IBBC held a well-attended reception and dinner at Khan Al-Baghdadi in Baghdad’s historic Shawaka district on Tuesday, 10 November 2026. Hosted by Christophe Michels, IBBC Managing Director, and IBBC member Al-Baghdadi Group, the evening brought together IBBC members, artists, gallery owners and local business owners.

Dr Mohammed Al-Baghdadi said: “It is a pleasure to welcome you here to the heart of old Baghdad, and thank you for joining us this evening. I would like to introduce the Baghdad Initiative for the Future, which we launched under the theme ‘Baghdad… Preserving Its Heritage… Shaping Its Future’.

“Our idea is to make Baghdad’s heritage part of its future and create new opportunities for its people through culture, arts, tourism and entrepreneurship. Through this civil initiative, we are working to restore historic spaces, support traditional crafts, empower young people and women, and build partnerships that turn these goals into sustainable opportunities for Baghdad and its people.”

Welcoming members and guests, Christophe Michels, IBBC Managing Director, said: “Baghdad’s cultural heritage offers considerable potential for investment in tourism. Developing this sector can create jobs, support local businesses and open opportunities for young people. The experience of countries with established tourism industries shows how much it can contribute to employment and economic growth.”

The evening provided an opportunity for IBBC members and Baghdad’s creative and business communities to meet, exchange ideas and discuss how private sector support can help preserve the city’s heritage while developing its visitor economy.

IBBC thanks Dr Mohammed Al-Baghdadi and Al-Baghdadi Group for their hospitality, and all members and guests who attended.