Erbil Breaks Ground on Landmark “Rerawy Zhiyan” Urban Green Project
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – In a significant step for urban renewal, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani laid the foundation stone on Wednesday for the “Rerawy Zhiyan” (Life Path) project, a major green corridor initiative set to transform parts of the capital.
Described as one of Erbil's most ambitious urban development plans, the project aims to convert a formerly polluted area into a revitalized green belt. The corridor will feature landscaped parks, clean water channels, walking paths, and recreational facilities, with the goal of enhancing quality of life, boosting tourism, and protecting the environment.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Barzani expressed his honor and delight in launching what he termed a “transformative public work.” He highlighted the project's expected multi-dimensional impact on Erbil’s growth, particularly in the tourism sector.
We laid the foundation stone for Pathway of Life in Erbil, a project that will have wide-ranging impacts on the capital’s development, particularly in tourism.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) November 5, 2025
With these projects, real change is coming to the quality of life, environment, and health of our people soon. pic.twitter.com/lxRVwW2ZPQ
Reflecting on the site's recent history, Barzani noted that the area, once a natural flood channel, had deteriorated into a dumping ground for waste and polluted water. “We decided to implement this important project to fundamentally transform the lives of residents in this neighborhood and across Erbil, turning the area into one of the city’s most attractive and vibrant destinations,” he stated.
The first phase of Rerawy Zhiyan will include clean water channels, green parks, shops, cafes, and recreational spaces. The Prime Minister emphasized that the project will create a “welcoming and lively urban destination” while generating new job opportunities, particularly for the youth.
Barzani reaffirmed that balanced development across all districts is a key government priority. “Our goal has always been to ensure harmony in city planning so that no neighborhood or district is neglected,” he said, outlining a broader policy to minimize regional disparities and ensure equitable access to public services.
Praising Erbil’s progress as “one of Iraq’s most advanced and modern cities,” the Prime Minister positioned Rerawy Zhiyan, alongside the Green Belt project, as a new phase in the city’s journey toward sustainability and global tourism competitiveness. “With its rich history and forward-looking vision, Erbil is becoming one of the most prominent tourist cities in the world,” he added.
The initiative is part of a wider “development revolution” underway in the Kurdistan Region, focused on comprehensive progress through improved services, job creation, and investment. Barzani congratulated Erbil’s citizens and assured them that the project would soon bring visible improvements to their daily lives and public health.
He also thanked the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism and private sector partners for their roles in the project. Concluding his speech, Barzani called on all citizens to partner with the government in protecting the environment. “The government can build projects, but environmental protection is everyone’s duty. Together, we can make our Kurdistan more beautiful and prosperous.”
