The IBBC Basrah Conference
‘Gateway to Iraq’
3th and 4th December 2025
The Millenium Hotel Basrah and Southern Technical University
A two-day event including an education conference, as IBBC returns to Basrah after many years.
Join IBBC’s most significant Conference in the Middle East. We will host a comprehensive event over two days. Our Main Conference Day focused on all aspects of the Business Environment, takes place at the Millenium Hotel Basrah. Top Iraqi and British officials and leading IBBC companies will discuss all aspects of a sustainable Iraq, from the economy, to Energy, Finance and Investment, infrastructure, Maritime, Technology and an Education and skills day.
Register your interest by emailing us: london@webuildiraq.org
Tickets cover both days and a reception on the evening of 3rd December.
Basrah is the physical and symbolic gateway to Iraq, with ports for export and import and the impressive massive new Al Faw port, with links into Iraq. There are plans to build freeports for businesses and communities along the development road to Turkey and beyond. We will examine the Gateways for trade, for finance, for education, technology and the infrastructure that underpins this ambitious, game changer for Iraq.
Iraq is now at the centre of activity in the Middle East and finding its own voice in its own interest. How Iraq’s foreign policy is used to promote Iraq’s interests, including in its relations with its neighbours, and generate inward investment for Gateway projects, is key to the country’s ambitions.
If you attended the IBBC Baghdad Conference earlier in 2025, you would know how many Iraqi ministers and officials spoke, the overwhelming turnout and how the top echelon of businesses attended and contributed their insights into the business outlook.
IBBC are confident of again bringing these expert and influential voices to the conference, to explain what is next for Iraq, and the promise of the development road and infrastructure amassing around Basrah, with its access to energy and future logistics to Turkey and Europe.
Hear former British Ambassador Jon Wilks manage his geopolitical panel that will offer insights and opportunities and challenges for Iraq’s regional dynamics, and the likely outcomes from Iraq’s election. The Finance and Investment panel will address the global energy and financial market impact and guide us to where opportunities for growth and investments will emerge.
We are fortunate to have so many top tier sponsors for this conference, which indicates great significance for our members and the business community. We are therefore offering free admission to members and their supplier companies, and to qualified leading businesses in Iraq and the region.
New Speakers for Business Day:
Confirmed Speakers for Business Day:
Basrah, the hub of Iraq’s oil, gas, and maritime industries, provides a natural focal point for suppliers and leading global energy companies. As Iraq’s principal gateway to international trade and investment, the city offers unique opportunities across multiple sectors.
Building on the momentum of the successful Baghdad Conference in February and the London Spring Conference in June—both attended by numerous ministers and senior officials—IBBC anticipates strong demand for participation. With Iraq’s economy showing resilience and a new government forming, this event will bring together international businesses, investors, and policymakers.
The programme will feature:
- Energy panels with leading operators including BGC, BP, and TotalEnergies, examining future opportunities.
- Finance sessions with top banks and lenders discussing how Iraq can attract Gulf and international capital through improved ease of doing business.
- A dedicated Maritime panel highlighting Basrah’s marine capabilities and new dry canal projects.
- Technology and innovation sessions showcasing investment in Iraq’s growing digital infrastructure.
- Education and skills panels focusing on new schools, training, and partnerships between British universities and Iraqi institutions — essential for long-term economic development.
Business Day Agenda, press here
Education Day
3rd December 2025, Southern Technical University
The Education Day will showcase the growing role of private international schools in Iraq, with leading providers including SABIS®, Stirling Education, and Cambridge Education sharing their experience and expertise. Panels will also examine vocational training and higher education, with contributions from distinguished UK universities and their Iraqi partners. These discussions will explore how international collaboration can raise standards, build skills, and support Iraq’s long-term development. We are especially honoured to welcome back Professor Hamid Ahmed Khalaf, Executive Director of the Higher Committee for Educational Development at the Prime Minister’s Office, as Guest of Honour.
Confirmed Speakers for Education Day:
Education Day Agenda, press here
IBBC Tech Forum
3rd December 2025, Online and The Millenium Hotel, Basrah
AI, and the deployment of Capital: what is the impact?
An online session with some of the leading AI and tech operators in the UK. We will be exploring the current bubble that is AI, why is it so interesting to investors? What might its impact be – especially on skills and education, and what are entrepreneurs currently working on?
You will hear from three practitioners (details to be confirmed):
- Phil Mcauley of Saibre, Capital – capital investment in AI
- Dr Neil Cobbold, Reapit- on future skills and AI
- She codes : Raghad Jaiboudi
- GCS : Makram Jaibaji
Register to the Tech Forum here
Sponsors
Register your interest by emailing us: london@webuildiraq.org
Anyone who want travel Insurance to Iraq, you can contact the email addresses below: