TLDR: Dr. Naeem Abd Yaser Al-Aboudi, Iraq’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, has announced the establishment of a new College of Artificial Intelligence at Baghdad University, set to begin in the 2025/2026 academic year. The college will offer Master’s programs focusing on engineering applications, biomedical applications, and big data.
In a significant move to advance Iraq’s academic landscape and embrace global technological shifts, Dr. Naeem Abd Yaser Al-Aboudi, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, has issued a ministerial order for the establishment of a dedicated College of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Baghdad. This new institution is slated to commence its programs in the upcoming academic year, 2025/2026.
The decision to create this specialized college is a cornerstone of a broader “strategic vision to develop the Iraqi academic system and keep pace with global digital and knowledge transformations,” as stated by Minister Al-Aboudi. The curriculum of the Artificial Intelligence College will be comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on practical applications in “engineering, biomedical applications and big data.”
This initiative is also seen as a crucial step in Iraq’s efforts to diversify its economy, moving beyond its traditional reliance on oil. By fostering expertise in AI, the country aims to prepare its workforce for a new economy and mitigate potential short-term labor disruptions that may arise from the widespread adoption of AI technologies.
The ministerial order has set a deadline of August 20, 2025, for the completion of all necessary logistical and human resources requirements for the new college. The Directorate of Studies, Planning and Follow-up has been tasked with establishing admission controls and application mechanisms to attract qualified students and nurture innovative educational environments.
The University of Baghdad, which currently enrolls an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 students, is not alone in its endeavor to integrate AI into higher education. This development aligns with a growing trend across the Middle East, where countries are actively investing in the booming AI sector to become major players. For instance, the UAE established the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in 2019, the world’s first university dedicated solely to AI, which opened its doors the following year.
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Minister Al-Aboudi has been actively following up on the preparations for the inauguration of both the College of Excellence and the College of Artificial Intelligence, underscoring the ministry’s commitment to advancing the quality of higher education and promoting research and innovation in emerging technologies. This strategic move is expected to contribute significantly to the development of skilled human capital, driving inclusive and sustainable growth across various sectors in Iraq.
