Duhok Launches First-Ever Summer Festival to Boost Economy and Tourism
The festival features an open-air market offering a wide range of everyday consumer products, including food, household goods, cosmetics, and personal care items — many sold at prices below those found in local markets.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The city of Duhok has launched its first-ever summer festival with the participation of over 100 local and international companies, in a move aimed at stimulating economic activity and revitalizing the tourism sector in the Kurdistan Region, according to organizers.
The festival features an open-air market offering a wide range of everyday consumer products, including food, household goods, cosmetics, and personal care items — many sold at prices below those found in local markets. Global brands are also prominently represented, giving shoppers a diverse and high-quality selection.
Hendrin Rashid, a representative of one of the participating companies, told Kurdistan24, “Our products include pasta and cloves, and we’re proud of their high Italian-quality standards. I think this festival is very important. Many companies are here, and it’s a great opportunity for people to explore new products up close.”
Zina Karwan, another company representative, stressed the importance of continuing such events. “We hope these types of festivals become regular. They allow companies to showcase products at affordable prices and offer visitors a chance to benefit directly,” she said.
Beyond commerce, the festival includes daily artistic and entertainment events designed to attract visitors and add vibrancy to the city’s summer atmosphere.
Saman Moshir, a company representative, highlighted the festival’s role in public engagement. “These festivals spotlight what’s new in the market. For example, car companies are presenting their latest models — and many people only discover such offerings through events like this.”
The eight-day festival, which began on Wednesday, is organized by Bazar Advertising Company and officially sponsored by the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Trade and Industry. It welcomes visitors daily from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.
Festival organizer Samir Nazari shared with Kurdistan24 that “40% of the participating brands are international, while 60% are local. We are proud of the noticeable progress in the Kurdistani brand identity. We also offer direct discounts to benefit both citizens and tourists.”
With over 370 local and international brands featured in the festival market, the event offers a seasonal shopping and entertainment experience that blends quality, variety, and affordability.
Amid lively summer scenes and engaging activities, Duhok’s summer festival has quickly become a daily destination for locals and tourists alike, showcasing the city’s vibrant commercial and cultural pulse.
