Administrative Divisions Department of Cultural Relations
As part of its vision to internationalize higher education and strengthen research excellence, Al-Mustaqbal University held a high-level strategic meeting with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), USA—a Carnegie-designated R1 Research University—to explore academic collaboration and the establishment of joint Master’s programmes in two of the most in-demand disciplines of the future: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity. The meeting was chaired by Professor Hassan Shaker Majdy, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, and Dr. Asef Eskandarian, Dean of the VCU College of Engineering. Representatives from the Iraqi Cultural Attaché in Washington, D.C., and the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research also participated to ensure that the proposed programmes align with both international academic standards and Iraq’s national higher education regulations. The Al-Mustaqbal University delegation included Professor Hassan Shaker Majdy, Professor Mudhaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairy, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, Professor Azhar M. Abd, Dean of the College of Engineering and Technologies, together with senior officials from the International Relations, Cultural Scholarships, and Scientific Affairs departments, as well as a number of academic staff. The VCU delegation was led by Dr. Asef Eskandarian and included the Director of Graduate Studies and several senior academic leaders from the College of Engineering. The Iraqi Cultural Attaché was represented by Dr. Hussein Al-Sheikh and Dr. Alaa Al-Husseini, while the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research was represented by Zahraa Al-Naqash. During the meeting, VCU presented the capabilities of its College of Engineering as part of an R1 research institution, highlighting its internationally recognized expertise in robotics, autonomous systems, and advanced engineering research. The two universities agreed on the initial framework for developing the proposed joint Master’s programmes. Professor Hassan Shaker Majdy emphasized that Al-Mustaqbal University is pursuing an ambitious strategy to transform education and research from a national focus into a globally connected ecosystem through partnerships with leading international universities such as VCU. He noted that this vision includes introducing internationally benchmarked postgraduate programmes in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity based on the curricula and academic standards of partner institutions, while expanding collaborative research in robotics, intelligent systems, and cybersecurity. The strategy promotes joint scientific publications in high-impact international journals and strengthens academic mobility through faculty exchanges, research fellowships, and international scholarly visits. #Al-Mustaqbal_University #Ranked_first_among_private_universities_in_Iraq #Goal_17_Partnerships_for_the_Goals
As part of the UK–Iraq Academic Bridge Initiative Forum, Al-Mustaqbal University and the University of Baghdad signed a strategic scientific and cultural cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening academic collaboration and advancing Iraq’s higher education and research ecosystem in line with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The agreement was signed during a meeting between the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Professor Hassan Shaker Majdy, and the President of the University of Baghdad, Professor Alaa Abdulhassan. The partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration across several strategic areas, including: * Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence: Accelerating digital transformation in academic administration while promoting joint research and innovation in artificial intelligence and smart technologies to enhance educational and research infrastructure. * Research Collaboration: Supporting collaborative applied research projects, increasing publications in high-impact international journals indexed in Scopus, and advancing innovative teaching and learning technologies. * Training and Capacity Building: Facilitating the exchange of expertise and providing professional development opportunities for academic staff, administrative personnel, and students to strengthen their digital and technical competencies. * Academic Cooperation: Coordinating academic programmes and curricula while expanding both virtual and in-person knowledge exchange initiatives. The agreement reflects the shared vision of both universities to foster academic excellence, innovation, and sustainable institutional development. It also underscores their strong commitment to advancing higher education in Iraq through strategic collaboration, expanding research opportunities, and nurturing a culture of creativity and leadership that will contribute to a more prosperous and knowledge-driven future. #Al-Mustaqbal_University #Ranked_first_among_private_universities_in_Iraq #Goal_17_Partnerships_for_the_Goals
Al-Mustaqbal University hosted the fifth meeting of the Ministerial Committee overseeing the UK–Iraq Academic Bridge Initiative, reaffirming its leadership in advancing the internationalization of higher education and strengthening strategic partnerships between Iraqi and UK universities. The meeting was chaired by Professor Alaa Abdul Hassan, Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chair of the Ministerial Committee, and attended by Dr. Richard Sanderson, Country Director of the British Council in Iraq, the Council’s Programmes Manager, representatives of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and presidents and representatives of participating Iraqi public and private universities, including the Universities of Baghdad, Al-Mustansiriyah, Mosul, Babylon, Kufa, Thi-Qar, Middle Technical, Northern Technical, Al-Mustaqbal, Al-Turath, Al-Shaab, and Al-Maarif. In his opening remarks, Professor Alaa Abdul Hassan reviewed the Initiative’s strategic vision and highlighted its major achievements since its launch in 2024, emphasizing the importance of expanding sustainable academic collaboration between Iraqi and UK institutions. Professor Hassan Shaker Majdy, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, welcomed the participants and highlighted the University’s recent accomplishments, including its progress in international rankings, the successful programmatic accreditation of several academic programmes, and its commitment to enhancing educational quality, research excellence, and international engagement. The programme included an introductory film about the University, followed by a presentation by Professor Mudhaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairy, Director of Scientific Supervision and Academic Affairs, who showcased Al-Mustaqbal University’s strategic partnerships with leading UK universities, particularly the University of Nottingham and the University of Reading, under the Academic Bridge Initiative. He also presented practical proposals to further strengthen the Initiative and expand academic collaboration. The meeting concluded with presentations by the Ministry’s representative and participating university leaders, focusing on future opportunities for research collaboration, institutional partnerships, and internationalization to further advance higher education and scientific research in Iraq. #Al-Mustaqbal_University #Ranked_first_among_private_universities_in_Iraq #Goal_17_Partnerships_for_the_Goals
Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdy, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, affirmed that the University’s recent academic, research, and international ranking achievements reflect a clear strategic vision, institutional excellence, and the collective efforts of its academic and administrative community. He praised the outstanding contributions of the University’s colleges and departments in strengthening its national and global standing. Speaking at a university-wide meeting dedicated to reviewing recent accomplishments, the President emphasized the importance of teamwork and maximizing national and international partnerships to further enhance the University’s academic reputation. He highlighted the University’s commitment to advancing high-impact research, strengthening educational quality, launching innovative initiatives addressing energy, healthcare, and climate change, while accelerating digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and the integration of artificial intelligence across academic and administrative activities. Professor Abbas Al-Bawi, Assistant President for Scientific Affairs, presented the results of the national ministerial standardized examinations, highlighting the outstanding performance of several academic departments, whose success rates surpassed those of corresponding programs at both public and private Iraqi universities. Prof. Dr. Mudhaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairy, Director of Scientific Supervision and Academic Affairs, reviewed the University’s latest global ranking achievements, including its position as Iraq’s top public and private university in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2026, first place nationally in several Sustainable Development Goals, and its leading position among Iraqi private universities in both the U.S. News and URAP rankings. He also outlined the University’s academic, research, and community initiatives that contributed to these accomplishments. Dr. Riyadh Hamed Salman, Director of the Quality Assurance and Academic Accreditation Department, congratulated the Colleges of Law and Physical Education and Sports Sciences on achieving program accreditation, commending their dedication to meeting national quality standards and reinforcing the University’s culture of academic excellence. The meeting concluded with honoring colleges, academic departments, committees, and staff members whose outstanding contributions supported the University’s achievements in ministerial examinations, international rankings, and academic accreditation . #Al-Mustaqbal_University #Ranked_first_among_private_universities_in_Iraq #Goal_17_Partnerships_for_the_Goals
Al-Mustaqbal University has achieved a remarkable academic milestone by ranking first among all Iraqi public and private universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ratings 2026. The University was placed within the 201–300 global band among 1,603 universities worldwide, demonstrating its outstanding contribution to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University also ranked first among the 43 Iraqi universities included in this year’s rankings, reaffirming its national leadership and its commitment to transforming sustainability principles into impactful institutional practices and community-driven initiatives. At the SDG level, Al-Mustaqbal University secured the top position in Iraq for: • SDG 1 – No Poverty • SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy • SDG 13 – Climate Action • SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions The University also ranked second nationally in SDG 4 – Quality Education, reflecting the strength of its academic programs and educational initiatives aimed at developing future leaders capable of driving sustainable development. This achievement extends a sustained record of excellence, as Al-Mustaqbal University has maintained its position as the leading Iraqi university in the THE Impact Ratings for the second consecutive year and the leading private university in Iraq for the fourth consecutive year. The Times Higher Education Impact Ratings assess universities’ contributions to the SDGs through indicators covering education quality, sustainability-focused research, knowledge transfer, community engagement, governance, inclusion, environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, climate initiatives, partnerships, and societal impact. Commenting on the achievement, Professor Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, expressed his pride in the results, emphasizing that they reflect the University’s strategic vision, strong commitment to sustainability, and pursuit of institutional excellence. He noted that leading Iraqi universities and achieving a distinguished global position in this prestigious ranking confirms the University’s success in aligning its activities and programs with the SDGs and strengthening its role as a leading institution contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous future. Professor Majdi also commended the dedication of the University’s faculty members, researchers, staff, and students, congratulating them on this national achievement and affirming the University’s continued commitment to enhancing its global standing and advancing sustainable development at both national and international levels. # Al-Mustaqbal_University #THE_Impact_Rankings_2026 #Ranked_first_among_private_universities_in_Iraq #Goal_17_Partnerships_for_the_Goals
Demonstrating its leading role in advancing higher education and contributing to the future of academic leadership, Al-Mustaqbal University participated in a specialized workshop aimed at identifying leadership needs within Iraq’s higher education sector. The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in collaboration with the British Council, Imam Ja’afar Al-Sadiq University (PBUH), and the Higher Institute for Leadership Preparation and Qualification, with the participation of a distinguished group of presidents of public and private universities and academic leaders from across Iraq. Al-Mustaqbal University was represented at the workshop by Professor Mudhaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairy, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision. The University’s participation reflects its strategic vision of developing future-oriented academic leaders capable of driving institutional transformation and responding effectively to the rapid changes taking place in higher education at both national and international levels. The workshop focused on assessing current leadership needs and identifying the competencies and skills required for the next generation of university leaders. These efforts support the development of a specialized Professional Diploma in University Leadership designed to enhance the capabilities of academic and administrative leaders in strategic planning, institutional change management, quality culture, innovation, and organizational excellence. The event featured an address by Professor Haider Abdul Dhahad, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Scientific Research Affairs, in addition to a series of scientific and consultative discussions that highlighted the importance of internationalization, educational quality enhancement, institutional autonomy, and aligning higher education outcomes with labor market demands. Participants also reviewed the proposed diploma framework, implementation mechanisms, and expected learning outcomes. During the workshop, Professor Mudhaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairy presented a number of strategic insights and development-oriented proposals that could contribute to designing an ambitious and high-quality training program capable of meeting the real needs of university leaders. His contributions emphasized strengthening leadership capacities to effectively navigate global transformations, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, institutional governance, and innovation. Al-Mustaqbal University’s participation in this significant event reaffirms its leadership role and ongoing commitment to supporting national initiatives aimed at advancing higher education and cultivating visionary academic leaders equipped to guide the universities of the future. #Al-Mustaqbal_University #Ranked_first_among_private_universities_in_Iraq #Goal_17_Partnerships_for_the_Goals
As part of its commitment to strengthening academic partnerships and advancing scientific research, Al-Mustaqbal University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for scientific and research cooperation with the Al-Nahrain Center for Strategic Studies. The signing ceremony was held at the Center’s headquarters and attended by a number of university academics and researchers from the Center. Representing Al-Mustaqbal University, the MoU was signed by Professor Dr. Azhar Mohsen Abd, Dean of the College of Engineering Technology, while the Al-Nahrain Center for Strategic Studies was represented by its Director General, Mr. Ali Nasser Bunyan. The Memorandum aims to expand the horizons of joint cooperation between the two institutions in scientific and research fields through the exchange of expertise and knowledge, the implementation of joint academic activities and programs, as well as the organization of conferences, seminars, workshops, and training courses that contribute to enhancing research capabilities and promoting scientific productivity. Both parties emphasized the importance of building effective partnerships between academic institutions and research centers to support the advancement of scientific research, develop academic competencies, and strengthen the role of knowledge in serving society and achieving sustainable development goals. #Al-Mustaqbal_University #Ranked_first_among_private_universities_in_Iraq #Goal_17_Partnerships_for_the_Goals
In line with the directives of the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdy, aimed at expanding strategic partnerships with government institutions and strengthening the University’s role in supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, Al-Mustaqbal University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the General Directorate of Industrial Development at the Ministry of Industry and Minerals on Thursday, 18 June 2026. The agreement seeks to enhance areas of mutual cooperation, empower students and graduates, and support promising entrepreneurial ventures. Al-Mustaqbal University was represented at the signing ceremony by Prof. Dr. Mudhaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairy, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, while the General Directorate of Industrial Development was represented by Dr. Eng. Ali Ibrahim Jinaan, Director General of the Directorate. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Samir Badrawi, Director of the Cultural Relations Department at Al-Mustaqbal University, and Ms. Huda Qasim Khazal, Head of the Graduates Division at the Directorate. The MoU aims to broaden cooperation in scientific, research, and training fields through the exchange of expertise and knowledge, as well as the implementation of joint programs and initiatives that contribute to developing the entrepreneurial skills of students and graduates, enhancing their capacities for innovation and creativity, and aligning their competencies with labor market demands and economic development needs. Prof. Dr. Mudhaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairy emphasized that Al-Mustaqbal University continues to build high-impact partnerships with government institutions and the industrial and productive sectors, reflecting its vision of strengthening integration between higher education and the various sectors of the economy. Such efforts contribute to preparing qualified graduates capable of leading development and innovation pathways. For his part, Dr. Eng. Ali Ibrahim Jinaan stated that the General Directorate of Industrial Development is committed to enhancing cooperation with reputable academic institutions and leveraging research outputs and innovation to support the industrial sector. He noted that such collaboration plays a vital role in harnessing the potential of young people and transforming entrepreneurial ideas into productive projects that contribute to the national economy. This Memorandum reflects the shared commitment of Al-Mustaqbal University and the General Directorate of Industrial Development to establishing an effective partnership that strengthens the national innovation ecosystem and provides a supportive environment for entrepreneurial initiatives, thereby advancing common goals in sustainable development and the knowledge economy. #Al-Mustaqbal_University #Ranked_first_among_private_universities_in_Iraq #Goal_17_Partnerships_for_the_Goals