Reviving History Building the Future
From the ancient Shanasheel houses of Old Basra to critical infrastructure networks across southern Iraq — we restore what time has weathered and build what the future demands. Al Watad United brings master craftsmanship to every brick, beam, and blueprint.
About Al Watad United
From the banks of Shatt al-Arab to Iraq's most treasured heritage sites — we are the builders who honor the past while engineering the future.
Founded in the heart of Basra, Al Watad United was born from a conviction that Iraq's architectural legacy deserves master builders, not mere contractors. What began as a regional construction firm has grown into one of southern Iraq's most trusted names in heritage restoration and infrastructure — entrusted by UNESCO, the European Union, and local governorates alike with projects of national significance.
Our engineers and craftsmen have honed their skills on some of Iraq's most demanding restoration projects — from crumbling Shanasheel houses along the winding lanes of Old Basra to complex urban infrastructure powering entire districts. Every project bears our signature: precision engineering anchored in deep respect for heritage.
Excellence
Projects
Programs
Certifications
To stand as Iraq's foremost authority in heritage restoration and construction — a name synonymous with excellence, where every restored building becomes a living monument to our nation's enduring cultural identity.
To deliver construction and restoration services of uncompromising quality — blending time-honored craftsmanship with modern engineering discipline, safeguarding Iraq's architectural heritage to UNESCO and ICOMOS standards.
Safety First
Zero-compromise safety culture backed by ISO 45001:2018 certification.
Sacred Deadlines
We treat timelines as promises. On-time delivery, every time.
Uncompromising Quality
The same exacting standards whether restoring a 200-year-old house or building a power line.
Stewardship
We manage every resource as if it were our own, delivering maximum impact.
Our Departments
Led by our flagship heritage restoration division — trusted partner of UNESCO and the European Union — and spanning eight specialized departments, we deliver end-to-end solutions from civil infrastructure and high-voltage networks to advanced telecommunications and IT systems.
Heritage Restoration
As the trusted implementation partner of UNESCO and the European Union, Al Watad United leads the restoration of Old Basra's endangered architectural treasures. Our heritage division combines traditional Iraqi craftsmanship with modern conservation science to bring centuries-old shanasheel houses, palaces, and civic buildings back to their original grandeur — preserving Iraq's cultural identity for future generations.
Restoration Expertise
- UNESCO-Supervised Heritage Restoration
- Shanasheel & Traditional Architecture
- Structural Consolidation & Conservation
- Historical Documentation & Cadastre Mapping
- EU-Funded Revitalization Programs
Civil Projects
Al Watad United's Civil Projects Department executes large-scale infrastructure and construction works across southern Iraq. From ground-up structural builds to road networks and utility corridors, our civil engineers manage projects from soil surveys through final handover. We bring 21+ years of expertise in reinforced concrete, structural steel, earthworks, and site logistics — delivering on time and to specification for government and private-sector clients.
Core Capabilities
- Civil Works & Structural Construction
- Roads & Traffic Systems
- Drainage & Utility Networks
- Earthworks & Site Preparation
Electrical Projects
Our Electrical Projects Department handles the full spectrum of power delivery — from high-tension (HT) and low-tension (LT) cabling to the construction and commissioning of power substations and distribution networks. We design, install, and test electrical systems for commercial, industrial, and government facilities, ensuring compliance with international safety standards and Iraqi grid requirements. Our team has delivered complex electrical infrastructure including airport power systems and municipal grid expansions.
Core Capabilities
- HT & LT Cabling Works
- HT & LT Network Infrastructure
- Installation of Power Stations
- Control Panels, Testing & Commissioning
- Electrical Line & Cable Routing
Electrical Maintenance
Keeping Iraq's power infrastructure running at peak performance requires specialized maintenance expertise. Our Electrical Maintenance Division provides preventive and corrective maintenance for power stations, transformers, and generators. We deploy rapid-response teams equipped with diagnostic tools for fault detection, thermal imaging, and load testing — minimizing downtime and extending the operational lifespan of critical electrical assets.
Core Capabilities
- Power Station Maintenance
- Power Transformer Servicing
- Power Generator Maintenance
- Preventive & Corrective Programs
Telecommunications Systems
Our Telecommunications Department designs and installs integrated security and communication systems for facilities of all scales. From CCTV surveillance networks with intelligent analytics to digital fire alarm systems and biometric access control, we deliver turnkey solutions that protect assets, ensure safety compliance, and provide centralized monitoring. Our systems meet international fire safety codes and physical security standards.
Core Capabilities
- CCTV & Video Surveillance Solutions
- Digital Fire Alarm Systems
- Access Control & Biometric Systems
- Integrated Security Command Centers
Management Systems
Smart management systems transform how buildings and facilities operate. We design and deploy automated parking management platforms that optimize space utilization, digital queue systems that streamline customer flow, and Building Management Systems (BMS) that centralize HVAC, lighting, and energy monitoring into a single intelligent dashboard. Our solutions reduce operational costs and improve the occupant experience across commercial, retail, and government facilities.
Core Capabilities
- Car Parking Management Systems
- Queue Management Systems
- Building Management Systems (BMS)
- Energy Monitoring & Automation
GPS Tracking Solutions
Real-time vehicle and asset tracking for fleets of any size. Our GPS Tracking Department provides In-Vehicle Monitoring Systems (IVMS) that deliver live location data, geofencing, route optimization, and driver behavior analytics. Fleet managers gain full visibility over their assets through intuitive dashboards and mobile apps, reducing fuel waste, improving response times, and enhancing driver safety across operations.
Core Capabilities
- In-Vehicle Monitoring Systems (IVMS)
- Fleet Management & Optimization
- Driver Safety & Behavior Analytics
- Geofencing & Route Planning
Radio Mobile Networks
Mission-critical communications demand reliability that cellular networks cannot always guarantee. Our Radio Mobile Networks Department supplies, programs, and maintains professional wireless communication systems including UHF, VHF, and TETRA radio solutions. We serve oil & gas fields, construction sites, security operations, and public safety agencies where uninterrupted, encrypted voice communication is essential for coordination and safety.
Core Capabilities
- UHF/VHF Radio Solutions
- TETRA Digital Radio Systems
- Repeater & Base Station Setup
- Encrypted Communication Networks
IT Infrastructure
The backbone of modern connectivity starts with fiber. Our IT Infrastructure Department specializes in fiber optic cabling, structured data networks, and server room builds. We design and install single-mode and multi-mode fiber runs for campus, metro, and long-haul deployments, along with copper Cat6/Cat6A structured cabling, rack systems, and network hardware integration. Every installation is certified and tested for guaranteed bandwidth performance.
Core Capabilities
- Fiber Optic Cabling & Termination
- Structured Cabling (Cat6/Cat6A)
- Data Center & Server Room Builds
- Network Testing & Certification
Restoration Methodology
Heritage restoration is not construction — it is a discipline unto itself. Each step in our methodology is informed by centuries of architectural tradition, validated by international scientific standards, and refined through years of hands-on experience in Old Basra's most challenging sites.
Within the ancient lanes of Old Basra, our team has restored houses that once hosted merchants of the Ottoman silk trade, walls that survived centuries of river floods, and courtyards where families gathered for generations. Each project demanded intimate knowledge of original building materials — from handmade fired brick to lime-based mortars — and the patience to let heritage speak before we intervene. This is restoration at the highest international standard, validated by UNESCO and funded by the European Union.
Survey & Documentation
Before a single stone is touched, our team deploys advanced 3D laser scanning and photogrammetric technology to create a precise digital twin of the structure. Every crack, every subsidence, every decorative detail is catalogued — producing a millimeter-accurate baseline from which all restoration decisions flow.
Restoration Planning
Our conservation architects design bespoke restoration blueprints adhering to ICOMOS Venice Charter principles. Each plan respects the building's unique historical narrative — its era, its architectural style, and the community that once lived within its walls — ensuring that restoration enhances rather than erases the story embedded in the structure.
Structural Analysis
Rigorous material testing and structural assessment reveal the true condition of century-old foundations, walls, and load-bearing elements. We analyze brick compressive strength, mortar composition, and timber integrity to determine precisely where original materials can be preserved and where careful reinforcement is needed.
Execution
Master craftsmen — trained in traditional Iraqi building techniques passed down through generations — execute the restoration using original-matching materials: hand-fired brick from local kilns, lime mortar mixed to historic recipes, carved teak for Shanasheel balconies, and traditional gypsum plasterwork for interior ornamentation.
Quality & Safety Management
ISO 45001:2018-certified safety protocols govern every workday. Our quality team conducts daily inspections, maintains continuous photographic documentation, and generates progress reports that keep all stakeholders — from UNESCO supervisors to local heritage authorities — fully informed at every stage.
Delivery & Digital Documentation
Upon completion, we produce comprehensive before-and-after archives, 3D digital models, and detailed maintenance manuals. We train local caretakers in ongoing preservation techniques — ensuring that our restoration work endures not for years, but for generations to come.
Heritage Work Specialization
Restoring a 200-year-old Shanasheel house is fundamentally different from constructing a new building. The materials are aged and irreplaceable. The techniques are centuries old. The margin for error is zero. Our team's deep knowledge of traditional Iraqi construction — from the chemistry of Ottoman-era lime mortars to the joinery techniques of Basran teak craftsmen — is what separates authentic restoration from mere renovation. Every intervention we make is reversible, minimal, and respectful of the building's original architectural identity, in strict adherence to ICOMOS international conservation principles.
Heritage Projects
Each project tells a story of transformation — from crumbling walls to restored grandeur. Executed in partnership with UNESCO, the European Union, and Iraqi governorates.
Restoration of Three Houses in Old Basra
Three deteriorating Shanasheel houses painstakingly returned to Ottoman-era splendor — preserving original brickwork, carved teak balconies, and intricate plaster arabesque details.
Rehabilitation of Eight Houses in Old Basra
Our largest single restoration effort — eight heritage houses simultaneously rehabilitated, returning families to beautifully restored homes honoring their architectural lineage.
Al-Ashar Canal Rehabilitation — Phase 1 + 2
Two-phase rehabilitation of Old Basra's iconic canal — bank stabilization, water treatment infrastructure, and restoration of canal-side heritage structures.
Mudhi Palace Rehabilitation — Zubayr, Basra
A landmark restoration of one of Basra's most significant historical palaces — comprehensive structural reinforcement, facade restoration, and conservation of ornamental plasterwork.
Mudhif Palace — Before & After
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Infrastructure & Electrical Projects
Electrical Network — Imam Al-Sadiq District
1.94B IQD
Electrical Grid — Al-Qibla District
1.75B IQD
Airport Electrical — 33kV Line
2.45B IQD
Cadastre Maps Update — Basra
442.5M IQDCurrent Project
Rehabilitation of Basra Culture & Arts Palace
A major heritage rehabilitation project to restore the iconic Culture and Arts Palace in the heart of Basra — one of the city's most significant cultural landmarks. The palace, which has served as a hub for art exhibitions, theatrical performances, and cultural heritage events, is being comprehensively restored to preserve its architectural character and expand its role as Basra's premier cultural venue.
Heritage Transformations
From ruin to glory — witness the dramatic rebirth of Old Basra's architectural treasures. Drag the divider to reveal the transformation of each building, rescued from collapse and restored to its original magnificence under UNESCO supervision with EU funding.
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Our Works
A showcase of our executed projects across construction, electrical, infrastructure, oil & gas, and heritage restoration — each a testament to our capabilities and commitment to excellence.
Commercial and institutional building construction — from structural frames and slab works to interior finishing and facade completion.
Electrical installations, control systems, switchgear commissioning, and high-voltage testing across industrial and commercial facilities.
Foundations, drainage systems, canal lining, pipe networks, and earthworks for major infrastructure projects across southern Iraq.
Major concrete and structural works for British Petroleum at North & South Rumaila fields — one of Iraq's largest oil operations.
Erection of high-voltage transmission towers, underground cable routing, and power line infrastructure across southern Iraq.
Heritage restoration and preservation projects in Old Basra — carried out under UNESCO supervision with European Union funding.
Organizational Structure
Behind every successful restoration and infrastructure project stands a carefully structured team — from executive leadership and contract management to specialized civil, electrical, and telecommunications engineers. Each unit operates with military precision, yet collaborates with the flexibility that heritage work demands.
Executive Director
Strategic vision & stakeholder relationsContracts Manager
Bidding, procurement & contract complianceProjects Manager
Timelines, resources & delivery oversightAdministrative Unit
HR, logistics & operational supportDocumentation Unit
Records, archiving & compliance trackingAccounting Unit
Financial reporting & cost controlChief Engineer
Technical leadership & quality assuranceCivil Engineers
Structural & heritage restorationInfrastructure Engineers
Roads, water & utility networksElectrical Engineers
Power grids & distribution systemsTelecom Engineers
Tower construction & network infrastructureCertifications & Recognition
Operational Certifications
Our credentials speak to a decade of earned trust. Al Watad United maintains a comprehensive portfolio of governmental registrations, regulatory clearances, and international quality certifications — each one a milestone in our journey from regional contractor to nationally recognized heritage restoration authority.
Letters of Appreciation
The truest measure of a contractor's character is found in what clients say after the work is done. Al Watad United has been honored with formal letters of appreciation from every major entity we've served — recognition of our consistent quality, unwavering safety commitment, and the spirit of genuine partnership we bring to every site.
Decent Work Principles
Workforce Training
Providing practical training for youth within job sites to equip them with the skills required to enter the labor market.
Heritage Value Respect
Preserving the heritage and architectural dimension of historical buildings, handling original materials with care to protect cultural identity.
Legal Compliance
Adhering to official labor authority requirements and International Labour Organization standards when executing projects in Iraq.
Insurance Coverage
Registering workers and providing valid insurance coverage during the work period and in emergency situations.
Contact Us
Whether you seek to restore a treasured heritage building, develop critical infrastructure, or bring a visionary construction project to life — our team of engineers and master craftsmen is ready to turn your ambition into lasting reality.
Our Location
Iraq — Basra — Sanaa District
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