Arbaeen Pilgrimage Boom, Budget Strain: Iraq’s Arbaeen season hit record scale as more than 22 million people entered Karbala, including about 5 million foreign pilgrims from 172 countries, but shrine-city businesses report a tough squeeze—crowds are up while spending returns are down amid regional war pressure and weaker pilgrim purchasing power. Karbala & Najaf Operations: Authorities say security and services held through the peak, with deaths reported as traffic accidents only, and Najaf welcoming over 17 million pilgrims as the main gateway to Karbala. Free Services on the Routes: In Karbala, thousands of volunteer “mawkibs” are running free food, medical care, vehicle and phone repairs, clothing fixes, and even camera servicing for pilgrims walking in extreme heat. Iraq Tourism Vision 2035: Iraq unveiled a long-term tourism roadmap aiming to attract 10 million visitors by 2035, with workshops planned across Baghdad, Mosul, Basra, Karbala, and Erbil to push infrastructure, jobs, and heritage restoration. Currency Watch for Travelers: With Baghdad exchanges closed for the holiday, the US dollar edged higher in Erbil while Baghdad’s rates were unavailable, a reminder to plan cash needs around local closures. New Air Links for Regional Travel: Syria and Iraq resumed direct flights to Russia, including Iraqi Airways Baghdad–Moscow services, signaling more options for visitors as airspace and security conditions shift.