The local government of Dhi Qar Governorate has officially initiated the nomination process to include the village of Abu Sobat in the list of the World's Top 1,000 Tourist Villages. Located in the heart of the Chibayish Marshes, approximately 90 kilometers east of Nasiriyah, Abu Sobat is a living model of the rich environmental and cultural heritage of the Iraqi marshlands. The village embodies the unique biodiversity, traditional lifestyle, and natural beauty of the region.

Asad Hussein Al-Qaraghouli, Director of the Dhi Qar Tourism Department, announced that a local committee has been formed in coordination with a central committee in Baghdad to gather the required data and meet the nomination criteria. These criteria focus on environmental sustainability, service infrastructure, and safety standards, all of which are essential for transforming the village into an internationally recognized tourist destination.

Abu Sobat is the only village nominated from southern Iraq in this round. It will compete alongside other villages from central and northern Iraq, including the Al-Dilmaj Marsh, Karbala, and areas within the Kurdistan Region.

Zainab Al-Asadi, Chair of the Agriculture and Water Resources Committee in the Dhi Qar Provincial Council, confirmed that an expanded planning meeting was recently held. The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Governor for Planning Affairs and included participation from the Mayor of Chibayish, the Tourism Director, and representatives of various relevant authorities. The discussions focused on enhancing the village’s nomination file and addressing key environmental challenges, particularly the decline in water levels and the drying of some marsh areas.

Participants stressed the importance of preserving biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources in accordance with the initiative’s international standards. As a result of the meeting, it was agreed to establish a specialized executive committee headed by the Mayor of Chibayish. This committee will include representatives from multiple government departments and non-governmental organizations and will be responsible for following up on the implementation of the development plans and providing the necessary support to ensure the success of the project.