A Journey Like No Other

A National Prayer Breakfast is an interfaith gathering of leaders, public figures, and community members united in prayer in the spirit of Jesus of Nazareth. Members often come from both the host country and around the world. In the case of the Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast, it is more than just a single breakfast. The gathering spans multiple days, featuring inspiring speakers, discussions on faith and leadership, and opportunities for meaningful connections across religious and cultural lines. It serves as a moment of unity, emphasizing faith’s role in public service and global dialogue.

The Inaugural Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast will take place in the historic city of Erbil, Kurdistan (Iraq), at the Divan Hotel in Erbil. It will be held on the following days. The dates are as follows: Tuesday, April 22 - Registration and Opening Reception Wednesday, April 23rd - Speakers and Panels Thursday, April 24th - Regional Explorations Trips Friday, April 25th - Recap Breakfast and Departure For a full list of events, please visit www.kurdistanprayerbreakfast.com

The Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast Co-Chairs are Ano Abdoka, Transportation Minister of The Kurdistan Regional Government, and Hemin Hawrami, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament. Speakers include the Keynote, Saruk (President) Massoud Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister Eduard Heger of Slovakia, Ambassador Sam Brownback, and more to come. The Advisory Committee is comprised of Members of Parliament, Royal Family Members, and other dignitaries from around the world. Guests include elected officials, diplomats, leaders from various faiths, business leaders, and other influential figures throughout the region and world. Many of our guests have been featured at various Prayer Breakfasts in a number of countries.

The majority of events for the Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast Events will take place at the Divan Erbil Hotel, a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Erbil. More details on the hotel can be found at www.divan.com.tr/hotel/divan-erbil-hotel.

A discount code will be provided upon registration, which can be used when booking directly through the hotel’s website. Please note the Ramada’s hotel location on Gulan Street as there are two in the city. A discount code for the assigned hotels will be provided upon registration, which can be used when booking directly through the hotel’s website. Please note the Ramada’s hotel location on Gulan Street as there are two in the city. Ramada by Wyndham Erbil (Gulan Street) - Link to Ramada Erbil Rotana - Link to Rotana Divan Erbil Hotel - Link to Divan (Please note this hotel is now full)

An Information Booth will be available 24/7 in the lobby of each host hotel throughout the event. The event team will be on-site to assist with any questions, provide updated schedules, and offer support with transportation.

Guests will fly into Erbil International Airport (EBL). Please provide your flight information to the guest relations team at office@kurdistanprayerbreakfast.com so you may be greeted at the VIP building at the airport and transported to the hotel by our team.

Erbil International Airport is serviced by Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai, Royal Jordanian, Lufthansa, and more.

For all guests, including those booking their own flight into Erbil, the guest relations team will work to issue you a Tourist Visa. Once registered, you will be instructed to submit a photo of your passport to a secure Dropbox link so your visa information can be provided to you prior to the start of your journey. Passports should have no less than six months before expiration. If you require an official government invitation document from your home country, please contact us so one may be issued. Visas will be issued as hardcopy documents without passport stamps, similar to other countries in this region.

As long as you have shared your flight information with office@kurdistanprayerbreakfast.com, the guest relations team will endeavor to meet you as you exit your plane and bring you to a dedicated arrival and customs desk in the VIP building of Erbil International Airport. The transportation team will be awaiting you at the airport to bring you and your luggage to the hotel.

The Transportation Team will take you back to the VIP Building at Erbil International Airport and see you through to departure.

We recommend using Apple AirTags (or similar tracking devices) in your checked luggage and personal items during travel. They provide peace of mind and an easy way to track your belongings in real time. You can also share your location with trusted friends or family members for added safety while abroad.

Due to the very public profiles of many of our guests and speakers and for the piece of mind of all attendees, Secret Service and Government Security will be present at all times from airport arrival, at the venues and explorations, and for departure. The teams are world-class units with experience in a variety of high-security situations. Security will be prepared at all times. Notably, security incidents in Kurdistan are extremely rare.

Erbil is widely regarded as one of the safest cities in Iraq and the broader Middle East, with a strong security presence and a reputation for stability. The Kurdistan Region has maintained peace and safety for many years, making it a welcoming destination for international visitors. While standard travel precautions are always advisable, Erbil’s low crime rate and high safety levels have been compared to those of many European cities.

The Hotel Staff and on-site Security will be very responsive to emergencies. You can also Dial 104 for police, 115 for fire, and 122 for medical emergencies.

Esteemed guests have been sent a personal invitation. We kindly ask that all guests, including speakers and VIPs, register on the Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast website. The team will follow up with more information about the schedule and what you can expect while attending the Prayer Breakfast.

Yes, if you believe someone should be at the Prayer Breakfast but did not receive an invitation, you may nominate such individuals to attend. Please email office@kurdistanprayerbreakfast.com with the person's name, email address, and any relevant information about them. The guest relations team will review your suggestion and follow up.

We are happy to accommodate a plus-one spouse at the Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast as long as space allows. You may also email office@kurdistanprayerbreakfast.com to request that your spouse join you.

The hotels are child-friendly. Many of our speakers, Advisory Committee Members, and guests will be bringing their entire families to Erbil, including small children. The hotels cater to children with activities and pools as part of their family packages. There are also activities for children throughout the city of Erbil. Children typically do not attend each of the meals and speaking events. Please email office@kurdistanprayerbreakfast.com if you plan to attend with children so we can assist in making the journey memorable for your children.

We are delighted that our sponsors have covered the cost of your registration ticket so you have the opportunity to join us on this important occasion. Meals and beverages are included during the duration of the event, from the Welcome Dinner on Tuesday, April 22, through the Closing Breakfast on Friday, April 25.

Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is the world's oldest continuously inhabited city, with a history dating back over 7,000 years. Known for its rich cultural heritage, the city is home to the ancient Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as vibrant markets, modern developments, and a diverse population. It preserves much of its Biblical significance and many of the oldest churches in the world. As a center of history, trade, and diplomacy in the region, Erbil blends tradition with progress, offering a unique glimpse into the past while embracing a dynamic future.

Kurdistan is an autonomous region in northern Iraq known for its distinct cultural identity, diverse religious communities, historic Christian churches, religious freedom, and a history of resilience. Governed by the Kurdistan Regional Government, it has its own parliament, security forces, and growing economy. The region is home to breathtaking landscapes, from the Zagros Mountains to fertile plains, as well as historic sites that reflect its deep-rooted heritage. With a reputation for hospitality and stability, Kurdistan plays a significant role in regional diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange.

All ground transportation, including airport transfers and transport to and from official events, will be provided. If you would like to venture out, please email office@kurdistanprayerbreakfast.com for more information or book transportation at the hotel concierge.

The American Dollar is widely accepted as currency, along with most major credit cards. The local currency is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). Cash is widely used, especially in markets and small businesses, though major hotels and some restaurants accept credit cards. ATMs are available.

Erbil uses Type C and Type D plugs, with 230V voltage and 50Hz frequency, similar to the EU and UK. Travelers from the U.S. will need a voltage converter and plug adapter. Recommendation: Guests traveling from outside Europe should bring a universal travel adapter that supports 230V.

Expect warm, pleasant weather with daytime highs around 25°C (77°F) and cooler nights around 12°C (54°F). Rain is rare, but can happen in mid-April.

It is not recommended for Westerners to drink unfiltered tap water in Erbil, as it can cause digestive issues for those unaccustomed to it.

Erbil, Iraq, is in the Arabian Standard Time (AST) zone, which is UTC+3. Daylight Saving Time (DST) is not observed in Iraq, so the time remains the same year-round.