Kurdistan is most likely being modeled after American success in Saudi Arabia building cities.
http://energyriskafrica.blogspot.ca/2011/03/photos-giant-saudi-oil-compound-thats.html
Saudi Arabia: The Western Compound
Posted on March 7, 2011 by American Bedu
Life on a western compound in Saudi Arabia reminds me in many ways of life on a large embassy compound when posted outside of ones home (western) country. There is housing. There is security. There are amenities. There are rules and restrictions.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Aramco