A New Face of Real Estate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Bawar Saeed on 4 Bridges’ unique “The Boulevard” project, the company’s vision and goals for a prosperous Kurdistan.
What is the vision behind “The Boulevard” project?
The overthrow of the Baathist Regime in 2003 and enactment of Kurdistan Investment Law in 2006 by the Kurdistan Parliament ushered in years of unmatched prosperity and remarkable developments for the people of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The attractive and business-friendly Investment Law paved the way for local and foreign investors to explore abundant business opportunities, embarking on a new era of development.
As different aspects of society progress, the standard of living and individuals’ preferences and demands change with it. The increase in local population and flow of foreigners to the KRI led to increased demand for housing and real estate projects. In the past few years, the real estate sector in the KRI has improved considerably and contributed to the development of the Region’s economy.
As part of this improvement, we have decided to leave our mark in this sector with the aim of taking it to another level. We are confident that “The Boulevard” will introduce a new face of real estate in Kurdistan. Unlike existing housing projects, we are committed to building apartments in which the highest-quality amenities and an inspiring lifestyle will be found.
What distinguishes “The Boulevard” from other projects in the KRI?
What distinguishes us is our unwavering commitment to building high-quality housing. Our vision for this project is customer-driven, focused on offering top-quality housing and services rather than maximizing benefit. In the beginning of our project, we conducted intensive market research with third parties on two fronts. First, we analyzed the needs and expectations of the people. Second, we studied the strengths and weaknesses of other similar projects, in order to address the weaknesses and build on the strengths.
We are confident that “The Boulevard” will introduce a new face of real estate in Kurdistan. Unlike existing housing projects, we are committed to building apartments in which the highest-quality amenities and an inspiring lifestyle will be found.
Some of our distinguishing features are as follows: Using high quality materials for finishing, having a rooftop pool & rooftop gym for the first time in Kurdistan and Iraq, cinema, retail as well as coffee and beverage shops, optimum safety and our project is earthquake-resistant up to 7.8 degree. We have separated small (Studios and 1+1) apartments from the bigger units of (2+1, 3+1 and 4+1) in a sense that small apartments are in different blocks than the big apartments. This will give more privacy and comfort to the families that are interested in big units, as well as expats and singles targeting small units. Different lifestyles need different considerations.
How is the project progressing, and when do you expect “The Boulevard” to be completed?
It will be built and sold in one phase. Excavation is finished, and the structure is under construction. However, like the rest of the world, currently we are adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic. We plan on kicking off construction as soon as it’s safe for our employees and workers to return to work. We aim to finish the whole project in three years.
In terms of quality standards, what types of partnerships do you establish with international companies?
The Boulevard abides by international standards in terms of quality and safety, not only for construction, but also for ensuring the safety of our engineers and employees. Our project is designed by a world-class international company with decades of experience in designing major projects around the world. All of our designs are reviewed by a third party that is also well-known internationally and has a very good reputation.
Our project is designed by a world-class international company with decades of experience in designing major projects around the world.
Aside from the design stages, the construction phase will be fully implemented by our staff, consisting of experienced local and international members, following American safety standards. The whole construction phase is also supervised by a distinguished international construction-supervision company.
How do you assess the project’s contribution to Kurdistan’s vision of creating a destination for business and tourism?
The Boulevard will indeed have a significant contribution to Kurdistan’s economy as well as the tourism sector. We have considered many entertainment projects for the residents as well as the tourists visiting the city.
We are building a world-class project where you will have access to many global retail brands, international restaurants, coffee shops, cinemas as well as rooftop pools with a rooftop vitamin bar. The construction phase will create around 1,000 job opportunities. Upon completion of the construction, hundreds of job opportunities will be available to maintain the project.
The Boulevard
The Boulevard is located on one of the prime locations of the city planned to serve the people of Kurdistan and Iraq in 3 years. The Boulevard project spans a land area of 53,000 m2 with the biggest green area and family-friendly landscape in the region.
The project consists of 10 towers of 12 floors each, of around 1,000 units, from Studios to Penthouses. It will be built with a high-end, contemporary and warm design. The project is mainly residential with commercial areas and offices. It is going to be the first residential complex in the city to have its commercial areas integrated with its residential units in a way that attracts families, expats and individuals. We will ensure that the people living in the complex feel some sense of privacy as well as upscale lifestyle.
The project will have the first-ever rooftop pool in Kurdistan and Iraq.
Special Amenities
In addition to basic services such as water, electricity, drainage systems, telecom
services, and Internet, residents will enjoy exclusive benefits and services:
- Security surveillance system across the entire complex.
- Automatic fire alarm system.
- Emergency exit stairs.
- Underground parking spaces with direct interior access.
- Spacious visitors’ parking.
- 24-hour maintenance and cleaning services.
- Advanced energy-saving heating and cooling system.
- Specific repository areas for garbage disposal.
- Service Facilities (Medical Clinic, Fire Station, Kindergarten, Mosque).
Building Features
The towers are designed using the latest and most contemporary architectural advances that reflect the region’s environment and climate.
- Walls and conductors constructed using heat and moisture insulating materials.
- Windows with double-pane glass to maximize insulation from the heat, protecting the building from fluctuations in temperature that occur between seasons.
- High-speed elevators for residents, in addition to special service elevators.
- Finest wood-lined interior doors.
- Luxury-brand sanitary ware.
- Kitchens equipped with stained-wood cupboards and high-tech exhaust fans.
