Duhok Accelerates Tourism, Agriculture and Industrial Investment Projects
From cable cars on Gara Mountain to Kurdistan Region's largest cattle and dairy farm, Duhok accelerates economic development with 45 new investment licenses planned for 2026.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Duhok is moving toward a broader economic and tourism transformation, with a series of strategic investment projects underway across the governorate, spanning tourism, agriculture, industry and local production.
Dr. Hawal Sadiq, director of investment in Duhok, told Kurdistan24 that the ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government has overseen the implementation of the largest number of strategic projects in Duhok. In the tourism sector alone, 30 projects have received investment licenses.
Among the major tourism projects are a large-scale project on Zawa Mountain, the development of Duhok Dam, and a cable car linking the Sarsang subdistrict with the summit of Gara Mountain.
The projects are part of a wider push to develop Duhok’s tourism potential and expand infrastructure capable of attracting visitors to the governorate’s natural areas.
In the agricultural sector, preparations are underway for a major greenhouse project in Semel, modeled on a similar project in Akre.
The industrial sector is also set to receive a major project through the Qasrok sugar factory in Shekhan. The factory is expected to become one of the most important projects of its kind in Iraq, while providing significant support to farmers and creating employment opportunities.
Another major development is the cattle and dairy project in Semel, which was completed ahead of schedule. It is now the largest project of its kind in Iraq, with its products reaching central and southern Iraq.
The project also has a strong local employment component, with 96 percent of its employees being local young people.
Since 2007, Duhok has issued 369 investment licenses, including 163 during the current ninth cabinet.
In 2025, 45 investment licenses were issued, while 11 have been granted so far in 2026. The plan is to issue licenses for another 45 projects by the end of this year.
The figures reflect the continued expansion of investment activity across Duhok and the growing number of projects moving through the licensing process.
All projects are subject to close supervision by specialist committees.
By decision of the head of government, a dedicated engineering team is overseeing project implementation to ensure that projects are delivered to the highest standards and in accordance with legal requirements before being placed at the service of citizens.
With major projects spanning tourism, agriculture, industry and local production, Duhok’s investment portfolio is expanding across sectors that directly contribute to the governorate’s economic development and employment opportunities.