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Shafaq News
3 days ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
Faith and finances: Religious tourism fuels Iraq's economy
Shafaq News In a country still recovering from decades of war, religious tourism has quietly grown into one of Iraq's most consistent and resilient economic sectors. Each year, millions of pilgrims travel across borders and provinces to visit Iraq's sacred sites, generating billions of dollars in revenue, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, and supporting a broad ecosystem of small and large businesses. This constant stream of religious visitors—particularly during occasions such as Ashura and Arbaeen—has become a significant force shaping the national economy. Year-round flow In 2024, an estimated 23 million people took part in Arbaeen commemorations across Iraq, with more than 5.2 million arriving from abroad, primarily from Iran, Pakistan, Lebanon, India, and the Gulf. Ashura drew roughly 5 to 6 million participants, largely concentrated in Karbala. These peak events represent the most visible moments in a continuous flow of religious travel throughout the year. Millions also participate in other religious commemorations such as Mid-Shaaban, Eid al-Ghadir, Eid al-Mubahala, and the birthdays or martyrdom anniversaries of revered imams. For instance, the Mid-Shaaban pilgrimage in 2023 attracted over four million visitors to Karbala. Furthermore, thousands of diaspora pilgrims and theological students visit cities like Najaf and Kufa, which serve as global centers of Shia scholarship. Altogether, Iraq welcomed more than 30 million religious visitors in 2024, including around 6 million from abroad. A Boomtown Effect Religious visitors are more than travelers; they play a crucial economic role. According to estimates from Iraq's Ministry of Planning and Tourism, religious tourism generated over $9 billion in combined direct and indirect revenues in 2023. Foreign pilgrims tend to spend between $300 and $600 per visit, depending on the duration and services, while domestic pilgrims spend an average of $100 to $200. In Karbala and Najaf, religious tourism accounts for more than 60 percent of total local employment. Tens of thousands work in hotels, restaurants, transport, retail, telecommunications, healthcare, and temporary services. In 2024 alone, over 18,000 new small and micro-enterprises were registered in these cities, many tied directly to religious pilgrimages. The sector also benefits related industries, including agriculture, textiles, publishing, and waste management. Saeb Abu Ghanim, head of the Tourist Hotels Association in Najaf, explained to Shafaq News that although Najaf has around 250 hotels, with 240 fully operational after meeting safety requirements, these remain insufficient for peak events. He further noted that even a tenfold increase in hotels would not meet demand, calling for tripling the current hotel capacity. Karbala faces a similar situation, with only 450 hotels available compared to a needed capacity exceeding 1,000. Demand Outpaces Supply Accommodation and transportation represent the largest expenses for pilgrims. Karbala provides approximately 1,200 licensed hotels and guesthouses, yet the city faces severe shortages during peak seasons. Arbaeen alone generates more than 2.5 million bed nights, forcing many pilgrims to rely on tents or volunteer shelters. Najaf experiences similar capacity constraints. Transportation logistics also intensify during pilgrimages. In Arbaeen 2023, over 2.1 million pilgrims crossed into Iraq via the Zurbatiyah border from Iran. Authorities responded by deploying more than 4,000 extra buses and increasing flight capacity at Baghdad and Najaf airports by 40 percent. Other crossings like Shalamcheh and Mehran also handled hundreds of thousands of arrivals. These surges stress Iraq's infrastructure but simultaneously generate demand for food, fuel, communications, and local guides, fueling seasonal economies across provinces. The Iraqi government's 2024 Tourism Investment Plan earmarks nearly $620 million for infrastructure improvements in Karbala and Najaf, including 38 new hotel licenses and upgrades to roads, water, and sanitation. A Pillar of GDP At the national level, religious tourism contributes an estimated 3.3 percent to Iraq's GDP, which stood at approximately $267 billion in 2023, according to the World Bank. This share rivals traditional sectors such as agriculture and construction. Experts believe that with better planning and investment, Iraq could potentially double this percentage by 2030 through improved visa policies, infrastructure, and international promotion. Mohammed Al-Rubaie, head of the Iraqi Tour Guides Syndicate, told Shafaq News that religious tourism remains one of Iraq's most direct sources of income, stressing the need for standardized visa fees and modern electronic systems to manage entry at all border points. Emphasizing the expansion of religious tourism beyond Karbala, Al-Rubaie urged for greater focus on Najaf, Samarra, and religious shrines of other faiths to diversify and attract broader visitor segments. He also highlighted the importance of professional management and enhanced services to properly support the large visitor volumes, noting the critical influx of foreign currency through pilgrims. Geographically, more than 70 percent of religious tourism revenue is generated in Karbala, Najaf, and Al-Kadhimiya. Other cities like Baghdad, Samarra, and some provinces see modest activity, while Basra and Al-Anbar remain largely outside this sector's reach. Untapped Potential While Shia sites form the backbone of religious tourism, Iraq is home to numerous significant landmarks for other faiths. Christian sites like the Mar Mattai Monastery near Mosul, the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Qaraqosh, and the Rabban Hormizd Monastery in Alqosh continue to attract Iraqi Christians and diaspora pilgrims. Despite recent restoration efforts, many of these sites suffer from underinvestment, poor infrastructure, and weak security support. Yazidi religious tourism centers on the Lalish Temple in Duhok province, the holiest Yazidi site worldwide. Annual festivals attract visitors from Iraq, Syria, and diaspora communities in Europe. However, the surrounding infrastructure is minimal, and formal tourism services for Yazidi pilgrims or foreign visitors remain scarce. Sunni religious sites such as the Great Mosque of Al-Nuri in Mosul and the Abu Hanifa al-Nu'man Mosque in Baghdad receive year-round visitors, particularly religious scholars and tourists from Jordan and Turkiye. Still, these visits lack coordinated tourism efforts and generate limited economic impact. Economist Karim Al-Hilu told Shafaq News that despite Iraq's wealth of religious and historical sites spanning multiple faiths and eras—including Abrahamic, Syriac, Akkadian, and Assyrian heritage—there has been a failure to capitalize on this potential, citing insufficient infrastructure, lack of green spaces, recreational facilities, and overly complex visa procedures as key barriers. Al-Hilu criticized the lengthy, security-heavy visa process that deters many visitors, noting that most countries rely on flexible tourism agencies to facilitate visas. He also pointed out the weakness of Iraqi tourism companies abroad, which lack effective promotion and representation.
India Today
28-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
A first-person account from Iran
"Like the battle of Karbala, this war must be fought till the end,' Reza Ahmadi, a juice vendor in his 30s, told me, as he went about his business on the busy Naser Khosro street in Shiraz, a historical town of gardens, wine and poetry in southwest Iran's Fars province. It was just two days after Israel had launched airstrikes on Iran, on Friday, June 13. Reza was invoking the 7th-century clash that, in Islamic history, stands as a symbol of moral resistance against political tyranny. We were talking amid street celebrations for Eid al-Ghadir, the air thick with revelry and the aroma of sweetened drinks. Every 10 seconds or so, the sky lit up with streaks of intercepted drones, followed by a thud of explosions. And yet, Reza barely flinched.
Saba Yemen
25-06-2025
- General
- Saba Yemen
Events in Ibb to commemorate anniversary of Guardianship
Ibb (Saba) – The security departments of the districts of Habish, Al-Qafr, Al-Radmah, Al-Udayn, and Al-Saddah in Ibb Governorate organized speech and cultural events to commemorate the anniversary of the Guardianship of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), "Eid al-Ghadir." The events addressed the status of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and his closeness to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family), as well as the connection of the people of faith and wisdom to Imam Ali (peace be upon him). Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Saba Yemen
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Two events held by Zakat Authority Branch & Jiblah University to commemorate Wilayah Day in Ibb
Ibb - Saba: The branch of the Zakat Authority in Ibb Province organized a cultural event on Sunday to commemorate Wilayah Day, the auspicious Eid al-Ghadir, under the slogan "For whomsoever I am his Mawla, Ali is his Mawla." During the event, Sheikh Muqbil Al-Kadhi, a member of the Yemeni Scholars Association, emphasized that sincere and practical allegiance to the Wilayah (guardianship) of Imam Ali guarantees the dignity of this nation. He pointed out that following the divine Wilayah protects the nation from aligning with its enemies, the Jews and Christians. Al-Kadhi reviewed the events at Ghadir Khumm, where a massive gathering of Muslims witnessed a solemn scene during the Prophet's (PBUH) return from the Farewell Pilgrimation, under divine command. He recalled the Hadith of Wilayah, which is documented in both Sunni and Shia sources. The event featured speeches and poetic recitations highlighting the importance of commemorating this day as a great occasion that strengthens allegiance to the path of Wilayah—devotion to Allah, His Messenger, and Imam Ali—for its profound impact on preserving the nation's honor, dignity, and unity. In a related event, Jiblah University of Medical Sciences and Jiblah University Hospital organized a speech and cultural event to mark Eid al-Ghadir, the day of Imam Ali bin Abi Talib's (AS) Wilayah. University President Dr. Abdullah Al-Matari stated that Wilayah Day represents an exceptional and pivotal occasion that established the divine Wilayah as the nation's path, extending beyond the Prophet's (PBUH) passing. He stressed the urgent need for the nation to return to the path of Imam Ali's Wilayah, which is an extension of the Prophet's guardianship and, in turn, an extension of Allah's Wilayah—ensuring the nation's protection from deviation or division. Dr. Al-Matari praised the stance of the revolutionary and political leadership, along with the free people of Yemen and the Yemeni Armed Forces' heroic military operations in support of Gaza. He noted that this stance is a natural outcome of their adherence to the path of allegiance to Allah, His Noble Messenger, and Imam Ali. Whatsapp Telegram Email more of (Local)
Newsweek
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Iran Escalates Hunt for Mossad Spies Under Israeli Attack
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iranian authorities announced the arrest of several suspected Israeli Mossad operatives since Israel's strikes on military and nuclear sites as well as the execution of one formerly convicted spy, saying it was carrying out raids to counter foreign intelligence threats inside the country, Iranian state media reported. Newsweek has reached out to office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and to the Iranian foreign ministry for comment. Why It Matters The announcement of intensified efforts against foreign spies come after Iran suffered heavy blows by Israeli forces, who eliminated the top of its military leadership as well as several nuclear scientists and struck its armed forces, its nuclear program and a number of other official sites. Demonstrators wave Iranian flags and hold posters of the late Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. strike in Iraq in 2020, in front of a model of Jerusalem's Dome... Demonstrators wave Iranian flags and hold posters of the late Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. strike in Iraq in 2020, in front of a model of Jerusalem's Dome of the Rock mosque during a rally marking the Muslim Shiite holiday of Eid al-Ghadir, which commemorates the Prophet Muhammad naming his successor, Ali, who is revered as the first Shiite imam, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 14, 2025. More Vahid Salemi/AP Photo What To Know Two alleged Mossad spies were arrested in Tehran and were found in possession of large amounts of explosives and drone equipment, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported on Monday. In Alborz province, police said two were arrested a day earlier and accused them of producing explosives. Meanwhile on Sunday, a man identified as Esmaeil Fekri was hanged. Arrested in 2023, Fekri was charged with attempting to transmit information strategic site location and personnel details in communication with Mossad operatives, the agency reported. At least two more were executed on similar spying charges in 2025, the news agency said. Mossad agents deployed inside Iran planted explosive drones and launched precision strikes on missile defenses near Tehran to clear the way for Israeli jets ahead of the recent strikes, several media cited unnamed Israeli security officials as saying. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that agents smuggled parts for hundreds of explosive-laden quadcopter drones and unmanned munitions into Iran over several months, according to insiders. Days before the Israeli offensive, Iran said it had acquired classified documents on Israel's nuclear program, with Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh saying the move demonstrated Iran's "intelligence superiority" over Israel and praised Iranian "infiltration capabilities." "This brilliant victory... not only shattered the fabricated myth of Mossad but also dismantled the pretentious façade of the sinister Zionist regime's security structure, delivering yet another strong blow to its hollow hegemony," he was quoted as saying by IRNA. Iran did not release the documents as it threatened. What People Are Saying Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday: "We paved the way to Tehran and our pilots over the skies of Tehran will deal blows to the Ayatollah regime that they cannot even imagine." The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps in statement Sunday, according to Tasnim News Agency: "This is just the beginning of the course of 'national revenge'. The Zionist regime must bear in mind that the era of unpunished crimes has ended." What Happens Next The conflict continues to escalate as Israel said it will carry on with strikes against Iran while Iran has vowed more missile attacks on Israel.
