A tourist from Europe visiting the 12th Halabja Pomegranate Festival observed that the region's pomegranates are the finest globally and notably sweeter than what is available in Poland.

The Iraqi Prime Minister and Syrian President discussed resuming Iraqi oil exports via the Baniyas pipeline at a two-million-barrel daily capacity, alongside expanding bilateral trade and agricultural integration. Read more: channel8.com/english/news/b1…

Channel8 English presenter Shanya Salar conducted direct field reporting at a traditional production site in Halabja, highlighting the artisanal methods used to transform fresh local pomegranates into molasses.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa receives Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi in Damascus.

In today's session, the KRG Council of Ministers called on federal authorities to block a vote on the 2027 budget in its current form, demanding a thorough review to safeguard the region’s constitutional rights and financial entitlements under the cabinet of al-Zaidi. The cabinet emphasized that the general budget must be drafted on the basis of constitutional principles, equity, and genuine partnership, “rather than through unilateral decisions and measures taken by the federal government. Read more: channel8.com/english/news/1e…

"The turnout is massive, and the energy here is incredible," reported Channel8 English presenter Shanya Salar directly from the 12th Halabja Pomegranate Festival. Comprehensive On-Site Operations: Channel8’s English team is actively deployed at the festival grounds, producing daily updates, live audience features, and comprehensive venue walkthroughs throughout the multi-day event.t.

Italian Consul General to the Kurdistan Region Tommaso Sansone says the Halabja Pomegranate Festival bridges local and international communities to drive regional development and economic growth, hailing the warm Kurdish hospitality. @ItalyinKRI

Ali Faleh al-Zaidi arrived in Damascus on an official visit, where he was welcomed by Ahmad al-Sharaa.

Toledo, Spain: Aerial footage reveals severe devastation after a major train collision in Toledo left dozens confirmed dead as rescue teams work at the scene.

"I LOVE THIS FESTIVAL" Organized school field trips continue to bring young students to the 12th Halabja Pomegranate Festival. Speaking to Channel8, visiting students praised the event's combination of regional cuisine and cultural heritage, highlighting the growing role of local festivals in cultural education.

“I have never seen many pomegranates in one place in my life,” said German Consul General Christian Oelfke regarding the Halabja Pomegranate Festival, describing the extraordinary scale of the event while emphasizing its cultural and economic dimensions. @GermanyInKRI

Dressed in elegant Kurdish attire, British Consul General Holly Vare lauded the “immaculate” vibe of the Halabja Pomegranate Festival, hoping to take one of the region's famous pomegranates back with her as a souvenir. @ukinerbil

Attendees register for live audience promotions inside Channel8’s temporary field studio at the 12th Halabja Pomegranate Festival. The station’s field setup integrates live broadcasting capabilities with interactive audience engagement programs for venue visitors throughout the multi-day event.

Young men and women dressed in authentic Kurdish attire took part in a traditional clothing show at the 12th Halabja Pomegranate Festival, drawing applause from Halabja Governor Nuxsha Nasih and venue attendees.

Halabja: Festive energy and high visitor turnout mark the 12th Halabja Pomegranate Festival as venue grounds fill with thousands of attendees. The four-day event features a vibrant blend of traditional music, local agricultural trade, and authentic cultural exhibits drawing visitors from across the Kurdistan Region.

Halabja: Governor Nuxsha Nasih captured alongside visiting foreign diplomats and international guests at the 12th Halabja Pomegranate Festival grounds. Photo: Hama Sur / Channel8

A vibrant traditional clothing exhibition took center stage at the 12th Halabja Pomegranate Festival, featuring authentic Kurdish attire alongside local agricultural and heritage displays. Photo: Hama Sur / Channel8

Channel8 English presenter Shanya Salar is at the 12th Halabja Pomegranate Festival, now underway! Don't miss out on thousands of fresh pomegranate saplings, organic products, and vibrant local heritage over the next four days.

Halabja: "Halabja is the city of all four parts of Kurdistan," stated Halabja Governor Nuxsha Nasih, honoring local farmers and welcoming visitors to the 12th Halabja Pomegranate Festival.

Venue stalls at the 12th Halabja Pomegranate Festival are packed with special local produce as visitors gather to purchase fresh seasonal harvests directly from farmers. Photo: Hama Sur / Channel8