Baghdad undergoes historic luxury hotel boom with over 20 new projects underway
Global brands including Rixos, Rotana, and Hyatt spearhead hospitality surge as Iraq’s capital eyes tourism revival
BAGHDAD, Iraq (MNTV) — Baghdad is experiencing the largest hotel construction boom in its modern history, with more than 20 high-end hotel and resort projects currently underway across the city.
According to Iraqi News, the surge reflects renewed investor confidence in Iraq’s capital, attracting major international hospitality players such as Rixos, Rotana, Mövenpick, and Hyatt.
The wave of development is set to transform Baghdad’s hospitality sector, challenging the dominance of older establishments and fostering a more competitive market that promises improved services and diversified pricing.
The majority of the projects are concentrated along both banks of the Tigris River, with the upscale districts of Jadriyah and Karrada emerging as key hubs for luxury accommodation.
On the Rusafa side, 13 new hotel developments are in progress. These include the upcoming Hyatt Baghdad, located across from the new Central Bank of Iraq tower designed by Zaha Hadid, as well as the Doo Hotel in Jadriyah and Mirage by Rotana.
Additionally, two landmark properties—Al-Sadeer Hotel and the Ishtar Hotel—are undergoing extensive renovations, with the latter to be managed by River Rock Hospitality.
Other major projects on the Rusafa side include a series of five-star hotel towers in both Jadriyah and Karrada, the Platinum Hotel near Dijlah Village, and a luxury hotel within the Nawas Tower complex.
On the Karkh side, particularly in and around the International Zone, seven new hospitality projects are underway.
These include the expansive Rixos Baghdad Resort, the Mövenpick Al-Zaytoun Hotel & Resort, and Centro by Rotana, part of the Baghdad Residences development.
Further south in the Al-Dura district, the Jewel of Baghdad Hotel is under construction as part of the massive Iraq Mall complex.
Officials and industry observers say this hotel boom goes beyond construction—it represents a strategic effort to modernize Baghdad’s tourism and business infrastructure.
With Iraq’s security situation stabilizing and regional interest in the country growing, developers and international operators see a unique opportunity to reintroduce Baghdad as a key destination for leisure, commerce, and culture.
As these hotel projects approach completion over the next few years, analysts expect Baghdad’s profile on the regional tourism map to rise significantly, potentially drawing even more global hospitality brands into the Iraqi market.
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