On Monday, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Global and Visit Kurdistan announced a new partnership that will bring the restaurant group’s iconic Gordon Ramsay Street Burger to Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, later this year.
“This exciting opening marks the first Gordon Ramsay Street Burger in the Middle East,” Visit Kurdistan said in a statement.
The restaurant will open its doors later in 2025 at Erbil Avenue, an up-and-coming mixed luxury retail and entertainment development on Baharka Road near Ankawa, which will represent Visit Kurdistan’s commitment to developing tourism infrastructure and helping to create economic opportunities through tourism.
The restaurant is set to occupy a stylish 345-square-meter space spanning two floors and featuring captivating graffiti art that is uniquely inspired by Erbil’s rich cultural heritage, including images of the 6,000-year-old citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
“Bringing Street Burger to the Middle East for the first time is an exciting moment for our group, and choosing Kurdistan – for its culture, the people, and potential – felt right,” said Andy Wenlock, CEO of Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Global.
“This new partnership will continue our global growth while bringing our fantastic casual dining concept to a new audience in Kurdistan. Partnering with Visit Kurdistan allows us to be part of a region that’s rapidly transforming into an emerging tourist destination, and one that is passionate about great food and dining experiences.”
The location will open in Erbil Avenue alongside a mix of luxury retail stores, international dining options, a youth co-working and networking hub, a paddle court, and a paintball arena.
The Kurdistan Region has transformed in recent years, evolving from a relatively unknown destination into a thriving hub for hospitality, nature, and historical experiences, attracting increasing numbers of international tourists.
Read More: Tourism as Soft Power: Kurdistan’s Strategic Bet
The regional food scene is undergoing a dynamic transformation as more international brands establish a presence in Kurdistan.
“Visit Kurdistan is excited to welcome Gordon Ramsay Street Burger to the Middle East for the first time, right here in Kurdistan,” said Daban Hamid, CEO of Visit Kurdistan. “With its rich ancient culture, stunning landscapes, and growing popularity with tourists, Kurdistan is the perfect setting for world-class experiences. This partnership highlights our commitment to bringing high quality global brands to a thriving and rapidly developing tourist destination.”
Read More: KRG Aims to Attract 20 Million Tourists by 2035: PM Barzani
During the formal launch of the Visit Kurdistan platform on June 10, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said that the KRG aims to attract 20 million international tourists to the region by 2035 through strategic public-private cooperation.
“With its stunning natural landscapes, Kurdistan offers something for every season. Our region is home to more than ten significant sites and landmarks – religious, cultural, and historical – that are of great interest to both domestic and international tourists,” he stated.
“Welcoming international visitors to Kurdistan offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and elevates our region’s global profile. In today’s digital age, media and social platforms play a powerful role in helping the world discover Kurdistan.”
