Soon after the liberation of Anbar, the arduous task of rebuilding started. The debris of war and the remnants of demolished homes were gradually cleared away. The scale of devastation was so profound that residents struggled to contain their emotions, and many doubted the wreckage and desolation could be repaired.

Reconstruction programs were implemented, building bridges, governmental institutions, educational institutions, residential areas, and public amenities. The initiatives created an environment conducive to both domestic and international investment. Entrepreneurs saw opportunities in the region, capitalizing on the newfound security and political stability, in stark contrast to the pre-2014 era.

Over 45 Kurdish-backed Projects in Anbar Province

Civil engineer Yasser Aldulaimi believes that Anbar Province investment projects are a crucial step in bolstering the region's infrastructure. "The province tapped into the expertise of Kurdish investors who actively ventured into the investment arena, drawing upon the wealth of experience garnered from the Kurdistan Region across diverse investment domains.

"Over the past few years, Anbar has seen the inception of over 45 investment ventures spearheaded by Kurdish entrepreneurs. These projects boast a collective value exceeding US$4 billion and have the potential to generate around 7,000 employment opportunities for the province's inhabitants.

Among these initiatives are 12 projects dedicated to constructing residential complexes across multiple cities in Anbar." This surge in investment has not only expanded the scope for constructing contemporary residential hubs within the province, but has also elevated the market worth of various ventures. Additionally, it has spurred the development of tourist destinations and recreational facilities akin to those established in the Kurdistan Region, drawing from its pioneering and prosperous track record in Iraq, Aldulaimi concluded.

More than 15,000 job opportunities from Kurdish investments in Anbar

Architect Tariq Al-Asafi points to the significant impact of Kurdish investments on Anbar Province, noting the transfer of architectural and economic expertise from the Kurdistan Region to Anbar. "The investments made by Kurdish entrepreneurs in the province have created over 15,000 job opportunities while enhancing the urban landscape to meet international technical and engineering standards." He highlights the success of past investments in constructing residential complexes and resorts, which transformed the Kurdistan Region into a sought-after tourist destination at local, regional, and international levels. Al-Asafi says, "Anbar Province aspires to emulate this success and emerge as a premier tourist destination, a goal that is already coming to fruition."

“The Anbar Investment Commission, in collaboration with relevant local government agencies in the province, played a pivotal role in creating an enabling environment for Kurdish investors," continues Al-Asafi. "Benefiting from the established security and political stability in the province, they streamlined all requisite procedures to initiate these significant investments and have outlined ambitious investment blueprints for forthcoming projects.

Ongoing collaboration between Anbar local government and the Kurdistan Region

Contractor Yassin Al-Alwani, who specializes in construction, logistics and equipment sales, says, "The involvement of Kurdish investors has injected vitality into the urban landscape and the construction materials market across the province. This aligns with the ongoing collaboration between the local government in Anbar and the Kurdistan Region.

"The infusion of investment expertise from the Kurdistan Region into Anbar Province has profoundly influenced the improvement of infrastructure across its districts, sub-districts, and cities. This has created job opportunities for unemployed youth, and reinvigorated the construction market within the province."

Resurgence of construction materials' market in Anbar 

As investment opportunities expand and local investors, particularly from the Kurdish community, flock to Anbar Province, there's been a notable surge in markets catering to construction materials and diverse investment ventures. According to Hamed al-Aliawi, a construction materials trader in the city of Ramadi, this includes electrical equipment, sewage systems, mechanical and electrical tools and supplies, as well as markets for reinforcing iron, cement, wooden molds for reinforced concrete casting, tools, household furniture, and more.

Al-Aliawi explains, "Investment isn't just breathing new life into urban development in Anbar; it's also invigorating the construction materials markets. We're now importing state-of-the-art construction tools and supplies, thanks to the insights of new local investors who've brought the investment acumen of the Kurdistan Region to Anbar, along with the latest advances in building materials and globally sourced supplies."

How have Kurdish investments in Anbar impacted the municipal sector?

Speaking to The New Region, Thaer Abed Yas, Director of the Ramadi Municipality in Anbar Province, says, "The municipal directorate is actively exploring diverse avenues to enhance citizen services in the city. The arrival of Kurdish investors in the province has notably bolstered public services, given the successful track record of Kurdish expertise in the service sector."

He further remarked, "Anbar Province harbors ambitious goals to attract investors, both domestic and international, heralding a significant elevation in market worth and fostering avenues for reciprocal economic collaboration, thereby rejuvenating the economy. The involvement of Kurdish investors is poised to positively transform the landscape of Anbar Province."

Anbar residents have been overwhelmingly positive towards the involvement of Kurdish investors in the province's reconstruction endeavors, building on the solidarity extended by the Kurdistan Region during the challenging years of displacement.

Naji Al-Dulaimi, from Ramadi, says, "The collaboration between the local government in Anbar and the Kurdistan Region marks a significant and fruitful alliance, particularly given the region's wealth of expertise in this area. We vividly recall our time in the region during the displacement years, witnessing firsthand its remarkable success in investment across various sectors, including education, healthcare, tourism, and more. Our aspiration is for Anbar to emulate the Region's direction in this regard."