Iraq will submit a formal application to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to select Baghdad as the Islamic tourism capital for 2028, the Planning Ministry announced on September 24, IQ News reported.

The designation would allow Iraq to develop its tourism infrastructure and promote cultural exchange whilst showcasing its recovery following years of conflict and instability. It would be a symbolic and promotional title, separate from rankings like the Global Muslim Travel Index, which currently lists Malaysia and Indonesia as the top destinations for Muslim travellers globally.

Abdul Zahra al-Hindawi, ministry spokesperson, said the topic of selecting Baghdad as Islamic tourism capital for 2028 was discussed during a meeting between Planning Minister Mohammed Tameem and a representative of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Al-Hindawi explained that factors supporting Baghdad's selection as Islamic tourism capital were discussed during the meeting between the planning minister and the OIC representative, noting Baghdad's distinguished Arab and Islamic historical depth alongside tourist, cultural, intellectual and heritage landmarks.

The spokesperson said Iraq will submit a formal application through the Culture Ministry and Foreign Ministry to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation for selecting Baghdad as Islamic tourism capital in 2028.

Al-Hindawi added that work will proceed during the coming period, with Iraq sending an official letter to concerned bodies in this field to agree on selecting Baghdad as Islamic tourism capital.

The initiative aims to highlight Baghdad's extensive Islamic historical significance, including sites such as the Abbasid-era monuments, traditional Islamic architecture and religious shrines that attract pilgrims and tourists from across the Muslim world.

Baghdad previously served as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate from 762 to 1258 CE, establishing it as a major centre of Islamic learning, culture and commerce during the Islamic Golden Age.

While official sources report 892,000 total international visitors in 2024, cultural and leisure tourism specifically grew from 120,000 in 2022 to over 400,000 in 2024, excluding the separate count of more than 3.4mn religious pilgrims who visit annually for events like the Arbaeen procession.