The Kurdistan Region won first place at the 2026 Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress in Dubai.
The region ranked first among more than 180 countries in the international projects category. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Investment Board also highlighted the growing impact of foreign investment.
Iman Wishyar Ismael, head of marketing and communications at Invest Kurdistan, confirmed the award.
She said the KRG Investment Board submitted an industrial project developed by a UAE investor. The investor received an investment license for the project in the Kurdistan Region last year.
The project then won the top award in its category at the international congress.
Kurdistan Region representatives attended the ceremony in Dubai. They wore traditional Kurdish clothing and carried the Kurdistan flag.
The KRG has identified several sectors as priorities for attracting foreign investment.
Wishyar said agriculture ranks first under the Ninth Cabinet led by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. Tourism follows agriculture, while technology, artificial intelligence and industry also remain key sectors.
She highlighted the Kurdistan Region’s fertile land and favorable natural conditions. According to Wishyar, these advantages create strong opportunities for investors in agriculture and tourism.
The government hopes to attract more international capital into these sectors. It also wants investment to support economic diversification and create new employment opportunities.
Wishyar said investment projects across the Kurdistan Region have created nearly 75,000 direct jobs for local workers and young people.
The figure highlights the employment impact of foreign investment in the region.
She also pointed to the Kurdistan Region’s political and security environment. According to Wishyar, stability has helped the region attract major international companies.
The KRG aims to strengthen the region’s position as a gateway for trade and economic development.
The AIM Investment Awards take place annually during the Annual Investment Meeting Congress.
The awards recognize Investment Promotion Agencies for successful efforts to attract foreign direct investment.
The awards began in 2013 and have since developed into an international platform for investment projects supported by promotion agencies.
They recognize investment promotion strategies, innovation and sustainable economic growth. The awards also focus on national development and long-term economic value.
The Kurdistan Region’s latest achievement gives the KRG another opportunity to promote its investment potential to international investors.
