Baghdad witnessed a remarkable economic event on April 7, as it hosted a high-level US trade delegation comprising representatives from more than 60 leading American companies operating in the fields of energy, technology, health and financial services.
The visit, led by the US Chamber of Commerce under the leadership of Steve Lutes, was described by the American embassy in the Iraqi capital as “the first trade mission to Iraq approved by the US Department of Commerce, and the largest US business delegation to Iraq in the Chamber’s history”. This reflects unprecedented interest from the American private sector in Iraq’s growing economic potential and investment opportunities.
The delegation, consisting of 101 representatives from major companies such as AstraZeneca, GE HealthCare, Google, Oracle and Space X, and dozens of mid-sized and emerging companies, held a series of meetings. These included discussions with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, the ministers of oil and electricity, the governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, and senior advisers and officials in key economic and investment sectors.
During the meetings, the Iraqi side presented its comprehensive vision for stimulating economic development and enhancing the investment climate. Mr Al Sudani emphasised that Iraq is undergoing a genuine transformation after decades of wars, sanctions and the fight against terrorism. Today, the country enjoys significant political, security and societal stability, allowing the government to focus on reconstruction, development and diversifying sources of income. He highlighted the broad reforms initiated by his administration to improve the business environment, including updated investment laws, streamlined company registration processes, sovereign guarantees for strategic projects, and expanded support for national industries and private sector engagement.
The Prime Minister noted that Iraq is no longer isolated from the global economy but is instead at the heart of an ambitious project to reposition itself as a key link between East and West. He referred to the “Development Road” project, which will connect Iraqi ports in the Gulf to Turkey and onward to Europe, creating the shortest and most cost-effective land trade route in the region. Mr Al Sudani also highlighted Iraq’s vast and largely untapped natural resources – including natural gas, sulphur and phosphate – ranking among the top globally in reserves. While Iraq currently produces around 4 million barrels of oil a day, large quantities of associated gas are still flared. The government has launched major initiatives to address this, including projects already under way to end gas flaring by 2028.
The American delegation’s visit to Baghdad was not merely another economic activity on a crowded schedule – it marked a pivotal moment in the trajectory of Iraq-US relations
One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Iraqi government and GE Vernova to construct combined-cycle gas power plants with a capacity of 27,000 megawatts – the largest and most ambitious energy plan in Iraq’s history. Another agreement was signed with UGT Renewable to develop a solar power plant with a capacity of 3,000 megawatts, as well as new electricity transmission infrastructure and battery storage systems of up to 500 megawatts an hour. These projects will be financed by major institutions such as the US Export-Import Bank, the UK Export Finance agency and JPMorgan Chase.
The American delegation saw first-hand the transformation Iraq is undergoing and expressed a strong interest in pursuing strategic investments. Reinforcing this partnership at the institutional level, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the US Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce to expand co-operation in economic, technological and educational fields, with a special focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in both countries.
The US charge d’affaires in Baghdad, who attended several of the meetings, expressed his optimism about the positive developments in Iraq. He noted that this mission is not only the largest of its kind, but also reflects a new vision in Washington – one that sees Iraq as a strategic economic partner in the region and recognises the serious commitment of the Iraqi government to support investment and eliminate barriers to foreign capital.
Mr Al Sudani pointed out that over the past two years, Iraq has succeeded in attracting global companies to implement vital projects worth more than $88 billion, covering sectors such as energy, housing, industry and agriculture. He reaffirmed the government’s determination to launch further industrial support packages, cut bureaucratic red tape, reform regulations, and create a more dynamic and investor-friendly legal environment.
Addressing those who continue to promote a negative image of Iraq, the Prime Minister stressed that such portrayals no longer reflect the country’s reality. Iraq today is a safe and attractive destination for investment, as evidenced by the scale of participation in this historic visit and the level of commitment shown by leading American companies, who came not just to explore – but to engage.
The American delegation’s visit to Baghdad was not merely another economic activity on a crowded schedule – it marked a pivotal moment in the trajectory of Iraq-US relations. It sent a dual message: from the American side, a reaffirmation of confidence in Iraq’s potential, and from the Iraqi side, a mature and confident presentation of its capabilities, opportunities, and readiness for genuine partnerships based on shared interests and mutual growth.
With this positive momentum and the continued progress of reforms and development programmes, Iraq is steadily positioning itself as a regional leader – not just as a source of raw materials, but as a hub for trade, investment and economic integration. It is a country on the rise, and one that future generations will remember as having seized a historic moment to rebuild, reconnect and thrive.
Hussein Shamara is an Iraqi businessman and the general manager of International Holdings for Investments
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
Match info
Bournemouth 0
Liverpool 4 (Salah 25', 48', 76', Cook 68' OG)
Man of the match: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
Abdul Jabar Qahraman was meeting supporters in his campaign office in the southern Afghan province of Helmand when a bomb hidden under a sofa exploded on Wednesday.
The blast in the provincial capital Lashkar Gah killed the Afghan election candidate and at least another three people, Interior Minister Wais Ahmad Barmak told reporters. Another three were wounded, while three suspects were detained, he said.
The Taliban – which controls much of Helmand and has vowed to disrupt the October 20 parliamentary elections – claimed responsibility for the attack.
Mr Qahraman was at least the 10th candidate killed so far during the campaign season, and the second from Lashkar Gah this month. Another candidate, Saleh Mohammad Asikzai, was among eight people killed in a suicide attack last week. Most of the slain candidates were murdered in targeted assassinations, including Avtar Singh Khalsa, the first Afghan Sikh to run for the lower house of the parliament.
The same week the Taliban warned candidates to withdraw from the elections. On Wednesday the group issued fresh warnings, calling on educational workers to stop schools from being used as polling centres.
TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
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Abu Dhabi GP schedule
Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm
Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm
Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Transmission: ten-speed
Power: 420bhp
Torque: 624Nm
Price: Dh325,125
On sale: Now
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Yahya Al Ghassani's bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Sunday's games
Liverpool v West Ham United, 4.30pm (UAE)
Southampton v Burnley, 4.30pm
Arsenal v Manchester City, 7pm
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
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Day 2, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Dinesh Chandimal has inherited a challenging job, after being made Sri Lanka’s Test captain. He responded in perfect fashion, with an easy-natured century against Pakistan. He brought up three figures with a majestic cover drive, which he just stood and admired.
Stat of the day – 33 It took 33 balls for Dilruwan Perera to get off the mark. His time on zero was eventful enough. The Sri Lankan No 7 was given out LBW twice, but managed to have both decisions overturned on review. The TV replays showed both times that he had inside edged the ball onto his pad.
The verdict In the two previous times these two sides have met in Abu Dhabi, the Tests have been drawn. The docile nature of proceedings so far makes that the likely outcome again this time, but both sides will be harbouring thoughts that they can force their way into a winning position.
if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Seoul from Dh3,775 return, including taxes
The package
Ski Safari offers a seven-night ski package to Korea, including five nights at the Dragon Valley Hotel in Yongpyong and two nights at Seoul CenterMark hotel, from £720 (Dh3,488) per person, including transfers, based on two travelling in January
The info
Visit www.gokorea.co.uk
Rankings
ATP: 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 10,955 pts; 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 8,320; 3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 6,475 ( 1); 5. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 5,060 ( 1); 6. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 4,845 ( 1); 6. Roger Federer (SUI) 4,600 (-3); 7. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,110 ( 2); 8. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3,960; 9. John Isner (USA) 3,155 ( 1); 10. Marin Cilic (CRO) 3,140 (-3)
WTA: 1. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 7,030 pts ( 3); 2. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 6,290 ( 4); 3. Simona Halep (ROM) 5,582 (-2); 4. Sloane Stephens (USA) 5,307 ( 1); 5. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 5,100 ( 3); 6. Angelique Kerber (GER) 4,965 (-4); 7. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4,940; 8. Kiki Bertens (NED) 4,430 ( 1); 9. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 3,566 (-6); 10. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 3,485 ( 1)
The bio
Favourite vegetable: Broccoli
Favourite food: Seafood
Favourite thing to cook: Duck l'orange
Favourite book: Give and Take by Adam Grant, one of his professors at University of Pennsylvania
Favourite place to travel: Home in Kuwait.
Favourite place in the UAE: Al Qudra lakes
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Heather, the Totality
Matthew Weiner,
Canongate
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
