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The presidents of the United Arab Emirates and Iraq's Kurdistan Region met today at Qasr Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi to discuss expanding cooperation between their countries. President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed President Nichran Barzani to the talks aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the UAE and the Kurdistan Region. They explored new avenues for cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure development, energy and many other areas. Developing sustainable economies and creating opportunities for prosperity were high on the leaders' agenda. Both Sheikh Mohammed and President Barzani stressed their commitment to support initiatives that advance development and benefit citizens. In addition to bilateral relations, they exchanged perspectives on regional issues and challenges facing the Middle East. With their shared values of tolerance, progress and stability, the UAE and Kurdistan seek to work together on issues of mutual ...

  Iraq marked a significant moment in its political history with the recent provincial council elections—the first in more than a decade. However, the elections were marred by low voter turnout, reflecting a broader sentiment of disillusionment and frustration among citizens. This article delves into the challenges and dynamics surrounding the elections, exploring the reasons behind the subdued participation and the implications for Iraq's political landscape. Held on Monday, the elections witnessed a field of approximately 6,000 candidates competing for 285 seats nationwide. These included 10 seats reserved for ethnic and religious minorities, such as Christians, Yazidis, and Sabians. Notably, about 1,600 women were part of the candidate pool, with a quarter of the seats reserved for female representation. The eligible voter base stood at around 17 million people, spread across 7,166 polling stations. Late on Monday, the Iraqi News Agency reported an overall voter turnout of 41 pe...

  As the impact of accelerating climate change intensifies, a leading international aid organization, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), raises an alarm about the dire situation in Iraq. In a report published on Sunday, Anthony Zielicki, the NRC interim country director in Iraq, highlighted the urgent need for improved water resource management to mitigate the devastating effects on the country. Zielicki emphasized the alarming pace at which Iraq 's climate is changing, outpacing the ability of its people to adapt. The consequences are particularly severe for the 1.2 million individuals still displaced by conflict and the millions who have returned home. The recovery process from years of conflict is now hampered by the compounding challenges of extreme drought. "For the 1.2 million still displaced by conflict, and the millions who have returned home, resettled, or relocated, recovery from years of conflict is being crippled by extreme drought, and undermining hard-won gains...

As the globe continues to battle with difficult global concerns, this engagement between UAE and Iraqi leadership illustrates a proactive approach to resolving regional complexities. Beyond the formalities, this meeting demonstrates a common commitment to constructive collaboration, paving the door for improved relations between these significant stakeholders in the Middle East.  President Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Barzani discussed a wide range of issues touching the UAE -Iraq relationship during their meeting. Notably, their discussions went beyond ordinary diplomacy to include the complex intricacies of Iraq's Kurdistan area, demonstrating a serious desire in cultivating a fruitful collaboration.   The attendance of numerous high-ranking Emirati officials added to the importance of this high-profile gathering. The UAE's Vice President Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's representative in the Al...

  The heartbreaking story of Qassim Mohammed Salman's family stands as a stark example of the silent crisis enveloping Iraq : the alarming surge in cancer cases matched with inadequate treatment options and a shortage of essential medications. For Mr. Salman, a 46-year-old resident of Nasiriyah in southern Iraq, the battle against cancer is a personal saga that has ravaged his family over the years. The loss of his mother to the disease in January 2019 marked the beginning of a decade-long struggle to save his 73-year-old father. As the family grapples with grief and uncertainty, they are also burdened by the financial strain that this relentless battle has imposed upon them. "Immense suffering" is how Mr. Salman describes their journey, both emotionally and financially. Their story reflects the wider crisis that countless families across Iraq face due to the surge in cancer cases. The impact on families is profound, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their lives and fi...

  Iraq 's electricity grid has long been grappling with challenges in providing a stable and reliable power supply to its citizens. The recent fire incident at the Al Bakr power station in Basra province further highlighted the vulnerability of the country's aging infrastructure, resulting in power outages across five southern provinces amid sweltering temperatures. Despite consistent efforts to increase electricity production by building new power plants annually, Iraq's electricity grid continues to struggle in meeting the growing energy demands of its population. The gap between electricity supply and demand remains a significant concern, affecting public services, businesses, and the overall quality of life for citizens. The incident at the Al Bakr power station underscores the urgent need for comprehensive upgrades and modernization of Iraq's electricity infrastructure. While the Ministry of Electricity successfully restored power to essential facilities like hospi...

  Iraq has faced yet another setback in its efforts to provide reliable electricity to its citizens. The recent fire incident at the Al Bakr power station in Basra province resulted in power outages across five provinces in southern Iraq. The situation was exacerbated by soaring temperatures near 50°C, making it a critical challenge for the region. While the Ministry of Electricity managed to restore power to essential facilities like hospitals, medical centers, water, and sewage stations promptly, the incident highlights the urgent need to address the underlying issues of Iraq's ageing electricity grid. Over the years, Iraq has consistently increased electricity production by constructing new plants annually. However, these efforts have not been sufficient to modernize the country's ageing infrastructure adequately. The recent fire incident highlights the vulnerability of the grid, and the need for comprehensive upgrades to improve reliability and reduce disruptions. To addre...

  As Shiite pilgrims gathered to mark the solemn occasion of Ashura at the Karbala shrine, a tragic fire marred the commemoration, resulting in four fatalities. The incident began near the mausoleum of Imam Hussein, a focal point of reverence during the holy event. A gas bottle in a refreshment tent for pilgrims is suspected to have sparked the fire, which quickly spread into an adjacent market. Despite the efforts of the brave fire crews, the lives lost cast a pall over the otherwise spiritual occasion. As we mourn this tragedy, it becomes vital for organizers to prioritize safety measures and fire precautions during future pilgrimages to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees.

  Iraq took a significant step towards improving its electricity supply as it signed a monumental energy agreement with France's TotalEnergies. This deal marks the largest single foreign investment in the war-torn nation, aiming to develop oil and gas resources while prioritizing renewable energy sources such as solar power. The agreement was officially sealed by TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne and Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdel Ghan, paving the way for substantial infrastructure development and enhanced energy generation. The Gas Growth Integrated Project: One of the key components of the agreement is the Gas Growth Integrated Project. This initiative encompasses the development of an oilfield and the recovery of flared gas from three oilfields. The extracted gas will be supplied to power generation plants in southern Iraq, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing the country's energy diversification efforts. This project holds great potential for not only boosting ...

  In a recent development, electricity has been successfully restored at Baghdad' s International Airport after a temporary power cut that occurred on Thursday, according to an official statement. The blackout, lasting approximately an hour, did not cause any disruptions to flight operations, ensuring the smooth functioning of the airport. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Iraq in its efforts to address the severe electricity crisis that has persisted for years, stemming from the aftermath of decades of war and instability. As temperatures soar close to 50°C amid a scorching heatwave, ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted power supply becomes increasingly critical for the well-being of the population and the smooth functioning of vital infrastructure. The Ministry of Electricity has reported that the power disruption at the airport was a result of power lines being severed during ongoing construction work. Such incidents during construction projects can often ...

Iraq 's recent passage of its largest-ever budget has sparked a debate among experts, with some expressing concerns about the potential strain it may impose on the country's finances. While government supporters argue that the budget is necessary to minimize political conflicts that have previously resulted in prolonged budget delays, experts fear the fiscal consequences of such an ambitious financial plan. Financial Strain and Budget Size: The magnitude of Iraq's latest budget has caught the attention of experts, who are raising concerns about its potential impact on the country's economic stability. The sheer size of the budget has the potential to stretch Iraq's finances to the breaking point, creating challenges in meeting the necessary expenditures and maintaining fiscal balance. Historical Context: One key argument in support of the budget is the need to avoid the political disputes that have plagued previous years, leading to prolonged periods without budgets...

In a meeting between Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Al-Mazrouei, investment opportunities related to the Development Road project were at the forefront of discussions. The meeting emphasized the importance of enhancing relations between the two countries, particularly in the realms of energy and future industries. The positive impact of the project on Iraq's economy and the wider region was also highlighted, showcasing the potential for collaborative growth and economic diversification. Exploring Investment Opportunities: The discussions between Iraq and the UAE shed light on the significance of investment opportunities in the Development Road project. This strategic dialogue signifies the mutual interest in exploring avenues for economic cooperation and sustainable development. By focusing on energy and future industries, both countries aim to tap into potential growth sectors and pave the way for innovation, jo...

    On Thursday, the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani made a visit to the United Arab Emirates to meet with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders discussed a range of bilateral cooperation and international developments. The meeting was focused on enhancing economic, trade, investment and development cooperation between the two nations. According to the Emirates News Agency, the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, with both leaders expressing their desire to strengthen the relationship between Iraq and the UAE. They discussed ways to increase cooperation in various fields, including agriculture, energy, tourism, and culture, in addition to supporting peace and stability in the region   In addition to the discussions, the UAE also announced a $500,000 allocation toward water infrastructure in the western Iraqi region of Sinjar. This marks the second phase of the project in coordination with Nadia’s Initiative, an organization ...

    New elected Abdul Latif Rashid and Mohammed Shia Al Sudani — his nomination for prime minister, tasked with forming the next government — are unlikely to fulfil public expectations of reform, according to experts. Parliament elected Mr Rashid, a veteran Kurdish politician and former minister, as president on Thursday, after a year of political deadlock. Mr Rashid then nominated Mr Al Sudani as prime minister. Politicians affiliated with Shiite cleric and politician Moqtada Al Sadr had emerged as the largest bloc in a general election last October but fell short of a majority. Mr Al Sadr was unable to muster enough support for his choice of president in the face of challenges from the rival Co-ordination Framework bloc, made of up largely of groups backed by Iran.

     Iraq  has finally  elected Abdul Lateef Rasheed as its new president  and  Mohammad Al Sudani  as prime minister.  Mr Rasheed won against former president Barham Salih, who was running for a second term, and quickly named  Mr Sudani as prime minister .  Who is Abdul Lateef Rasheed?  Mr Rasheed, 78, is a veteran politician, having served in high positions of government throughout his life. Born in the northern Kurdish city of Sulaymaniyah, he began his career in his 20s after joining the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). He achieved his degree in civil engineering from Liverpool University in the UK and continued his education there, earning a master's degree and a doctorate in engineering from Manchester University. Mr Rasheed then became Iraq 's minister of water resources from 2003 to 2010, before being appointed as a senior adviser in the PUK by the late president Jalal Talabani, who was also the founder of the group ...