Karbala and Najaf prepare for Ashura as hotels cite electricity shortages

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The holy cities of Karbala and Najaf are accelerating security, service and tourism preparations ahead of the 10th day of Ashura, a peak day of Shia mourning that draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. Saeb Abu Ghanim, head of the Najaf Hotel Association, said the 250 hotels operating in the province are ready to receive visitors and that activity is rebounding after months of stagnation. He said Iranian visitors form the largest share of guests and that hotels have historically offered discounted rates for that market, with operators prepared to absorb thinner margins because of regional conditions. Abu Ghanim identified electricity as the sector's most pressing problem, saying daily supply does not exceed 10 hours and that hoteliers are bearing the cost of running generators and buying fuel. Mohammed Masoudi, a member of the Karbala Provincial Council, said security and service preparations have entered their final stage and that a broad meeting was held under Governor Nassif al-Khattabi. He said Electricity Minister Ali Saadi al-Wayib pledged to raise Karbala's energy allocation, and that transport and gathering areas are in place. Masoudi added that traffic does not pose a problem during Ashura itself, with the heaviest congestion occurring during the Arbaeen pilgrimage later in the year. No further details on additional power supply arrangements were immediately available.