Arab Bank Iraq recently held an official ceremony to mark the opening of its new headquarters in Jadriya, Baghdad. The ceremony was held under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, along with His Excellency Ali Al-Alaq, Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Sabih Al-Masri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Arab Bank Group, Ms. Randa Al-Sadiq, CEO of Arab Bank Group, Mr. Jawad Al-Qassab, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Arab Bank Iraq, several members of the Board of Directors of Arab Bank Iraq, and a number of prominent figures from the banking and business sectors.
Arab Bank Iraq obtained its final banking license in the Republic of Iraq in 2024 and commenced operations as a private Iraqi shareholding company at the beginning of this year. Arab Bank Iraq represents an extension of the historical presence of Arab Bank in Iraq, which operated between 1945 and 1964 in Baghdad, Mosul, and Basra.

The launch of Arab Bank Iraq is part of the Arab Bank Group's broader expansion, which boasts one of the largest global Arab banking networks with over 600 branches across four continents. The Group's vision is based on an ambitious future outlook and a comprehensive strategy that leverages the latest digital advancements in the banking industry. This is further bolstered by a distinguished reputation and over nine decades of banking experience, during which it has cultivated strong relationships with generations of clients locally, regionally, and globally, across various sectors.
The Arab Bank of Iraq's headquarters embodies its corporate identity, reflecting its dynamic structure and strong ties with clients, partners, and the community. Based on its corporate motto, "Beginnings Never End" which reflects the bank's commitment to empowering its clients to achieve their aspirations and celebrate their accomplishments as new beginnings for further success, this opening marks a distinguished start to the official launch of the Arab Bank of Iraq, ushering in new horizons and confident steps towards a renewed banking future.

In his address at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia'a Al-Sudani explained that the presence of the Arab Bank of Iraq represents a strategic addition to the national banking sector. He described it as a model for the modern and effective banking institutions that are capable of providing advanced services that contribute to financing sustainable development. He emphasized the need to revitalize the financing of diverse projects and investment opportunities, given the presence of a bold and capable Iraqi private sector that understands the intricacies of the investment environment.
In his address, His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq welcomed the return of Arab Bank to Iraq through Arab Bank Iraq, noting the bank's long history and experience spanning more than nine decades. He also expressed his pride in Arab Bank Iraq's contribution to Riyada Bank, which will be launched soon.

For his part, Mr. Sabih Al-Masri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Bank Group, thanked His Excellency Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani for his generous patronage and for gracing the opening ceremony. He emphasized that this participation reflects the Iraqi government's commitment to supporting the banking sector and developing its infrastructure, and constitutes support for the progress of Arab Bank Iraq as part of the Arab Bank Group, which strives to serve the Iraqi economy.

Mr. Al-Masri also expressed his appreciation for the presence of His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, praising his pivotal role in supporting and stabilizing the Iraqi banking sector. He affirmed that the Central Bank represents the cornerstone of this sector and that its efforts directly contribute to strengthening confidence in Iraqi banking institutions.
For his part, Mr. Jawad Al-Qassab, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Arab Bank Iraq, said: “We are delighted to share this official opening with our clients, which reinforces Arab Bank’s historical presence in Iraq. This is just the first step in our strategic expansion plan, which includes opening ten new branches across the provinces, in addition to digital expansion to cover wider areas and meet the needs of a larger segment of clients. We are also honored to welcome His Excellency the Prime Minister, Engineer Mohammed Shia’a Al-Sudani, and we thank him for his patronage and gracious presence, which added special value to this event. We are also pleased to welcome His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Dr. Ali Al-Alaq, and we appreciate his fundamental and important role in supporting the banking sector.”

Arab Bank Iraq currently has two branches in Baghdad; the main branch is located in Jadriyah and the other in Karrada. There are plans to open new branches in the near future, including a branch in Erbil at the beginning of next year, another branch in Basra Governorate in southern Iraq, and several other branches in the capital, Baghdad.