Al-Burhan Group was honoured to host a dinner at Cumberland Lodge for the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) trade mission, bringing together senior representatives from the UK and Iraqi business, political and institutional communities.

Al-Burhan Group was proud to serve as the sole sponsor of the Iraq Britain Business Council’s (IBBC) annual Cumberland Lodge conference, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, academics and distinguished guests to discuss Iraq’s economic development, investment opportunities and regional cooperation.

Held at Cumberland Lodge in the United Kingdom, the conference welcomed more than 90 IBBC members and associates for a series of discussions exploring Iraq’s reform agenda, private-sector growth, digital transformation, education and the evolving regional landscape.

The opening reception featured welcoming remarks from His Excellency Dr Saleh Al-Tamimi, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the UK; Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne, President of IBBC; Mr Abir Burhan, Director of Al-Burhan Group; and Mr Fergus Drake OBE, Principal of Cumberland Lodge.

Exploring Iraq’s Economic Priorities and Reform Agenda

A key focus of the conference was Iraq’s economic and institutional development. Dr Yousif Khalaf Yousif Al-Dunainawi, Chairman of the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Advisory Commission, outlined the government’s priorities, including economic empowerment, strengthening state institutions, combating corruption and advancing institutional reform.

Discussions also examined the role of digital transformation in modernising public administration, improving governance and developing Iraq’s digital capabilities, including data infrastructure and artificial intelligence.

Speakers from Chatham House, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Lehigh University contributed expert perspectives on Iraq’s political and economic outlook. Participants also explored electoral reform, employment opportunities for Iraq’s growing young population and the essential role of the private sector in generating sustainable economic growth.

For Al-Burhan Group, these discussions reflect the importance of fostering an environment in which businesses can contribute to long-term development, innovation and prosperity.

Regional Cooperation and New Investment Opportunities

The conference also considered developments across the wider region, including opportunities emerging in Syria. A dedicated panel explored the country’s reconstruction potential, its prospects as a regional logistics hub connecting with Iraq, and opportunities across tourism, energy and transport.

Participants highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships, effective legal frameworks, investment incentives, workforce development and digitalisation in supporting economic recovery and creating new commercial opportunities.

These discussions reinforced the value of regional cooperation and constructive engagement between businesses and institutions in building stronger economic connections.

Recognising Excellence in Iraqi Business

An important highlight of the conference was the presentation of the 2026 Rasmi Al Jabri Award for Business Excellence to Basra Gas Company.

Established by IBBC in 2021 in honour of its late founding member and former Vice Chairman, Engineer Rasmi Al Jabri, the award recognises Iraqi businesses demonstrating strong local leadership, high standards of business practice, investment in people and commitment to the wider community.

Basra Gas Company was recognised for its business performance, contribution to domestic gas supplies for power generation, progress in reducing gas flaring, adoption of solar power and investment in developing Iraqi talent.

The award celebrates the achievements of Iraqi enterprises that are helping advance the country’s economic development while demonstrating responsible and sustainable business practices.

Advancing Education and Developing Iraqi Talent

Education and human capital development were also central to the conference programme. A significant milestone was the signing of two scholarship agreements between Iraq’s Higher Committee for Education Development (HCED) and the University of Leeds and the University of Aberdeen.

Facilitated by IBBC Education Advisor Professor Mohammed Al-Uzri, the agreements create further opportunities for Iraqi students to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.

The subsequent education panel brought together representatives from the university and education sectors to discuss developments in Iraqi higher education, schools and international education provision. The discussions highlighted the importance of educational partnerships in equipping future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to support Iraq’s continued development.

Business Leadership, Innovation and Security

The conference programme also addressed the opportunities and challenges associated with emerging technologies. During the evening dinner programme, Ms Nathalie von Taaffe, an SBBC Advisory Council member and former global compliance and security director at Barclays, discussed the implications of artificial intelligence and cyber risks for business security, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities presented by these technologies.

A further dinner featured Brigadier James Ellery, who shared experiences from his military and international career, including his work in Iraq, Africa and with the United Nations.

Together, these sessions provided delegates with broader perspectives on leadership, technology, security and the changing environment in which businesses operate.

Al-Burhan Group’s Commitment to Stronger Business Partnerships

As sole sponsor of IBBC’s Cumberland Lodge conference, Al-Burhan Group is pleased to have supported a forum that encourages meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange and closer engagement between the UK, Iraq and the wider region.

We believe that constructive partnerships between the private sector, government, educational institutions and international business communities are essential to unlocking investment opportunities and supporting sustainable economic growth.

Our support for this event reflects our commitment to contributing to initiatives that strengthen commercial relationships, encourage responsible business practices and help create opportunities for Iraq’s future.

Al-Burhan Group extends its appreciation to IBBC, the speakers, delegates and participating institutions for their contributions to a valuable and engaging conference. We look forward to continuing to support initiatives that promote cooperation, investment and long-term prosperity.