Najaf residents explore new travel destinations for New Year’s Eve as tastes shift

NAJAF — As New Year’s Eve approaches, residents of Najaf are seeking new destinations to celebrate and break away from routine. Many have opted for religious trips to Iran to visit the holy shrines, while others have chosen Saudi Arabia for Umrah, encouraged by recent visa facilitations. Additionally, Kuwait has emerged as an attractive option following its hosting of the Gulf Cup, while rising visa restrictions have caused a decline in travel to Turkey, leading Iraqis to explore new destinations in Southeast Asia that offer visa-friendly policies.

“In our company, we’ve observed that Iran remains one of the most popular destinations due to its religious significance and relatively affordable costs, especially for families and students,” said Mohammed Baqir from Sama Iraq Travel and Tourism to 964media. “Saudi Arabia also maintains its status as a key travel destination, not only for pilgrimage but also due to the Kingdom’s new approach to tourism and specific visa facilitation for Iraqis.”

Baqir added that Turkey and Egypt remain popular choices due to relatively low cost and favorable climates. However, “Turkey has seen a decline in demand due to the increased complexity of visa requirements in recent years.” He also noted a rise in travel to Kuwait, especially after the Gulf Cup, as Iraqis visited to support their national team and explore the Gulf state’s attractions.

Meanwhile, Southeast Asia has emerged as a growing trend. “We’ve recently witnessed an increase in demand for Southeast Asian destinations, thanks to visa facilitations for Iraqis. We hope more countries will follow suit, offering diverse travel options and contributing to stronger cultural exchange,” Baqir said.

Despite the increased interest in travel, cost remains the most decisive factor influencing choices. Additionally, restrictions on solo travelers to Dubai, where visas are now primarily issued to families, have caused a noticeable drop in demand. Likewise, recent security concerns in Beirut have nearly halted tourism there, though Baqir expressed hope for a recovery soon.

Jaafar Al-Khalidi, a resident of Najaf, shared his travel plans with 964 media: “As a Najaf citizen, I’m considering spending New Year’s Eve in a new and exciting destination. This year, I’ve chosen one of the Southeast Asian countries because of the simplified visa processes and the variety of experiences they offer.”

Al-Khalidi noted the growing interest among Iraqis in breaking routine and exploring diverse destinations. “Most people still prefer nearby places like Iran for pilgrimage or Kuwait for its recent appeal after the Gulf Cup. But personally, I’m eager to explore a distant destination this time to experience new cultures.”