On the morning of Saturday, 4 April 2026, the fifth annual AL-Mustaqbal Book Fair opened under the slogan ‘Our Books, Our Future’, under the patronage of Prof. Dr Hassan Shaker Magdi, President of AL-Mustaqbal University. The fair is considered the largest cultural event among Iraqi universities and was attended by university staff and students, as well as intellectuals and those interested in cultural affairs. The ceremony opened with a speech by Prof. Dr Abbas Abd Ali Al-Bawi, Assistant President for Scientific Affairs, who emphasised that the fair is a leading knowledge platform reflecting the university’s commitment to supporting culture, spreading scientific awareness, and strengthening students’ relationship with books as the foundation for building societies. Twenty-five publishing houses from around the world are participating in the fair, offering a rich variety of scientific and literary publications, alongside a cultural programme featuring meetings with writers, poets and literary figures, as well as theatrical performances and inspiring art exhibitions. An initiative to distribute vouchers for free books has also been launched to promote a culture of reading among students. The fair’s events will run for a week, giving visitors the opportunity to browse the latest publications and take part in cultural activities. The fair forms part of AL-Mustaqbal University’s vision to establish an integrated academic and cultural environment that contributes to preparing a cultured generation capable of keeping pace with developments in knowledge and shaping the future.