Officials in Baghdad are reportedly planning to develop large-scale tourist facilities in the Iraqi capital, including cultural, flower, water, ice and children's parks.

The city's mayor, Sabir al-Issawi, told Voices of Iraq: "Baghdad's mayoralty is currently planning to set up tourist facilities, including a 'city of gardens' with huge games on an area of 650 donums and at a cost of over US$300m."

The project is expected to be completed in 2009, and is being carried out in partnership between the government and investment companies.