Administrative Divisions Department of Cultural Relations
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
As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen international partnerships and expand cooperation with leading global institutions, Al-Mustaqbal University President, Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdy, signed a Letter of Intent with the University of Reading, one of the United Kingdom’s distinguished universities. The signing ceremony and discussions were attended by Qusai Al-Ahmadi, Iraqi Cultural Attaché in the United Kingdom, alongside a senior delegation from the University of Reading, including Professor Elizabeth Allen, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) and Head of the Global Academy; Professor Keiichi Nakata, Director of the Informatics Research Centre at Henley Business School; Mr. Alex Boughton, Director of Global Engagement; and Ms. Irem Ozsoy, Senior Regional Manager for International Student Recruitment. The agreement aims to expand cooperation in key areas, including the development of dual-degree and academic progression programmes, the provision of scholarships and student discounts, and the promotion of joint research projects, knowledge exchange, and academic collaboration between the two institutions. On the sidelines of the visit, commemorative shields were exchanged to mark the partnership and reinforce academic ties between the two universities. The Iraqi delegation also met with Iraqi students and researchers studying at the University of Reading, offering support, listening to their experiences, and encouraging them to continue their academic excellence in service of Iraq. This initiative reflects Al-Mustaqbal University’s strategic commitment to enhancing its international presence and creating outstanding educational and research opportunities for its students and academic staff. #Al-Mustaqbal_University #University_of_Reading #Ranked_first_among_private_universities_in_Iraq #Goal_17_Partnerships_for_the_Goals
As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen international academic relations and expand avenues of scientific collaboration, the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdy, accompanied by the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Dhalimi, visited the headquarters of the Iraqi Cultural Attaché in London, United Kingdom. The delegation was received by the Iraqi Cultural Attaché to the United Kingdom, Professor Dr. Qusai Al-Ahmadi. During the meeting, discussions focused on supporting educational development and broadening academic cooperation between Al-Mustaqbal University and distinguished British higher education institutions. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Ghaith Al-Qatarnah, Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) at the University of East Anglia (UEA). The participants explored opportunities for academic twinning, joint programs, and scientific exchange initiatives, in alignment with Al-Mustaqbal University’s strategic vision to strengthen its position as a leading internationally engaged university and to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals within the higher education sector. Al-Mustaqbal_University# #University_of_East_Anglia #UEA #Ranked_first_among_private_universities_in_Iraq #Goal_17_Partnerships_for_the_Goals
As part of its commitment to expanding international academic cooperation and advancing research excellence, Al-Mustaqbal University, represented by its President, Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdy, accompanied by Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Dhalimi, Dean of the College of Pharmacy, and Professor Dr. Qusai Al-Ahmadi, Cultural Attaché in the United Kingdom, conducted an official visit to the University of Nottingham. The visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Al-Mustaqbal University and the School of Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham, establishing a framework for joint research projects, academic exchange, and future collaboration in pharmaceutical sciences and biotechnology. This partnership brings together two distinguished institutions: the University of Nottingham’s School of Pharmacy, ranked among the world’s leading pharmacy schools, and Al-Mustaqbal University’s College of Pharmacy, which has achieved American accreditation in pharmaceutical education, reflecting its commitment to international standards and academic excellence . #AlMustaqbal_University #University_of_Nottingham #Ranked_first_among_private_universities_in_Iraq #Goal_17_Partnerships_for_the_Goals
In a distinguished academic atmosphere reflecting the depth of Arab scientific cooperation, Al-Mustaqbal University welcomed a high-level delegation from Mansoura University headed by its President, Professor Sherif Youssef Khater, during his official visit to the university. The visit included a meeting with students enrolled in the hosted postgraduate programs in Public International Law and Administrative Law. The meeting was attended by the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Professor Hassan Shaker Majdy, Professor Mohamed Attia El-Bayoumi, Vice President of Mansoura University for Education and Student Affairs, and Professor Ammar Al-Husseini, Dean of the College of Law. Professor Sherif Youssef Khater praised the strong academic collaboration between the two universities, describing the partnership as a distinguished model of integration among Arab higher education institutions. He also commended Al-Mustaqbal University’s efforts in supporting and ensuring the success of these pioneering postgraduate programs. For his part, Professor Hassan Shaker Majdy expressed pride in the strategic partnership with Mansoura University, emphasizing that the collaboration represents a significant step toward strengthening Arab academic integration and expanding access to high-quality higher education in Iraq. It is worth noting that the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has approved the hosting of the Master’s Program in Business Administration from the Faculty of Commerce at Mansoura University within the College of Administrative Sciences at Al-Mustaqbal University. In addition, the admission capacity for the MBA program, as well as the Public International Law and Administrative Law programs, has been increased to twenty students per program. This expansion raises the total number of postgraduate programs hosted at Al-Mustaqbal University, in cooperation with Universiti Sains Malaysia and Mansoura University, to five specialized postgraduate programs. Following the conclusion of his visit, Professor Sherif Youssef Khater sent a message of appreciation to Professor Hassan Shaker Majdy, expressing his sincere gratitude for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to him and the accompanying delegation. He affirmed that the visit reflected the strong fraternal ties between Iraq and Egypt and opened broader horizons for future academic cooperation between the two universities at both regional and international levels. #Ranked_first_among_private_universities_in_Iraq #Goal_17_Partnerships_for_the_Goals