New Iraq airport at Najaf targets religious tourists

Najaf, the holy Shiite city in southern Iraq has a new airport, and Nuri al-Maliki, the country’s prime minister, was a passenger on the inaugural flight.

Known as Al-Hamza airport, the new Najaf airport was formerly a military air base. It was opened on Sunday by government officials who have great hopes for a surge of religious tourism to this important city.

Maliki commented: “It is a historic moment. It is a moment that symbolises equality among all Iraqis.”

The prime minister added that the airport’s opening would help in the overall reconstruction of the country, and hoped also that other provinces would follow this lead.

“There must be competition among other provinces when it comes to rebuilding their regions,” he continued.

The shrine dedicated to Iman Ali, who was the son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammed, is located here, as are other important religious sites.

Airport officials have reported that at least nine million pilgrims visit Najaf every year – and are hopeful that the new facility will attract up to 10 per cent more annually.

Al-Aqeelah, an investment firm based in Kuwait, has been the leader in the multi-billion dollar airport project. The firm is also planning to build hotels and thousands of new homes in the city.

Maliki and other government officials are seeking to promote investment interest in Iraq. According to UN figures, foreign direct investment in the country amounted to $272 million in 2006.

www.al-aqeelah.com