Under the direction of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research organised a celebratory conference marking the selection of Baghdad as the Arab Tourism Capital for the year 2025. The event was held in cooperation with the Permanent National Committee for Societal Awareness and Guidance at the Office of the Prime Minister.

In his keynote address, Deputy Minister Dr. Adnan Ibrahim Al-Jumaili affirmed the ministry's firm commitment to fostering institutional partnerships that position Baghdad as a premier academic, cultural, and touristic destination.

He emphasised that Iraqi academic and cultural institutions are steadily advancing the nation’s long-term development strategies toward 2030. This advancement coherently engages with global partnerships and responds thoughtfully to the goals of sustainable development.

The event featured remarks by the Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, and Dr. Lubna Khamis Mahdi, Director General of the Research and Development Department. It also included dialogue sessions, presentations, and performances that reflected the strategic vision of the Iraqi state in the realms of cultural and knowledge-based tourism—highlighting the synergy between universities, cultural institutions, and the tourism sector.