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Daura Refinery

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Industrial site
—°15
Daura Refinery (Iraq)

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The Daura Refinery is the oldest and most significant petroleum refinery in Baghdad, playing a central role in supplying the Iraqi capital with essential fuels. Built in 1955 by the American firm Kellogg, the refinery is situated on the banks of the Tigris River in southern Baghdad. It processes crude oil delivered via pipelines from both the northern and southern oil fields of the country. With a processing capacity of approximately 210,000 barrels per day, the facility produces gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and lubricating oils for domestic consumption. Over the decades, the Daura Refinery has undergone several modernization phases to meet the rising demand of Baghdad's growing population and to improve environmental standards. Despite its age, the plant remains indispensable due to its strategic location and direct integration into the urban distribution network. In addition to fuel production, the refinery is a major employer in the region and features specialized units for manufacturing asphalt and liquefied petroleum gas.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C91217232935373733271711
Rain mm3733312470001112928

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Daura Refinery is a major oil processing facility in Baghdad, established in the 1950s to supply fuels to the capital region. It plays a central role in Iraq's energy sector, provides significant local employment, and supports the regional economy.
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Visiting
The refinery is a strictly restricted industrial site and is not open to public visits. From the surrounding roads, the large storage tanks and processing towers are clearly visible, giving an impression of the facility's scale.
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Where to view it
The best public viewpoint is along the roads that line the security fence of the facility, especially the northern access road. From here, the large storage tanks and distillation columns are clearly visible against the Baghdad city skyline, offering a good photo opportunity.
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Local products
The primary products are refined petroleum fuels such as gasoline, diesel and kerosene, along with other by-products. These are essential for transportation and electricity generation in Baghdad and the wider region.
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Active season
The refinery operates continuously throughout the year without specific seasonal shutdowns. Demand for its products typically peaks in the summer months due to increased electricity consumption for cooling.
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Nearby
Visitors can combine a drive past the refinery with a tour of central Baghdad's historic and cultural sites, offering insight into both modern industry and ancient heritage. The Iraqi Museum and the Al-Mutanabbi book market are both a short drive away.

Geography

Coordinates
33.26000, 44.40000

Facts

  • The refinery was completed in 1955 by the American engineering firm Kellogg.
  • It maintains a steady processing capacity of 210,000 barrels per day.
  • Daura produces over 10 different types of petroleum products for domestic use.
  • The facility is located on the Tigris River to utilize river water for cooling.
  • The refinery underwent a massive expansion phase during the 1970s.
  • It is the primary source of heating oil and asphalt for the Baghdad region.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Victory ArchVictory Arch4 km · SEExplore →
TigrisTigris5 km · EExplore →
BaghdadBaghdad6 km · SEExplore →
Al-Mutanabbi StreetAl-Mutanabbi Street7 km · EExplore →
Baghdad TowerBaghdad Tower8 km · SEExplore →
Al-Shaheed MonumentAl-Shaheed Monument8 km · NEExplore →
Sindbad LandSindbad Land9 km · NEExplore →
Abu Hanifa MosqueAbu Hanifa Mosque9 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Daura Refinery (15)

Mamal Tahin al Ahar📍 landmark

A traditional windmill structure historically used for processing sesame into tahini.

Tall Aswad🌿 nature

A natural mound rising above the landscape near the Daura refinery area.

washout🌿 nature

A scenic viewpoint offering a vista over the eroded banks and landscape along the Tigris.

Node 31🌿 nature

A designated vantage point providing an elevated view of the surrounding urban and industrial district.

Wonderland Baghdad🎡 recreation

A large family-oriented amusement park featuring various rides and recreational attractions in the capital.

Taqwa Mosque⛪ religious

A local mosque serving the community with its distinctive architectural dome and minaret.

New Day Park📍 landmark

A landscaped green space providing a quiet retreat amidst the urban environment of Daura.

🕒 Mo-Su 13:00-02:00

Dijlah neighborhood📍 landmark

A riverside district known for its proximity to the Tigris and its scenic waterfront atmosphere.

Al-Karkh Waterpark🎡 recreation

A popular recreational facility featuring swimming pools and water slides for summer leisure.

Al-Karkh Amusement Park🎡 recreation

An urban theme park offering traditional fairground rides and entertainment for local families.

Amphitheatre🎭 culture

An open-air venue designed for public performances and cultural gatherings in the neighborhood.

The Oppining Mind Arch🏺 historical

A modern commemorative archway standing as a symbolic landmark in the Daura area.

The Heart of Jesus Orthodox Church⛪ religious

A Christian place of worship serving the local Orthodox community with traditional liturgical services.

alftian⛪ religious

A local spiritual center providing a space for prayer and religious gathering in the district.

Abu Disher Marketplace🎭 culture

A bustling local bazaar where residents trade fresh produce, traditional spices, and everyday goods.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Daura refinery located?
In southern Baghdad, on the banks of the Tigris.
When was it built?
It was put into operation in the 1950s.
Is it open to the public?
No, it is a strictly guarded industrial zone.
How important is it for Baghdad?
It covers a large portion of the capital's fuel needs.
Can the facility be photographed?
Photographing industrial sites is generally prohibited in Iraq.
Daura Refinery: where is it located?
Daura Refinery is located in Iraq.
Daura Refinery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mamal Tahin al Ahar, Tall Aswad, washout.
Daura Refinery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
Daura Refinery: why is it worth visiting?
The Daura Refinery is the oldest and most significant petroleum refinery in Baghdad, playing a central role in supplying the Iraqi capital with essential fuels.
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Nearby cities

Baghdad — Daura Refinery (Iraq)
Baghdad
The capital and largest city of Iraq, situated on the Tigris River.
Abu Ghraib — Daura Refinery (Iraq)
Abu Ghraib
A suburb west of Baghdad, located in the Baghdad Governorate.

History & landmarks

Baghdad Tower — Daura Refinery (Iraq)
Baghdad Tower
A prominent television tower in Baghdad originally built in the 1990s, featuring an observation deck.
Abu Hanifa Mosque — Daura Refinery (Iraq)
Abu Hanifa Mosque
A major Sunni mosque in Baghdad, built around the tomb of the prominent Islamic legal scholar Abu Hanifa.
Al-Kadhimiya Mosque — Daura Refinery (Iraq)
Al-Kadhimiya Mosque
An important Islamic shrine in Baghdad containing the tombs of the seventh and ninth Twelver Shia Imams.

Nature

Tigris — Daura Refinery (Iraq)
Tigris
The Tigris is one of the two great rivers of Mesopotamia, flowing through the center of Iraq.

More places

Victory Arch — Daura Refinery (Iraq)
Victory Arch
A pair of massive triumphal arches shaped like crossed swords in Baghdad, commemorating the Iran-Iraq War.
Monument to the Unknown Soldier — Daura Refinery (Iraq)
Monument to the Unknown Soldier
A monumental structure in Baghdad representing a traditional shield, dedicated to the soldiers who died in war.
Al-Zawraa Park — Daura Refinery (Iraq)
Al-Zawraa Park
A spacious public park in Baghdad featuring green areas, an amusement park, and a stadium.
Baghdad Zoo — Daura Refinery (Iraq)
Baghdad Zoo
The largest zoo in Iraq, located in Al-Zawraa Park, offering families a variety of native and exotic animals.
Al-Mustansiriya University — Daura Refinery (Iraq)
Al-Mustansiriya University
One of the oldest university buildings in the world, serving as an intellectual center during Baghdad prime.
Al-Mutanabbi Street — Daura Refinery (Iraq)
Al-Mutanabbi Street
A historic street in Baghdad known for its many bookstores and as a cultural center of Iraq.
Al-Qishla — Daura Refinery (Iraq)
Al-Qishla
A historic Ottoman building in Baghdad featuring a characteristic clock tower erected in the 19th century.
Abbasid Palace — Daura Refinery (Iraq)
Abbasid Palace
One of the few remaining historic buildings in Baghdad from the Abbasid era, featuring impressive brickwork architecture.