Shatt al Arab River Tourism

Shatt al Arab River, also known as Arvand Rud, is a river in the Middle East formed by the confluence of the Euphrates and the Tigris in the town of Al-Qurnah in the Basra Governorate of southern Iraq. The river flows southeast for about 200 kilometers before emptying into the Persian Gulf. Shatt al Arab is a vital waterway for the transport of goods and historically has been the subject of dispute due to its strategic importance and the oil-rich region that surrounds it. The river's banks are lined with palm groves and various agricultural fields contributing to the economy of Iraq. The city of Basra, one of Iraq's largest, sits along the river, serving as a major port and commercial center. Over the years, Shatt al Arab has also been impacted by pollution and salinity issues which have affected agriculture and fishing communities. Additionally, the construction of upstream dams on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers has altered the flow and ecology of Shatt al Arab, causing further concern for environmental and human life dependent on its waters.