The latest news from Baghdad – security updates, business, construction projects and more – brought to you by Iraq Business News
By John Lee. In a strong show of support for Iraq's transformation, France hosted a high-level France-Iraq Business Forum in Paris, bringing together over 300 business leaders and decision-makers. Organised by Business France, the event aimed to reinforce bilateral economic ties and unlock long-term investment opportunities. Following the forum, key Iraqi institutions and French companies […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has officially launched construction on the New Sadr City project in Baghdad. The project covers 4,000 dunams [400 hectares; 1,000 acres] between the Al-Maamel area and the edge of the existing Sadr City. It will feature 60,000 housing units of various sizes, fully integrated with public services […]
By John Lee. The Directorate General of Industrial Development, part of Iraq's Ministry of Industry and Minerals, issued 165 preliminary licences for new industrial projects across various sectors during April 2025. Director General Dr. Eng. Ali Ibrahim Janan stated that the approvals cover food, chemical, metal, construction, textile, and engineering industries. Baghdad led with 26 […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Investment Commission (NIC) and Egypt's Talaat Moustafa Group for Real Estate Development (TMG) to develop part of the economic zone in Al-Rafeel [Rafael] City, west of Baghdad. The agreement involves Iraqi-Egyptian-Saudi investment and includes participation from […]
By John Lee. At the Cannes Film Festival 2025, the Baghdad Film Institute (BFI) announced a strategic partnership with 1001 Media, Iraq's leading digital streaming platform. This collaboration aims to foster the growth of the film industry, build an integrated production system, enhance regional and international networking among filmmakers, and expand the reach of Iraqi […]
By John Lee. The National Investment Commission (NIC) has announced that over 130 fully approved investment opportunities will be presented at the Iraq Investment Forum, set to take place in mid-June in Baghdad. NIC Chairman Dr. Haider Mohammed Makia [Makiyya] described the forum as a strategic platform for economic transformation, aimed at attracting international investors […]
By John Lee. Iraq has assumed the presidency of the Economic and Social Council at the ministerial-level meeting in Baghdad, part of the preparations for the Fifth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit. The outgoing president, Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade Amir Bisat, expressed confidence in Iraq's leadership. Taking over the presidency, Iraq's Minister […]
By John Lee. UAE-based Chestertons Global has announced the opening of a new office in Baghdad, as part of its ongoing expansion across the Middle East. According to a statement from the company, Iraq's real estate sector, valued at $1.12 billion in 2024 with projected annual growth of 6%, is attracting increasing interest from investors. Government-backed infrastructure […]
By John Lee. Talaat Moustafa Group Holding (TMG Holding) has confirmed that it is in advanced negotiations with Iraq's National Investment Commission (NIC) to develop a large-scale mixed-use project southwest of Baghdad, marking a major step in its regional expansion. The project, spanning approximately 14 million square metres [14,000 donums; 1,400 hectares], is expected to […]
By John Lee. The Iraqi Prime Minister inaugurated the Al-Zaytoon Baghdad / Mövenpick Hotel on Saturday, marking a partial opening of its main facilities in preparation for the upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad. PM Mohammed S. Al-Sudani highlighted that the hotel is one of the largest private sector projects in tourism and hospitality in the […]
By John Lee. Baghdad Municipality has signed a contract with China's state-owned Shandong Hi-Speed Group [Shandong Gaosu Group] for the construction of 11,000 housing units in the New Sadr City project. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mayor Ammar Musa Kazem said that more than 30 companies expressed interest in the project, which represents the first […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, inaugurated the 13th Security, Defense, Military Industries, and Cybersecurity Exhibition in Baghdad on Saturday, an event featuring 155 companies from 24 countries, including 65 Iraqi firms. The exhibition offers a platform for showcasing advanced defence, surveillance, and cybersecurity technologies while […]
