Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani meets in Baghdad with Bandar bin Fahd Al-Fahaid, president of the Arab Tourism Organization, to discuss expanding tourism investment and upcoming Arab tourism conferences.
Al-Sudani presses banks to back tourism investment
BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani on Wednesday met with Bandar bin Fahd Al-Fahaid, president of the Arab Tourism Organization, to discuss expanding tourism investment in Iraq and preparations for two major Arab tourism conferences set to take place in Baghdad.
According to the prime minister’s office, the meeting addressed the role of the tourism sector in economic development and the importance of banking support in attracting investment. Discussions covered plans for an Arab Tourism Media Conference and another conference on the role of Arab banks in tourism investment, both expected to bring together more than 80 Arab banks and investors.
On Dec. 9, 2025, Baghdad hosted the 28th session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism, where Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said the gathering was “an important step toward reaffirming Iraq’s position on the global tourism map and showcasing its cultural, civilizational, and religious assets.” He called for involving young people in tourism planning, urged renewed coordination through reviving the Joint Arab Tourism Initiative to increase regional visitor flows, and said “tourism is an important instrument of soft power” that can strengthen economic ties across Arab states.
The Arab Tourism Organization has designated Baghdad as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2025.
Full statement:
Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani received today, Wednesday, the President of the Arab Tourism Organization, Mr. Bandar bin Fahd Al-Fahaid.
The meeting discussed the importance of the tourism industry and the role of the banking sector in supporting and developing it, by enhancing investment across various tourism sectors to achieve comprehensive and sustainable economic growth. The discussion also highlighted preparations for organizing an Arab Tourism Media Conference, as well as another conference on the role of Arab banks in tourism investment, with the participation of more than 80 Arab banks and investors. Both conferences are scheduled to be held in Baghdad.
His Excellency affirmed the government’s cooperation with the Arab Tourism Organization and the League of Arab States to advance the tourism sector in Iraq and strengthen its standing as a prominent tourist destination at both the Arab and international levels. He emphasized the government’s commitment to adopting tourism as an important source of national economic support, and reiterated its backing of the recommendations of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism, particularly those related to tourism development, investment, infrastructure, and services, in addition to cooperation in cultural and religious tourism.
Prime Minister Al-Sudani directed the allocation of a plot of land for the construction of an investment hotel and an academy dedicated to tourism development and training, as well as an Arab Tourism Organization regional office in Baghdad.
For his part, the President of the Arab Tourism Organization commended Iraq’s leading role in the Arab tourism sector, as well as the government’s efforts and steps toward enhancing joint work and strengthening tourism exchange among Arab countries.
Prime Minister Media Office
December 10, 2025