Successful Convening of the Fourth International Lut Desert Tourism Conference, with a Focus on Investment

The Fourth International Conference on Lut Desert Tourism with a Focus on Investment was held on November 12–13, 2025, hosted by the University of Birjand with the active participation and effective role of Abnirān Consulting Engineers Company, in Birjand city and Nehbandan County. This scientific and specialized event brought together a number of national and provincial officials, university professors, researchers, tourism professionals, and domestic and international investors. Supported by CIVILICA, the conference provided an opportunity to introduce the unique capacities of the Lut Desert, recognized as Iran’s first natural site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The event focused on examining strategies for attracting investment, developing tourism infrastructure, strengthening ecotourism, and promoting the sustainable utilization of the natural and economic potentials of eastern Iran. During the opening ceremony, Dr. Ahmad Khamsan, Acting President of the University of Birjand, emphasized the importance of collaboration among universities, executive organizations, and the private sector—including Abnirān Consulting Engineers Company. He described the conference as an effective step toward the scientific and tourism development of the province. Seyed Mohammad Reza Hashemi, Governor of South Khorasan Province, also highlighted the province’s extensive potential in the fields of tourism and investment, emphasizing the necessity of developing infrastructure and purposefully introducing the region’s capabilities.