Zakho's New Corniche Transforms the City and Doubles Tourist Numbers
Zakho's second phase Corniche is transforming the city!, 85% complete with lush gardens, a sparkling 3km riverside promenade, and restored historic sites. Tourism already booming by 40% - set to DOUBLE when finished.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The new Zakho Corniche is rapidly reshaping the city’s landscape and has already led to a significant increase in tourist arrivals, with expectations that the number of visitors will double once the project’s second phase is fully completed, according to officials.
Engineer Sarbast Abdul Sattar Abdul Karim, Director of the Zakho Corniche Phase II Project at the General Directorate of Tourism in Zakho, told Kurdistan24 in an interview that construction progress is moving at a fast pace, with 85% of the second phase now completed. He explained that the project, encompassing both its first and second phases, was launched following a direct directive from Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.
The first phase of the Corniche has already been finalized, while current efforts focus on landscaping and greening large swaths of the area—50% of the total project surface will be dedicated to green spaces. This includes tree planting along both banks of the Khabur River, in addition to expanding public service and recreational facilities for residents and visitors alike.
Structural enhancements include a 50-meter-wide retaining wall built between the riverbanks and the installation of various-sized water drainage channels to bolster the project’s infrastructure. The pedestrian walkway now stretches eight meters wide along a new three-kilometer path, with continuous work on tree planting, lighting pole installation, benches, and waste bins.
As part of the redevelopment, the Haji Ibrahim Mosque—demolished due to construction—has been rebuilt. Restoration work has also been undertaken at Zakho’s historic Qishla, a site of cultural importance that is now being integrated into the city’s modern identity. Tourists can walk freely along the new riverside promenade, enjoying views of the iconic Delal Bridge, one of Zakho’s most renowned landmarks.
Engineer Abdul Karim affirmed that Zakho has already witnessed a marked increase in tourism as a direct result of the Corniche project. Based on current projections, he anticipates a 100% surge in visitor numbers once the second phase is complete. In recent years, official statistics have shown a tourism growth rate of 30–40%.
The Corniche project is one of many initiatives that have accelerated since Zakho was designated as an independent administration on September 20, 2021. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has spearheaded a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul aimed at elevating the city’s administrative, economic, and public service sectors.
According to KRG data, Zakho has seen a total of 286 development projects launched over the past three years. Of these, 218 have been completed, while 68 are currently under construction. The Corniche stands out as a flagship achievement, symbolizing both the city’s transformation and the broader vision of progress under the KRG’s ninth cabinet.
With its modern urban design, historical preservation efforts, and expanded tourism infrastructure, Zakho’s new Corniche not only redefines the city's aesthetic but also cements its status as a rising destination in the Kurdistan Region.
