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Redevelopment of Abou Nawas Corniche

Baghdad, Iraq

2023 - Ongoing
Green SpacesPublic SpacesSportWaterfront

Project Description

Approach Words: Inclusive City, Sustainability, Urban Livability

Public Policy Instruments: Physical Intervention, Planning, Regulatory

The redevelopment project of Abu Nawas Corniche is a dual-faceted initiative, comprising the rehabilitation of the old corniche and the construction of an additional segment forming a new corniche.1 The old corniche, a waterfront park established in 1980 along the banks of the Tigris, spans approximately 10 kilometers from the Sinak Bridge to the Al-Ahrar Bridge.2 Complementing this, the new corniche extends for 2.5 kilometers, serving as a model waterfront project for Baghdad.3
This redevelopment project is part of the “Baghdad Ajmal”i campaign launched by the Prime Minister to enhance the capital’s public services and aesthetics.4 The project aims to transform the corniche into a recreational space for Baghdad residents and a tourist destination for visitors to the city.5

Title: Construction Works at Abu Nawas Corniche in the First Phase of the Project.

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Title: Abu Nawas Corniche Under Rehabilitation in Phase 2.

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Title: Abu Nawas Corniche After Launching of Second Phase.

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Title: Baghdad Cycling Team Marathon on Abu Nawas Corniche.

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The redevelopment of Abu Nawas Corniche encompasses establishing a range of public spaces and amenities, including recreational and leisure areas such as gardens, sports fields, restaurants, and cafes. The project incorporates lanes dedicated to running, walking, and cycling.6 The main pathways along the corniche, situated on both sides of the river, feature relaxing seating areas, providing visual access to the river.7 As such, this initiative is divided into two main aspects: rehabilitation of existing infrastructure and development of new areas forming “the new corniche”.

In terms of rehabilitation, it includes the following implemented features:

  • Cleaning and rehabilitating the Tigris River basin.8 This involves removing obstacles and excess debris to expand available space.9 The project also includes installing fences and modern lighting poles, as well as adding seating areas along the riverbank.10
  • Establishing dedicated bicycle and jogging paths,11 creating a walkway adjacent to the river,12 and developing a network of bridges and small pathways to connect different areas.13
  • Increasing greenery by planting more perennial trees and creating modern, attractive parks.14 An irrigation system based on renewable and energy-efficient water sources will be implemented to maintain these green spaces.15
  • Rehabilitating and developing parking facilities,16 securing official entrances, and improving health services and facilities.17

The development features include the following:

  • Establishing a pilot corniche stretching 2.5 kilometers from the Republic Bridge to the Scheherazade and Shahryar Monument.18 This walkway will incorporate designated seating areas along its length.19
  • Redeveloping neglected land along the river’s edge and integrating this reclaimed land into the Abu-Nuwas riverfront.20
  • Constructing a central plaza for seating and hosting celebrations. The project will also include building tennis courts and sports fields and creating various public spaces and amenities.21
  • Establishing shopping areas and entertainment zones, constructing restaurants and cafes, and equipping the area with essential facilities such as bathrooms.22

Owner/Developer (Public)

Mayoralty of Baghdad35

Consultant/Designer

Mayoralty of Baghdad36

Contractor/Implementer

Mayoralty of Baghdad38

Owner/Developer (Public)

Mayoralty of Baghdad35

Contractor/Implementer

Mayoralty of Baghdad38

Consultant/Designer

Mayoralty of Baghdad36

The corniche’s public and recreational areas attract visitors, particularly individuals from surrounding neighborhoods, local residents, and families, by offering a variety of engaging social events and activities.23 For example, shortly after its reopening in its new design, the Abu Nuwas Corniche hosted a series of sporting and musical events, including a notable marathon by the Baghdad Cycling Team.24 It is worth noting that the urban design of the corniche adheres to universal building code requirements for accessibility.25 Additionally, the corniche will host recreational activities and games specifically designed for people with disabilities.26

The Mayoralty of Baghdad initiated and implemented the Abu Nawas Corniche project between February and June 202327 28 with a total cost exceeding $6 million.29 The project was implemented in two main phases. The first phase, completed in April 2023,30 focused on rehabilitating and expanding the road, cleaning the river,31 and constructing the initial 0.5 kilometers of the corniche.32 The second phase, implemented in June, involved planting 0.01 square kilometers of green spaces, developing various recreational areas, installing a ground fountain,33 and completing an additional 0.6 kilometers of the corniche.34

Project Link, Endnotes and References

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