Soran Begins Major Redevelopment of Bekhal Resort
Work has begun on a masterplan to redevelop Bekhal Resort in Soran into a world-class tourism hub. Officials say measures are in place to protect the livelihoods of local business owners during the project's implementation.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) — The popular Bekhal Resort in the Soran Independent Administration is set for a major transformation as authorities begin practical steps to implement a new masterplan, a project directly supervised by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and designed to turn the area into a world-class tourism hub.
Halgurd Sheikh Najib, the Supervisor of the Soran Independent Administration, shared details of the project with Kurdistan24 correspondent Tayfour Mohammed, explaining that the initiative aims to revitalize the local economy and foster regional development. The project is expected to begin in the near future.
A key aspect of the plan involves protecting the interests of current business owners at the resort. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has developed measures to ensure that shop owners, restaurant operators, and vendors do not suffer financial losses during the redevelopment.
“We are convinced that the implementation of the Bekhal Resort masterplan serves the interests of the entire Soran Administration, and especially the people of Bekhal,” Sheikh Najib told Kurdistan24. “We have developed several mechanisms to empower local residents to become business owners. Our goal is to find sustainable solutions that will allow them to benefit from this project.”
As part of a consultation process, current business owners have been informed of the redevelopment plan. A joint meeting between government officials and resort stakeholders is planned to reach a mutual understanding and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
One local business owner expressed a willingness to cooperate with the government's vision.
“We have been here for generations,” he said. “Whatever the KRG proposes—whether reducing the size of venues from 300 square meters to 100 or 200—we are ready to adapt to the design and invest in it ourselves. We would also like to establish formal contracts with the KRG.”
🏞️ Sneak Peek: The New Bekhal Resort Design! ✨
— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) July 18, 2025
Kurdistan24 proudly shares the new design for the iconic Bekhal Resort — a modern vision that blends natural beauty with innovative architecture in one of Kurdistan’s most beloved destinations.
Take a look at what’s coming next… pic.twitter.com/U5Wnt2pLSU
According to the report, the masterplan spans three districts and incorporates a modern, world-class design intended to attract both domestic and international visitors.
This redevelopment marks one of the largest tourism projects in the region to date, aligning with the KRG's central policy of expanding the tourism sector.
The Soran Independent Administration, established by the KRG in 2021, is home to several of the Kurdistan Region's most significant tourist attractions, including the famed Bekhal waterfall and the Gali Ali Bag canyon.
Bekhal has long been a popular destination for visitors from across Iraq and neighboring countries due to its natural springs and scenic beauty.
The redevelopment project aligns with the Kurdistan Regional Government's 9th cabinet agenda, which prioritizes economic diversification.
A key pillar of this strategy, spearheaded by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, is the development of the tourism sector to create jobs and generate revenue beyond the region's reliance on hydrocarbon exports.
Kurdistan24 correspondent Tayfour Mohammed contributed to this report.
