Mr. Wadee Al Handal, Alongside the Iraqi Prime Minister and Other Officials, Inaugurates Historic First Rehabilitated Section of Rashid Street in Baghdad

On September 12, Mr. Wadee Al Handal, Chairman of Al Handal International Group (HIG) and President of the Iraqi Private Banks League (IBPL), stood alongside Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Cultural Advisor Aref al-Saadi, the Mayor of Baghdad, and the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank to inaugurate the first rehabilitated section of Rashid Street.

This milestone, supported by the Central Bank of Iraq in coordination with the Baghdad Municipality and the Iraqi Private Banks League, marks a major step in reviving one of Baghdad’s most historic streets. Beyond restoring façades, the project upgraded essential infrastructure including sewage, electricity, communications, internet, and civil defense, while preserving the street’s cultural and architectural heritage.

The ceremony also launched the second phase of development, extending rehabilitation from Al-Rusafi Square to Abu Nuwas Street, with preparations underway to complete Baghdad’s first heritage tram by December, an important leap in modern urban transport.

Once neglected, Rashid Street now stands as a symbol of Baghdad’s enduring history and identity. This achievement highlights the power of collaboration between government, the private sector, and national institutions to preserve Iraq’s heritage while shaping its future.