Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw described 2025 as a difficult year marked by sharp financial pressure on the Kurdistan Region. However, he said Erbil continued to grow, attract tourists, and complete major infrastructure projects despite budget cuts.
In a year-end interview, Khoshnaw said the year was “tough in every aspect.” He blamed financial constraints and what he called unfair fiscal treatment of the Kurdistan Region. Also, he said these pressures limited the government’s ability to fully implement its plans. He also noted that the salaries of public employees for two months remain uncertain, creating stress for thousands of families.
Despite these challenges, the governor expressed optimism for 2026. He said the formation of new governments in both Baghdad and Erbil could improve relations and help resolve disputes under the Iraqi constitution.
Tourism remained a key economic driver in 2025. Khoshnaw said Erbil welcomed three million tourists in 2024. By December 1, 2025, the number had already reached 3.4 million. He projected total arrivals would exceed 3.5 million by year-end, setting a new record.
He credited this growth to administrative reforms. Authorities kept checkpoints open 24 hours a day and reduced processing time to two or three minutes. The government also extended tourist stays from one month to three months to boost local spending.
Khoshnaw also highlighted major infrastructure gains. He said Erbil solved long-standing water shortages through a nearly $500 million emergency project. The project doubled water supply capacity from 10,000 to 20,000 cubic meters per hour.
In addition, parts of Erbil now receive 24-hour electricity. The city center and key ring roads have already joined the system. Although weather issues and the Khor Mor gas field attack caused disruptions, Khoshnaw said the entire region will have round-the-clock power in 2026.
The shift reduced pollution by shutting down thousands of diesel generators. The governor said international agencies in Norway and Sweden later removed Erbil from their pollution “red list.”
Looking ahead, Erbil is preparing for New Year celebrations and continuing major road projects. Khoshnaw said these efforts position the city for a more stable and prosperous 2026.
