About Baghdad
Baghdad, the capital city of Iraq, is situated along the Tigris River in the central part of the country. As of 2023, it has an estimated population of approximately 7.6 million residents. Renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, Baghdad has been a significant center of the Arab world for centuries.
The city experiences a hot desert climate characterized by scorching summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures often exceed 40°C, while winter temperatures average around 15°C during the day, with cooler nights. Rainfall is minimal, primarily occurring between November and March. The most comfortable times to visit Baghdad are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are more moderate.
Baghdad International Airport (BGW) serves as the main gateway to the city, located approximately 16 kilometers west of the city center. Travelers from the United Arab Emirates have several options for direct flights. Airlines such as Emirates, flydubai, and Iraqi Airways operate direct flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Baghdad International Airport. The average flight duration is approximately 2 hours and 37 minutes.
Baghdad's culinary scene offers a variety of traditional Iraqi dishes. Staple foods include masgouf (grilled fish), kebabs, and dolma (stuffed vegetables). The city's markets, such as the historic Al-Mutanabbi Street, provide an opportunity to sample local delicacies and traditional sweets. Tea houses are integral to Baghdad's social life, where sweetened black tea is commonly enjoyed.
Tourists in Baghdad can explore numerous attractions that highlight its historical and cultural significance. The National Museum of Iraq houses artifacts that chronicle the region's ancient history. The Al-Shaheed Monument stands as a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Iran-Iraq War. Other notable sites include the Abbasid Palace and the Al-Mustansiriya School, one of the oldest universities in the world.
Outdoor enthusiasts can visit Al-Zawraa Park, Baghdad's largest recreational area, featuring gardens, a zoo, and amusement rides. The Tigris River banks are popular spots for picnics and social gatherings, offering insight into the daily life of Baghdad's residents.
United Arab Emirates citizens can obtain a visa on arrival when traveling to Iraq, allowing a stay of up to 30 days for tourism purposes. For longer stays or visits for work, study, or other reasons, a visa must be obtained from an Iraqi consulate or embassy prior to travel.
Transportation to Baghdad City Center from Airport
Baghdad Intl. Airport
Baghdad does not have a developed public transportation network and vehicles, so transportation from one point to another is usually provided by taxi or private vehicles. There are also armored passenger buses that provide transportation services in the city, where taxis and private vehicles are recommended, especially for safety reasons.
It is more convenient and safer to use a taxi or car rental services instead of using buses and similar public transportation vehicles while traveling to the city from Baghdad Airport, which is 16 kilometers away from the Baghdad city centre.
Taxi
The safest and the most comfortable way for transportation in Baghdad is to use taxis. In the city, where shared taxis are also quite common, traveling to city centre from the airport by taxi is the most economical option. As the prices are usually determined by mileage, it is a good idea to bargain with the taxi driver.
Baghdad Airport is 16 kilometers away from the city centre, and a journey by taxi takes about 20-25 minutes. It is also possible to use the private taxis, which can be found at the exit of the terminal building, or the taxis operated by the airport. If you want to reach the city centre by taxi from Baghdad Airport, you need to pay around 37.000 Iraqi Dinars. You can make a pre-reservation before coming to the Baghdad Airport by calling the company PNK Taxi (+964-750-633-7700).
Bus
Buses are also a popular public transportation vehicle like taxis, and they provide transportation service to many locations in Baghdad. There are airport transfer coaches that go directly to the city centre from Baghdad Airport. Compared to taxis, using these buses are much more affordable. It is quite easy to get bus tickets from the airport terminal building. There are also express buses which has regular runs between the airport and Baghdad city centre.
Rent a Car
You can choose one of the world’s leading rent a car companies such as Hertz, Europcar or Avis at the airport terminal and by making a pre-reservation, you can rent a car at more affordable prices.
As the roads in Baghdad are quite well-maintained and convenient, tourists usually turn to rent a car companies. After carrying out the procedures at the Baghdad Airport terminal, you can drive to the city centre in 20-25 minutes in your rented car.
