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Home NEWS UPDATES Iraq Is Surging The Tourism Industry With New Visa Free Entry Policy For 8 Countries Including UAE, Qatar And Bahrain

Friday, July 5, 2024

Iraq, often referred to as the cradle of civilization, offers a rich tapestry of history and culture that attracts adventurous travelers. From the ancient ruins of Babylon and the legendary city of Ur to the bustling markets of Baghdad, Iraq is a treasure trove of archaeological wonders allowing Visa Free Entry to 8 Countries the country also boasts religious significance with sacred sites such as Najaf and Karbala.

Tourists can explore the marshlands of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, known for their unique ecosystem, or wander through the Kurdish regions scenic landscapes. Despite past conflicts, Iraqs historical and cultural significance makes it a fascinating destination for those seeking to explore the roots of human history.

Iraq stands as the cradle of many of the worlds earliest civilizations, including the Babylonians and Assyrians. The country hosts five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and boasts tens of thousands of archaeological sites scattered across its landscape.

Up until the late 1970s, Iraq ranked as one of the premier tourist hotspots in the Middle East, thanks to its rich array of historical, religious, and pilgrimage sites, snow-capped mountains peaking at 3,500 meters, and vibrant ancient towns and bazaars.

The Travel & Tourism sector in Iraq is poised for substantial revenue growth in the near future. Projections indicate that by 2024, revenues will hit US$1,857.00m, with an annual growth rate of 6.47%, leading to a market volume of US$2,386.00m by 2028. The Package Holidays segment, the largest within the market, is set to reach US$932.90m in 2024, with user numbers expected to climb to 6,908.00k by 2028. Furthermore, the user penetration rate is anticipated to rise from 18.3% in 2024 to 20.6% by 2028.

Greece and Iraq agreed to update a 1981 tourism agreement through a new memorandum of understanding (MoU). The agreement focuses on renewing cooperation to enhance bilateral ties, with priorities including the initiation of direct flights between Athens and Baghdad, boosting tourist exchanges, sharing expertise, and fostering private sector partnerships.

TTW CEO Mr. Anup Keshan Said, Iraqs green flag to the construction of a tourism resort and a residential complex at a historical port in Basra, located in the southern oil hub. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance and expand several of the OPEC producers ports, including ambitious projects to construct one of the worlds largest container terminals and a 1,200-km railway connecting Basra to Turkey in the north.

The Iraqi Minister of Culture and Tourism, announced that over 400,000 European tourists have visited Iraq since the start of the year. He emphasized the critical need to implement strategies to boost tourism and attract more visitors. Annually, over four million foreign pilgrims visit Iraqs sacred sites, while thousands of tourists from Asia come to explore the nations archaeological treasures, which include around 15,000 sites.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) declared that the region has welcomed 1.7 million tourists since the start of the New Year.

During the Islamic feast of Eid al-Fitr, which commenced on April 10, approximately 200,000 tourists visited the region, contributing to a total of 1.7 million visitors in 2024 thus far. The KRG has set an ambitious target to draw 20 million tourists annually by 2030.

Tourism figures show that the region hosted 4 million visitors in 2021, which escalated to 6 million in 2022 and surged further to 7.279 million in 2023. Additionally, 2.5 million residents of the region participated in local travel and tourism activities.

In southern Iraq, plans have been approved for the construction of a tourism resort and a residential complex at a former port in the oil-rich city of Basra, according to a government official.

Visa Free List

Bahrain Kuwait Lebanon Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia Turkey United Arab Emirates

Plan to visit Iraq for business purposes, you must obtain an Iraq Business visa from the Iraqi embassy in London, UK. GulfVisa, an accredited visa agent in the UK, offers this service for individuals traveling to Iraq. They can secure the visa and handle the entire process for you, saving you the time and hassle of navigating the procedure on your own.

This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance and expand key ports in Iraq, including the construction of one of the worlds largest container terminals and a 1,200-kilometer railway that will connect Basra to Turkey in the north.

Travel Itinerary for Iraq:

Recommended Hotels in Iraq:

Iraqi Airways, the national carrier of Iraq, operates both domestic and international flights from its hub in Baghdad. Established in 1945, it connects Iraq to destinations across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Despite challenges from regional instability, the airline has modernized its fleet and aims to enhance air travel for Iraqi citizens and international travelers alike. Iraqi Airways operates both domestic and international flights from its main hub at Baghdad International Airport, servicing 45 destinations worldwide.

Baghdad International Airport, the largest in Iraq, is situated 24 kilometers west of Baghdad. It resumed regular flight operations in the third quarter of 2004, managed by the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority. The airport houses three terminals, with one dedicated to Iraqi Airways and the others serving various airlines and flight companies.

Tags: Baghdad International Airport, bahrain, Business Travel, Grand Palace Hotel, greece, gulf cooperation council, international travel news, Iraq News, iraqi airways, kuwait, lebanon, Oman, QATAR, Ramada By Wyndham Erbil Gulan Street, saudi arabia, Tourism news, travel industry news, Travel News, Turkey Travel News, UK Embassy, United Arab Emirates, Visa Free news, Visa free travel

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Iraq Is Surging The Tourism Industry With New Visa Free Entry Policy For 8 Countries Including UAE, Qatar And Bahrain - Travel And Tour World

(Bloomberg) OPECs crude production remained steady for a third month, while some key members continued to pump above agreed limits.

OPEC produced an average of 26.98 MMbpd in June, or 80,000 bpd less than during the previous month, according to a Bloomberg survey. Small reductions in Iraq and Nigeria drove the decline.

The survey showed that Iraq and the United Arab Emirates have yet to fully implement cutbacks agreed in tandem with other leading members at the start of this year. Baghdad has also failed to follow through on additional compensation curbs pledged to offset earlier cheating.

The cuts by OPEC and its partners, spearheaded by group leader Saudi Arabia, have had some success in balancing global markets against a tide of new supplies from the U.S. and other parts of the Americas. Brent crude futures are trading near $87 a barrel, close to the highest in almost two months.

The recovery while potentially painful for consumers still reeling from years of inflation should bolster revenue for OPEC+ members, who largely rely on petroleum sales to cover government spending. However, it may still not be enough: Riyadh requires prices close to $100 a barrel to finance an ambitious economic overhaul, according to the International Monetary Fund.

To push crude higher the alliance may need to fully deliver its pledged reductions, but efforts to improve implementation have shown limited results.

In June, Iraq reduced output by 30,000 bpd to 4.25 MMbpd. A pullback in exports brought the country closer to its designated ceiling, but Baghdad still remains about 250,000 bpd above that quota, even before the lack of extra compensation cuts are factored in. The nation has chafed for years against OPEC+ limits as it seeks to rebuild a war-shattered economy.

Saudi Arabias production remained broadly steady at 8.99 MMbpd, according to the survey. It reduced exports sharply, by 9% to 5.61 MMbpd, though shipments often fall at this time of year as the country burns more fuel at home for power generation and air conditioning.

Last month, the OPEC+ coalition outlined plans to gradually reverse its supply restraints and begin to revive production from the fourth quarter. But when prices immediately slumped, ministers emphasized that the increases are provisional and could be postponed.

The alliance is due to review its next move when major members hold an online monitoring meeting on Aug. 1.

Bloombergs survey is based on ship-tracking data, information from officials and estimates from consultants, including FGE, Kpler Ltd. and Rapidan Energy Group.

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OPEC crude oil production remains steady as Iraq, UAE pump above quota - WorldOil

On April 11, 2004, then-Staff Sgt. Luis Barsallos platoon was hit by a perfectly executed ambush on behalf of the insurgents in Samarra, Iraq.

We were getting shot at from 12 oclock, 6 oclock, 3 oclock, and 9 oclock so 360 degrees, Barsallo told Task & Purpose. Mortar rounds were coming in, bullets were flying. We could see the insurgents running around with the RPG [rocket-propelled grenades], trying to maneuver. They had plenty of time to set something like that up. Hollywood couldnt have made a better scene.

More than 20 years later Barsallo was finally recognized for his bravery in Iraq in April and May 2004 by receiving the Bronze Star with the V device for valor last month. Barsallo, who retired from the New York Army National Guard in 2020 as a master sergeant, said he views the award as a team trophy.

Its kind of in a sense humbling, because I know that without my guys, my squad, if it wasnt for them, I wouldnt have been able to be the leader that I am, Barsallo said. This was for the squad. Of the entire platoon, were the only squad that made it back with a complete squad.

In 2004, Barsallo was assigned to the New York Army National Guards C Company, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, which was attached to the 1st Infantry Division, a National Guard news release says.

He was serving as a squad leader when his soldiers were ordered to go into Samarra and sweep a section of the city. The resulting fight became known as the Battle of Easter Sunday.

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As their convoy approached the city, the 5-ton truck in front of Barsallos vehicle was hit by an RPG. One soldier was killed: Army Pvt. 1st Class Nathan Brown. Six other soldiers were badly wounded.

At the same time the truck was hit by an RPG, a roadside bomb exploded, Barsallo recounted. He moved his vehicle off to the side of the road and ordered his squad to dismount. They started to fight the insurgents to break the ambush.

Barsallo and his soldiers were taking mortar fire from their left, and if they tried to push into Samara, they faced small arms and RPG fire, he said. For Barsallo, the situation felt a lot like the Omaha Beach scene from Saving Private Ryan when the movie goes into slow motion.

The only way I can explain it is it was something out of Hollywood, Barsallo said. As we were moving the vehicle, we were getting [shot at]. When we dismounted, it was even worse because you could hear the bullets whizzing by and then you could see them when they impacted the buildings.

With the battle raging, Barsallo went into the kill zone and drove the 5-ton truck to a blocking position so that his squad could fire at the insurgents from cover while the wounded soldiers were evacuated.

We just needed to get our guys out of there, Barsallo said. We needed to get the wounded out of there. That was more important. And we did not want to be the next casualties in that kill zone.

Barsallo then led an assault by his squad on the insurgent positions until a quick reaction force arrived. When help arrived, Barsallo had his soldiers clear several blocks on foot before he felt it was safe enough for them to get back in their vehicles.

Army Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, the adjutant general of New York, credited Barsallo with saving the lives of fellow soldiers by staying calm and directing fire on enemy positions.

He put himself in immediate and direct harms way to save his fellow Soldiers, Shields said in a National Guard news release. Luis was determined that others would not die that night.

The following month, Barsallo once again seized the initiative under fire. On May 29, his squad came under fire from insurgent rocket propelled grenades and small arms.

Barsallo braved enemy fire to run to a machine gun position, taking charge of the crew and directing fire at the insurgents. Two enemy fighters were killed, and the rest of the enemy force retreated.

As was the case during the April battle, the enemy fire was intense, Barsallo said. One soldier told him afterward that before he broke cover to run to the M-240B machine gun, so many rounds had hit the wall behind him that they drew an outline of his body.

The reason why Barsallos Bronze Star with V device was awarded 20 years after these battles is the original paperwork for his award was lost, said Major Katie Schin, the executive officer of the New York National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion. nSchin and others resubmitted the award, and that involved finding officers who would signed the awards in 2004, the National Guard news release says.

Barsallo said he understands how the paperwork for his award was misplaced. The ops tempo at the time was very heavy, so the 1st Infantry Division was sent back to Iraq after getting some time home to recover from the deployment.

His Bronze Star with V award packet was submitted four times and rejected over administrative issues, said Barsallo, who added he believes a soldier who served in Samarra at the time eventually received the paperwork and he recognized the names of the commanders, so he knew it was a real event.

Receiving the award after so many years brings back both good and bad memories for Barsallo, who has been contemplating what he and his unit could have done better in Iraq. He also said that his award shows that leaders can only succeed if they have good people, like the soldiers in his squad.

They give you the responsibility of taking care of people, he said. So, now you have the responsibility of peoples lives in your hands with the decisions that you make and you cannot be careless with them. So, they make you better as a leader and you learn just as much and without them, you cant be that leader because you cannot concentrate on leader tasks if the people underneath do not respect and have confidence in your ability.

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Army vet receives Bronze Star with valor 20 years later for bravery in Iraq ambush - Task & Purpose

Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have increased threats in recent days. Their increase in rhetoric appears tied to two developing trends. First of all, the IDF continues to fight in Gaza. Second, Israel-Hezbollah tensions are rising. The latest threat is to target US interests in Iraq. The Iranian-backed militias have already carried out more than 100 attacks since October 7. The attacks were coordinated after the Hamas attack on Israel. The goal was to create a regional war against Israel and the US.

The Iraqi militias reduced attacks after an attack on Jordan in January which killed three US service members. It appears that Iran chose to reduce tensions between February and June. The Iraqi Resistance Coordination Council has announced that all American interests in Iraq and elsewhere in the region will be targeted if the Zionist regime attacks Lebanon, the Iranian state news IRNA said.

The key parts of the threat include claims that the Iraqi militias will increase the scope and quality of their attacks if the threat of the Zionist regime against Lebanon turns into reality.

This is part of a growing chorus of Iranian regime activity that is designed to prevent a Hezbollah-Israel war. Iran doesnt want Hezbollah, a key proxy, defeated. Therefore, Iran wants Hezbollah to be able to continue to attack Israel daily and Iran wants to deter Israel from attacking.

Iran is prodding militias to increase threats to the US in Iraq in order to see if the US will pressure Israel not to strike harder at Hezbollah. Iran is pleased with its current game plan in the region, creating a long slow war of attrition for Israel in Gaza and in Israels North where Hezbollah is waging a war inside Israels border. Iran has basically done to Israel what Israel tried to do in Syria with the campaign between the wars against Iranian entrenchment over the last decade.

If things persist like this, Iran will be able to claim it achieved a major victory.

IRNA media in Iran said that: The Aqaba-Basra oil pipeline, which has cost Iraq a lot and has no economic benefit, may be the starting point for bringing Iraq into the evil plan that provides the ground for the normalization of relations with the Zionist regime. This is an interesting and specific reference. In addition, Iraqi militia leader Qais Khazali has also made threats against the US. The Iraqi militias also claimed they carried out a drone attack against Israel this week.

According to IRNA, citing Al-Mayadeen, the umbrella group of Iraqi resistance factions announced in the early hours of Monday that it launched a drone attack on an Israeli target in the occupied port city of Umm al-Rashrash, also known as Eilat in response to the Zionist regime's crimes against the people of Gaza, the report said.

Continue reading here:
Iran's war of attrition against Israel and the US - The Jerusalem Post

The Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) has given an interview to the Voice of America news agency (VoA) saying that Turkey has brought members of terrorist and jihadist groups to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) as allies in the fight against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). This includes members of the Al-Nusra front.

VoA is the only news agency which has been able to report from the Turkish occupied area of the KRI in recent weeks.

Zagros Hiwa, spokesperson for the KCK, told VoA that PKK fighters say that they can hear soldiers shouting in Arabic in the heat of battle. The guerillas say that the jihadists are opening the way for the Turkish military to advance.

Abdulrahman Mustafa, the Syrian Turkmen leader of the pro-Turkish Syrian interim government announced on social platform X that the group was assisting Turkey in the war in northern Iraq.

Mustafa appears to have deleted the post, after journalists began to publicise it.

Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) spokesperson Saadi Ahmad Pira told VoA: The forces that are coming to the Kurdistan Region today include more than 300 former terrorists of the ISIS era; I have photos and names.

Last week, VOA published this video of several convoys of Turkish troops setting up military checkpoints in the Barwari Bala area of Duhok governorate:

Hashim Omar of Kashan village told VoA: Turkey has not come in our interest. They are enemies. The villagers cannot do their jobs for fear of these forces and we are ready to be killed and attacked any minute.

Over 15,000 Turkish soldiers, and hundreds of tanks have reportedly crossed into the KRI over the past week, along with hundreds of tanks and military vehicles. Turkish forces have established checkpoints across Northern Iraq and are stopping civilians and demanding IDs. The Turkish forces are coordinating with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Iraqi federal government authorities.

The invasion follows president Recep Tayyip Erdoans visit to Baghdad and Erbil in April 2024. Erdoan obtained a green-light for its invasion, in return for lucrative concessions on oil, infrastructure and water given to the Iraqi Federal Government and KRG.

We have learned through our relatives on the border that they have guerrillas with the Turkish forces and fight alongside them and sometimes guard them. In addition, they have [soldiers] who are Kurds and speak Kurdish, Omar continued.

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Turkey brings Al Nusra and other jihadists to Northern Iraq to fight against PKK - Medya News