Department of Cultural Relations

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Department of Cultural Relations

The Cultural Relationships Department is affiliated to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Department is responsible for establishing and developing scientific and academic cultural exchange programs and organizing the memorandums of understanding with universities and institutions of mutual interest. Among the department's main tasks is raising the scientific, educational, and professional competence of faculty staff, and other technical and administrative staff in the university. This is achieved through facilitating the participation of all staff in their participation in local, regional and international scientific and cultural activities. Most of such participation are implemented under the umbrella of the signed memorandums of understanding with universities, organizations, unions, and bodies related .to education, culture, and science

Latest Activities and News

12 July 2026

A Strategic Step Towards Digital Education: Al-Mustaqbal University Explores Joint Master’s Programmes in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), USA

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

5 July 2026

Al-Mustaqbal University Signs Strategic Partnership Agreement with the University of Baghdad

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

2 July 2026

Al-Mustaqbal University Hosts the Fifth Meeting of the UK–Iraq Academic Bridge Initiative Committee

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

30 June 2026

Al-Mustaqbal University Showcases Major Achievements and Honors Excellence as President Reaffirms Commitment to Global Leadership Through Teamwork, Research, and Digital Transformation

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

Activities and Events

Key Events at Al-Mustaqbal University

Al-Mustaqbal University inaugurated its annual cultural festival with wide student participation, featuring artistic, poetic, and theatrical performances.

Annual Cultural Festival

April 2025

The university's football team won first place in the Iraqi Universities Championship after showing outstanding performance and great sportsmanship.

University Football Championship

May 2025

The Student Activities Department organized a training workshop titled "Innovation and Entrepreneurship" to enhance students' creative thinking and startup skills.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship Workshop

June 2025

The department held an art exhibition titled "In the Colors of Students," where participants showcased artworks reflecting creativity and university identity.

Fine Arts Exhibition

August 2025

The Student Activities Department organized a volunteer campaign titled "With Our Hands We Create Hope," which included cleaning and planting trees in the university gardens.

Student Volunteer Campaign

September 2025

Latest Activities

Follow the latest updates, courses, and academic and research activities organized by the university in its various formations.

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Department of Cultural Relations

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