Shatt al Arab Corniche Development

The Shatt al-Arab Corniche Development Project is a transformative urban revitalization initiative designed to restore and enhance the waterfront along the Shatt al-Arab River in Basra Governorate. Running parallel to the river, this project seeks to revitalize public spaces, improve accessibility, create dynamic environment, and seamlessly integrates urban life with the riverfront.
Envisioned as a “vibrant social hub and a prime cultural and touristic destination”, the project aims to:

• Rehabilitate and modernize the Corniche, integrating cultural, recreational, and commercial spaces to create a dynamic public space that fosters community engagement reflecting Basra’s historical and cultural identity of the landmark.
• Improve pedestrian and transport connectivity by developing pedestrian-friendly spaces, walkways, bike lanes, and a bridge walkway linking the northern and southern riverbanks, ensuring a smooth movement across the waterfront.
• Boost tourism and economic growth by establishing a dynamic waterfront destination, featuring heritage sites, entertainment venues, and hospitality facilities.

Spanning approximately 8 kilometers, the Shatt al-Arab Corniche Development Project is organized into three distinct zones, each designed to support various recreational, cultural, and commercial activities. Additionally, a pedestrian bridge will serve as a critical link between the northern and southern banks of the Shatt al-Arab River, enhancing walkability and accessibility. Specifically key features include:

• Heritage and Cultural Zone; featuring cultural heritage kiosks, commercial kiosks, event piazzas, pedestrian crossings, and dedicated pedestrian and bike lanes.
• Wellness Zone; designed for relaxation and recreation, this area includes meditation spaces, sports fields, a bike station, family and reading areas, commercial kiosks, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
• Commercial Zone; a vibrant area featuring restaurants, an open-air theater, children’s play zone, and well-integrated pedestrian and bike pathways.
• The Corniche Promenade; unifying the three thematic zones and the bridge walkway into a seamless urban waterfront experience.
• The Bridge Walkway; a 300-meter-long, 5-meter-wide pedestrian bridge at the heart of the project, providing a safe, comfortable, and scenic crossing over the Shatt al-Arab River. Designed to reduce reliance on vehicular transport, it will include Rest & Viewing Areas where visitors can pause, relax, and take in panoramic views of the river cityscape.

The project is initiated by the municipality of Shatt al Arab and al Basrah governorate. It is being implemented by Sahel al Iraq company. With a total cost of approximately $8.5 billion, the project is fully funded by the Basrah Governorate.