The Center of Urban and Regional Planning for Postgraduate Studies at the University of Baghdad organized a symposium entitled “Tourism Planning in Dhi Qar” in cooperation with the Dhi Qar Planning Directorate. The workshop, which was attended by the Dean of the Center, Professor Dr. Kareem Hassan Alwan, and a number of his professors and graduate students, was held in the New Ur City in Dhi Qar and delivered by Dr. Alwan. The symposium aimed to highlight the tourism potential of Dhi Qar, given its temperate climate, which combines to form the marshland ecosystem, with the presence of rare waterfowl, diverse animals, and fish. It also featured traditional crafts such as traditional houses made of reeds and papyrus, which reflect the region’s heritage and authenticity, as well as the presence of a botanical environment. For his part, Dhi Qar’s Deputy Governor for Planning and Development, Engineer Razzaq Mahdi Al-Ali, praised the role of the Scientific Center for Tourism Revival in Dhi Qal and its environs, as well as the marshes. The center adopted the design of the tourist city according to modern planning standards that are consistent with the region’s ancient history and its distinct and rich geography. He emphasized the importance of keeping pace with global scientific developments in this field and integrating artificial intelligence into urban and tourism development, based on ongoing cooperation with Iraqi scientific competencies, such as the University of Baghdad. This will raise the level of information and facilitate city management at a lower cost and with greater efficiency.
The Dean also presented the center’s shield to Engineer Al-Ali, as well as to the Director of the Dhi Qar Planning Department, Engineer Yaqeen Kareem Juma, commending their efforts in preserving the city’s tourism status and working to develop it.
