Prime Minister Masrour Barzani inaugurated roads, parks, hospitals, and tourism projects in Duhok and Zakho, signaling a new phase of development.
The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region visited Duhok and the autonomous administration of Zakho with a strong development agenda, inaugurating several important projects expected to push the province forward.
On September 20, 2025, Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, began his visit by opening the 8-kilometer Sheikhan–Lalish roadside, described as a strategic road because it connects Duhok province with Sinjar.
On the same day, PM Barzani inaugurated Sarheldan Park in Duhok. Costing more than 4 billion dinars, the park covers 122,000 square meters, with 75% dedicated to green space. Thousands of flowers and trees have been planted, giving the city a fresh and attractive look.
That day, Barzani also opened a new Toyota showroom and advanced service center in Duhok.
On September 21, 2025, the Prime Minister visited Zakho’s autonomous administration and opened the second phase of the Zakho Corniche project, valued at over 6 billion dinars and stretching nearly 3 kilometers. The project includes more than 50% green space, 8-meter pedestrian walkways on both sides, restaurants, cafés, and tourism facilities.
On the same day, he inaugurated a special children’s hospital in the city, welcomed warmly by Zakho’s residents.
Renas Azad Doski, a member of the Kurdistan Parliament representing Duhok, told The Kurdish Globe: “In the ninth cabinet, special attention has been given to Duhok province. From the provincial center to Zakho and the districts, Duhok has become one of the most advanced provinces, with growing commercial, economic, and tourism importance.”
He explained: “Since the start of this cabinet, major changes have taken place in Duhok — road building, development of tourism sites, 24-hour electricity, the ‘My Account’ system, new directorates, and improved health and investment sectors. After the Prime Minister’s visit, the opening of Sarheldan Park and the Toyota service center show progress and business growth. The aim is for Duhok to become a key tourism hub for all of Iraq, especially with projects like Zawa Mountain resort.”
He also pointed out: “Duhok has suffered from the PKK-Turkey conflict, which devastated many tourist villages. That’s why peace and stability are essential to revive these areas. Given its location, Duhok is Iraq’s economic and commercial gateway, and its future will be very promising.”
Doski continued: “Now, in line with international standards, Duhok has built some of the strongest military fortifications in Iraq, proof that the province has the capacity to revive its economy and attract investment.”
Binistan Ismat Dinu, a KDP lawmaker representing Zakho, told The Kurdish Globe: “On Sunday, September 21, 2025, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, marking the fourth anniversary of Zakho’s autonomous administration, inaugurated a children’s hospital, the Zakho International Exhibition, and the second phase of the Zakho Corniche. These projects not only provide major services but also reduce unemployment and drive progress in Zakho.”
She explained further: “Before Zakho became an autonomous administration, unemployment was very high. Some figures show youth unemployment has reached 16.7%. The town was remote and neglected. But the KRG transformed Zakho into a tourism center, attracting thousands of daily visitors from across Kurdistan and Iraq. This has created thousands of job opportunities.”
She added: “Now Zakho has hundreds of restaurants, hotels, cafés, and tourist centers. Its markets and shops are flourishing. Youth unemployment is no longer a major problem, thanks to these government projects.”
She concluded: “These achievements are not limited to Zakho. The KRG has invested in Erbil, Duhok, Soran, Ranya, Sulaymaniyah, and Halabja. If the government continues to implement its plans, the Kurdistan Region will advance rapidly, and unemployment — already lower than the rest of Iraq — will decline even further.”
The Kurdish Globe