ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – The Kurdistan Region on Monday received an award at the UAE’s 2026 Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress for its success in attracting foreign direct investment.

The event, which markets itself as "a premier global investment platform" that seeks to connect world leaders and investors, had previously named the Kurdistan Region’s Board of Investment a finalist for its Invest Kurdistan initiative, which took home the Middle East Regional Investment Promotion Award.

Invest Kurdistan subsequently hailed the achievement as "a proud moment" that showcases their efforts to put the Kurdistan Region as "on the global investment map and drive meaningful FDI."

“This is an important achievement for the Kurdistan Region,” Bargasht Akrayi, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Region’s Board of Investment, told The New Region, emphasizing the institution’s role and impact on economic growth, innovation, and sustainability of the Region.

According to the UAE-sponspored forum, "the AIM Investment Awards, held annually at the AIM Congress, are a prestigious global recognition dedicated to Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) for their exceptional achievements in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to their respective countries."

The awarding follows a stringent assessment process by FDI experts, who focused on "economic impact, job creation, innovation, and alignment with sustainable development goals" when determining winners.

The Kurdistan Region is participating alongside representatives from more than 180 countries and IPAs at the event, which is being held at the Dubai World Trade Center between September 7 and 9.

"Our participation in AIM Congress 2026 and our nomination for the AIM Investment Awards reflect the progress the Kurdistan Region has begun to make in creating a favorable and attractive environment for foreign investment,” Chairman of the Kurdistan Region's Board of Investment Mohammed Shukri told The New Region on Sunday.

“We are proud to stand alongside our leading private-sector companies to demonstrate that Kurdistan is open for business and ready for global partnership," Shukri added.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has intensified efforts in recent years to diversify its revenue sources and make the Region an appealing destination for international businesses.

Erbil is set to host traders and investors from Turkey and Azerbaijan for an investment summit in September.

The summit aims to attract investors from the two countries by showcasing investment opportunities across the Kurdistan Region, encouraging them to invest independently in various sectors or in partnership with local investors.