Web Hosting Companies in Iraq

Iraq, a country with a rich historical legacy and a steadily developing digital landscape, is witnessing a growing demand for web hosting services. With the rise of e-commerce, startups, and digital enterprises, web hosting companies are emerging to meet the needs of local businesses and individuals looking to establish an online presence. Iraqi hosting providers offer tailored solutions to cater to different types of websites, from small personal sites to larger enterprise applications. The local hosting industry is adapting to provide fast and reliable services for a diverse audience.

Country Facts

  • Currency: Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
  • Official Languages: Arabic and Kurdish
  • Local Domain TLD: .iq
  • Population: Approximately 42 million
  • Number of Internet Users: Approximately 18 million (43% penetration rate)

Requirements for Registering a Local Domain

To register a .iq domain in Iraq, specific requirements are imposed to ensure legitimate use by Iraqi residents and businesses:

  • For Individuals: Iraqi nationals must provide a valid national ID or passport.
  • For Businesses: Business registration documents, proof of Iraqi-based operation, and sometimes additional licenses depending on the nature of the business.
  • For Organizations: Documentation of establishment within Iraq, including legal proof of operations.

The .iq domain is managed by the Communications and Media Commission of Iraq, and registrations are generally limited to Iraqi individuals and legally operating entities.

Web Hosting Companies in Iraq

EarthLink Telecommunications

Overview

EarthLink Telecommunications is one of the largest ISPs and hosting providers in Iraq. Known for its range of digital services, including internet provision, EarthLink offers hosting solutions suitable for individuals, businesses, and government entities. EarthLink’s data centers in Iraq provide reliable services and security for clients needing local hosting.

Types of Hosting Available

  1. Shared Hosting
  2. VPS Hosting
  3. Dedicated Hosting
  4. Cloud Hosting

Pricing

  1. Shared Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 15,000/month (~USD 10)
  2. VPS Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 70,000/month (~USD 47)
  3. Dedicated Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 250,000/month (~USD 167)
  4. Cloud Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 50,000/month (~USD 33)

Website: www.earthlink.iq


ScopeSky Communications

Overview

ScopeSky Communications is a pioneering web hosting provider and ISP in Iraq, offering reliable and secure hosting services for local businesses. With a focus on providing modern data center solutions, ScopeSky caters to a range of clients, from startups to large corporations, offering fast local access and secure hosting options.

Types of Hosting Available

  1. Shared Hosting
  2. Cloud Hosting
  3. Dedicated Hosting
  4. Managed Hosting

Pricing

  1. Shared Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 12,000/month (~USD 8)
  2. Cloud Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 60,000/month (~USD 40)
  3. Dedicated Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 240,000/month (~USD 160)
  4. Managed Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 85,000/month (~USD 57)

Website: www.scopesky.com


Al-Sard Fiber

Overview

Al-Sard Fiber is a growing ISP and hosting provider in Iraq, recognized for its high-speed internet and secure hosting solutions. Al-Sard offers scalable plans and personalized customer support, making it a popular choice among businesses and individuals looking for affordable and local hosting options.

Types of Hosting Available

  1. Shared Hosting
  2. VPS Hosting
  3. Cloud Hosting

Pricing

  1. Shared Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 10,000/month (~USD 7)
  2. VPS Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 50,000/month (~USD 33)
  3. Cloud Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 45,000/month (~USD 30)

Website: www.alsardfiber.iq


IraqCom

Overview

IraqCom is a well-known telecommunications and hosting provider in Iraq, offering a range of solutions for website hosting and internet services. With a focus on secure and high-performance hosting, IraqCom caters to both small businesses and larger organizations, providing reliable services with local data centers.

Types of Hosting Available

  1. Shared Hosting
  2. Cloud Hosting
  3. Dedicated Hosting
  4. Reseller Hosting

Pricing

  1. Shared Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 13,000/month (~USD 8.70)
  2. Cloud Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 55,000/month (~USD 37)
  3. Dedicated Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 200,000/month (~USD 134)
  4. Reseller Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 30,000/month (~USD 20)

Website: www.iraqcom.iq


FastIraq

Overview

FastIraq is a prominent internet and hosting service provider in Iraq, offering fast and reliable hosting options for individuals and businesses. Known for its scalable packages, FastIraq provides affordable hosting with an emphasis on customer support, making it a preferred option for small to medium businesses.

Types of Hosting Available

  1. Shared Hosting
  2. VPS Hosting
  3. Dedicated Hosting
  4. Cloud Hosting

Pricing

  1. Shared Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 9,000/month (~USD 6)
  2. VPS Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 45,000/month (~USD 30)
  3. Dedicated Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 210,000/month (~USD 140)
  4. Cloud Hosting
    • Starting Price: IQD 55,000/month (~USD 37)

Website: www.fastiraq.net


Advantages and Disadvantages of Web Hosting in Iraq

Advantages

  1. Improved Local Speeds and Performance
    Hosting websites on servers located in Iraq ensures faster access speeds for local users due to reduced latency. This is especially beneficial for Iraqi businesses targeting a domestic audience and provides a smoother user experience.
  2. Compliance with Local Regulations
    Local hosting can simplify compliance with Iraq’s data protection and cybersecurity laws. This can be particularly beneficial for companies handling sensitive data or for government institutions that require a higher level of data security.
  3. Localized Customer Support
    Iraqi hosting providers typically offer support in Arabic and Kurdish, which can be advantageous for local users who prefer to communicate in their native languages.
  4. Payment in Local Currency
    Hosting companies in Iraq accept payments in Iraqi Dinars, simplifying the payment process for local businesses and eliminating the need for currency conversions, which can incur additional fees.
  5. Support for Local Businesses and Economy
    Choosing a local hosting provider contributes to Iraq’s economy by supporting local businesses, thereby fostering the growth of Iraq’s digital infrastructure and job creation in the technology sector.

Disadvantages

  1. Limited Access to Advanced Features
    Some Iraqi hosting providers may not offer advanced features compared to major international providers. This includes specialized managed services, extensive cloud capabilities, and high-level security features like DDoS protection, which are often offered by larger global hosting companies.
  2. Potential Downtime and Reliability Issues
    While infrastructure is improving, some local providers may face occasional downtime or reliability issues. This could impact businesses that rely on continuous uptime and may require higher uptime guarantees than what local providers can offer.
  3. Less Competitive Pricing for High-End Services
    Hosting solutions for advanced needs, such as high-performance cloud computing or dedicated server options, may be more costly compared to international providers. Iraqi hosting companies may not offer the same level of pricing competition for these services.
  4. Slow Speeds for International Users
    Websites hosted in Iraq are optimized for local access but may experience slower load times for users outside the Middle East. This can be a disadvantage for businesses with an international customer base or those aiming to reach a broader audience.
  5. Limited Backup and Redundancy Options
    Some Iraqi providers may have limited redundancy and backup solutions. This makes local hosting potentially more vulnerable to service interruptions or data loss, particularly in cases of natural disasters or technical issues.