The Second Duhok Summer Festival began on July 10, 2026. This exciting 11-day event is taking place in Duhok Province, bringing together exhibitors from across the Kurdistan Region and several Arab countries.
The festival was organized to boost tourism, support local businesses, and expand commercial activity. It features broad participation from all provinces of the Kurdistan Region. Exhibitors from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are also taking part, highlighting products and traditions from across the Arab world.
To accommodate participants, organizers set up more than 70 exhibition tents at the venue. Each tent offers a wide variety of unique cultural products. Organizers also worked to keep prices affordable for visitors.
The participation of Arab exhibitors adds a distinctive international dimension to this year’s festival. Exhibitors from the United Arab Emirates specialize in traditional perfumes, offering rich Oriental fragrances to visitors.
Ali Rashid, the owner of an Emirati perfume company participating in the festival, said such events strengthen commercial ties. He added that they also encourage the exchange of expertise among regional businesses.
Meanwhile, Egyptian exhibitor Mohammed Omar is presenting traditional Egyptian juices. He expressed his happiness with the positive response from local visitors and described the festival as an excellent opportunity to introduce Egyptian flavors.
The festival also provides an important platform for small local businesses. Family-run enterprises from across the region are showcasing handmade products and traditional foods.
Umm Maryam, the owner of a participating Kurdish restaurant, praised the festival for supporting local entrepreneurs. She said such events help business owners present their traditional culinary heritage directly to visitors.
General supervisor Mahmoud Mohammed highlighted the festival’s broader economic benefits. He explained that the event creates a welcoming family atmosphere while offering discounted goods.
The festival also helps reduce unemployment by creating temporary jobs for local youth. Organizers expect it to boost Duhok’s growing tourism sector and increase commercial activity for local businesses. At the same time, visitors can enjoy a unique cultural exchange. Ultimately, the festival brings people closer together while celebrating the region’s rich cultural diversity.