The Iraqi province of Dhi Qar has launched an official process for Abu Subat village nomination in the global “1000 Best Tourist Villages in the World” initiative. Abu Subat lies in the heart of the Hawizeh Marshes, ninety kilometers east of Nasiriyah. The village represents Iraq’s rich marshland environment and showcases its cultural and biological diversity.
According to Asaad Hussein Al-Qara Ghuli, director of the tourism department in Dhi Qar, a local committee now coordinates with Baghdad’s central committee. The teams work together to meet all requirements, including environmental, service, and security standards. Their goal is to fully prepare the village for tourists from around the world.
Al-Qara Ghuli added that Abu Subat is the only village from southern Iraq in this nomination round. It joins villages from central and northern Iraq, including Hor Al-Dalmash, Karbalaa, and several locations in the Kurdistan Region. This inclusion marks a significant step for southern Iraqi tourism visibility on the global stage.
Zainab Al-Asadi, head of the Agriculture and Water Resources Committee in Dhi Qar, emphasized that an extensive meeting strengthened the village’s nomination file. The session, led by the deputy governor for planning, included the mayor of Al-Jubayish and other local officials. They discussed key environmental challenges, such as decreasing water levels and the drying of marsh areas, while stressing biodiversity preservation.
An executive committee, headed by the mayor of Al-Jubayish, now oversees the implementation of all plans. The group ensures necessary support is provided, addressing both ecological and infrastructural needs. Their efforts focus on achieving the standards required for international tourism recognition.
Through Abu Subat village nomination, Dhi Qar aims to boost local tourism, preserve cultural heritage, and attract global visitors. Officials remain committed to improving the village’s environmental sustainability and visitor services. The nomination also highlights Iraq’s broader potential in marshland tourism and its unique ecological landscapes.
As preparations continue, Abu Subat stands as a symbol of Iraq’s natural wealth and cultural identity, seeking a place among the world’s top tourist villages.
