 66 223 3365 Fax: (+964) 31 847 239 365 info@betel-net.com www.betel-net.com
“Our first two years after the move back to Iraq were difficult. Difficult for the family, difficult for the children, and difficult for business. It was such a young market then, people were unaccustomed
The company BeTel was founded in the year 1994 and was formerly known as Shad Computer Centre. The initial business target was to enrich the local Iraqi IT society and provide a one-stop shop for
Babylon Media Group - Your Partner in:
ADVERTISING - MEDIA MANAGEMENT www.ebizguides.com PRODUCTIONS - BROADCASTING - EVENTS
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all IT requirements; design of networks, supply of hardware, installation and support, in addition to organizing training services and courses. In 2004, there was an increasing demand for additional services, especially for implementation of wireless technology, VSATs, satellite Internet and wireless links, because of poor landline infrastructure in Iraq. As a reaction to this demand, they changed the name of the company to BeTel (which means ‘wireless’) and extended the services in order to become a leading IT company in Iraq that can cope with any custom tailored solution of any size. BeTel employees enjoy 16 years of IT technology experience and 6 years of intensive field experience in VSAT and wireless technology. BeTel has partnerships with several satellite operators and major hardware suppliers and is able to offer an End-To-End broadband communication solution as a complete package for small, medium and large sized businesses, governments, oil & gas companies, and aid agencies. BeTel is specialized in building brand identity to make any company and its services unique from its competition. The design elements that make up any brand identity must speak on behalf of the entire company and with more and more competition appearing on the scene it is vital that both elements stand out from the rest. BeTel does the research and development necessary to gain a complete understanding of any company, industry or product target audience, to achieve the best results. The founder and General Manager of BeTel, Mr. Salih Ibrahim, is also fulfilling one of his lifelong dreams in the coming year: to open up a school to teach the local people about IT and computer solutions. Courses such as Microsoft certifications will be taught in order to contribute to the human capacity development of the Kurdistan region.
GO & DHL EXPRESS IRAQ Paul Harrison, Country Manager Italian City, Villa No.11 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 423 7772 pickuprequest.iraq@dhl.com customerservice.iraq@dhl.com www.dhl.com DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in
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providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source. DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, contract logistics solutions, dangerous good shipping and brokerage services. DHL’s international services combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of the local market make them an undisputed global market leader. DHL was the first Express delivery company to set up operations in Iraq. After more than 9 years operational experience in Iraq DHL has the infrastructure and capabilities to carry out all shipping services.
Services available Solutions available
DHL has been operating in Iraq since June, 2003 supporting the US government. Today, DHL Iraq serves its customers from 3 established Gateways in Baghdad, Erbil and Basra, providing door to door delivery, 7 days a week to thousands of customers. From its Regional Hub in Bahrain, DHL Express reaches 120,000 destinations in more than 220 countries worldwide, delivering excellence through its intricate web of land, sea and air routes. DHL MENA (Middle East & North Africa) serves over 200,000 customers with a highly qualified team of over 3,500 professionals who understand that time is money. DHL Iraq boasts the fastest customs clearance service, providing the best transit times in the market. DHL services Iraq through its 3 Gateways and 18 Express Centers throughout the Country. DHL supports a wide array of customers from different industries, carefully tailoring its services to provide the best logistics solutions to fit every need. DHL understands the importance of becoming an integral part of the economy in every country it works in including the importance of maximizing the hiring of local nationals. In Iraq, DHL has over 75 personnel, 71 of whom are Iraqi Nationals. DHL has 125 scheduled truck movements per month throughout the country. DHL Iraq also provides dedicated www.ebizguides.com
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security personnel to ensure shipment security is maintained at all times.
ERBIL Erbil Country Office, Erbil Warehouse on Gazna Road, and Ainkawa Office BAGHDAD Baghdad International Airport, Al Mansour, IZGreen Zone, Palestine Hotel, Prosperity, Taji, Najaf, 52 Street, Al-Sinna Street, Baghdad Warehouse in the Arassat Area, Karada, and Kadhemiya.
EIA - Erbil International Airport Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) ERBIL International Airport B.O. Box No.8 Tel : (+964) (0) 750 4026480 / (+964) (0) 750 4026480 www.erbilairport.net Activity: Airport Creation date: 2006
BASRA Basra Watan Station and Basra Warehouse SULAIMANIA Malik Mahmood Road TIKRIT Tikrit Road
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The Erbil International Airport (EIA) is one of the most important infrastructure projects commissioned by the fifth cabinet led by Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani in 2005. Its creation ended year’s of isolation
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Transport & Communication for this part of Northern Iraq and enabled direct flights into Kurdistan for the first time. Its position on an old military base used by Saddam’s airforce turned a means of subjugation into means of liberation. It is the gateway into the region for investors and visitors alike, as well as proof of Kurdistan’s commitment to high standards of quality and technology. The Erbil International Airport has an exciting, light and airy environment for passengers and airport users with urban comforts and modern buildings, designed by the UK’s Scott Wilson Group. With a capacity for three million passengers per annum the airport has seen considerable growth. In 2012 947,600 passengers used the airport, an increase of 53%. In January 2013, 21 airlines were flying to 23 cities in 15 countries. Its runway, 4800m long, 90m wide is one of the largest in the world, it has six fixed bridge gates and a further 16 other gates.
The EIA is led by Ms Talar Faiq, the first Airport CEO in the Middle East, who took up the role in 2010. In 2011 she has been honoured with the Best Woman in Aviation Award at the Emerging Markets Airport Awards in Dubai. In 2013, Erbil International Airport was named ‘Best Airport’ at the Dubai based awards, for airports with less than five million passengers per annum. The airport grew passenger volumes by 53% in 2012, and cargo tonnage by 54%. The strength of this growth reflects the dynamism of the Kurdistan economy. The construction of Erbil International Airport was entirely funded by the KRG, the Kurdistan Regional Government. Its long term mission is to support the future growth of Iraqi Kurdistan by providing highly competitive and attractive products and services for the air transport industry, as well as being a profitable business entity that creates value for its owners and customers. “Kurdistan is experiencing a massive growth economically and the airport is playing an important role. As any international airport we are a gateway. We facilitate transportation of both people and cargo and since our doors opened, we have seen a huge influx. Kurdistan is a dynamic place, a safe place, and a good place to visit and we encourage people around the world to come and see for themselves. “
FASTLINK Kawa Junaid, Chairman Karez Street, Ainkawa Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: +964 (0) 66 22 53000 info@newroztelecom.com www.newroztelecom.com Fastlink is racing against time to be launched into the Kurdish Telecom and Data Market in Q2 2013 as the first 4G Lte operator in Iraq; and one of the very few 4G Lte operators in the Middle East. A private company owned by national partners, Fastlink is aiming to revolutionize the industry of telecommunications and data services in Kurdistan by introducing state of the art 4G Lte data services into the country. FastLink’s main objective is to become the foremost Telecom and Data provider in Kurdistan through a forward-thinking policy of investment and adopting cutting edge technology to provide state of the art services to clients. This foresight and courage to endlessly change, mature, inspire the industry, and better serve customers and society, makes Fastlink a pillar of the national economy, directly employing over 500 Kurdish people and creating indirect job opportunities for thousands more. At the moment, the team of Fastlink is working day and night to turn their dreams into reality. They are in the very last mile of getting their 4G Lte network to see the light. “We are so excited to launch Fastlink in the Kurdistan region. Big changes are on the horizon – the Internet will be six times faster, ten times the quality, and significantly cheaper.” Kawa Junaid Chairman of Fastlink
Talar Faiq General-Director of the Erbil International Airport
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Kurdistan´s gateway to business opportunity...
www.erbilairport.net
www.erbilairport.net Erbil International Airport
the gateway to Kurdistan and Iraq Erbil International Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in the Middle East - its growth reflects the dynamism of the economy of the region. Across many sectors, the Kurdistan Regional Government is making it easy for investors to do business and simplifying company registration which enables business to play its part in helping modernise this area of Northern Iraq. The airport reflects the community it serves. Major airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Gulf Air, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Royal Jordanian all operate to this state of the art airport, one of many strategic infrastructure projects completed or underway. With growth in passenger traffic above 50% in 2012 and cargo volumes doubling, the airports success underlines the business friendly welcome to be enjoyed in Kurdistan. Your business should take a little time to understand the difference Kurdistan offers. It is safe, secure, business friendly and eager to offer you a warm welcome. EIA looks forward to welcoming you.
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GORAN NET Faruk Group Holding Building, 6th floor Salim Street Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 53 511 1000 info@gorannet.net www.gorannet.net Goran Net ISP Internet and Broadcast Services is a member of Faruk Group Holding and was the first company to launch a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) service in the Sulaimani region. It is one of the major Internet service providers in the region. Since its inception in 2004, Goran Net has strived to be the leader in this field, and this has resulted in having the majority market share in fixed-line Internet users. The company believes in utilizing and developing local staff and knowledge, resulting in first-grade cadres capable of undertaking the most complex of communication projects. Their main objective is to provide its users with the highest Internet speeds available in the country. Goran Net, in cooperation with IQ Net, launched a new FTTB (Fiber To The Building) service in Sulaimani, which provides unprecedented speeds. In addition to this new service, the company was awarded a license from the Ministry of Communication of the Kurdistan Regional Government to operate a 3G/HSPA+ Data network in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The rapid expansion of the company and its services is an indication of the quality of service this company provides.
INSIGHT GROUP Ala Al Wadi, Managing Partner a.wadi@insightgroup.me English Village, Villa 123 Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 257 8181 www.insightgroup.com.jo Insight Group is made up of six companies that work in synergy to combine their diverse services in a unified media and communications business.
communication needs, ranging from the creation of marketing strategies to qualitative and quantitative
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market research to media planning and buying, and more. operating with world class standards and over ten years´ experience to guide brands’ evolution and differentiate them from competitors.
breaking the norms of traditional marketing by providing digital marketing, interactive media, and web solutions.
a complete range of services from project inception to total installations, as well as consultations.
strategies, including strategic planning, audience research, development of marketing campaigns, and the use of new technologies.
exhibition, working with offset printing, silk screen, decal, pad, display production, and other types of printing with the latest technologies. Founded and headquartered in Amman, Jordan over 12 years ago, Insight Group offers a broad range of communications services which are loosely divided into four different but complementary categories: Marketing, Advertising, Interior Design, and IT. Insight Group’s clients are both national and multinational in scope, with past partnerships including Empire Iraq, Falcon Group, Jordan Kuwait Bank, Kirresh Group, Nissan, Panasonic, Radisson Blu, Raya Jet, Visa, and many more. Insight Group opened their branch in Erbil in 2010 and plans to continue expanding to Dubai, Libya, and beyond. They have adapted to the Iraqi market, meeting local demands by focusing on production in a region of the world where the commercial media industry is still relatively new and undeveloped. Insight Group has pioneered new standards and new services in the Iraqi media industry and hope to continue their current success and innovation in the future. Mr. Ala Al Wadi says “Kurdistan is very safe. Even in Amman or Lebanon, there are more checkpoints in the streets than in Erbil. The Iraqi market is an untapped goldmine; there is a huge demand for consumer goods, which will be followed by the services to market them. Kurdistan has the best of both worlds – the consumers and the stability.”
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KOREK TELECOM
KURDTEL COMMUNICATIONS
100m Street, Jouhayna Building, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 4450022 Fax: (+964) 750 4400022 Customer Service: FREE phone 411 from any Korek number customer.care@korektel.com media.pr@korektel.com www.korektel.com
Khanaqa Building Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 53 320 9400 info@kurdtel.net www.kurdtel.net
Korek Telecom is the fastest growing mobile operator in Iraq that offers the largest mobile network. This network covers the entire country and its cutting edge technology ensures the best network quality with best in class services. Serving the 18 provinces of Iraq, Korek offers a comprehensive range of wireless communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Employing the most sophisticated GSM technology, Korek’s main differentiator is providing customers with the best quality network and services with best value. Korek Telecom is a shared limited company registered in Iraq to operate and provide GSM services. Korek started operating in Iraq in year 2000, notably in the north of Iraq and it is the oldest Iraqi Telecom company. Im August 2007, Korek was awarded a nationwide mobile license and the company is now covering a total population of more than 32 million inhabitants. Korek provides the following services to its clients:
Korek is an active and crucial player in Kurdish society, sponsoring social, educational and cultural activities and programs.
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Kurdtel Communications is the leading company in Sulaimani for providing fixed telecommunications services. Established in 2001 as a joint effort between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the private sector, Kurdtel Communications operates and develops the Sulaimani PSTN. Kurdtel today employs 620 staff and provides services to 50,000 subscribers. Kurdtel also provides interconnection services for telecommunication operators inside Sulaimani through a reliable fiber-optic network. The Sulaimani network is connected to the Iraqi National Telecommunication Network using the K-MOC Microwave network. Today Kurdtel Communications is a part of Faruk Group Holding.
ALLAI NEWROZ TELECOM Kawa Junaid, Chairman Karez Street, Ainkawa Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: +964 (0) 66 22 53000 info@newroztelecom.com www.newroztelecom.com Allai Newroz Telecom is a private company founded in 2007 as a joint venture between NewrozTel, a former fixed network operator in Kurdistan owned by the government and VTel Holdings, a PalestinianJordanian company. This partnership created one of the first companies in the Kurdistan region that provides a wide variety of telecom services in both voice and data. Since its inception, Allai Newroz Telecom has grown rapidly, acquiring 90% of Ariafon Company shares (a former CDMA operator in Kurdistan) and the majority of Neide Telecom, a company that specialized in wholesale and fiber optic networks. Six years later, Allai Newroz Telecom has established a solid competitive brand in the telecom industry in the Kurdistan region. Their customer base exceeded 500,000 subscribers by the end of 2012 and they have partnerships with leading international companies including IBM, Alcatel-Lucent, Huawei, HP, ZTE, Cisco Systems, Microsoft, Turkcell Superonline,
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Turk Telekom, Interoute, Cogent Communications, PCCW, and Tata Communications. Allai Newroz Telecom has secured multiple licenses that enable it to practice different telecommunication businesses in Iraq. They employ nearly 800 people and have contributed significantly to the region’s development in the communications sector.
Data Optimized) technology, which is an integral method for wireless data transfer.
Allai Newroz Telecom’s network coverage includes blanket CDMA coverage for all of the Kurdistan region with the latest technology, a redundant fiber and transmission network, an IP/MPLS network and different types of access networks, international fiber connectivity through Turkey, and licenses and spectrum.
Business Products
The technologies implemented by Allai Newroz Telecom are CDMA, Fiber Optic and Transmission, Wi-Max Network, PSTN/ADSL – Fixed Network, IP/MPLS Backbone, Internet Getaway, and International Gateway. Allai Newroz Telecom offers a rich variety of voice and data products for both individual and business subscribers covering the needs of current and potential customers.
INDIVIDUAL & RESIDENTIAL PRODUCTS Voice Products Wireless handset that uses CDMA technology, providing high quality voice services with the lowest prices in Iraq for local and international calling. Wireless terminal that uses 3G CDMA technology providing high quality voice services and 1X Internet service. This device can be used in both office and houses. A landline product that provides high quality voice services with the lowest prices in Iraq for local and international calling.
Data Products Reber Click is the trademark of the ADSL high speed Internet service. ADSL technology offers a consistent, fast, and cost-effective way to optimize usage of the Internet including multimedia, data, voice, and video services. Reber Quick is their brand for the wireless Internet access, based on EVDO (Evolution
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“Hi” is their wireless CPE product built on the WiMAX technology providing high-quality data service.
Nowadays, telecommunication and data services have become a necessity for businesses to look after their day-to-day operations in an efficient and well-managed manner. The team at Allai Newroz Telecom has strived to pioneer this sector in the Kurdistan region and bridge the gap. They offer a full portfolio of high-end solutions that can satisfy the needs of current and potential clients. Allai Newroz Telecom offers its services using a consultative approach where the corporate itself builds its own full solution by choosing the best combination of technologies based on its actual needs.
Products Allai Newroz Telecom offers a reliable Internet connection with dedicated high-speed Internet access over its state-of-the-art next generation IP network. The underlying fiber optics infrastructure and the multiple direct paths into the Tier 1 ISP networks turns handling the daily routine tasks over the internet into fun and thereby increases your employees’ productivity. The DPLC (Domestic Private Leased Circuit) offers dedicated transmission channel over the fiber network ensuring highest speed, security, and reliability through multiple protection routes inside their transmission backbone. The IPLC (International Private Leased Circuit) is the ideal solution to provide point to point service and solve the security and performance constrains. Nevertheless, it incurs placing multiple orders and agreements with local and international carriers and service providers to handover the service from one carrier to another through Points of Interconnection until it reaches to its final destination. The OFLL (Optical Fiber Local Loop) comprises of a physical fiber access to the fiber backbone of Allai Newroz Telecom through the nearest Point of Interconnection(s), and installing optical transmission equipment at the customer’s site to deliver one or more data service over this optical connection.
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Transport & Communication The MW Link (Microwave Link) provides managed point to point microwave link between the customer premise and Allai Newroz Telecom’s POP using range(s) of licensed frequency assigned to Newroz Telecom or one of its affiliates, for the purpose of delivering one or more Data Services to the customer. “I have had a passion for telecommunications since I was a child and it continues to fascinate me today. In my free time, I read articles and follow the news in the global telecom industry. ICT is necessary for growth and success in today’s world, as much as basic infrastructure. My goal is for Newroz Telecom to be recognized one day as a major contributor to the development of my country.” Kawa Junaid Chairman of Allai Newroz Telecom
SULAIMANI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Raparin District Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 53 317 0017 infocenter@suliairport.com www.suli-airport.com The Sulaimani International Airport began construction in December 2003 and was opened in July 2005. The facilities can accommodate aircrafts from international airlines. They currently have ties with the following airlines: Azmar Air, Dokan Air, Iraqi Airways, Royal Jordanian, Aseman Air, and Turkish Airlines. The construction of Sulaimani International Airport was entirely funded by the KRG, the Kurdistan Regional Government. The long-term goal is to become a gateway into the rest of the Iraq, allowing the entire country to benefit from its security and stability. The main cities of Kurdistan should be connected to the international flight networks, facilitating travel and business. The high quality and modernity of the Sulaimani International Airport reflects the image that the Kurdistan region and the KRG would like to show the world. The first impression of visitors is important.
SEVEN NET LAYERS / WEGO Sarmad Fadil, Co-Founder and Vice-President Ainkawa Main Street Ainkawa-Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 7901111 Fax: (+964) 750 7902222 info@mywego.com www.mywego.com WeGo is a product of 7Netlayers company that was established in 2008 by a group of Iraq/Kurdish and Lebanese investors whose vision was to deliver cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art interconnectivity solutions to the corporate industry and respond to the growing needs of consumers in Kurdistan. Even though 7Netlayers obtained its license in 2007, it was not until May 2009 that it started its operations and launched commercial services in January 2010 using latest WiMAX 208.16e mobile technology to deliver the Mobile Broadband Wireless Access. 7Netlayers is the creation of a group of global telecoms professionals who saw that a new technology called WiMAX could really change the Internet experience for millions of people worldwide. 7Netlayers was established in 2008 and is the collaborative effort of global telecoms with over 30 years of experience, including 3E Offshore SAL, OC Telecom, Ngen Telecom SAL, Nagne Telecom, Blink PVT Limited, and Baravan Law Office BLO. WeGo is the most advanced mobile broadband Internet access network in the Gulf and Middle East using latest WiMAX 208.16e mobile technology. 7Netlayers provides secure wireless access, surveillance solutions data networking and lastmile solutions to banks, ISPs, ASPs, insurance companies, universities, multi-branch offices, etc. Thanks to these technological advances, WeGo offers uninterrupted access to the Internet, consistent access to huge download caps, great savings and cost benefits, and personal control of your expenses.
Sulaimani strives to be a center for both culture and business in the region. An airport with international standards is a vital tool for the achievement of this goal.
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ZAIN IRAQ Salan Hawizy, Regional Manager Shorsh Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq www.zain.com Zain Iraq is a mobile phone operator in Iraq owned by the Zain Group. The company was formed in December 2007 after Zain purchased Iraqna from Orascom Telecom for 1.2 billion USD, and merged it with its existing Iraqi operator MTC Atheer. Zain Group is a mobile telecommunications company founded in 1983 in Kuwait as MTC or Mobile Telecommunications Company, and was later rebranded to Zain in 2007. Zain has commercial presence in 8 countries across Africa and the Middle East with about 40 million subscribers. It employs around 6000 people. Zain has provided mobile services in Iraq since December 2003. After securing a 15-year license in August 2007, Zain acquired Iraqna’s network, becoming a nationwide mobile operator in Iraq. The Zain Group subsequently increased its ownership from 30% to 72% to assume majority control in 2008.
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Zain Group and its different subsidiaries have received special recognition for their social work to improve the quality of life of Kurdish people. These activities fall under the social sustainability program, which outlines the responsibilities of the company towards the community where it works. With its “Communicating Heart to Heart” program, Zain has donated millions of dollars to humanitarian, social and cultural programs across Iraq in the last 5 years. Significant examples include donations to the Amar Public Health Program, which cares for over 10,000 patients per month at their medical facilities across Iraq, financial and humanitarian support to 35 families of a large explosion in Jadiriya, which destroyed 25 large houses, and ongoing support to the Association of the Blind, including the donation of 300 Braille watches and 300 Braille telephones and continued support to the welfare of orphaned Iraqi children, through the sponsorship of the International and Iraqi Orphan Days. Zain has also supported the Handicapped Association, organizing and hosting their seminar at the Iraqi Center for Democracy. The seminar documented the rights of the handicapped women and children in an attempt to correspond to the UN Geneva Declaration, as well as showing the effects of conflicts on the rights of the handicapped in Iraq. Lastly, Zain sponsors 100 orphans per year, as well as aidºs over 500 widows with food provisions.
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AGRICULTURE Agriculture is a sector of focus in the Kurdistan region. Historically, it was the breadbasket of Iraq and the KRG is aiming to draw in a lot of investment and increase food security in the near future.
Agriculture
OVERVIEW Iraq has always been known as the breadbasket of the Middle East and Kurdistan as the breadbasket of Iraq. Historical evidence suggests that the first domestication of sheep and goats took place in the upper valleys of Mesopotamia, which today is known as Iraqi Kurdistan. Iraq has a long and rich history of agriculture, its people largely self-sufficient over the last ten thousand years. Historically, over 50-60% of Iraq’s land has been under cultivation. However, Iraq is currently a net food importer and experts predict that it will continue to be in the future. Inconsistent agricultural policies under Saddam Hussein such
7.
as the Oil-for-Food program and the abolishment of the farm collectivization program reduced farm production through the supply of artificially priced products and new competition from private enterprises. Favorable conditions make large parts of this area ideal for agricultural production. The Kurdistan region of Iraq has more than 1.5 million hectares of arable land, an abundance of water resources, a qualified workforce, and a pleasant climate. However, today the region is largely dependent on food imports from various countries in the greater
Agriculture MDG/CI
KRI
Duhok
Erbil
Sulaimaniyah
Source
Propo on of employees in agricultural a v es
-
7.1%
7.6%
5.3%
8.4%
KRLFS
Land in use for agricultural produ on (millions of donums)
CI
4.89
1.21
2.51
1.17
KRG Agricultural Summary Tables
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Middle East and beyond. The share of employees in agriculture in the Kurdistan region is low, barely over 7%. In contrast, 74% of the Kurdistan region labor is employed in the services sector and 19% in industry. Agriculture accounts for a higher proportion of employment in Sulaimani (8.4%) than the other two governorates and has the smallest share in Erbil (5.3%). The share of employment in agriculture is low both for men (6.8%) and women (8.9%).
GOVERNMENT REFORMS The other input that is crucial for food production is the land in use for agricultural production. The Kurdistan region has close to 4.9 million donums under cultivation, which represents nearly 35% of its total area. Erbil governorate has more than twice the arable land than each of the other two governorates. Over 87% of the arable land is rain fed (rather than irrigated), which leaves it vulnerable to the vagaries of weather. This adds to the above-mentioned concern about inadequate food production arising from a low share of the labor force employed in agriculture. Iraqi Kurdistan recognizes that domestic agriculture is a key component of national and economic security. In order to increase independence from food imports and to strengthen the Kurdistan region’s domestic production, the KRG’s primary objectives in agriculture policy are food security and self-sufficiency. In 2009, the Kurdish Regional Government announced their plan to achieve agricultural self-sufficiency within five years. Efforts to revitalize the sector and develop sustainable growth paves the way for further development in agriculture sector through foreign and domestic investment in agriculture in Kurdistan.
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The Kurdistan Board of Investment has defined agriculture as one of the three priority sectors for private investment, along with industry and tourism. This special positioning is intended to facilitate investment in new agriculture businesses, for example by giving preference to agriculture vis-Ă -vis projects in non-priority sectors when allocating land. Incentives include provision of land plots for subsidized lease, exemption from corporate taxes for 10 years, and exemption from import duties for foreign equipment for the project as well as raw materials for the production process for 5 years. In addition to the incentives, the investment law also includes guarantees for investment projects. They guarantee repatriation of profits for investors, the right to transfer investment to another foreign or national investor, and the possibility to invest in Kurdistan with or without local partners and with foreign labor.
THE AGRICULTURAL BANK An Agricultural Bank was established to help farmers cultivate their land by granting them loans. So far the Bank has supported 1,245 projects. The maximum loan amount in 2009 was 50 000 USD, 70 000 USD in 2010 and will be 100 000 USD in 2011. However, these loans are small compared to those granted by the federal government ($ 14 million). Agricultural Bank provides loans at 0% repayable over 5 years from 5 years (NB : these conditions are subjected to change as they indeed change every 3 months) : - Loans to 60% of the project (50% for tractors) - 80% of loans are devoted to the launch of activities. A farmer wishing to obtain a farm loan must apply to its sub-districts that send the request to the Ministry of Agriculture.
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If the Ministry approves the project, the Bank of Agriculture grants the loan. The applicant must own minimum 30 ha irrigated. A committee inspects the land and assesses in particular that they are well irrigated.
opportunities to contribute to the objectives of food security and self-sufficiency. Domestic production currently accounts for less than 40% of domestic consumption in terms of all important fruit products.
Farming Animals:
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES The following specific investment opportunities in primary agricultural production and agro-industries exist both in growing various crops and farming several types of animals.
Growing Crops: The opportunity in the sub-industry of ‘growing crops’ lies in a greater diversity of projects with regard to production output. The current product mix and also the planned projects strongly focus on products with high domestic production. Therefore new projects and products are sought to satisfy the agricultural needs of the region. Further investment consequently should focus on the following products: Oat: Agriculture projects dealing with oat could satisfy the steadily growing domestic demand. The Kurdistan region requires some 600,000 tons per year, but 2011 production stagnated at 70,000 tons or less than 12%.
Investment potential in the sub-industry of ‘farming animals’ is mainly in red meat. Little more than 20% of domestic demand is satisfied with inland production. There is great need for further investment in domestic capacities for producing for example, beef and lamb meat. For chicken and egg production as well as milk products, several promising projects are planned and seek to address the identified region’s urgent needs. In 2011, two out of three liters of milk consumed in the Kurdistan region were imported. To reach the targets set by the Ministry of Agriculture for the fishing industry, (6700 tonnes of fish for Kurdistan), more investment is needed regarding both breeding and free catch in Kurdistan’s lakes and rivers. They offer great potential to further build up a local sustainable and profitable fishery segment in the Kurdistan Region.
Investment Forestry and projects Meadows: by Governorate:
Corn: Until now, the region has been largely dependent on corn imports so that future investment products could deliver corn directly for the Kurdish market. Current annual production in the region satisfies only roughly 8% of domestic needs. Sunflowers: Domestic production trails the region’s needs. 20% of consumption is met by domestic production. This offers investment opportunities for the upcoming years.
Investment projects by nationality:
Vegetables: 2011 output satisfied about half of the Region’s needs. Especially for tomatoes and eggplants, current production lags behind and further investment projects are needed. Less than 50% of domestic tomato and eggplant consumption is met by domestic production. Fruits: Grapes, apples, peaches, pomegranates, pears, apricots, and figs all significantly lag behind the region’s needs and offer great investment
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Information provided by the Kurdistan´s Regional Government Board of Investment (BOI)
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Projects in operation by sub-industry (USD):
Avarage land size Governorate (sqm):
per
project
by
Jobs to be created upon full implementation by sub-industry: BOI-sponsored projects which are yet to be implemented by sub-industry(USD):
Total monthly salaries to be paid upon full implementation by sub-industy(USD): Investment opportunities in the forestry industry arise from the significant need for planting trees and irrigating land. The mountainous parts of northern and eastern Kurdistan in particular provide the opportunities to cultivate trees and other plants on a large scale.
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AL HAYAT AL TAYBA COMPANY
MIWA FRESH
Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 898 8841
Tel: (+964) 53 330 3005 info@miwa-fresh.com www.miwa-fresh.com
Al Hayat Al Tayba Company is a poultry and eggs company established in 2012. They have invested approximately 10 million USD into the agricultural industry in Kurdistan. After finishing the final stage of construction in August 2012, they began production the following month. Their facilities are spread over 532,500 square meters and consist of 3 large production halls. 4.8 million eggs and 150,000 chickens are produced each month. They currently employ 30 people and plan to double this number in their expansion strategy, increasing to 12 production halls in a few short years. They also qualified for public benefits under the investment law, receiving tax exemption for the import of equipment and machinery related to the project. Chicken is one of the meat products with the highest demand in the Kurdistan region. By producing chicken and eggs, Al Hayat Al Tayba is contributing significantly to the production goals set by the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources.
AL SOFY COMPANIES GROUP Shamamok, Erbil Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 445 1855 Al Sofy Companies Group was established in 2010. They have recently invested 45 million USD into a greenhouse project in order to produce cucumbers and other crops all year round regardless of weather conditions and other external factors. The Sofy Greenhouse Project encompasses 200 greenhouses and plans to continue to build, expanding to 350 greenhouses. Their product portfolio will include cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, and other vegetables. The company has qualified for public benefits under the investment law, with 882,500 square meters allocated for this project. Al Sofy Companies Group has created more than 100 jobs for the people of Kurdistan.
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Miwa Fresh is an agricultural company under the Faruk Group Holding umbrella. Headquartered in Sulaimani, it is 85% owned by FGH and 15% owned by Fruitleave BV. Miwa Fresh helps provide Iraq with the tools to produce fresh, healthy, and high-quality fruit, vegetables, and other agricultural products by developing and investing in agricultural and horticultural projects in Iraq. An area of 60 hectares is being developed into a stateof-the-art farm with modern orchards, greenhouses, and storage facilities. There will be a production of high standards Global Gap certified products like pomegranates, pears, many varieties of vegetables, and potatoes. Their distribution will adhere to the highest demands and strictest standards of food safety and is being built to deliver fresh and frozen foods to hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. Miwa Fresh has established cooperation and is working with highquality, reputed European food producers on the best potato seeds (HZPC HOLLAND) and vegetable seeds, irrigation systems, cooling techniques, greenhouses, and machinery to ultimately provide Iraq with safe and modern agricultural and horticultural practices and products.
VANO GROUP Dr. Salah Mustafa Bakir, CEO 100 Meter Street, South Industrial Area. Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 250 1296 info@vanogroup.com www.vanogroup.com Vano Group consists of 4 companies; RASUN for grandparents poultry, VANO CO. for poultry production and agriculture supplies, ALAVET LTD. for general trade and ALIN LTD for breeders. Vano Group is operated by qualified staff headed by Dr. Salah Mustafa Bakir, located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, in Erbil City. Dr. Salah has 30 years of experience in the field of poultry production.
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The majority of Vano Group’s activities take place in Iraq, their operations spanning the entire country. They are willing to go wherever their work takes them. Their pride is their customers’ satisfaction. They are also proud of their veterinary vaccines and drugs from Ceva Animal Health (France), Biomune Company (USA) and equipments from BigDutchmen Iinternational Co. as well as their modified technical service through their well knowledged staff and their partners. They have had vast experience in breeder farms and hatcheries. Vano Group have built the Rasun Project which is located near Shaqlawa district, northeast of Erbil city. The project consists of four farms equipped by BigDutchmen International and a hatchery by Petersime Belgium. Rasun Ltd. also oversees two feed mills. One produces pasteurized feed for the Grand Parent Poultry Project, and has a capacity of 5 Mt per hour. The second is a commercial feed mill with a capacity of 17 Mt per hour to produce mash and pellet feed for the private sector. The Rasun Project has a dedicated veterinary laboratory.
WADE AL-FTER PROJECT Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 413 5493 www.danubegroup.com/mushroom_valley.html Mushrooms are a popular vegetable in the Kurdistan region. Wade Al-Fter responded to this high demand and created a project to supply the Kurdistan region. Their site consists of 14 production halls where 1.5 tonnes of white and portabella mushrooms are produced every day. The atmospheric conditions in the halls are strictly regulated, ensuring that the best environment for cultivation is upheld. Operations began in January of 2012. Wade Al-Fter built 5 power generators to guarantee an autonomous power supply in order to chill the mushrooms in separate chillers of 250 tonnes apiece. Wade Al-Fter invested 3.5 million USD into this project and created over 50 jobs in the production halls and administrative office. This project received public benefits, including a 375,000 square meter plot of land in the Erbil governorate.
Vano Group’s distributions cover all Iraq by the network of companies, employees, branches and traders. Currently, they are redeveloping their transportation network to ensure the validity and quality of the products in the hand of the end users. Their distributors in all Iraq have been chosen carefully to ensure the maximum efficiency of Vano products. Vano is committed with its distributors providing them with training and workshops.
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Education & Healthcare
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EDUCATION &HEALTHCARE There has been an education boom in Kurdistan in recent years, with over 10 new universities opening in the region. Human capacity development is a strong priority for the KRG and 100 million USD of the National budget is allocated to a study abroad scholarship program. Healthcare is a sector that was neglected in Kurdistan for many years during the Saddam regime and currently is in a state of reconstruction.
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EDUCATION OVERVIEW Education in the Kurdistan Region is undergoing significant transformations and restructuring in order to rejuvenate the sector. From 1991 to 2003, the education sector in Kurdistan was in a dire situation. Links with the central government education system were non-existent and the region was isolated, making it difficult for quality teaching to take place. Public institutions are currently working alongside private institutions in an effort to raise the standard of learning in the Kurdistan region. The strategy of the KRG has been to retrain local teachers and staff, while providing them with internationally renowned teaching practices to create a solid foundation for the future of Kurdistan. Specialized courses that correspond with the human resources needs in the region are being developed to create an able local workforce. $375 million has been invested into this sector to date, with 6 projects in the pipeline, which amounts to 2% of the total capital invested in Kurdistan since 2006.
REFORMS The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific
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Research has a new vision and long-term strategy in place that was developed and implemented in December of 2009. Investing in people and raising the human capacity of the professional cadre is one of the top priorities of the KRG, particularly in the fields of science, technology, and management. Universities and other institutions of higher education will play a major role in this task. It is no secret that the Kurdistan Region has inherited a complicated and outdated higher education system from the ‘old Iraq’. The higher education institutes were originally developed for a country with a closed market. In modern Iraq, reformation of higher education is now urgently required in order to harmonize the antiquated system to the needs of the populace for highly skilled professionals. The KRG has long been conscious of this fact and worked to reform the higher education system accordingly. The Fifth KRG Cabinet made a serious attempt to modernize the pre-University education system and established the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Erbil to reorganize the work of the higher education institutes. The Sixth KRG Cabinet has developed these institutes further and
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continued the modernization process, taking on a holistic reform program for higher education and scientific research. It is expected that the future KRG Cabinets will follow the same path of modernization and further improve the educational system.
the Council of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, great milestones have been achieved. The Parliament of the Kurdistan Region, especially the members of the Committee of Higher Education, have supported the new strategy and followed up events closely.
Aspects of the Reform and their Objectives:
postgraduate curricula, and the English language tests to ensure higher quality PhD study system, and link Kurdistan’s scholars with their international counterparts Changing the management structures of the universities and the institutes of technical education electronic communication by establishing a health and safety program and reforming the recruitment system to ensure equal opportunities. Through the dedication and invaluable cooperation of the academic leaders, particularly the members of
3.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION Primary education in Kurdistan has evolved in recent years with the emergence of a number of international private schools such as the International School of Chouiefat, the British International School, the Cambridge International School, and the German School, to name a few. These private schools have greatly contributed to the quality of primary education in the Kurdistan region. Regarding publicly funded education, the KRG has ensured that every village, town, and city in the region has enough schools to accommodate the children living there. They have also begun a restructuring program for management and administration to
EDUCATION MDG/CI
KRI
Duhok
Erbil
Sulaimaniyah
Iraq
Source
Net Primary School Enrollment Rate
MDG
95.9%
94.7%
94.7%
98.2%
90.4%
MICS
Gross Primary School Comple on Rate
MDG
104.6%
91.1%
110.1%
109.6%
83.9%
MICS
Net Primary School Comple on Rate
-
64.9%
61.9%
69.7%
61.8%
44.4%
MICS
Net student enrollment in secondary educa on
CI
88.9%
86.2%
88.2%
91.2%
-
KRLFS
Gross student enrollment in secondary educa on
CI
103.7%
91.6%
101.3%
114.6%
-
KRLFS
Literacy 15-24 year old males
MDG
92.3%
91.0%
89.2%
95.9%
-
KRLFS
Literacy 15-24 year old females
MDG
81.6%
77.3%
77.8%
88.1%
-
KRLFS
Notes: MICS data is from MICS4 (2011). KRLFS data are from Q32012. Both MICS and KRLFS were collected by the KRSO.
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Education & Healthcare
ensure an improved level of efficiency in the future. The government also provides scholarships to a number of children with demonstrated academic ability and financial needs to attend the International School of Chouiefat. English language and information technology studies are a point of focus for investment and development at both public and private schools in the Kurdistan region. The Net Primary School Enrollment Rate is the percentage of children of primary school age (6 to 11 years of age) who are currently attending primary school or already in secondary school. The net primary school enrollment rate for Kurdistan was 95.9%, 4.5 percentage points higher than Iraq as a whole. All governorates, and particularly Sulaimani are close to achieving universal primary enrollment. The Gross Primary School Completion Rate is defined as the number of children of any age who are attending the final grade of primary education, as a percentage of the population of primary school completion age. It is usually important to distinguish between primary enrollment and completion given that many children may enroll in primary school but fail to complete the level. In the case of Kurdistan, however, primary completion rates are very high; in fact, the gross primary completion rate is higher than 100% because there are more children enrolled in the last year of primary school than the total number of 11 year olds (presumably because some children repeat the final grade).
percentage of the total population of that age. In principle all such children should be completing primary school. This measure is considerably lower than gross primary completion, only 64.9%, reflecting that many children do not complete primary school in their 11th year. Still, both this and the gross primary completion rates are notably higher in the Kurdistan region than in Iraq overall, which also means that the proportion reaching the final year of primary school is higher in the Kurdistan region than in the rest of Iraq: the gross primary school completion rate in the Kurdistan region is 20.7 percentage points higher, and the net primary school completion rate is 20.5 percentage points higher, than in Iraq as a whole. Net Student Enrollment in Secondary Education is the share of secondary school age children (age 12- 17) who are enrolled in school at the secondary level or higher. Secondary enrollment is very high in the Kurdistan region: almost 90% of individuals 1217 are attending school. This indicator ranges from 86% in Duhok to 91% in Sulaimani. Gross student enrollment in secondary education is the ratio of the number of students in secondary school of any age divided by the total number of individuals of official secondary school age. This is over 100% (103.7%) in the Kurdistan region, reflecting the fact that some older students are still studying in secondary school, and varies from 91.6% in Duhok to 114.6% in Sulaimani.
Youth literacy is a basic measure of young people’s preparedness for success in life. The indicators The Net Primary School Completion Rate, in Literacy: 15-24 year old males and Literacy: 15contrast, equals the number of children of official 24 year old females measure the percent of 15primary school completion age (not any age) who 24 year old young men and women who can read are in their final grade of primary education, as a and write. 92.3% of young men in the Kurdistan region are literate but FIGURE 3.1: PRIMARY ENROLLMENT AND COMPLETION RATES PRIMARY ENROLLMENTS AND COMPETITION RATES only 81.6% of young women say they can read 120% and write. The variation across governorates 100% in literacy seems quite pronounced for females, 80% ranging from just 77.3% Gross Primary School in Duhok to 88.1% in Comple on Rate 60% Sulaimani—consistent Net Primary School with the general pattern 40% Enrollment Rate of better overall education outcomes in Sulaimani. 20% Given the current almost universal enrollment 0% in primary school, it is KRI IRAQ Egypt Turkey Syria expected that youth literacy rates will rise in Note: The source for all countries is the most recent MICS. the coming years.
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HIGHER EDUCATION The Kurdistan region has experienced an education boom in recent years, particularly in the higher education sector. 10 new universities have opened in the past 5 years, bringing the total to X. Another five are currently being constructed. Universities with international ties such as the American University of Iraq-Sulaimani and the Lebanese French University have recently opened in the Kurdistan region. Iraqi Kurdistan is experiencing a reverse brain drain, with bright and young people coming in droves to study and work in the region. They are attracted by the security, the stability, and by the educational hubs that cities like Erbil, Sulaimani, and Duhok are quickly becoming. There are 19 state-recognized higher education institutions presently in the Kurdistan region, which is a huge increase in recent years. Prior to 2003, there were only 2. Today there are 12 public and 9 private universities in the Kurdistan region. The university system in Kurdistan is similar to the American and European systems, with 2 semesters per academic year. The standard study period during which a degree program can be completed is 8-10 semesters. The list of higher education institutions includes traditional universities, technical universities, and specialized institutions for subjects like medicine, dentistry, sport, administrative studies, philosophy, and theology.
HUMAN CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHP PROGRAM The Kurdistan Regional Government has a yearly budget of $100 million to send local students abroad to study. To date, 4351 students have been granted scholarships. 2200 are currently abroad. The vast majority (70%) of students go to study in the UK, as many people wish to improve their English and there is a historical connection between Kurdistan and Britain. The remaining 30% usually go to the United States, Canada, Australia, and Western Europe.
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND PHD STUDIES Since the independence of Iraq and up to 1992, the successive governments in Baghdad did not exert any real effort to invest in scientific research in Kurdistan. No real investment was made in the research infrastructure, human capacity building, or technological innovation. In the rest of Iraq, there were research activities in some Universities and research centers, however, these centers were rather isolated and their performance levels were low.
The total number of students at higher education institutions in Kurdistan is 94,700, with 52% males and 48% females.
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Today, scientific breakthroughs usually result from multi-disciplinary collaborative research bringing together researchers from various centers of excellence. Of the thousands of scientists, professors, and research students in the Region carrying out research, most are working in isolation or in small groups with little collaboration between them or with the outside world. The research funds, capital equipment and institutional infrastructure are fragmented. As a consequence, research output has remained relatively weak with little impact on science, technology or life in Kurdistan. Numerous complex factors have lead to the current situation in Kurdistan. The most significant factors affecting higher education are previous sanctions and wars; poor management structure of the universities; inappropriate PhD training pathway, a restrictive and wholly inadequate Higher Education Law; and lack of incentive or pressure on academics to collaborate with their counterparts in international centers of excellence. To overcome this crisis, radical changes are urgently needed. During the initial phase of reform, research students and their supervisors must strengthen their links with the outside world through scientific projects and bilateral visits. To facilitate this, sending
professors on sabbatical and students for training abroad would allow them to expand their network and update their knowledge and scientific skills and a new PhD training pathway has been introduced.
Establishing a new system for PhD Studies The PhD graduate programme in Iraq has been developed in such a way that its link with the cutting edge science and technology is weak. Although students and supervisors are expected to have a current knowledge base, no clear mechanism, guidelines or funds were available for this purpose. During the three-year PhD study period, students are not offered sufficient opportunities to acquire in-depth experience in research or encouraged to be creative and innovative. The first year of the programme is virtually identical to those they had during their Master’s programme. This is followed by two short years of research during which the student is expected to conduct and complete a research project. For as long as PhD pathways remain the same as in Iraq, the current stagnation and inertia would not be alleviated. The Higher Scientific Committee at the Ministry reviewed the entire PhD system and proposed a new pathway which was endorsed by the Council.
University of Kurdistan-Hawler
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The key objectives were to revitalize research with clear focus on needs of Kurdistan while connecting with the world.
of the old PhD study system for the 2010-2011 academic year in parallel with the new system, but with the following amendments.
The new PhD programme will consist of four years of full-time research with no “Master’s” style didactic teaching or comprehensive examinations. Instead, students’ progress will be monitored via a modern mechanism. Students will be jointly supervised by a local and an international scientist from a centre of excellence. The split-site supervision will not only ensure the production of internationally competitive collaborative research, but also the joint publication of research with international impact.
1. Extending the duration of PhD studies from three to four years with the possibility of another extension for an additional six months. 2. Publishing at least one research article in an international scientific journal (Impact Factor no less than 1.000) during the four year period. This quota applies mainly to life and natural sciences, whereas for humanities, special regulations will be published in due course. 3. There should be no repetition of Master’s style didactic teaching and comprehensive examinations. 4. The student should travel abroad to a centre of excellence during the period of his PhD studies for a period of at least six months, to gain topic–specific research experience. 5. The applicant’s age should not exceed 45 years of age. 6. The final PhD viva voce will be modified to conform to the quality assurance process. New instructions will be forthcoming. 7. The 2010-2011academic year will be the last year the old system is applicable. The new system will be in force thereafter.
The first year of the new PhD route is introductory, during which the student will learn various methodologies and ethics of research, carry out literature reviews, become familiar with the supervisors’ and the departmental research projects, and work on boosting their language and personal skills. During this stage the student prepares an academic report to be evaluated by two assessors, a local and an international one. During the same year, the student will prepare to travel abroad to work in the external supervisor’s department. During the second year, the student travels abroad to the external supervisor’s country and will be allowed to attend language courses for up to six months, before joining the supervisor for a minimum of one year research. After this period, the student returns to his/her home university to complete his/her studies and acts as a liaison between the two departments for further collaboration. This bridge will guarantee team-building, continuity of collaborative research, further investment and joint authorship. The internal supervisor will be required to make an annual visit to the student abroad and the external supervisor would reciprocate with a trip to Kurdistan. As the first student progresses and reaches his/ her final years, a second student can be adopted by the two supervisors and in the fullness of time this should lead to a buildup of a critical mass of scientists working as a team on a common topic. Such collaborative team work would indubitably have greater international impact on science, innovation and publication.
Modify the old PhD system which remains functional in parallel to the new system for one final year To be fully prepared for the new PhD system, the Ministry’s Council agreed to allow the application
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Send academicians abroad on sabbatical leave The skill, intellect, and determination of the academicians in Kurdistan is without question. During the time of great hardship of blockades of the1990s and the wars of the 2000’s, Kurdistan’s academicians protected future of higher education. Today’s professors who lead academia have been victims of circumstances for the past two or three decades and need unprecedented support to help them revive research in the Region. With exciting recent development of Kurdistan and with the gates of the Region being wide open to the outside world, it is time to create the future. For long-term investment in human capital, the KRG has always given priority to sending young scholars and PhD students abroad, and will continue to do so. However, for the short term, we need to invest in the building the capacity of existing academic leaders who are currently in established senior positions. Otherwise, the gap between generations will exacerbate. Current academic faculty will be given serious opportunities to update themselves, acquire handson research experience, widen their scientific network, and engage in collaborative research as
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soon as possible. Therefore, it is a priority for the Ministry and the universities to provide sabbatical leave as well as financial incentives to encourage academics to go abroad for three to twelve months to spend quality time in international centers of excellence along with their students. The purpose of sabbatical leave is to help academic leaders achieve the following goals: 1. Acquire international academic experiences 2. Establish a wide network of scientific links for long-term collaborative research 3. Update their knowledge base and acquire new research skills 4. Identify new scientific projects and new cosupervisors for split-site PhD studies 5. Identify external assessors in the international universities to participate in the teaching and research quality assurance processes 6. Publishing research findings in international journals 7. Promoting the universities of Kurdistan to the developed countries and link their departments with their counterparts at home
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES English Language Courses There is a shortage of private companies offering English language courses in the Kurdistan region. Recipients of the Human Capacity Development Scholarship Program are required to enroll in such courses prior to departing on their studies abroad. However, at the moment, the demand is outstripping the supply and students must often wait for months before securing a place in such a course. English language courses are an area of opportunity for investment in Kurdistan.
Research Material Distribution Investment in scientific research will provide opportunities for development of research business, specifically research technology, consumables, and research tools. Kurdistan will be one of the vital areas for international research companies.
English teaching commences at an early age to ensure the generations to come are well prepared
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HEALTHCARE OVERVIEW Healthcare in the Kurdistan region faces major challenges. After years of the region being neglected and oppressed by the central government, they are currently on the road to recovery. The KRG is currently devising a realistic blueprint for the region to help knit the healthcare system together.
Modern and state of the art hospitals are a major focus today and many are being constructed across the region.
The aim of the government is to make healthcare more efficient and economical. There has been a serious lack of investment in this sector in the past. In recent years, $195 million was invested in 17 projects in the region.
A range of health indicators are available for the Kurdistan region, many through the Fourth Iraq Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS4) of 2011. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) measures the probability of death before the first birthday, and is expressed as the number of CHILD MORTALITY AND IMMUNIZATION INDICATORS such deaths per every 1,000 live births. The infant mortality rate in 100 the Kurdistan Region of Iraq is 90 28 per 1000 live births. This is 4 80 percentage points lower than the 70 Infant Mortality rate (per infant mortality rate for Iraq as a 60 1000 live births) whole. However, Kurdistan does 50 Measles Immuniza on not compare favorably with other 40 Coverage at 12 months countries of the region; out of the 30 seven comparison countries DPT Immuniza on 20 Coverage at 12 months shown the IMR was higher only 10 in Yemen. In contrast, IMRs in 0 Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia, Egypt and Turkey were all well under half the rate for the Kurdistan region. Note: The source for all countries is the most recent MICS.
The model of public-private cooperation has been chosen as the backbone of the healthcare system in Kurdistan.
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HEALTH MDG/ CI
KRI
Duhok
Erbil
Sulaimaniyah
Iraq
Source
MDG, CI
28
33
27
24
32
MICS
Under-Five Mortality Rate
MDG
32
37
34
25
37
MICS
Measles Immuniza on Coverage at 12 months
MDG
75.2%
-
-
-
65.8%
MICS
Tuberculosis Immuniza on Coverage at 12 months
-
97.1%
-
-
-
89.7%
MICS
DPT Immuniza on Coverage at 12 months
CI
75.2%
-
-
-
64.8%
MICS
Polio Immuniza on Coverage at 12 months
-
78.7%
-
-
-
70.6 %
MICS
Full Immuniza on Coverage at 12 months
-
60.7%
-
-
-
45.4%
MICS
Births delivered by skilled a endant
MDG
92.4%
-
-
-
90.9%
MICS
Contracep ve Prevalence Rate
MDG
64.5%
52.4%
62.3%
66.6%
52.5%
MICS
Comprehensive knowledge about HIV 1524 years
MDG
3.7%
1.7%
3.5%
5.2%
3.1%
MICS
Infant Mortality rate
Notes: MICS data is from MICS4 (2011). MICS data were collected by the KRSO. Immunization coverage against childhood diseases is measured as the share of children between 12 and 24 months of age (at the time of the survey) who had received vaccinations for a given disease before their first birthday. Focusing on children under two years of age allows the measure to capture recent trends with respect to immunization, since these children were of appropriate vaccination age (under than 12 months) no more than 1 year ago. In 2011, Measles Immunization Coverage at 12 months in the Kurdistan region was 75.2%, meaning that three quarters of children aged 12-23 months had been vaccinated before their first birthday. This is a substantial 9.4 percentage points higher than for Iraq
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as a whole. Tuberculosis Immunization Coverage at 12 months was almost universal, at 97.1% and higher than Iraq’s 89.7%. On the other hand, DPT Immunization Coverage at 12 months and Polio Immunization Coverage at 12 months are only 75.2% and 78.7% respectively. Because of the lower shares for DPT and Polio, almost 4 out of 10 children fail to receive Full Immunization Coverage at 12 Months (getting all four vaccinations). Following the pattern seen for infant mortality, immunization coverage in the Kurdistan region is superior to the rest of Iraq but poorer than in other countries of the region as
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FIGURE 3.1: PRIMARY ENROLLMENT AND COMPLETION RATES
HEALTHCARE DEVELOPMENTS
120% 100% 80% 60%
Gross Primary School Comple on Rate
40%
Net Primary School Enrollment Rate
20% 0% KRI
IRAQ
Egypt
Turkey
Syria
Note: The source for all countries is the most recent MICS.
Figure 5.1 shows for measles and DPT. For DPT, Kurdistan region is on par with Lebanon but lower than the other countries shown, including Yemen. Among indicators of access to health care services, the percentage of Births Delivered by Skilled Attendant is the share of births in the past two years attended by appropriately trained personnel. As seen in the table, the vast majority of births (92.4%) in Kurdistan are attended births (and 80% are in a formal health facility). As shown in Figure 5.2, this is significantly higher than Egypt (79%) but below Turkey and Syria (95% and 96%). Contraceptive Prevalence measures the share of currently married women aged 15-49 reporting use of modern contraceptives. This indicator equaled 64.5% in 2011. As shown in Figure 5.2, this was on par with Egypt though lower than Turkey; it was also slightly higher than the overall average for Western Asia of 56% in 2010 (MDG Report 2012). Finally, knowledge about HIV/AIDS is exceedingly low in the Kurdistan region. This is measured with the indicator Comprehensive knowledge about HIV 15-24 years, which is the proportion of women aged 15-24 years who (1) can identify at least two HIV prevention methods, (2) can reject two common misconceptions (HIV cannot be transmitted by sharing food or through mosquito bites), and (3) know that a healthy looking person may have HIV. The share of young women with this level of knowledge was only 3.7% in the Kurdistan region and 3.1% in Iraq as a whole.
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Developments such as a state-of-the-art diagnostic centre and a cardiac hospital have been successful in providing quality treatment in the region. Medya Diagnostic centre is the first laboratory in the region to achieve international accreditation as a quality provider of medical testing under ISO 15189. A driving force behind these initiatives is a great need to raise and impose standards of healthcare across the region.
The investment law helps health specialists to start their own private clinics. Hospitals and pharmaceutical plants are also offered significant incentives, such as land ownership. The KRG hopes that this will enable the private sector to provide services that are currently not available in the public sector.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH With outside assistance, the sector can be brought back on its feet. The KRG signed an agreement with Britain’s Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to improve maternal and neonatal healthcare in Kurdistan through education and setting the clinical standards for the region. With the establishment of this partnership, the sector has received valuable, workshops and training courses for health specialists. The Ministry of Health is currently looking at ways to restructure the budget. When the system was first established, it was structured on providing free national healthcare for all. However this is not possible in the current climate. The budget requires a new plan and a shift from secondary and tertiary care to public and primary care, as 95% of the population use rudimentary primary healthcare. These hospitals and healthcare centres need welltrained staff and enhanced equipment to be able to help provide a better service to patients. The reduction of bureaucratic power in the regards to healthcare in the region has helped local and regional health officials to make decisions on the
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day-day running of the sector leaving the more senior officials to deal with the strategic planning of department, allowing the sector to run more efficiently. With this the sector has seen the development of professional vaccination programs, childcare, training doctors and nurses. The region has launched a public awareness campaign on health issues through television commercials, warning people about the dangers of smoking, advising them to keep medicines out of reach of children, obesity etc. There are also weekly programs on local TV about health and nutrition hosted by specialists who answer viewers questions. This drive by the government has enabled its citizens to become more aware of health threats.
PRIVATE HEALTHCARE The private healthcare sector in Kurdistan is underdeveloped because of the wars and restrictive, centralized laws; the sector accounts for only a small share of the overall healthcare industry in the region. There is an absence of business and civic organizations to represent private healthcare interests and private healthcare services, a restriction of surgery and lack of other specializations, such as internal medicine and rehabilitation. This sector suffers from several other problems like the absence of specialized companies for constructing hospitals, the lack of local expertise (severe shortage of well trained medical staff), and the unavailability of new equipment and medicines in local markets.
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Some of the other features of the healthcare sector in Kurdistan include:
oversight authorities over public sector hospitals creating confusion supplies
which includes all medical professions practiced by unlicensed individuals
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Construction of hospitals and specialized services: A state of the art hospital (cardiology, oncology) is needed. Training and management skills: Hospital staff needs to be better trained, both in terms of medical expertise, administration and management. Training of local doctors and technicians. Medicine: the Kurdistan region needs to import high quality medicine from European countries. Equipment: Hospitals need medical equipment, radiology equipment, scanners, X-rays, laboratories better equipped and with modern facilities. Personnel require to be trained to use this new equipment.
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PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
at this establishment adheres strictly to the British school system, ensuring that its pupils are wellrounded, challenged, and with a high level of spoken and written English.
BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Freshta Raper, Principal Italian City, Villas 12B (Office) and 30-33B (School) 100 Meter Road Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 133 9950 info@bis-kurdistan.co.uk www.bis-kurdistan.co.uk
CLASSICAL SCHOOL OF THE MEDES
The British International Schools in Kurdistan’s mission is to provide an outstanding education. Headed by Freshta Raper, a woman with over 20 years of experience of teaching in the UK, the British International Schools in Kurdistan strive to fulfill the unique potential of each student in a supportive learning environment where the reflective learning community provides a challenging and holistic experience that prepares students for their future as global citizens.
Medes School is a private English-based K-12 school program in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. SGI helped start these schools over a decade ago in partnership with local church and government leaders. Today, the program is owned, directed and managed entirely by nationals.
British International Schools will be accredited 3-18 schools that attract and retain students, families, and staff because of their rigorous curriculum and high academic standards, high expectations for academia, art and sports, reputation for preparing all students to be independent thinkers, strong ethics, morals and values, and engagement with their communities. The British International Schools aim to help students become lifelong learners; be knowledgeable and effective communicators; be thinkers, inquirers and risk-takers in learning; be principled and openminded in spirit; be healthy and happy in life; be reflective, caring and balanced in their outlook; in short, to develop and fulfill their unique potential. A British International School aims that its students understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, as well as others, and to be open to differing perspectives, values and traditions. These aims are achieved through the utilization of local and international resources to raise awareness of and respect for different cultures and the understanding and expressing ideas and information confidently in more than one language. A British International School aims to develop an attitude of individual responsibility, based upon the values of honesty, respect, self-control, equality, and care and concern for others. The education offered
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Bakhtyar Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 253 5322 csmd@csm-k.org www.csm-k.org
The first school opened in Sulaimani in January 2001. The second school opened in Duhok in the fall of 2002, and in 2003 a third school opened in Erbil. Total enrollment is approaching 2000 students. Over 95% of the students come from Kurdish Muslim families. Many students are the children of local government officials and community leaders. Parents, local officials, and community leaders are all very supportive of these schools. American staff often helps teach one or two courses per semester. The balance of their time is spent in relationships with students, their families, and the community. All curriculum support, international staffing, and training are coordinated through their central offices in Nashville, TN, United States by Servant Group International. Servant Group International (SGI) is a non-profit Christian organization headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Through both word and deed, SGI teams work to share good news and hope with Muslim families. The organization was founded in 1992 to help meet the needs of thousands of Kurdish refugees from northern Iraq who came to Nashville following the first Gulf War. Since then, SGI has grown to include programs in several Middle-Eastern countries in addition to their initial work among refugee communities. The SGI is a non-denominational agency with team members from a variety of backgrounds, united by their Christian beliefs.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF CHOUIEFAT Raed Mahmoud, SABIS Representative Massif Road, Khanzad Area Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 813 9850-6 iscerbil@sabis.net www.iscerbil-sabis.net SABIS® is a global education management organization that currently operates in 15 countries on 4 continents. The first school was founded over 125 years ago in Choueifat, a suburb of Beirut in Lebanon. They provide thousands of students with top-quality education that prepares them to meet the challenges of the changing world. It is a system that offers rigorous curriculum at international standards for students aged 3 to 18+, focusing primarily on the core subjects of English, mathematics, sciences, and world languages. SABIS® launched its first schools in Kurdistan in 2007, opening in the Erbil and Sulaimani governorates. The International School of Choueifat is located just outside Erbil City, next to the prestigious American Village on Massif Road. The Sulaimani International School is conveniently located at the heart of the city, accessible to students and families alike. SABIS® also began the Powered by SABIS® program in the region, making SABIS® intellectual property available to 7 schools that license the system. The SABIS® University was founded in 2009 and focuses on business administration, engineering, and education, responding to the human resources demands of the Kurdistan region.
model. First opened in October 2007, it is located in the city of Sulaimania in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The university offers five undergraduate majors and two MBA programs. All instruction at AUI-S is in English, and all language instructors are native English speakers. The institution is licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Kurdistan Regional Government of the Republic of Iraq. In June 2010, AUI-S received full, five-year accreditation by the American Academy for Liberal Education, which was at the time a U.S. Department of Education approved agency. AUIS admits all qualified students regardless of social, ethnic, or religious background. Students are admitted based on a record of past academic performance and potential for success, including capacity to engage in self-directed learning and demonstrated high levels of critical thinking. At AUIS, young Iraqis do more than co-exist: they learn lasting values of respect for the individual and a spirit of free inquiry, and they thrive in a culture of achievement and accountability. Today nearly 600 students from all parts of Iraq study at AUIS. The university currently offers six academic programs that lead to a bachelor’s degree, as well as an Executive Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) and continuing education classes from its Professional Development Institute.
Undergraduate degree programs include:
PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN KURDISTAN AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF IRAQ-SULAIMANI Stephen Malott, Dean Kirkuk Main Road, Raparin Sulaimania, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 533 30011 info@auis.edu.iq www.auis.edu.iq The American University of Iraq-Sulaimania (also called AUI-S) is a private, non-profit university offering a liberal arts education based on the American
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The Executive MBA in International Management and Leadership is offered in conjunction with Furtwangen University in Germany. Graduates of this program receive a dual Executive MBA from AUIS and Furtwangen. The Professional Development Institute at AUIS provides professionals, companies and organizations, with access to professional education programs, including English language studies and project management.
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Rounding out the university experience is a robust campus life, with several university sports teams and more than a dozen student-sponsored clubs and other activities. AUIS offers competitive men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, ping pong, and soccer, and a dozen other student activities, including an internationally competitive debate society, drama, business, hiking, photography, running, and radio clubs. Students have also participated in conferences and competitions outside of Iraq, including an international Model United Nations conference, Hult Global Case Challenge, and various Fulbright scholarships. Further, AUIS is home to the nation’s first and only independent student newspaper, the AUIS Voice, and houses student chapters of the U.S.-based Society of Professional Journalists and the Association for Computing Machinery. The university grounds include an administrative building, gender-specific dormitories, and an academic building which houses lecture halls and classrooms, conference rooms and faculty offices. AUIS also has a cafeteria, two outdoor basketball courts and an outdoor soccer field. AUIS has the best university facilities in Iraq. Located in the beautiful city of Sulaimania, AUIS’ campus provides a comfortable and inviting atmosphere where students can study and socialize.
Nawroz University was first named Duhok University College when it was established in 2004 and switched to its current name in 2009. Today it consists of four faculties; Law and Politics, Economic and Administration, Computer Science and IT, and Languages. It is currently ranked as one of the top private universities in Kurdistan.
CIHAN UNIVERSITY University District off 100 Meter Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 255 2419 info@cihanuniversity.edu.iq www.cihanuniversity.edu.iq Cihan University is one of the newer education establishments in Kurdistan. Founded and opened in 2007, its modern campus stretches over 127,000 square meters. Courses offered include law, accounting, computer studies, English, pharmacy, administration, biology, and civil engineering all taught in the English language.
ISHIK UNIVERSITY The Presidential Building, which houses the university’s administration and Professional Development Institute, also includes a book store, career service centre, student services centre, writing centre, math centre and testing centre.
SABIS UNIVERSITY 40 Meter Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 716 9400 info@sabisuniversity.net www.sabisuniversity.net See INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF CHOUEIFAT for a description of the SABIS® education system.
NAWROZ UNIVERSITY Mahala Shele/Azadi Hospital Street Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 062 761 2362 info@nawrozuniversity.com www.nawrozuniversity.com
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100 Meter Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 252 9841 info@iu.edu.iq www.iu.edu.iq Ishik University was established in 2008 and is a part of the Fezalar Educational Institutions. Students can study dentistry, computer engineering, civil engineering, business administration, English, information technology, law, mathematics, finance, and economics.
LEBANESE FRENCH UNIVERSITY Azadi Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 756 5004 info@lfu.bmu.net www.lfu-bmu.net The Lebanese French University, formerly known as the Business and Management University
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(BMU) was opened in 2007. The university focuses on studies in business, administration, and economics and has partnerships with the University of Picardie Jules Verne and the University of Nimes, both in France.
also includes a Medical Research Center and publishes the Zanco Journal of Medical Sciences.
UNIVERSITY OF KURDISTAN-HAWLER BRITISH ROYAL UNIVERSITY Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 780 7516 info@broyalu.com www.broyalu.net The British Royal University of Science and Technology was founded in 2009 and has a focus on the scientific and technological fields. They offer courses in pharmacy, dentistry, engineering, computer science, architecture, translation, IT, and international law.
30 Meter Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 223 8665 info@ukh.ac www.ukh.ac The University of Kurdistan-Hawler (or UKH) is an education institution in Erbil with classes taught entirely in English. The main focus of the academics of this university is social sciences. It was established in 2006.
UNIVERSITY OF DUHOK
PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
Zakho Street Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 62 722 2292 info@uod.ac www.uod.ac
SALAHADDIN UNIVERSITY Kirkuk Road Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 254 7931 info@suh-edu.com www.suh-edu.com Founded in 1968, Salahaddin University is one of Kurdistan’s oldest and largest educational institutions. It consists of 18 colleges and currently has 18,000 students. Originally based in Sulaimani, the university moved to Erbil in 1981.
HAWLER MEDICAL UNIVERSITY Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 227 3384 info@hmu.edu.iq www.hmu.edu.iq The Hawler Medical University was originally a part of Salahaddin University, but branched off in 2005. It is made up of 4 colleges: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing. The university
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The University of Duhok was founded in 1992 and is one of Kurdistan’s fastest growing educational institutions. The first colleges to be established were the College of Medicine and the College of Agriculture. The University of Duhok has expanded to 14 colleges by 2013.
UNIVERSITY OF KOYA University Park, Daniel Mitterand Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 770 163 2122 info@koyauniversity.org www.koyauniversity.org Located outside of Erbil in the Koysinjaq area, this university was established in 2003. It is comprised of 6 colleges: Engineering, Agriculture, Science, Law, Arts, and Education. Koya University was originally a part of the University of Sulaimani and still retains strong collaborative ties.
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Education & Healthcare
UNIVERSITY OF SULAIMANI Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 053 312 1816 presidency@univsul.net www.univsul.org The University of Sulaimani is Kurdistan’s largest and oldest university. It was originally associated with the University of Salahaddin (which moved to Erbil) and was re-established in Sulaimani in 1992 to the great enthusiasm of Iraq’s academic community. Today is has 26 colleges, over 3500 staff, and 25,000 students.
HEALTHCARE
there is a four star hotel attached to the center to provide comfortable visitor accommodation. The center will be complete by June 2013, with 125 beds and 47 specialized clinics.
DENT CARE CLINIC Dr Tuba Su Greaves Beside Hevi School,Behind Ainkawa Oil& Car Wash, Infront of Jordan River Farmacy and Medical Center Ainkawa Erbil/Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 759 1411 / -(0)750 337 5117 / (0)750 355 6976 dentcareclinic@gmail.com Skype : dent.care.clinic.erbil.tuba Facebook: dentcareclinic@groups.facebook.com
FARUK MEDICAL CENTER Shaie Raof, Manager Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 53 511 1054 info@farukmedicalcenter.com www.farukmedicalcenter.com
Faruk Group Holding has a vision to provide Iraq with state-of-the-art medical services, which are presently not available in the country. With the opening of the Faruk Medical Center, it will no longer be a necessity to travel abroad to receive quality medical treatment. The center will be equipped with the latest technology and staffed by the highly trained and experienced medical personnel. It will be a modern and technologically advanced facility to cover the needs of Iraq. Sulaimani will become a medical hub in the Middle East. The Faruk Medical Center will have several unique aspects. It has been especially designed to avoid resembling a traditional hospital, eschewing the ordinary starched white interior. Instead, it is a calm and cozy oasis for patient treatment. Additionally,
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Dent-Care Clinic was opened in Erbil in 2010. Its aim was and remains to provide thoroughly professional, western-standard dental treatment services for the local and the growing expatriate communities. The Clinic was the first of its kind in the city of Erbil. It was founded, and is owned and managed, by Tuba Su Greaves who has 17 years of practical experience as a dental surgeon in Turkey and the United Kingdom. Prior to 2010, Tuba worked in a number of private dental clinics in Erbil over a 3 year period and has subsequently amassed a very large client base. This is largely due to her reputation for professionalism, her gentle approach to the treatment of her patients, and the fairness and honesty of her rates and charges. Importantly also, Tuba and her staff are able to communicate in English, Turkish, Kurdish and Arabic. The clinic employs up-to-date materials, technologies and techniques with newly acquired apparatus and equipment, and has its own dental laboratory and resident dental technician. Tuba recently relocated the clinic to the far end of Ainkawa beside Hevi School, directly behind Ainkawa Oil & Car Wash. Tuba takes great pride in the service she provides to the local community.
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TOURISM INDUSTRY The tourism industry in Kurdistan has great potential, as the region has beautiful scenery, an agreeable climate, and a rich history. There are many projects in the works, such as the restoration of the citadel, claimed to be the site that is the oldest continuously inhabited town in the world, lakeside resorts, amusement parks, and the beginning stages of a skiing resort. Additionally, Erbil has been voted the Arab Tourism Capital for 2014.
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Tourism Industry
OVERVIEW The Kurdistan region serves as a direct haven and a tourist attraction for many Iraqis who want to escape the unstable state that the rest of the country currently remains in, as well as the intense heat of the summers. The three provinces that officially form the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan are considered to be a location of refuge, safety, and enjoyment. The bourgeoning demand for tourism in the Kurdistan region can be viewed as an outcome of the stable security situation in Kurdistan and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s drive for commercial organization. Huge investment has flooded into the tourism sector since 2006 and a total number of 40 licensed projects have been dedicated to the sector, mainly to respond to the demands for new hotels and other services for national vacationers and foreign businessmen.
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The city of Erbil, which is one of the most ancient and continuously inhabited cities in the world, appears to be at the forefront of the gentrification that is currently ongoing in the tourism market of northern Iraq. A number of five star and international hospitality brands have been established in the region with more currently in construction. The city of Erbil is home to the world´s oldest citadel, from the times when old empires used to use the citadel as a fortress. This ancient structure is currently undergoing reconstruction and refurbishment by UNESCO organizations. Sites of historical and natural beauty make ideal places for tourism related investment, completed projects such as Pank Tourism Resort in Rawanduz is a clear example of how the investment law has enabled the establishment of a modern tourist complex with a rollercoaster
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Tourism Industry TOURISM MDG/CI
KRI
Duhok
Erbil
Sulaimaniya
Iraq
Source
Foreign Arrivals, number of visitors (excluding other Arab countries)
CI
106,889
38,505
37,980
30,404
-
KRSO
Foreign Arrivals, total days visi ng (excluding other Arab countries)
CI
261,755
12,068
65,936
68,751
-
KRSO
Foreign Arrivals, number of visitors - from other Arab countries
CI
46,379
2,089
26,084
18,206
-
KRSO
Foreign Arrivals, Total days visi ng – from other Arab countries
CI
120,654
5,431
63,898
51,325
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Notes: Statistics from KRSO reports basedon data from the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism
and amusement rides placed on a gorge near the town of Rawanduz. The scenery is breathtaking like no other seen in the Middle East, with the snowy mountaintops in the winter and the green plains in the spring.
DOMESTIC TOURISM The majority of tourists in the Kurdistan region are domestic travelers, coming up from Baghdad or the south of Iraq. They come to enjoy the peacefulness, security, cooler weather, and natural beauty. Many also come to visit the modern shopping malls such as Majidi Mall and Family Mall in Erbil, Sulaimani, and Duhok. These complexes offer visitors the opportunity to browse in hundreds of shops and select international branded products.
in Erbil than in the other governorates, reflecting the presence of the capital city in Erbil as a destination. The total number of visits from Arab countries (which as noted excludes visitors from the rest of Iraq) was less than half the total of other international visits.
KURDISTAN TOURISM BOARD The Kurdistan Tourism Board is an organization dedicated to the promotion of the tourism industry in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Headquartered in Erbil, it is affiliated with the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism, but operates independently.
INTERNATIONAL TOURISM
Recent activities of the Tourism Board include the renovation of the Erbil Citadel alongside UNESCO, refurbishing the area and reconstructing some dilapidated zones in order to fully showcase the historical marvel, as well as the first Tourism Conference at the Erbil International Hotel in November 2012.
People come to Kurdistan from abroad as well. The vast majority of these people are business tourists. The table distinguishes international visitors from non-Arab countries and from Arab countries (outside of Iraq). In the last year there were close to 107,000 visits of individuals from foreign non-Arab countries, staying a total of about 262,000 days. While the number of visits was roughly similar across governorates, the number of days (hence average duration per stay) was substantially higher
The Tourism Board works hard to highlight the numerous visit-worthy natural sites around the region, such as the caves, the waterfalls, and the valleys by creating and publishing promotional brochures and websites, and collaborating with local travel agencies. Their efforts have paid off and Erbil has been named the Arab Tourism Capital for 2014, chosen over Beirut, Sharjah, and Taif. The Tourism Board will be highly involved in the preparation for this exciting event.
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Kurdistan has several thousands of villages nestled in the mountains, home to people who have lived there for centuries. Traditional houses dot the lush farmland among the snowcapped peaks. Many villages are ancient, containing a mix of inhabited houses and archaeological sites. The Kurdistan region is an archaeologist’s goldmine, filled with ancient Mesopotamian ruins. There are hundreds or even thousands yet to be discovered and excavated.
The Bella Roma Hotel is one of Erbil’s newest 4 star hospitality establishments. Conveniently located on 100 Meter Street opposite the Italian City, the hotel is close to all central amenities. It is five minutes away from the Erbil International Airport.
The city of Erbil is also a cultural gem. The centre is bustling, the bazaar packed with countless stalls selling absolutely anything you can imagine, set amid kebab restaurants, bakeries, and teashops. Step outside for a breath of air and sit on one of the many benches among the fountains in the central square. The seven thousand year old citadel walls tower above, contrasting with the vast amount of modern construction in the distance.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Potential Tourism projects are in the pipeline in the town of Shaqlawa, which is about 50 kilometers from the capital Erbil. At the base of Mount Safeen, which is nearly 2,000 meters high at its peak is a potential Investment Project has been developed. The Safeen Master Plan is to become a tourist complex with hotels, chalets and other activities spotted around the mountain creating an amazing hideaway for families and travelers looking for a tranquil break. Other proposed investment opportunities are Dokan City Master Plan and Erbil Green Belt Master Plan. Tourism has the potential to become a catalyst to economic development in the region. Job opportunities have arisen from the tourism sector in recent years with the emergence of new hotels and complexes. These include the current situation in the region.
The hotel comprises of 62 rooms with a variety of sizes and luxury, a swimming pool, and a Turkish bath. There are also 4 restaurants featuring both Middle Eastern and international cuisine and a bakery serving fresh breads and pastries every morning. A daily breakfast buffet is served from 7 am to 11 am. Every room is equipped with an LCD TV, mini bar, complimentary mineral water, water kettle, individually controlled heating and air conditioning, and high speed Internet access available for all guests. Choose from several options, including a Standard Room, Deluxe Room, Presidential Room, and Suite. The Bella Roma Hotel also has conference facilities, one room available to host up to 45 people and a second for 35. Both rooms contain all modern technology needs and equipment including high speed Internet access, a full audiovisual system, laser pointer, flip chart, and conference stationary.
BELLA ROMA HOTEL Khatab Taher, General Manager 100 Meter Street, opposite Italian City Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 411 77 55 Tel: (+964) 770 447 77 55 Tel: (+964) 066 257 60 08 (reception) info@blromahotel.com reservation@blromahotel.com www.blromahotel.com
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BEST INN HOTEL Ainkawa Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) (0) 66 210 1775 www.bestinnerbilhotel.com Best Inn Hotel is one of Erbil’s newest hotels. Centrally located at the heart of the city, it is steps away from the business, shopping, and entertainment districts. Just a short drive away, the historical citadel, the downtown bazaars, and the Erbil International Airport. The Best Inn’s guests can easily enjoy the city of Erbil, whether they visit for business or pleasure. Best Inn Hotel Erbil is ready to serve its customers with 27 Standard rooms, 25 King rooms and 8 Suit rooms in total a of 60 rooms, which contains the latest hotel equipment and all the necessary supplies needed to make the stay comfortable such as satellite TV, personal safe, and mini-bar.
relaxing effect on the lucky guest. The room also comes with a well-stocked mini-bar, a flat screen TV with satellite channels, high-speed Internet, and 24hour room service. The next morning, if you can tear yourself away from your cozy bed, you will enjoy the breakfast buffet where a mix of traditional Middle Eastern fare and international cuisines is served, along with live cooking stations. The Canyon Hotel is an oasis of modernity and luxury, set in the busy backdrop of Iraq’s up-and-coming city, Erbil. Ideal for business and pleasure travellers alike. The Canyon Hotel is a truly special place.
COPTHORNE HOTEL & SPA Safwan Khayat , Area General Manager Salim Street Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq info@mill-sulaimani.com www.millenniumhotels.com
CANYON HOTEL Adel Baban, General Manager Gulan Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 210 5600 / (+964) 750 635 4444 info@canyonhotelerbil.com www.canyonhotelerbil.com The Canyon Hotel Erbil is a home away from home, set conveniently on Gulan Street in the centre of Erbil City. This hotel is Erbil’s newest 4 star establishment, built and launched in 2012. The Canyon Hotel gleams with newness and modernity as one walks through the revolving doors and into the marble lobby. To the left is the elegant dining room, with an array of beautiful mahogany tables and white leather chairs. The helpful staff immediately take your luggage and after a swift check-in, you are in your room. The rooms at the Canyon Hotel are the perfect juxtaposition of luxury and comfort. The large, white cloud of a bed, the comfortable couch area, and the marble bathroom and shower area are evidently of the highest quality materials and have an immediate
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The Copthorne Hotel & Spa is an oasis of comfort and luxury, built adjacent to the Faruk Medical Centre in order to provide visitor accommodation. In addition to 42 suites and 85 rooms, there is also a state-of-the-art spa that caters to hospital guests as well as the local community. The facilities include a multipurpose therapy centre, sand therapy, hydro baths, a flotation pool, as well as a high quality gym, sauna, and Turkish bath. The Copthorne Hotel & Spa is set to be complete by June 2013, operated by Millennium through the Copthorne brand and owned by Faruk Group Holding.
COPTHORNE HOTEL BARANAN Safwan Khayat , Area General Manager Sarchinar Main Street Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 770 600 0000 reservation@mill-sulaimani.com michael.fuchs@mill-sulaimani.com www.millenniumhotels.com
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The Copthorne Hotel Baranan, part of Faruk Group Holding’s hospitality sector, is situated in the heart of Sulaimani. It enjoys a privileged location on Sarchinar Road, only a short drive from the Sulaimani International Airport. All 78 rooms and suites are designed and equipped with the latest facilities to assure exceptional standards of comfort. The hotel offers spacious rooms with balconies, a comfortable lobby guest house, and a wide selection of dining outlets. The hotel also offers a refined Italian restaurant, Salute; and all-day dining restaurant, Downtown; and a classy bar and lounge, the Uptown. Cakes & Bakes offers the most delicious and freshly-served pastry delicacies in town. The Baranan Copthorn also boasts meeting room facilities in two elegant meeting venues for business meetings or special events, offering comfort, good exposure to natural daylight, air conditioning, and wireless Internet.
DILSHAD PALACE Duhok Main Street Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 62 722 76 01-9 info@dilshad-palace.com www.dilshad-palace.com Dilshad Palace Hotel is a five-star hotel in Duhok City. Since their opening in 2007, it has risen to become the most prestigious hotel in the Duhok governorate. Proud of its Kurdish heritage, the Dilshad Palace Hotel offers a perfect setting for local and international visitors alike. Here guests enjoy the most discreet, yet highly professional attention, allowing them escape to a haven of comfort and relaxation. A variety of accommodations provide each guest with a comfortable atmosphere and the attentive service found only in the most gracious properties. All 92 rooms and 4 suites are fully equipped following international standards: a mini-bar, local and international direct access, wireless internet, an LCD TV, a water boiler, a safe, a weighing scale, a hairdryer and a magnifying bathroom mirror. The hotel facilities include a ballroom, which is the perfect venue for weddings, engagements, conferences, and reunions. It can accommodate up to 230 people.
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DIVAN HOTEL Gulan Street, Erbil, Iraq Tel: +964 66 210 5000 Fax: +964 66 210 5001 info.divanerbil@divan.com.tr http://www.divan.com.tr/ENG/Hotel-Destinations/ Divan-Erbil/ A towering addition to the Divan Group’s collection of fine hotels, Divan Erbil brings innovative style and state-of–the-art luxury to the heart of Erbil, Iraq. As the most visually striking modern structure in Erbil, the Divan Erbil incorporates the latest in leisure and business technology, luxury accommodation and amenities, redefining the local hotel business from the ground right up to its 24th floor. Innovative design elements and elegant décor create a superior guest experience. Expansive walls of glass are flooded with the abundant Iraqi sun and offer dramatic views of the city and nearby parks both day and night. From handsome marble floors in shades of mocha, cream, and bronze to brass-lined columns illuminated by a crystal chandelier sparkling above the circular lobby, tasteful classic design is combined with contemporary elements throughout the hotel. Set in an oasis of pools, fountains and olive trees, the Divan Erbil resembles a modern interpretation of an emir’s palace. With 227 guest rooms and parking for 200 cars, ten meeting rooms, five restaurants, four upscale boutiques, an expansive lobby lounge, and a sushi bar, the Divan Erbil provides an unmatched venue for business travellers to meet, work, dine, be entertained, and relax in style. The Divan Erbil is located on the fashionable and quiet Gulan Street, and encompasses 43,000 square metres of landscaped grounds that create an atmosphere of complete peace and security. The hotel is only ten minutes by car from both the airport and the centre of Erbil, and faces the tranquil and lush gardens of the largest park in Iraq. The historical and cultural sites that define Erbil, as well as the most important business, governmental, and commercial addresses are within minutes of the hotel. The Divan Erbil’s convenient location is just close enough to the downtown area to feel connected, yet removed enough from the bustle of the city to feel serene and secure. Whether closing a deal or opening your eyes to the splendours of ancient archaeological sites and natural treasures, the Divan Erbil holds the key to a fulfilling and relaxing stay.
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SMART LUXURY
Boutique Hotel - moderate rates with 5 Star quality Service
s MEDOC Restaurantx&RENCH AND /RIENTAL #UISINE s METROPOL, Lounge & CaféxREFRESHMENTS LIGHT SNACKS s ROYAL Barx $RINKS #OCKTAILS s Banqueting UP TO 0AX AND MEETINGS s Health club & SPA
Address: Gulan Street, Erbil Tel: +964 66 210 5600 Mobile: +964 750 635 4444 E-mail: info@canyonhotelerbil.com 215 www.ebizguides.com
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GRAND MILLENNIUM SULAIMANI
JOUHAYNA HOTEL
Safwan Khayat, Area General Manager Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 770 600 0000 info@mill-sulaimani.com www.millenniumhotels.com
Ramon Azar, General Manager 100 Meter Street, Next to Second Cup Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 0750 712 0777 info@jouhaynahotel.com www.jouhaynahotel.com
The Grand Millennium Sulaimani project comprises of a Five Star Hotel, 900 metres above sea level and with a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding mountains. The 39 storey hotel has 191 guest rooms, 55 luxury suites, 7 executive suites, a presidential suite, and an executive lounge. Additionally, it also houses three restaurants to accommodate all dining needs, which includes Lebanese, all-day international dining lounge, and a revolving restaurant at the top of the tower. There is also a state-of-the-art health club with professional personal trainers and luxury spa services, indoor and outdoor Olympic sized swimming pools, tennis courts, squash courts, and a 1200m jogging path.
The Jouhayna Hotel is one of the newest 5 star hotels to be established in Erbil, with the grand opening in May 2012. Built and managed by the Hariri Group of Lebanon, the hotel is named after the General Manager’s daughter. Set in a modern and spacious building, the interior is a combination of traditional luxury and streamlined modernity with a tasteful Lebanese touch. The Jouhayna Hotel has 55 suites, each designed and decorated with a sumptuous touch to resemble a luxury apartment rather than a conventional hotel room. The furniture, décor, and small kitchen lends home comforts to each and every guest. Right next door is a Second Cup café, an internationally renowned brand of delicious blended coffee drinks for every season of the year.
JIYAN HOTEL
The hotel also contains a state of the art gym and a spa with a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and Thai massage treatments. The center is host to the Tulai Hair & Beauty Salon, a Lebanese establishment with full salon services for the convenience of the guests of the Jouhayna Hotel.
Duhok, Kurdisan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 62 72 22 400 info@jiyanhotel.com www.jiyanhotel.com
If you are looking for a place in Erbil to organize a lecture or a conference, the Jouhayna Hotel’s facilities are idyllic. Their on-site lecture room can hold up to 120 people and the conference room up to 40.
Jiyan Hotel is a five star hotel located in Duhok, near Galy Park. It is perched on top of a hill, offering its guests a spectacular view of the city and surrounding mountains. It is close to the business and shopping areas, as well as the city center.
For visitors of Erbil who seek ultimate comfort and convenience, the Jouhayna Hotel is the right choice for you. Enjoy every service you require at your doorstep, provided by a well-trained and smiling staff.
In the summer, guests and visitors alike enjoy the huge outdoor swimming pool and garden terrace. Sitting in the sunshine enjoying a cold drink and a gourmet snack at the Jiyan Hotel is a favourite activity of many summertime tourists. Offering premium services at a moderate price, it is the best choice for frequent business and touristic travelers.
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KHANZAD HOTEL & RESORT Jamal M. Naghshbandi General Manager Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 2232 808 Fax: (+964) +447069410005 info@khanzadresort.com www.khanzadresort.com
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As you approach its doors, it is apparent that you are about to enter a truly special place –The Khanzad Hotel & Resort. In a newly built modernized building carefully constructed to exude elegance, the Khanzad Hotel & Resort is a part of the hotel group Mecri Hotels. It provides travellers with a warm, stylish atmosphere and the utmost in personal attention. Between the warm salutations as you enter the building and the highly trained staff available at your service, you are assured to feel welcome throughout your stay.
the mountainous scenery. Along with the various guest rooms the hotel has to offer, there are 2 presidential suites situated at the top of the establishment to offer an extra special view. The lobby has a contemporary styled and sophisticated feel, completely personalized services, 24-hour room service, and 24-hour security. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, an international restaurant and a well-stocked bar. Khanzad Hotel & Resort offers a high level of hospitality and is committed to ensuring that all guests experience an effortless and comfortable stay.
KURDISTAN ADVENTURES Office 405, Third Floor Talari Chwar Bakh Saywan Street, Chwar Bakh Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq info@kurdistan-adventures.com www.kurdistan-adventures.com
For those looking for an oasis away from the city life, The Khanzad Hotel & Resort is a home away from home. A 5-Star accommodation setting that offers luxury as well as relaxation, allowing those to discover the magic of this ancient country. The Hotel is located just 15km north of Erbil in a breathtaking setting in the rolling, sun-kissed mountains, overlooking the undulating landscapes of Bastora. The Khanzad Hotel & Resort brings a unique level of comfort to business and leisure travellers in a sophisticated, contemporary-style setting. An Executive Suite Hotel, the Khanzad Hotel & Resort offers its guests 80 rooms and suites that are luxuriously appointed and specifically designed to enable guests to both work and relax in the comfort of their own rooms. From premier technology to the finest amenities, the Khanzad creates a world of luxury and service for all guests. All the rooms are designed with a contemporary architectural style and offer panoramic views of
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Kurdistan Adventures is an Australian/Kurdish joint venture that specialises in small group adventure travel and operates escorted tours, day trips and custom itineraries. They are the perfect combination of local knowledge and Western tour operating management. Highly recommended for travellers who thrive on adventure, seek authentic new experiences and who are not afraid to venture off the well worn path. Discover the hidden world of Iraqi Kurdistan. Leave all your preconceived ideas at the border and discover “The Other Iraq”. Iraqi Kurdistan is a safe and peaceful region full of fascinating history and charming people. Fertile valleys, stunning waterfalls, green pastures and snow-capped mountains will welcome you with open arms. Their 8 day escorted tours includes the 3 major cities of Dohuk, Erbil and Sulaimani. A dedicated local guide will take you to key historical sites, explain local customs, dine with you in traditional restaurants and allow you to experience this amazing culture. Kurdistan Adventures offers their clients the opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of their regular small group tours or even arrange a custom travel for a special party.
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LALEZAR HOTEL Girdi Sarchinar Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 53 319 2601 info@lale-zar.com www.lale-zar.com The LaleZar Hotel is a four-star hotel of international standard, situated in a contemporary six storey building on the top of Sarchinar Hill. Its strategic location offers a stunning panoramic view over the city of Sulaimani. LaleZar Hotel is an elegant boutique hotel whose modern interiors were inspired by oriental and contemporary design. Guests enjoy a complete experience in an environment where tradition, quality and flair are harmonized to perfection. In Kurdistan, dining is regarded as one of the most important aspects of a guests experience during their stay. The LaleZar restaurant is set on the hotel rooftop and enjoys the best view in the house. The menu offers delicious international and local a la carte dishes, complemented with an extensive wine list. A separate bar menu can be enjoyed in the bar area. Special attention is given to local products and ingredients.
Lamassu Hotel provides guests with a brand-new gym, complete with a variety of cardiovascular machines and weights, sauna, steam bath, and outdoor swimming pool. There is also a fully equipped business center and specialized conference rooms with a capacity of 50-80 people for any kind of business or private function. The hotel also provides guests with an outdoor free parking area. The Lamassu is conveniently located just 3 km from the Erbil International Airport and 4-5 km from Erbil’s old historical Citadel.
MAZI HOTEL Mazi Complex Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 427 7723 www.alaminest.com Mazi Hotel is a four star hotel that is under the Al-Amin Establishment umbrella. Upholding the strict standards of quality that is imbued in all of their projects, Mazi Hotel is an oasis of peace and comfort in the centre of Duhok. All rooms are furnished with modern amenities to make each and every guest feel at ease and at home.
LAMASSU HOTEL Evan, General Manager 100 Meter Street Ainkawa - Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 2253 008 info@lamassuhotel.com www.lamassuhotelerbil.com The Lamassu Hotel is conveniently located at the entrance of Ainkawa, steps away from the bustling neighborhood with a large variety of restaurants, cafes, and other services. A traditional Middle Eastern atmosphere greets you as you enter the lobby, with locally sourced décor and delicious spicy smells wafting in from the immensely popular restaurant on the main floor. There is also a cafeteria and a bar, offering guests snacks, juices, and cocktails. Lamassu Hotel is ready to serve you with a choice of its intimate 37 rooms, which consist of comfortable Standard rooms, King rooms and Suites. All contain the latest hotel equipment and all necessary amenities for guests’ comfort such as high speed Internet, satellite TV, a personal safe, refrigerator, and 24 hour room service.
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Middle Eastern hospitality is something special. The people offer themselves at your service, trying their utmost to ensure that your stay is perfect. This is the kind of hospitality and service at Mazi Hotel.
NOBLE HOTEL 100 Meter St Ainkawa - Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 431 22 44 info@noble-hotel.com www.noble-hotel.com Located in the historical Ainkawa district of Erbil, Noble Hotel is just 15 minutes drive from the Old Bazaar and less than 10 minutes from Erbil’s International Airport. It offers a range of amenities such as free Wi-Fi in the entire hotel, an indoor swimming pool, and a state of the art gym.
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the historical citadel and the downtown bazaars. The Rotana is the perfect hotel in Erbil for both business and pleasure.
All rooms and suites at Noble feature a modern décor, flat-screen satellite TV, minibar, and a spacious wardrobe. Guests can enjoy a rejuvenating Thai massage at the luxurious in-house spa by professionally trained staff. The gym is equipped with a variety of cardiovascular machines for guests to enjoy an energizing workout. The Noble Restaurant offers a variety of cuisine from East to West. A breakfast buffet is served in the morning, while à-la-carte specialties are served in the evening. Room service is available 24 hours a day. On the top floor of the hotel is the Sky Bar, a local hotspot where people come to see and be seen. The bar is outfitted with stylish white couches and a high-class atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Well-dressed guests lounge with a cocktail in one hand and a shisha pipe in the other, chatting well into the night. Free private parking is available on site.
ROTANA HOTEL Thomas Touma, General Manager Rotana, Gulan Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel (+964) 66 210 55 55 Fax (+964) 66 210 55 56 thomas.touma@rotana.com www.rotana.com If you need a bed for the night in a location that offers convenience as well as a luxurious environment, the Rotana Hotel is the perfect choice. It is strategically located opposite the beautiful Sami AbduRahman park, the largest park in Iraq, and adjacent to the English Village and the Erbil International Fair ground. The Erbil International Airport and the business district are less than ten minutes drive away, as well as
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The Rotana offers all of the comfort you can expect from a 5 star International hotel, including 201 rooms & suites, with many boasting spectacular views. All modern facilities and services, like Cable TV, minibars, Wi-Fi Internet Access, complimentary coffee and tea services, safety deposit boxes and all other amenities you have come to expect in the best hotels are available for guests to use. Health & Leisure facilities include a remarkable Zen Spa with an assortment of treatments to renew your energy levels. The fitness center offers a facility with state of the art fitness equipment, saunas and steam rooms, and an aquatics area with an Olympic-size pool surrounded by the beautiful green gardens. For those looking for an assortment of food and beverages to choose from, the Rotana caters to your every need. The hotel is host to three unique restaurants as well as several cafes and bars. Choose from an extensive buffet of international cuisines at Flavours, an authentic Italian meal at Basilico, or a high class Lebanese dining experience with grilled meats and live entertainment at Al Bustan. For a lighter snack or a beverage, visit the Aquarius poolside bar or the Bond café in the hotel lobby for an array of refreshments. Individuals in Erbil on business will be pleased with the conference or event meeting rooms situated within the hotel premises. The Grand Ballroom with a capacity of 1000 persons can be divided into 2 sections and is a perfect venue for local and international seminars and conferences. A dedicated team is available to facilitate every detail involved in hosting outstanding business, social and private events.
TANGRAM HOTEL Doaa Amin, General Manager Kirkuk Road, next to Naza Mall Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 662 296 900 doa.amin@tangramhotels.com www.erbil.tangramhotels.com Shopping for a snazzy place to turn in for the evening? Check into the Tangram Hotel, the first business lifestyle hotel in Kurdistan. The Tangram
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Hotel is a newly built boutique hotel located in the southern part of Erbil City. With its close proximity to companies, restaurants, and shops, this hotel is the perfect choice for a business trip of any kind. The hotel boasts a total of 118 elegantly designed rooms and suites all include comfortable beds, flat screen TV, working desk, large shower, Wi-Fi connection, and breakfast buffet in the morning. All that one needs to unwind after a long journey or an important meeting. Additional features include conference rooms and a boardroom, with facilities that can be adapted to accommodate any kind of business event. In order to stay fit while on the move, the Tangram has incorporated a large gym facility with top-notch equipment and a sauna. When it comes to food and beverage, one can enjoy the all day dining experience in Greens restaurant. The Olive Inn Lounge Bar in the lobby provides selection of pastries and classic favourites for quick luncheons or snacks. In the evenings, the lounge’s private garden offers daily BBQ with a wide selection of premium beverages complemented by live traditional music. Alternatively, choose from a variety of shisha flavours while watching your favourite sports team on the large flat screen TV. The hotel is home to Erbil’s most sought after night spot, 360 Club, with live entertainment and a rich events calendar including Salsa nights, Karaoke parties, ladies nights, House Music parties. It offers a rich menu of international food, cocktails and premium beverages which you can enjoy with breathtaking panoramic views of sparkling Erbil skyline either in the indoor lounge or the outdoor spacious terrace.
KURDISTAN TOURISM BOARD Maulawy Jabar Wahab, Head Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism Tel: +964 750 463 6294 tallin.hagob@yahoo.com www.tourismkurdistan.com The Kurdistan Tourism Board is an organization dedicated to the promotion of the tourism industry in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Headquartered in Erbil, it is affiliated with the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism, but operates independently. Recent activities of the Tourism Board include the renovation of the Erbil Citadel alongside UNESCO, refurbishing the area and reconstructing some dilapidated zones in order to fully showcase the historical marvel, as well as the first Tourism Conference at the Erbil International Hotel in November 2012. The Tourism Board works hard to highlight the numerous visit-worthy natural sites around the region, such as the caves, the waterfalls, and the valleys by creating and publishing promotional brochures and websites, and collaborating with local travel agencies. Their efforts have paid off and Erbil has been named the Arab Tourism Capital for 2014, chosen over Beirut, Sharjah, and Taif. The Tourism Board will be highly involved in the preparation for this exciting event.
The designer boutique at the hotel features elegant ladies’ accessories and designer garments from the infamous Billionaire Italian Couture. Tangram Hotel consistently provides top quality services, their attention to the smallest details adding warmth to your stay. The multilingual staff will make anyone feel at home immediately, from the first welcome until your last moments, leaving you longing to return to this extraordinary place.
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Kurdistan has several thousand villages nestled in the mountains, home to people who have lived there for centuries. Traditional houses dot the lush farmland among the snowcapped peaks. Many villages are ancient, containing a mix of inhabited houses and archaeological sites. The Kurdistan region is an archaeologist’s goldmine, filled with ancient Mesopotamian ruins. There are hundreds or even thousands yet to be discovered and excavated. The city of Erbil is also a cultural gem. The centre or ‘kala’ in Kurdish is bustling, the bazaar packed with countless stalls selling absolutely everything you can imagine, set amid kebab restaurants, bakeries, and teashops. Step outside for a breath of air and sit on one of the many benches among the fountains in the central square. The seven thousand year old citadel walls tower above, contrasting with the vast amount of modern construction in the distance. “We believe that Kurdistan has a lot of potential to become a popular touristic destination, both regionally and internationally. We have a lot to offer – a rich culture, traditional food recipes, beautiful nature, and a rapidly modernizing city. We like to think of ourselves as ‘the Other Iraq’ – part of the country, but very different.” Maulawy Jabar Wahab Head of the Tourism Board
VAN ROYAL HOTEL 60 Meter Street, Shorsh Street Intersection Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 223 5840 Fax: (+964) 66 223 5845 info@vanroyal-hotel.com www.vanroyal-hotel.com Set in an iconic glass building, the Van Royal Hotel is just a five-minute drive from the historic Citadel and the downtown area of Erbil. Guests stay in one of the 90 bright, modern rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable beds, and a seating area. They are also fitted with a mini-bar, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and complimentary high speed Internet. High quality toiletries are provided in each bathroom. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk, a luxurious indoor swimming pool, and a rooftop terrace with city views. Guests can enjoy a traditional Turkish bath and a massage in the health club. The Royal Restaurant serves à la-carte specialties and has live cooking stations. Drinks are available at the Vitamin Pool Bar. The Royal Shopping Mall is a 5-minute walk from the hotel, as well as Erbil’s most beautiful mosque, a main city landmark.
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ENTERTAINMENT The 3 main cities of the Kurdistan region have modern hotels, a wide variety of restaurants, contemporary shopping malls, and an active nightlife. The countryside has beautiful scenery with green rolling hills, jagged mountains, natural caves, and blue lakes. Visitors will be enchanted by the landscapes and the hospitality of the Kurds.
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OVERVIEW The Kurdistan Region is an ideal destination for those seeking unspoiled mountain scenery and ancient archeological sites off the beaten track. The best time to visit is in March when people celebrate Nawroz, the New Year marked by the spring equinox, by having picnics and dancing in the hills and valleys. In October and November, the weather is very pleasant and still warm enough to enjoy sightseeing. During the Kurdistan Region’s long hot summers, visitors and locals can enjoy the cooler weather of Kurdistan’s hillside resorts in the three provinces. The Kurdistan Region’s three main cities are developing rapidly, and now have modern shopping malls for visitors who want to go to cafes offering internet access and looking for international retail brands.
CULTURE Kurdish cultural heritage is rooted in one of the world’s oldest cultures. The earliest known evidence
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of a unified and distinct culture (and possibly, ethnicity) by people inhabiting the Kurdish mountains dates back to the Halaf culture of 6000 BC to 5400 BC. This was followed by the spread of the Ubaidian culture, which was a foreign introduction from Mesopotamia. Kurds consider themselves to be Indo-European as well as descendants of the Guti, Hattians, Kassites, Mitanni, Mannai, Urartu, and Mushku groups. All of these peoples shared a common identity and spoke one language or closely related languages or dialects. According to the Encyclopedia Kurdistanica, Kurds are the descendants of all those who have historically settled in Kurdistan, not of any one particular group. A people such as the Guti (Kurti), Mede, Mard, Carduchi (Gordyaei), Adiabene, Zila and Khaldi signify not the ancestor of the Kurds but only one ancestor. This heritage has been subject to injustices, neglect and repression, or has been eclipsed by other cultures. Important components of the original cultural heritage have disappeared or have been destroyed. There are numerous examples of how
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valuable or irreplaceable Kurdish physical heritage are endangered or destroyed, like the threat posed by the Illusi Dam in Turkey, where the oldest Kurdish city, Hasankeyf, will soon be covered by water.
MUSIC AND DANCE There are three types of Kurdish classical performers: storytellers (çîrokbêj), minstrels (stranbêj) and bards (dengbêj). Many songs are epic ballads, recounting the tales of Kurdish heroes or the sorrow of separation and unfulfilled love. Music is also closely tied to religious ceremonies and the transitions of life. Traditional instruments found in all parts of Kurdistan are the tembûr, bilûr, zirne, dahol and daf. The daf is made of goat’s skin, its tones are enhanced with metal hoops attached to the rim. The last decade has seen Kurdish music greatly influenced by Western music, creating Kurdish pop and Kurdish hip-hop. The Sulaimani province assumes its own style of music. Muhamad Salih Dilan is widely considered to be the greatest singer from the city and had an important role in developing Kurdish music. The city is also considered to be the birthplace of modern Kurdish music. Key figures are Karwan Osman who
1. Hand-woven baskets
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was executed by the Ba’ath regime in 1991 after his imprisonment for one year in the Abu Ghraib prison city in Iraq that regularly celebrates world music day or Fête de la Musique. Kurds sing and dance in all of their festivals, birthdays and marriage ceremonies. These folkloric dances are one of the main factors in distinguishing Kurds from neighbouring Muslim populations. Kurdish folk dance is a form of line dancing, with one or two figure dancers often added to the centre of the dancing circle. The dances tell of the customs, traditions and everyday life of Kurdish people, enacting work, the marriage ceremony and notable battles and wars. The dances are always performed to live music played on traditional instruments.
ARTS AND CRAFTS Kurdish people have upheld the tradition of carpet weaving for centuries. The most popular patterns include florals, medallions, Mina Khani motifs, and geometric patterns. Some rug weavers also use symbols to depict their dreams, wishes, and hopes. The beauty of Kurdish designs are enriched by colours, which include deep blues, greens, saffrons, terracotta, and burnt orange hues.
2. Kurdish handmade woven hats
3. Traditional handmade Kurdish summer shoes
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FOOD AND DRINKS Fresh herbs are the essence of Kurdish cuisine. People also love to cook with an abundance of vegetables. Lamb and chicken are the primary meats. Beef is also popular. A typical Kurdish breakfast is flat or raised bread with honey, delicious sheep or buffalo yoghurt and a glass of refreshing black tea.
The Kurdistan Region has fertile soil and a hot summer climate ideal for growing grapes and orchards such as pomegranate, fig, and walnut. The Region’s honey has a clear light taste and is often sold with the honeycomb. Kurdistan also produces excellent sheep, goat and buffalo dairy products, such as soft and hard cheeses, yogurt and keshk. These are produced in small quantities in rural communities and are sought after.
Savoury dishes are usually served with rice or flat bread. Kebabs are a popular way to serve meat and chicken. Lamb, vegetables or beans are simmered in tomato sauce or in meat juices to make delicate stews that are usually served with rice or cracked wheat. In the spring and summer, salads and fresh herbs are often on the dinner table. Kurds also make many types of kofta and kubba, dumplings filled with meat. Black, sweetened tea is Kurdistan’s favourite drink. The black tea goes perfectly with klicha, which are date or walnut-filled cookies often prepared for religious festivals.
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NEWROZ Newroz refers to the celebration of the traditional New Year in Kurdistan and nearby countries such as Iran, Azerbaijan, and Afghanistan, as well as in some communities in Pakistan and Turkey. The festival is in March, usually between the 18th and the 24th. Celebrations vary from country to country, but generally, Kurds celebrate by dressing in their finest clothes and setting off to the countryside for picnics, often taking a large pot of yaprakh. Also known throughout the Mediterranean as dolma, yaprakh is a dish of freshly picked vine leaves stuffed with rice, meat, herbs and garlic, and then simmered in a large pot. They welcome the beginning of spring and the renewed beauty of nature. Some communities in Kurdistan light a bonfire during the Newroz festival to symbolize the passing of the dark of winter and the coming light of the summer months.
Another is the Shanidar cave, where nine Neanderthal skeletons were found dating between 60-80,000 years. The cave is in Bradost mountain, in Erbil province. It was excavated between 19571961 by Ralph Solecki and his team from Columbia University and yielded the first adult Neanderthal skeletons in Iraq. One skeleton and casts of the others are at the Smithsonian Institution in the US. Erbil and Suleimani each have a museum holding collections of antiquities, statues and remains from the Region, while Duhok Traditional Museum displays Kurdistan’s folklore and heritage.
SHOPPING The capital of Kurdistan, the city of Erbil is home to several modern shopping malls. FAMILY MALL
Newroz is considered to be the most important festival in the Kurdistan region.
ARCHAEOLOGY Kurdistan has at least 1,307 known archaeological sites. Among the most famous is the Erbil citadel, the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the world, which has been settled since 6,000 BC.
100 Meter Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq www.familymallerbil.com With its glass domed roof and impressive façade, Family Mall is the largest shopping mall in Kurdistan. It features 120 stores with international brands such as Mango, DKNY, Home Istanbul, Carrefour, Digital City, and much more. Family Mall also offers its visitors the option to dine in
Newroz celebrations in the open mountain air
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one of its many world-class restaurants and cafes. There is also a children play area with trampolines, motorized toy trains, and a playground.
ROYAL MALL 60 Meter Street by Shorsh Intersection Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq www.facebook.com/royalmallerbil
MAJIDI MALL Khaznasan Road Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq www.majidimall.com Majidi Mall was the very first shopping mall to open in Erbil. Opened in 2009, the majestic marble building contains 67 stores over 3 floors. The top floor features a wide selection of restaurants, including Fat Burger, known as the best hamburger in town.
Opened in late 2012, this beautiful rose-coloured building houses a large number of international stores and a large, modern supermarket. It also contains the very first cinema to open in Erbil. Movie schedules can be found online on Royal Mall’s Facebook page.
Plans for Mazi Mall, a shopping centre in Duhok
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THE THREE PROVINCES ERBIL Erbil is the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq. With a population of approximately 1.3 million in 2009, it is the fourth largest city in Iraq after Baghdad, Basra and Mosul. Urban life at Erbil can be dated back to at least 6000 BC and it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. At the heart of the city is the ancient Citadel of Erbil, which is estimated to be close to 7000 years old. At the entrance is a
Erbil’s archaeological museum houses a large collection of pre-Islamic artefact, and is a center for archaeological projects in the area. In the same area in the town centre is the Sheikh Chooli Minaret, built by Sultan Mozafared in between 543 and 586 AD and inscribed with Kufic caligraphy. Erbil is also home to many parks. The largest and most central is the Sami Abdul Rahman Park. Stretching over many hectares, it is the ideal place to enjoy greenery, peace and quiet without having to leave the city. The town of Shaqlawa, about 50 kilometres from the
View of the city centre from the Citadel of Erbil / Photographer: Francois-Xavier Lovat
capital Erbil, lies at the base of Mount Safeen which is nearly 2,000 metres high at its peak. It has several fruit orchards, a food market,
Statue of Mubarak Ben Ahmed Sharaf-Aldin Photographer: Francois-Xavier Lovat
large statue of Mubarak Ben Ahmed Sharaf-Aldin (1169-1239) known as Ibn Almustawfi. He was a historian and a minister of Erbil in the era of Sultan Muzafardin, Ibn Alumustawfi. He wrote on the subjects of history, literature and language. His selfproclaimed masterpiece is a set of four volumes on the history of Erbil. Inside the citadel, you will find beautiful traditional rugs and textiles at the Kurdish Textile Museum. The museum also showcases and preserves textile techniques by traditional tribes and endangered nomads of Kurdistan. The citadel also offers great views over the city. The Hurrians were the first to establish Urbilum and expand their rule to the rest of northern Mesopotamia. The city has since been under the rule of many regional powers, including the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Kurds, the Persians, the Greeks, the Arabs, and the Seljuk and Ottoman Turks.
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restaurants and hotels. Further away deeper into the mountains and gorges, Gali Ali Beg and Bekhal waterfalls and the water source at Jundyan offer beautiful scenery and a place to stop and enjoy lunch or a drink at the outdoor restaurants, or simply sit down to enjoy your own picnic in a quiet spot. Take a drive through the deep gorge called Gali Ali Beg, along the famous Hamilton Road that passes through some of the finest scenery in Kurdistan. At the end of the gorge is the hillside town of Rawandoz, which was the capital of Soran principality until the 19th century. Visitors in Rawandoz can stay in chalets or in holiday homes in Pank Resort . The resort funfair has rides and a roller-coaster sledge ride, and is surrounded by mountain views. At Haji Umran, where you will find the Kurdistan Region’s highest mountains, the spa water is renowned locally for treating ailments and the highlands usually remain green through summer. Arab Tourism Capital for 2014 Erbil has been named the 2014 Arab Tourism Capital by the Arab Council of Tourism. The city plans to host at least 40 different events and activities in 2014, ranging from skydiving, ice-skating, and a marathon, to traditional Kurdish arts and culture.
SULAIMANI
Kurdistan. The city is 385 kilometers north of Baghdad and 200 kilometers northeast of Erbil, surrounded by the Azmer Range, Goyija Range and the Qaiwan Range in the north east, Baranan Mountain in the south and the Tasluja Hills in the west. The city has a semi-arid climate with very hot and dry summers and very cold winters. Sulaimani served as the historic capital of the Kurdish principality of Baban from 1784 to 1850. The modern city of Sulaimani was founded on 14 November 1784 by the Kurdish prince Ibrahim Pasha Baban who named it after his father Sulaiman Pasha. Claudius James Rich, the famous British traveler and antiquarian scholar wrote that Sulaimani was a bustling city with large markets and clean public baths in his time. Today, Sulaimani is a modern Middle Eastern city with a variety of hotels, motels, supermarkets, malls, cinemas, and parks. The Freedom Square is at the center of the city (also known as the Saray) and there are several museums in the same area. Sulaimani also houses several universities and educational institutions, including the American University of Iraq. Because it was founded as the capital of a powerful Kurdish principality, Sulaimani has developed into a large city with a population of about 1.500.000 people. It is an important economic center for Iraqi Kurdistan and the cultural center for the Soranispeaking Kurds. It has been named cultural capital of Kurdistan continuously since 1992.
Sulaimani is one of the major cities in the Kurdistan region. It is known as the Cultural Capital of
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Development of Sorani as a modern literary language started in this city in the early 19th century, when many Kurdish poets such as Nalî, Piramerd, Muhamed Amin Zaki, Abdulla Goran, Muhamad Salih Dilan, Ahmad Hardi, Ibrahim Ahmad, Sherko Bekas, Zimnaco Burhan Qanie and Bachtyar Ali published their works. Sulaimani is known for its open, relatively liberal and tolerant society when compared to other cities of Kurdistan and Iraq. In 2006, the Movement for Change started in Sulaimani and challenged what it called the “corrupt” and “nepotistic” Kurdish Government. The movement gained massive support from the city. The two independent newspapers Hawlati and Awena and the two independent political magazines Lvin and Shock, are published and distributed in Sulaimani city. About 70 kilometres from Sulaimani, the picturesque Dukan and Derbendikhan lakes are lined with cabins for visitors to enjoy boating or swimming. The lakes are a result of hydroelectric power dams built decades ago. At Ahmadawa, east of Sulaimani, springs form several waterfalls surrounded by walnut, pomegranate and fig trees, attracting visitors to their cool shade.
DUHOK Duhok City is the capital of Duhok Governorate
in Iraqi Kurdistan, with a population reaching to 300,000 inhabitants. It is in the northwestern part of Iraq, close to the Syrian and Turkish borders. The city is built on a plain between two mountain chains; Shandukha to the south and Spi to the north, along the Tigris River. Duhok has a growing tourist industry, its population having grown rapidly since the 1990s as the rural population moved to the cities. It is known as the Tourism Capital of Iraq. It was originally an Assyrian town named Beth Nuhadra or Naarda. The University of Duhok, founded in 1992, is a renowned center for teaching and research in Duhok. In Duhok province at Silav resort, open-air restaurants provide a view looking up to the nearby ancient town of Amedi (Amadiya), which sits atop a two-kilometre wide plateau. Muslims and Christians have lived alongside each other for centuries in this small town. In former times, it was also home to a thriving Jewish community. Amediya offers a wonderful view of the nearby valleys and gorges. The majority of the inhabitants are Kurds, however there are also Chaldeans, Assyrians, Armenians, and Yazidi minorities. All ethnicities coexist in peace. Duhok City has a lot to offer visitors and tourists. There are dozens of restaurants, with both local and international cuisine. The museums are also worth a visit, as there is a history museum, a cultural museum, and a Yazidi museum. There is also a small zoo, playgrounds for children, and cultural centers. Duhok City is famous for its sculptures carved into the rocks around the city, so try to spot them as you drive around.
Stunning views of the city of Duhok
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KINDS OF TOURISM RELIGIOUS TOURISM The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has been the center of ancient religions such as Merta and Zerdasht. It
bring in thousands of local and foreign tourists each year, all of whom come to visit and pay their respects to these religious sites. Many of these religious locations in Kurdistan attract visitors from other countries- such as Sheikhs of Byara and Tawela in Hawraman which is located in Sulaimani, the shrine of Kaka Ahmadi Sheikh, Christian shrines like Raban Boyay and Mar Qadisho in the Governorate of Erbil, Sheikh of Balak and shrines of the prophets Huzair and Sultan Mudahfar, also found in Erbil, and the Islamic shrine of Sheikh Abdul Aziz, son of Sheikh Abdulkadir Gailany, and the great Yezidian Lalish in Duhok.
ECO TOURISM
A wealth of religious sites are found across the region
is and has been the residence of many people of different faiths, including Jewish, Islamic, Yizdy, Ahli Haq and Kakayee. There are many beliefs and different ideas, and the region has also been the home of many prophets such as Zerdasht, Ibrahim Khalil, Noah, Eyup, Huzair, and Daniel. Kurdistan is a place of various shrines and religious men, and the center of growing faiths like Qadri, Naqishbandi, and Sahrawardi that now have thousands of followers. Ancient shrines, mosques and churches can be seen in many places throughout Kurdistan, which
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The Kurdistan region of Iraq has a unique environment; the mountains can be covered with rain and snow in winter, a pleasant climate in spring, and cool in summer. You can find a wide selection of trees, flowers and greenery, animals and birds, culture and heritage, picturesque villages, the village tents of the local gypsies, as well as high and low topography. The springs’ waters are sweet and good for drinking. The highest peak is Helgurd Mountain at 3706m above sea level. There are many mountains like Qandil, Sakran, Zozik, Korek, Bradost, Handren, Shiren, Gara, Meten, Zimnako, Pera Magroon, Safen and many others, as well as hundreds of valleys and natural forests. A plan has been put in place to build The National Park of Helgurd-Sakran (600km), in cooperation with an Austrian organization. Kurdistan also has many waterfalls and other attractive scenes for visitors to enjoy.
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A variety of cultural and traditional Kurdish arts and crafts
CULTURAL TOURISM
POLITICAL TOURISM
There are various ethnic groups across the Kurdistan region such as, Kurds, Assyrians, Turkmen, Caldians, Armenian and Arabs. Each of these groups has its own culture, clothes and dialect within their district. They have their own agricultural tools, industrial dishes and procedures for carrying out different activities and can also be identified by their traditional dress, which includes unique clothing, gold and jewelley items. These different cultures have their own special ways for preparing traditional food and guests are always warmly welcomed to share in the delights.
Kurdistan has a deep and ancient history. It is a place that has been ruled by many local and foreign authorities. Many conflicts of the country have been fought and settled on Kurdish land. Perhaps one of the most well-known wars was between Askandari Makdoni and Dariosh Faris, the war occurred near the city of Erbil and ended with Askandari Makdoni’s victory. Other conflicts to note are Islamic attacks, Iraqi authorities and Mongols, Ottomans as well as the British army. The ruling places of Kurdish princes, from Medes to Sheikh Mahmod, are still well known and visited.
The arts and craft best known to the region are carpets and textiles. Such handicrafts can be admired at the different cultural museums in the cities of Erbil, Sulaimani, Duhok and Kalar.
In recent history, the people of Kurdistan experienced a very different form of suffering at the hands of the Ba’ath party and its methods of governing in Kurdistan with many political and military crimes against the Kurds. Those crimes will never be forgotten, such as the genocide of Kurds in the Anfal campaign, when chemical bombardments destroyed over five thousand villages, killing 182,000 Kurdish civilians in the
All of these unique characteristics are what make Kurdistan unique to other nations of the world.
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name of the Anfal operations and leaving hundreds of mass graves. The remains of many traditional and locally fabricated weapons can be seen in Kurdistan’s museums. There are many monuments and graveyards of the genocide, along with statues of leaders and revolutionaries, across Kurdistan and the wider Iraq. Many different historical books, journals and documentaries contain the events in detail.
60 thousand B.C., have been found. There is also the Chwar Astoon cave which was the Zardashts’ temple. Engraved drawings can been found in several caves including Gundik, Bastoon Cave and Hawdyian, Chami Razan, Hazar Merd and Zarziwhere many other archaeological pieces have been found. Heritage pieces in their hundreds can be studied and admired at the museums found in the main cities of Erbil, Duhok and Sulaimani.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOURISM
Agricultural life started in around 10 thousand B.C. in the village of Zawia, and in 7 thousand B.C. in Charmo. Many of the antiquities found from these periods can likewise be seen by interested tourists.
There are more than 3,500 antiquities in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Some of them are significant in terms of tourism, such as the citadels of Erbil, Khanzad, Dere, Sartika, Akre, Amedi, Rwandiz, Sherwana, Barzinja and many others. There are also engravings including Qisqapan, Khins, Halamtan, and some engraved skeletons like Harir, Belola Darband, Gawir Darband, Mirqolyand and more. There are other antiquities in Kurdistan like Shanadr cave, where Neanderthals lived. More than 9 skeletons, going back to
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WATER TOURISM The topography of the Kurdistan region of Iraq is characterized with high and low areas, as there are many mountain peaks and long valleys with rain and snow during the winter. There are many springs and small rivers. The Tigris River in Iraq is the main source of these many streams and rivers that flows through Kurdistan.
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Many springs can be found in the mountainous territories and various waterfalls like Gali Ali Bag, Bekhal, Ahmad Awa, Sharanish, Solav, and Baste can be found. There are also dams in Dukan, Darbandikhan, Duhok, Bawa Shaswar and several other places.
In terms of natural remedies, some mineral springs are used for the treatment of skin diseases and sunflowers can be used to remove kidney stones. There are also areas with clean air, and a nice climate with wonderful scenic views that are useful for psychological treatments and relaxation.
Swimming pools can be found in many of the hotels in the 3 main cities; Erbil, Duhok and Sulaimani, and there are many projects underway to create amusement parks and water parks for the growing tourist industry.
Modern medical treatments can be found in all hospitals in the Kurdistan region, especially those in the private sector. These hospitals have doctors from developed countries that have relocated to Kurdistan. As a result, tourists from other parts of Iraq and neighboring countries visit Kurdistan for specialized treatments. This type of tourism is an asset to progress and development and hopes to see much development in the coming future to ensure the well-being of the local population, as well as to attract outsider visitors to seek healthcare and treatments in the region.
MEDICAL TOURISM There are two types of medical tourism in the Kurdistan region - the first being natural, while the second is Medical.
ADVENTURE TOURISM The Kurdistan Region is known for having valleys, mountains, forests and small and large rivers. Tourists can enjoy mountain climbing at Halgurd, Pera Magrun, Korek, Bradost, Sheren, and Safen. A state-of-the-art cable car has recently opened at the Korek Mountain, which takes visitors up to enjoy the wonderful views of the surrounding areas. Visitors can also take tours to the deep and long valleys, rivers and deep caves. There are a great number of caves and mountains to explore across the region, many of which are still unexplored. Many of the caves are of unknown depths and some peaks of the mountains have rarely been seen. Many tourists from other countries visit Kurdistan yearly for such type of tourism.
Hazer Merd Cave
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ERBIL & SURROUNDING AREAS WHAT TO SEE AND DO MUSEUMS, GALLERIES AND LIBRARIES
wool dyed naturally using wild plants and flowers. Several exhibits are several centuries old.
PARKS, SPRINGS, AND NATURAL SITES Sami Abdul - Rahman Park This is one of the largest parks in Erbil located in front of the Rotana and Divan Hotels. It was designed and built in two stages on an area of 800
Erbil Civilization Museum Located in the city center opposite the City Hall, it is divided into three historical sections. Antiques are exhibited according to eras starting from ancient periods until advanced ages. The origin of some
donums of land. The Park houses many visitor facilities like restaurants, playgrounds, football pitches and running tracks and many locals can be found at weekends having picnics with friends and family within the vast grounds. Manarah Park Manarah Park is one of the most beautiful recreation grounds in the region.
Ancient artifacts in the Erbil Civilization Museum
exhibits goes back to 5,000 B.C. and reflects the patterns and ways of life in Kurdistan and Iraq. A rich library is adjacent to the Museum. It is considered among the most prestigious historical libraries of the city. Kurdish Textile Museum The museum is located inside the Erbil Citadel. It exhibits artefacts which demonstrate an ancient tradition within Kurdish culture: spinning and weaving. Exhibits include clothing, fabrics, raw materials, and
It is located opposite Shanader Park and is named Manarah because of the Choli Minaret inside it. The park can be visited daily and National activities and celebrations are usually held in this park. Shander Park
The Textile Museum showcases the traditional art of carpet weaving in Kurdistan
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This recreation ground is south of the Erbil Fortress, behind al - Sawwaf Mosque. It was constructed according to a modern design and comprises several playgrounds. A hall for local arts was built in the form of the renowned Shander Cave. Gulan Park This Park is 3 Km from the center of Soran subdistrict in Erbil Governorate, located on the road of Soran – Choman. This park has various fun games for families and children to enjoy. The park is visited by many tourists and can best be enjoyed for its beautiful surrounding views. Halgurd Mountain This mountain is the highest in Iraq, standing at 3607 meters above sea level. The peak is covered by snow all year round. There are several water sources, including a mineral water pool around the mountain. Many tourists visit this area for the impressive views and to try their hand at a climb.
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Bestoon Cave This cave has a very old history, dating back to the Stone Age. It is believed that the Neaderthal people used to reside within. To access this site, one must drive either on the road through Spilk Mountain towards Khallan or from the Kali Ali Bag Strait by the westbound road between Hawdian and Sardaw. This cave has not been excavated to date. Shanader Cave (Alt.: 2,200 m) The historic Shanader Cave is located on the Bradost Mountain within the borders of the Mergasoor district. It is well-known for its distinct triangular shape. It is set at an altitude of 2200 meters above sea level with a height of 18 meters and a depth of 40 meters. It is considered to be one of the largest and most ancient caves in Iraq, dating back to 60,000 years BC. It was used during the revolution times as a hideout for the Peshmerga. Excavations were first enacted in 1951 by Mr. Rafsolki, an archaeologist
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who analyzed the stone layers and managed to pinpoint the age. Taq Taq Part of the Koya District, the region is renowned for its many gardens and enchanting natural surroundings. A small river passes through the city and it is very popular during spring. Choman Frontier district of the Hallgurd-Sakran Mountain Chain, Choman is an important agricultural and cattle breeding region. The area attracts many tourists and there is a wide range of facilities and places of recreation such as summer resorts, parks, rivers, green pastures and waterfalls. Haji Omran Haji Omran is at an altitude of 3000m and is located within the borders of Choman District. The region receives an abundance of rain, and snow is often seen year round. The region offers a healthy and beautiful environment and is an extremely attractive and popular place during the hot summer months. Shaqlawa Shaqlawa is a popular holiday area located between the Safeen and Sork Mountains. It is so beautiful that it is known as the Bride of Kurdistan. There is an abundance of water springs, trees, and greenery. Its beautiful nature and climate attracts tourists from Iraq as well as from foreign countries. Walze Waterfall The Walze Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. It is located southeast of the Choman district, about 3 kilometers from the Qasre sub-district. Many people come from all over the country to visit this gorgeous natural site.
Kharand At 980 m altitude, Kharand is a natural site located west of Rawanduz on the road to Soran. The road section within the village of Kawlokan is named Kali Kharand while the section lying to the side of Rawanduz is called Kharand. A must to visit for its stunning scenery! Ali Begg Valley Situated about 95 kilometers from Erbil off the road to Soran, this valley dips between the Korek and Bradost mountains. It is 12 kilometers long with many beautiful sites, such as springs and waterfalls. The famed Gali waterfall is located in this valley which is a popular site for tourists from all around the country to visit. There are also several restaurants and cafes in the valley, built to accommodate visitors.
RUINS AND OTHER HISTORICAL SITES The Citadel Bath (Hammam) The Bath is more than 200 years old and dates back to the 18th century. It is formed by two main sections: one for use in summer and the other for winter. It contains two bathing halls topped by two large domes. The bath area is approximately 782 m2. At the north side of the bath is a special well with a 5m diameter and a depth of 45m. Its bottom reaches the Citadel base. At the end of 1979 the bath was renovated and rehabilitated. Qaysari Market (Bazaar) Qaysari Market lies at 728m and is directly opposite the Erbil Citadel. Constructed during the Ottoman Empire, it was built in the form of Latin characters. The Market
Taq Taq
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1. Choman 2. Haji Omran 3. Shaqlawa 4. Walze Waterfall 5. Kharand 6. Ali Begg Valley 7. The Citadel Bath (Hammam) 8. Qaysari Market (Bazaar)
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9. is a large and elevated hall. It shelters a large number of shops. It has two main entrances south and west. Its many roof skylights and openings provide for lighting and ventilation. Choli Minaret Choli Minaret is considered to be one of the most prestigious landmarks of Erbil City. It is 22 meters high and just 1 kilometer south of Erbil’s Citadel. Built in 1128-1138 AD during the rule of Sultan Mudhaffar Al-Din Called, it is also Al-Mudhafariah
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Minaret. The local inhabitants refer to it as ‘Choli’ because it was far from the city. Truly fascinating for those interested in local history. Rawanduz City The city of Rawanduz is located 107 kilometers northeast of Erbil. The name of the city comes from Rawn, who was a famous poet from the area and Duz which means Citadel or Tower. It is located between the Valley of Karand and Kala Rash and is over 500 meters above sea level. The district is surrounded by
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mountains. Korek Mountain is to the south, Hindren Mountain to the north, Zozik Mountain to the west, and Bradasot Mountain to the east. Qalinj Agha Hill Qalinj Agha Hill is considered an important archaeological site. Located in Erbil’s center, its name is derived from the word “Qala Anje”, meaning “The Small Mound”, in contrast to the giant Erbil Citadel lying one kilometer away. Qalinj Agha Hill is only 7 meter high. The archaeological excavations that were first undertaken in 1966 lead to believe that Qalinj Agha Hill had been the site of several historical eras inhabited by man. These periods during the fourth and fifth millennia B.C were known as Hulf-Warka (that paper) era. Qshla Qshla is located in the center of Koya City. Researchers differ on the date of its construction. Some relate it to the Mamalik era while others claim it to the second half of the 19th century during the rule of Ottoman Governor Midhat Pasha of Baghdad. Chwar Taqan Located south of Koya city, Chwar Taqan was as a resting place and stopover for caravans travelling between Koya, Erbil, and Kirkuk. The ruins of
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Chwar Taqan were renovated in 2002 by the District Commissioner of Koya. They include four great water jars used by the caravan travellers and their mules. Barsireen Bridge On the road between Soran and Haji Omran, the bridge was constructed inside the village of Barsireen and is used by pedestrians to cross between the two sides of the village. Soran enjoys a wonderful climate and gushing springs. Koya City Located between the Governorates of Erbil and Sulaimani, Koya is surrounded by the Bawaji and Haibat Sultan mountains. It is known as one of the most beautiful regions of Kurdistan. There are several tourist attractions in the city, including the shrines of Kosar, Janarook, Hamamouk, Jely Kadan, Koumet Tal,Nazanin, and Marbina Qadisha . Historians believe that Koya enjoyed a great prestige under the Gothera. It was also occupied by the Assyrians and Medians. The city is famous for its mosques which were often also centers for studies of sciences and arts. Many scholars, poets and artists like Haji Qader Koyi, Awni, Dldar, Bakouri, Taher Tawfiq and others have been active there. Today, its academic reputation continues as the University in Koya is an
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important hub of culture. Koya Bazaar This is one the oldest bazaars (open markets) in the region, with shops and stands selling a wide variety of local products. Step through the ancient arched doorways and explore the alleyways. It is located in the center of the city of Koya.
RELIGIOUS TOURISM Shrine of Sheikh Balak Sheikh Muhammad Balak was an Islamic leader from the 17th century. He had over a thousand followers during the Sahrawardi Tariqa. Descendents of his followers and the residents of the area visit the shrine regularly and it is considered among Iraq’s religious tourism highlights. Shrine of Raban Boya (Sheikh Wso Rahman) Overlooking the valley of Safeen Mountain, opposite Shaqlawa City is the ancient shrine of Raban Boya. To access this site, there is a bypass up the side of Safeen Mountain. It takes nearly an hour to hike up. Many people on religious pilgrimages visit this site.
Shrine of Marbina Qadisha Located northeast of the Harmoota village, 3 kilometers away from Koya, is the shrine of Marbina Qadisha. Also known as ‘Marbina Behnam’, some believe that Mar Behnam and his sister Sara built this shrine. Others believe that a number of a monks from Mosul were driven away and took refuge in the shrine during the Moguls invasion of the city. To this date, this site is often visited by people on pilgrimages.
RESORTS Swedish Tourism Village Located in the Shaqlawa area, this resort offers its guests a taste of the simple country life. Accommodations include comfortable cabins and villas with breathtaking views of the mountain scenery and green surroundings. Pank Tourist Resort This beautiful resort is perched on a hill, close to Rawanduz and roughly 100 kilometers from Erbil City. It is equipped with summer cottages, restaurants, shops, swimming pools, and a fun park. There are plans to expand the resort, adding more tourist facilities in the near future. A mustvisit in the hot summer months to get a breath of cooler air.
Pank Tourist Resort
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ENTERTAINMENT Aqua Tarin Massif Salahaddin Road, Erbil, Kurdistan
The hotel is the perfect starting point for a trip to Erbil. With well-equipped rooms, a wide range of facilities (including lounge, restaurant and gym) and the best breakfast in town, Tangram Erbil’s guests are ensured to mix business with pleasure. Canyon Hotel
Located just outside of Erbil, Aqua Tarin has enough fun and excitement to keep both children and adults entertained throughout the summer months. Aqua Tarin is one of the largest outdoor entertainment projects in Iraq, setting the standard for amusement and recreational activities. The park includes the latest range of aquatic attractions designed by internationally accredited and licensed engineers, guaranteed to make you feel secure while having fun. With gardens, cafes, and a variety of parks, it has become one of Iraq’s premier amusement destinations for families to enjoy. Guests will enjoy more than a dozen water slides, swimming pools, and children’s play/splash areas, all regulated by international health code standards. Your day at Aqua Tarin is guaranteed for you to have fun in the sun!
WHERE TO STAY Rotana Hotel Gulan Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel (+964) 66 210 5555 Fax (+964) 66 210 5556 www.rotana.com Divan Hotel Gulan Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel (+964) 66 210 5000 www.divan.com.tr
Gulan Street Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 635 4444 www.canyonhotelerbil.com The Canyon Hotel Erbil is a home away from home, set conveniently on Gulan Street in the centre of Erbil City. This hotel is Erbil’s newest 4 star establishment, built and launched in 2012.
Khanzad Hotel Massif Road Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 2232 808 Fax: (+964) +447069410005 www.khanzadresort.com Noble Hotel 100 Meter Street by Ainkawa Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 225 26 30 www.noble-hotel.com Jouhayna Hotel 100 Meter Street, Next to Second Cup Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 0750 712 0777 www.jouhaynahotel.com Bella Roma Hotel 100 Meter Street, opposite Italian City Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 411 77 55 www.blromahotel.com’
Tangram Hotel Kirkuk Road, next to Naza Mall Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 662 296 900 www.erbil.tangramhotels.com
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The Bella Roma Hotel is one of Erbil’s newest 4 star hospitality establishments. Conveniently located on 100 Meter Street opposite the Italian City, the hotel is close to all central amenities. It is five minutes away from the Erbil International Airport.
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Van Royal Hotel 60 Meter Street, Shorsh Street Intersection Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 66 223 5840 Fax: (+964) 66 223 5845 info@vanroyal-hotel.com www.vanroyal-hotel.com Best Inn Erbil Ainkawa Street Erbil, Kurdistan (Iraq) Tel: (+964) (0) 66 210 1775 www.bestinnerbilhotel.com
WHERE TO EAT Olive Inn Bar and Café - Tangram The ideal location for a casual business meeting or to catch up with friends and family. The quiet sofa lounge, which features an antique reading corner, offers a wide variety of snacks and light menu options in addition to high team and premium coffee selections. The bar offers cocktails and premium beverages while the outdoor
and vegetables are just few items out of many that you may choose on Al Bustan´s menu. The outdoor dining area is surrounded with streams of water and gardens, and can accommodate up to 250 diners. This restaurant is located inside the Rotana Hotel. Dinner is served between 7:00pm and 11:30pm Lunch on Friday only between 12:00 noon to 4:00pm Tel: (+964) 66 210 5555
Marina The Marina restaurant experience is truly something special. Choose to sit in the spacious interior or the vast green garden and enjoy the variety of singers, both local and international that entertain diners on a nightly basis. Many come because the courses don’t stop until the very end of the night. A blend of local cuisine and Lebanese fare, the flavours will not be easily forgotten. Marina truly offers its guests a dinner and a show, the full experience. Open for dinner every night from 7:00pm til late.
Zahle This restaurant is set on the lobby level of the Arabella Hotel. The setting is unassuming, but Zahle is very famous in Erbil regardless. The food is incredibly tasty, featuring dishes made from fresh ingredients, spices, and herbs. A mix of local and Lebanese cuisine, this restaurant has earned its reputation the old-fashioned way. Singers and live music spice up the atmosphere on the weekends. Open for lunch and dinner every day.
BouBa Restaurant from Lebanon
olive garden terrace allows you to enjoy an evening with traditional live Oud music, traditional Nargila and fruit-infused tobacco blend Shisha as well as live BBQ and Saj. Open daily from 8am to midnight
Al Bustan Al Bustan reflects the true authenticity of the Lebanese dining experience and live entertainment. A rich variety of Mezzas, charcoaled grilled meats
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Set in the heart of Ainkawa, BouBa Restaurant is a family-run business with exceptional food. An intimate setting with simple décor, calm colours, and travel memorabilia, owners Saad and Mohammed Khatib have created a tranquil atmosphere ideal for a long lunch or relaxed dinner. The extensive menu features authentic Lebanese cuisine, cooked by none other than their own mother, who has come over from Lebanon with her sons to take the position as head chef. Open for lunch and dinner every day.
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Venus A traditional restaurant with delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, set in a spacious hall with a lovely atmosphere. Enjoy the wide selection of salads, hummus, baba ghanoush, and other appetizers until the main courses arrive. Vast tables, mood lighting, and live music create a wonderful experience for each and every diner.
Panini and pastas in addition to a well designed desserts menu.
Open for dinner every night from 7:00 pm til late.
Abushahab Owned and named after a local legend, Abushahab is a man born and raised in Erbil who ran a humble but popular kebab stand in the city. This kebab stand still exists, but with his profits, he also built the large and prestigious Abushahab Restaurant and Abushahab City. A true entrepreneur and local success story, this restaurant specializes in Kurdish cuisine and shisha.
Flavours Overlooking the beautiful park Sami Abdul Rahman from one side and the pool from the other side, Flavours offers guests a wide variety of buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located on the mezzanine floor of the Rotana Hotel, Flavours features live cooking stations, theme nights in addition to a tantalizing à la carte menu. Breakfast is served between 6:30am and 10:30am Lunch is served between 12:30pm and 3:30pm Dinner is served between 7:00pm and 11:30pm Tel: (+964) 66 210 5555
Qi 21 There is an eminently good vibe, what the Japanese call Qi, at this distinctive minimalist sushi bar and grill located on the 21st floor of the Divan Hotel. Whether that vibe emanates from the sweeping views of the park and city afforded by its large windows and two terraces, located on either side of the building, or the skill with which delicious dishes such as tekka-don or Beef Teriyaki are expertly prepared - or both - is up to you to decide. In addition to Iraq’s best sushi, the extensive menu also offers a range of more traditional options. Choose from the restaurant side, with its comfortable banquet-style seating in golden tones, or dine on the bar side with its high tables beside the window. No matter where you enjoy your meal, your palette will be just as dazzled as your eyes. Open from 12:00pm – 3:00pm and from 6:30pm - 10:30pm. Tel: +964 66 210 5000
Basilico Located on the Mezzanine floor of the Rotana Hotel, Basilico is the first Italian restaurant in Erbil offering authentic Italian cuisine in a modern setting for an ideal experience. Basilico introduces the various cuisines from around Italy through its wide range of famous appetizers, antipasti, soups,
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Lunch is served between 12:00noon and 3:30pm (Except on Fridays) Dinner is served between 7:00pm and 11:00pm Tel: (+964) (0) 66 210 5555
Open daily for lunch and dinner until late.
O’Caffee Set on the main street on Ainkawa, this is the perfect place for relaxing with friends on a sunny afternoon and people-watching. Sit outside on the terrace in summer or winter (they provide heating lamps in the colder months) and enjoy the fresh air and the stream of Erbil life passing by. The menu is Italian-inspired, serving delicious pizzas, pastas, and salads, as well as a range of coffee drinks and freshly squeezed juices. Open every day from 8:00am – midnight.
India Gate Opened in the first months of 2013 in Ainkawa, this brand-new restaurant run by a family from northern India has an extensive menu featuring a wide selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Cooked with traditional Indian spices and served with a side of basmati rice, their curries and soups are not to be missed. Open for lunch and dinner every day.
Balikçi Sedat In a land-locked country like Iraq, fresh seafood can be difficult to come by. The owner is a Turkish man who is one of the biggest importers of fish and seafood in Kurdistan. His fish shop and restaurant are next to one another and he always ensures that his dinner guests receive the best catch of the day. Sit outside in the garden in the warmer months and enjoy the greenery,
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sunshine, and rare taste of fresh seafood. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Tel: (+964) 750 359 6554
Seasons Restaurant Enjoy the Divan Hotel’s world-class international cuisine, such as creamy lentil soup, Gulf Prawns al Fresco or, if you are feeling adventurous, sample regional flavours with a Middle Eastern Mezzeh platter. Interact with the Seasons’ chefs as they proudly uphold Divan’s decades long tradition of fine dining. In the morning, choose from the elegant breakfast buffet or have your eggs and waffles prepared to your taste. At lunch, chat with the chef as he prepares your prime Angus steak, cooked to perfection over a flaming grill. In the evening, sample our extensive beverage menu - perhaps a fine Lebanese wine or a Turkish Raki, as you savour an exceptional culinary experience with colleagues or someone special. Open all day, 6:30am - 11:30pm for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tel: (+964) 66 210 5000
Chili House The very first Chili House was established in Jordan in 1985. Since then, the chain has spread across the Middle East with outlets in Egypt, Syria, and Bahrain. Chili House Erbil upholds the original quality and serves a range of American-style burgers and grills. This spacious restaurant is designed in a diner style on the ground floor, with booths and big lit-up signs, but with a chic café upstairs. Guests can also choose from a selection of crepes, waffles, and Lebanese-style pastries. Chili House is a great place to stop by for lunch on a busy day. Greens – Tangram Hotel
Costa Rica Coffee Set in the heart of the city, opposite the Sami Abdul Rahman Park, Costa Rica Coffee is an oasis of calm and international café culture. Popular with locals and expats alike, the coffeeshop offers a delicious range of blended coffee drinks, smoothies, cakes, and sandwiches. Open from 8:00am – midnight throughout the week Barista Coffee A charming coffeeshop centrally located in Ainkawa, this is the place to come for a steaming hot beverage. Choose from their array of international teas and coffee drinks and stop in for lunch if a classic bagel or sandwich sounds appealing. Open from 8am til late. Tel: (+964) 66 225 3084 ADA Café & Bistro “Ada”, meaning “Island” in Turkish, was originally well-known exclusively for its rich collection of books and music. Nowadays, it has become renowned for its impeccable kitchen and service, chic décor, and eclectic fine dining. The menu features a variety of dishes ranging from traditional Turkish, Kurdish, and Lebanese ethnic cuisine with a signature twist added to many popular dishes from all over the world. The restaurant also offers an extensive beverage list and fully stocked bar. Ada Café is set in a culturally enriching environment in one of the most modern shopping malls in town, Family Mall. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner Tel: (+964) 750 360 5006
WHERE TO DRINK 360 Club
All day dining restaurant The buffet at Greens proposes a fine selection of daily dishes. Hot, cold and sweet dishes are all prepared in small quantity to offer the freshest experience all day long. Open Breakfast, lunch and dinner
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The rooftop bar and lounge Tangram Hotel 360 Club is Erbil’s most sought after night spot with live entertainment and a rich calendar of events such as Karaoke parties, ladies nights, House Music parties and many other events. Its outdoor terrace and the indoor bar and lounge areas both offer a
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breathtaking panoramic view over the sparkling Erbil skyline. With a rich menu of international food items, cocktails and premium beverages, 360 Club gives you ample chance to enjoy your evenings with friends and associates while enjoying live salsa performances and DJ nights.
Tel: +964 66 210 5000 Bond Located on the Lobby Level of the Rotana Hotel, Bond is the ideal venue for business and leisure gatherings. Throughout the day, a variety of coffee and tea is served complemented with freshly baked cookies. The afternoon period offers a selection of sandwiches and beverages and you may also order your take-away homemade cake or just sit and enjoy the taste. In the evening, Bond changes its personality with dimmed lighting, a pianist playing classic music and a bar that offers a wide selection of beverages. Coffee Shop 8:00am to 12:00noon Day Lounge 12:00noon to 6:00pm Evening Bar 8:00pm to 1:00am Tel: (+964) (0) 66 210 5555
Call for a reservation on Thursday and Friday nights. Tel: (+964) 770 4460 360 Mamounia Sky Bar Known simply as ‘Sky Bar’ by the Erbilites, this is one of the most popular spots for nightlife in the city. People come to see and be seen in this trendy bar, as well as to enjoy the wide selection of cocktails, wines, and beers. Indoor and outdoor seating is available all year round. Shisha pipes are also a popular choice for groups meeting after work or on the weekends. Open every evening for drinks and snacks until late. Get there before midnight, as the doors close to newcomers. Tel: (+964) 66 225 26 30
Chopin Bar It is easy to understand why the Chopin Bar is a favourite place for Erbilites as well as Divan Erbil guests to meet for a light dinner or a drink. A jazzthemed setting gives the lounge an easy-going feel. Sit at the bar or on one of the bar’s plush purple sofas and choose from a wide variety of the finest imported beverages. Savour the tempting range of light fare on offer from the bar menu, such as the Handcrafted Filet Mignon-burger or Grilled Vegetable Panini, and sit back and unwind while you enjoy the band.
German Bar A classic restaurant-style bar with comfortable seating and a European feel, the German Bar is the perfect place to grab a beer in the afternoon with friends in the Ainkawa neighbourhood. Every evening, the patron lights a bonfire in the back garden so that guests can sit on the wooden benches and warm themselves over a chat. Most weekends have live music with local and expat bands. Check out their Facebook page for special events. Open every day from lunchtime until late.
T-Bar An American-style bar set in Ainkawa, T-Bar is a favourite among Erbil’s expat community and locals alike. Open all day serving typical bar fare and a comprehensive range of drinks. Evenings at T-Bar are lively, crowded, and international. The perfect place to watch the game or meet up with friends. Every Monday is the famous Quiz Night, run by a group of Erbil expats. Hours: Mon - Sun: 11:00 - 00:00
Open from 11:00am - 1:00 a.m. for drinks and snacks.
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SULAIMANI WHAT TO SEE AND DO
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MUSEUMS, GALLERIES, AND LIBRARIES 1. Ethnographic Museum The Ethnographic Museum showcases the rich and multilayered folkloric heritage of the Kurdish people. Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the Kurdish people and their culture. 2. Sulaimani Museum The Sulaimani Museum contains thousands of ancient artefacts, such as tablets and pottery. Visitors are taken through a journey of Kurdish history from the very beginning as they walk through the rooms. A must-see for tourists! 3. Handicraft Gallery This gallery was built in 1971 by Mr. Sami H. Nadhim, the Director General of Education in Sulaimani. It is in the center of the city, by the Museum of Sulaimani. The center offers courses on the following crafts: ceramics, minerals, silkscreening, carpet weaving, leather works, carpentry, sewing, flower works, and covering works. The goal of the gallery is to preserve Kurdish cultural arts and heritage.
PARKS, SPRINGS, AND NATURAL SITES 1. Azadi Park The site of the Azadi Park was a military base during the Ba’ath regime. After the uprising, it was converted to a touristic site. The park contains several beautiful gardens, a restaurant, a small lake, sports areas, and playgrounds for children. It is a popular spot for relaxation and enjoyment for Sulaimani locals. 2. Sulaimani Park This park is in the heart of Sulaimani City, situated at the head of Salim Street in front of Sulaimani Palace Hotel. Built in 1937, it is considered to be the oldest and most beautiful park in Sulaimani. Inside are statues of 4 army officers, poets, and local artists. There is also a playground area for children.
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3. Aweisar Aweisar is an area in the Hawraman district, 3 kilometers east of Taweila Village. Famous for its walnut trees, fruit orchards and fresh water springs, Aweisar is a popular tourist destination in the Sulaimani province. 4. Darbandikhan Lake Darbandikhan Lake is 60 kilometers southeast of Sulaimani City. The lakeshore and riverside areas have a stunning natural beauty. Many people come from the south of Iraq to enjoy the scenery and the fresh air. 5. Hazar Merd Cave The Hazar Merd Cave is the second oldest cave in the Kurdistan region. The name means ‘the cave of the thousand men’. Local archaeologists believe it could be 50,000 years old. 6. Palagawra Caves Three caves are set into the foot of a mountain in the Bazyan area. They are known as the Palagawra Caves and are thought to have been the homes of the ancient people living in the region thousands of years ago. 7. Setak Area Setak is a beautiful touristic area, set behind the Azmar Mountain, roughly 20 kilometers north of Sulaimani City. Widely visited by people in the spring and summer, people come to enjoy the pure mountain air and fabulous scenery. 8. Tabeen Tabeen is a fresh water source situated on Sulaimani – Dukan highway. It attracts tourists in the spring season because of the nice weather, greenery, and natural beauty.
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9. Chami Razan This beautiful area is 57 kilometers west of Sulaimani City. It is inside a vast valley with a river flowing through, shadowed by immense trees and plants of all kinds. The Pavel waterfall can be viewed by the eastern part of the river. A resort with modern facilities has been built for the tourists who visit this area. 10. Saray Subhan Agha Spring This beautiful spring is one of the largest in Kurdistan, creating a beautiful pond surrounded by trees and greenery. The scenery attracts many visitors in the springtime. It is situated about 32 kilometers east of Sulaimani City by the Sharazor highway. 11. Goyzha and Azmar Mountains Two high, beautiful & clean air sites overlooking Sulaimani City. In the winter, people visit the area to enjoy the snow and in summer, to enjoy the cool temperatures and the natural beauty. 12. Mergapan Situated behind Peramagroon Mountain just west of Sulaimani City, Mergapan is a beautiful area with stunning nature and a high altitude. In the summer, ice collectors come to the site to gather ice and snow to sell it to the surrounding villages. Today, there is a resort and additional touristic facilities for people who come to visit. 13. Tuni Baba A long and winding path carved into the rock by the wind and water factors long ago, this natural wonder is
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worth a visit if in the Sulaimani province. It is just south of the town of Darbandikhan. It is said that ancient nomadic civilizations walked used this path on their migrations.
RUINS AND OTHER HISTORICAL SITES Barda Qaraman Barda Qaraman means ‘the Rock of the Hero’. During the British Invasion of Iraq, King Mahmood resisted the British troops behind the Barda Qaraman. Today there is a tribute to him on the site. It is 35 kilometers west of Sulaimani on the highway to Kirkuk. Khurmal Khurmal is a small historic town, which sits east of Sulaimani City. The mosque and minaret were built by Abdullah, grandson of Alkhattab who was the second Khalif. There is a mineral pond in Khurmal called Garaw which is thought to have medicinal properties. Qzqaban Excavation The excavation site is seven meters up from the foot of the Qzqaban Mountain, rougly 50 meters west from Sulaimani City. The ancient site contains the remains of hall, three rooms, and several graves.
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Darikali Darikili is a famous village in Kurdistan. The legendary King Mahmood lived there for many years and the site is frequently visited by tourists wishing to learn more about the Kurdish independence struggles. Merqully The Merqully is an ancient sculpture carved onto a stone on the face of a mountain. It is just north of the Zawei village, situated 34 kilometers from Sulaimani City. It is thought to be 3 thousand years old.
RELIGIOUS TOURISM Great Mosque of Sulaimani The Great Mosque of Sulaimani was built in 1785 by Ibrahim Pasha Baban. It contains 3 small cemeteries and the shrine of Haji Kaka Ahmed and his grandson, King Mahmood. Situated at the heart of the city, hundreds of people visit the mosque for prayer and to visit the shrines. Shrine of Sheikh Othman Naqshaband in Taweila Taweila is a small, beautiful town on the Iraqi – Iranian border. It is about 108 kilometers from Sulaimani City. This gorgeous town is known for its walnuts and pomegranates and the Hawrami design of the houses. Taweila houses the shrine of Sheikh Othman the Second, who was the Pole of Naqshabandi Tariqa. The shrine is often visited by the descendents of his followers. Shrine of Prophet Job The village of Bardakar has the honor of housing the Prophet Job’s shrine. Bardakar has beautiful
scenery and sits 65 kilometers north of Sulaimani City. Mineral springs flow nearby the shrine. Byara Shrines Byara is an old village about 98 kilometers northeast of Sulaimani City. Inside are several graves of spiritual sheikhs, such as the shrine of Sheikh Ala’addin Naqshabandi. Thousands of followers visit the village each year. The people of the area are famous for their handmade crafts such as knitting clash (Kurdish folkloric shoes) and weaving clothing. Shrine & Srochki Castle in Barzinja The town of Barzinja is 55 kilometers northeast of Sulaimani City. It has beautiful natural scenery and the shrine of two of the Prophet Mohammed’s offspring, Esa and Musa. The town was founded by Sheikh Esa, who died in 1353 AC. The Srochki Castle was built in the 16th century and sits on top of a nearby mountain beside the town.
RESORTS 1. Ahmad A’wa Resort This beautiful resort is situated 84 kilometers east of Sulaimani, near the town of Khurmall. It is in a richly green valley, crossed by the Zallim River which flows down the middle of the mountain. A waterfall adds extra beauty to the surroundings. A must-see for visitors to the area. 2. Dukan Lake Resort The famous Dukan Lake is one of the most beautiful sites in the Kurdistan region. Surrounded by rolling yellow and green hills, the bright blue lake is ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lakeshore resort contains several hotels, a selection of cabins, restaurants, and other facilities for visitors. A visit is highly recommended.
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3. Sarchnar Resort This resort is just 5 kilometers west of Sulaimani City. The area is covered with fresh spring flowers and surrounded by tall trees, offering shade and beautiful nature. Recently, tourist facilities have been built, such as hotels, restaurants, swimming pools, and playgrounds for children. There is also Nawroz Park, Chaqchaq Park, and a small zoo in the area for visitors to enjoy.
WHERE TO STAY LaleZar Hotel Girdi Sarchinar Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 53 319 2601 www.lale-zar.com Grand Millennium Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 770 600 0000 info@mill-sulaimani.com www.millenniumhotels.com Copthorne Baranan Sarchinar Main Street Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 770 600 0000 reservation@mill-sulaimani.com www.millenniumhotels.com
Copthorne Hotel & Spa Salim Street Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq info@mill-sulaimani.com www.millenniumhotels.com
WHERE TO EAT Turkish Restaurant Downtown All day dining options with fresh, local ingredients and live cooking stations in the sleek Downtown restaurant. Located on the mezzanine level of the Copthorne Baranan Hotel, diners have a beautiful view of the city of Sulaimani on one side and the mountains on the other. Salute Enjoy a delicious Italian menu in a refined and upscale atmosphere on the lobby level of the Copthorne Baranan Hotel. Floor to ceiling windows allow natural daylight to stream in, bathing the diners in Iraqi sunlight as they enjoy their meals. An extensive wine list accompanies the menu of international recipes with locallysourced ingredients. LaleZar Restaurant In Kurdistan, dining is regarded as one of the most important aspects of a guests experience during their stay. The
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LaleZar restaurant is set on the hotel rooftop and enjoys the best view in the house. The menu offers delicious international and local a la carte dishes, complemented with an extensive wine list. A separate bar menu can be enjoyed in the bar area. Special attention is given to local products and ingredients. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Tel: (+964) 770 894 0051
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WHERE TO DRINK The Uptown On the upper floors of the Copthorne Baranan Hotel is one of Sulaimani’s best-kept secrets: the Uptown Bar and Lounge. A classy atmosphere and an array of international drink options make it the perfect spot for any kind of evening gathering.
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DUHOK WHAT TO SEE AND DO MUSEUMS, GALLERIES AND LIBRARIES Badirkhanis Public Library The public library is a favourite among tourists. It contains nearly 120,000 book titles for Duhok citizens to enjoy in the reading and rest halls. For those interested, it is on the main road towards the downtown area.
PARKS, SPRINGS AND NATURAL SITES Azadi Park This park is located in the downtown area near the Duhok sports club. It has a restaurant and cafeteria for visitors to enjoy. Its expansion of green grass makes it an ideal place for picnics. Zari Park Zari is a beautiful green park near the Zari Land motels. It also has a restaurant and a cafeteria. This park has an abundance of trees that offer shade in the hot summer months. Gara Mountain Gara Mountain is northeast of Duhok City and measures 2151 meters above sea level. It overlooks the town of Solav, Ashawa, Aneshki, and Bamerni. Saddam Hussein was known to enjoy this area and built a pleasure palace on this mountain. Today, it is in ruins and is a shell of its former glory, but is still worth a visit to appreciate the touch of modern history. Anishki Cave The Anishki Cave is in the Sarsang area, 9 kilometers from the resort. The cave is large enough to house a café and restaurant. Outside is a beautiful waterfall, with water running down the cliffside and greenery. Shinava Park Shivana Park is a beautiful area with oak trees and
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wildflowers. It is on the foot of Baikhair Mountain, about 15 kilometers south of the city of Zakho. Many local people visit in the springtime to have picnics in the soft grass. The park is often used for ceremonies during the Nawroz festival. Duhok’s Valley & Dam The dam is 2 kilometers north of Duhok City, tucked into the valley. A serene blue lake has been created to supply water to the city and lends a sense of peace and well-being to the surroundings. The Chwar Astoon temple is built alongside the water and there is also a large cave that can be reached from the Duhok Valley.
RUINS AND OTHER HISTORICAL SITES Amediya Amediya is a small and beautiful town that is perched on the plateau at the top of a mountain. It is situated 90 kilometers northeast of Duhok City. It was built over 1000 years ago and is still home to 5000 inhabitants today. Many of the houses are still built with elements of the original stonework and are arranged in a ring shape in the form of a Citadel. There are many ancient sites inside the town, such as an ancient mosque that is still in use by the townspeople and the Old Gate of the town that was used for centuries before the car-friendly road was built into the town. The Minaret, the Dome, and the Zoroastrian’s Gate are also worth a visit. Remains of Qubahani School The ruins of the Qubahani School are located in the Amediya Citadel, in the Duhok province. It was built in the 17th century. The Islamic religious sciences were studied at this site by Imams and Scholars for hundreds of years. Dalal Bridge The Dalal Bridge is an ancient bridge in the town of Zakho, built on the Khapoor River. It is 114 meters long, 4.7 meters wide, and 16 meters high and was built using large riverstones. Zakho is also known for its mineral springs which are thought to have medicinal properties, especially for skin diseases. Akrei Akrei is a town that was built in 580 B.C. by the Kurdish Prince Zand. It lies on the foot of the Speelik and Kaynagal mountains and is situated 175 kilometers east of Duhok City. Akrei is rich
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in historical sites, such as temples, statues, and ancient houses. There is also a mineral spring running through the town.
RELIGIOUS TOURISM Haj Ahmad Mosque This is the largest and most famous mosque in the Duhok province. It is located in the heart of the city and is visited by worshippers from around the region every Friday. Mart Alaha Church This building is considered to be the oldest church in Duhok with ancient and unique architecture. It is near the University of Duhok main building.
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Lalesh Temple The Lalesh Temple is the holiest place on Earth for the Yazidis. They believe that it is the place where Noah’s ark docked after the great flood and life began again. Thousands of Yezidis from all over the world go on pilgrimages to the Lalesh temple to drink the holy spring water. It is also the site of the Yezidis annual spring celebration on the first Wednesday of every March. Lalesh is open to people of any and all religions for prayer and visit. Shrine of Abdul Aziz Al Gaylani Abdul Aziz Al Gaylani was a famous sheikh and the pole of Alqadiriyya Way. He joined King Salahaddin during the liberation of the Alquids. His shrine is visited by tens of thousands of people, not only from Iraq but also from Iran, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and Turkey. The shrine is west of the town of Akra, in a valley full of orchards and grapes.
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Entertainment RESORTS Mazi Complex Within the complex is a large supermarket, a hotel, a motel, a fun park, and swimming pools. Many tourists visit the complex in the spring and summer to enjoy the wide variety of facilities. Duhok Fun City This development consists of a beautiful garden, a play area for children, a restaurant, and a cafeteria. Many families traveling with children will enjoy spending an afternoon here. Sarsang Sarsang is a town about 55 kilometers away from Duhok City, situated in a valley surrounded by high mountains and natural greenery. King Faysal chose this area for his castle which is now a main tourist
attraction in the area. The town of Sarsang is nice to visit as well, as it has several hotels, motels, restaurants, and a large market. Swaratukam Swaratuka is a beautiful resort situated 32 kilometers east of Duhok City. It is 1075 meters above sea level in a leafy, green area. The mountain views are stunning and the air is fresh. There are facilities such as a restaurant, rest places, and a cafĂŠ. Qweiski Resort Qweiski is a village just west of the Sarisada Mountain in the Duhok region. It is at the foot of the Chain Mountains in a valley of nut trees. The Qweiski Resort is located within the valley surrounded by walnut trees, providing comfortable shade during the hot summer months.
The town of Amediya is perched on a plateau at the summit of a mountain
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WHERE TO STAY
WHERE TO EAT
Dilshad Palace Duhok Main Street Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 62 722 76 01-9 info@dilshad-palace.com www.dilshad-palace.com
Malta Restaurant Located just outside of Duhok City in the small village of Malta, this restaurant is a favourite among locals. Its spacious interior and extensive green garden offers its guests a wonderful atmosphere. Its specialties include Kurdish and Turkish cuisine. Shinduha Restaurant This restaurant is a favourite among Duhok locals and once you step inside, it’s easy to see why. A warm welcoming atmosphere coupled with delicious local cuisine makes Shinduha the perfect place for any type of gathering, from business to family to friends. Through the windows, one can catch a glimpse of the stunning mountain scenery, a
Jiyan Hotel Duhok, Kurdisan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 62 72 22 400 info@jiyanhotel.com www.jiyanhotel.com Mazi Hotel Mazi Complex Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Tel: (+964) 750 427 7723 www.alaminest.com
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beautiful backdrop to any occasion. Sheda Restaurant Sheda is a restaurant on the lobby level of the Dilshad Palace Hotel. It is open daily from 6:30 am to midnight, where a buffet breakfast and an international lunch buffet are served. At night, you are invited to taste the delicious dishes from the a la carte menu.
WHERE TO DRINK Rooftop Bar Perched on top of the famous Dilshad Palace Hotel, guests can choose from a wide range of international drinks and enjoy a variety of snacks as they breathe in the cool night air.
Lebnani Restaurant The Lebnani Restaurant in the Dilshad Palace has a chef specially flown in from Beirut to grace its halls with traditional Lebanese cuisine. It is open daily for dinner at 6 pm. Lebanese entertainers animate evenings with popular Oriental songs.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY & SOURCES Much of the information used within the book was gathered by our business journalists, who conducted research and interviews with prominent personalities within both the public and private sector in Kurdistan. The Kurdistan Regional Government, along with many of its government ministries and National Authorities, also served as a wealth of information. For more information about the interviews conducted in Kurdistan, please visit www.ebizguides.com. In addition to the information gathered in Kurdistan, the following sources were also used:
Different companies’ websites operating in Kurdistan www.kurdistaninvest.org www.tourismkurdistan.com www.krg.org www.iraq-businessnews.com www.kurdistanica.com www.wikipedia.org www.krg.org www.bizforum.org/hotspot6.htm www.guardian.co.uk www.aknews.com www.mop-krg.org www.elpais.com www.iraq-businessnews.com www.hawlergov.org 260
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