On February 24, 2024, HEAL proudly registered with the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Department of NGOs (DNGO), marking a pivotal milestone in our mission to advance holistic health and well-being in the region. After signing our office lease in Nobel City, just outside Ankawa, Erbil, in September 2024, and navigating financial constraints due to ongoing U.S. sanctions, we are thrilled to announce the opening of our new office. This achievement not only establishes a permanent foundation for our operations but also enabled us to open a bank account—a critical step after multiple rejections caused by KRG banking regulations requiring an office lease before granting accounts.

A New Home for HEAL’s Mission

Nestled in a tranquil location across from an open park, our Nobel City office is a welcoming space tailored to our organizational needs. The office features a simple kitchen, a classroom learning center for community workshops, an administrative office, a conference room for partner meetings, and a small guestroom for visiting staff or volunteers. This thoughtfully designed space is already serving as a hub for HEAL’s initiatives, fostering collaboration with our extensive network of NGOs and government offices across the KRG.

The journey to this milestone was challenging. U.S. sanctions complicated our financial planning, and we initially hoped to secure a bank account to cover office rent. However, learning that KRG banks require an established office first pushed us to prioritize finding the right location. Nobel City emerged as the ideal choice, balancing affordability with strategic advantages, allowing us to overcome these obstacles and build a strong foundation for our work.

Why Nobel City is a Great Choice

Nobel City’s unique attributes make it an exceptional location for HEAL’s office:

• Access to Vulnerable Populations: Located near Ankawa, home to a diverse community of Assyrian Christians and refugees from conflict-affected areas, Nobel City offers direct access to populations in need of health and humanitarian support. This proximity aligns with HEAL’s commitment to serving communities through partnerships with NGOs and government entities.
• Strategic Location and Connectivity: Situated just 5–6 km from Erbil’s city center and 4 miles from Erbil International Airport, Nobel City ensures seamless connectivity for staff and partners. Its proximity to Mosul, approximately 80 km away via the new Erbil-Dohuk Road, facilitates outreach to vulnerable populations in post-conflict areas. The new road also enhances access to Dohuk, strengthening regional collaboration. With modern infrastructure, reliable utilities, and nearby amenities like schools and hospitals, Nobel City supports efficient operations. The area’s relative safety, bolstered by Peshmerga security, provides a stable base for our work.

Looking Ahead

Our Nobel City office is more than a physical space—it’s a symbol of HEAL’s dedication to the Northern Iraq. The office has already hosted several meetings focused on forging partnerships with other NGOs and learning from local leaders, laying the groundwork for impactful collaborations. From this hub, we will deepen our engagement with NGOs, government offices, and local communities, delivering programs that promote health, education, and well-being. We invite you to join us in this journey!