Iraq is currently experiencing a comprehensive renaissance across economic, social, and cultural spheres. After years of security and fiscal challenges, concerted efforts by the government and international partners are yielding steady progress. This article outlines the main drivers of Iraq’s revival and highlights how Harlow Group contributes to the country’s sustainable development.

1. Economic Growth

• Projected GDP Growth
  The International Monetary Fund forecasts that Iraq’s GDP will expand by 1.4 % in 2024 and accelerate to 5.3 % in 2025, supported by recovering oil output and increased public investment.
• Fiscal Stabilization
  Despite a fiscal deficit of around 7.6 % of GDP in 2024, Iraq’s May 2024 repayment to the IMF signals improving public finances and paves the way for stronger budget discipline.

2. Energy Sector

• Rising Oil Production
  Under recent OPEC + agreements, Iraq is set to raise its oil-production quota, targeting 4.11 million barrels per day by January 2026.
• Refinery Restarts
  The long-idle Baiji refinery has resumed operations at over 300,000 bpd capacity, easing local fuel shortages and freeing budgetary resources for critical services.

3. Strategic Infrastructure Projects

• Al-Faw Grand Port
  As the linchpin of Iraq’s “Development Road” to Europe, Phase I of Al-Faw Port has reached 85–90 % completion, including five state-of-the-art berths, and is slated to finish by end-2025.
• Road and Rail Expansion
  Upgraded highways and planned rail links will connect southern ports to Turkey and beyond, streamlining trade corridors and boosting regional integration.

4. Digital Transformation & E-Government

• UR Service Portal
  Over 700 government services are now online via Iraq’s UR portal, cutting bureaucracy and improving citizen access.
• Digital Tax Inquiry
  The Ministry of Finance launched an electronic tax-status check on the same platform, enhancing transparency and speeding up tax administration.
• “Eye of Iraq 2025” App
  This new mobile application enables digital ID verification and real-time emergency reporting with multimedia support, marking a major step in citizen-centred services.

5. Cultural & Heritage Revival

• “Reinventing Mosul” Initiative
  UNESCO, in partnership with the Iraqi government, has restored key sites in Mosul such as the Al-Nuri Mosque and its Leaning Minaret, revitalizing local culture and attracting tourism.
• Community-Driven Festivals
  Restored heritage buildings now host art festivals and educational programs, fostering social cohesion and inter-community trust.

These developments signal that Iraq is entering a new era of balanced growth and resilience. Harlow Group plays a strategic role in this renaissance by delivering critical projects in energy, infrastructure, and industrial services, thereby supporting Iraq’s vision for sustainable prosperity.

References

1. ، “Iraq’s economic landscape in 2024: Progress and challenges”، مايو 2025. https://shafaq.com/en/Report/Iraq-s-economic-landscape-in-2024-Progress-and-challenges
2. Energy News Pro، “OPEC+ Gradually Increases Iraqi Oil Production Starting April 2025”، 10 مارس 2025. https://energynews.pro/en/opec-gradually-increases-iraqi-oil-production-starting-april-2025/
3. Zawya، “Iraq’s Al-Faw Port phase 1 on track for completion in 2025”، مارس 2025. https://www.zawya.com/en/projects/construction/iraqs-al-faw-port-phase-1-on-track-for-completion-in-2025-transport-minister-vtd0cv8d
4. Iraq Business News، “Iraq Launches Digital Tax Inquiry Service”، 6 مارس 2025. https://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2025/03/06/iraq-launches-digital-tax-inquiry-service/
5. MEA Tech Watch، “Iraq Launches “Eye of Iraq 2025” App to Enhance Digital Services and Emergency Response”، 22 أبريل 2025. https://meatechwatch.com/2025/04/22/iraq-launches-eye-of-iraq-2025-app-to-enhance-digital-services-and-emergency-response/
6. Iraq Business News، “Ur portal – Iraq Business News”، 21 يناير 2024. https://www.iraq-businessnews.com/tag/ur-portal/
7. UNESCO، “Post-Conflict and Post-Disaster Reconstruction and Recovery”، مركز اليونسكو للتراث العالمي. https://whc.unesco.org/en/reconstruction/