Iraq’s Ministry of Planning has unveiled a major initiative to ease population and urban pressure on Baghdad and other key cities. The plan focuses on creating new administrative districts, industrial zones, and university hubs outside the capital. This move aims to manage rapid population growth and support sustainable urban expansion.
Mohammed Al-Sayyed, Director General of the Regional and Local Development Department, said the plan seeks to decongest Baghdad and other provincial centers. Each new sub-district will develop gradually as an independent urban center with its own municipality and master plan.
Therefore, the strategy involves building new towns along major development corridors. One of the main projects is the Development Road Project, connecting southern Iraq to Turkey. Several sub-districts are already underway, including Al-Khor in Basra, Ur in Dhi Qar, Sawa in Al-Muthanna, Al-Bassamiya in Diwaniyah, and Al-Noor in Najaf. The Karbala Riverfront City is also part of the plan.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Planning intends to relocate universities, commercial hubs, and industrial facilities outside Baghdad. This will stimulate surrounding areas and reduce congestion in the capital. Al-Sayyed noted that each province has been allocated at least 500 donums for industrial cities. Additional land near border crossings will support trade and reconstruction.
The Fourth Ring Road in Baghdad will play a key role in reshaping urban growth. The road will connect new towns and improve accessibility. Officials say the strategy will reduce informal housing, promote organized expansion, and balance regional development.
Experts say the initiative represents a turning point for Iraq’s urban planning. By encouraging industrial and educational growth outside the capital, the government aims to spread population density more evenly. It also encourages private investment in developing areas, boosting local economies.
The Iraq urban development strategy highlights the government’s long-term vision for modern, sustainable cities. With coordinated infrastructure, new sub-districts, and industrial hubs, the plan strengthens regional development while easing pressure on Baghdad.