Latest news with #Al-Fatlawi
Shafaq News
05-04-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Najaf Airport launches first direct flight from Medina
Shafaq News/ On Saturday, Iraq's Najaf International Airport welcomed its first direct flight from Medina, Saudi Arabia, marking the inauguration of a new air route between the two cities. Aqeel Al-Fatlawi, a spokesperson for Najaf Airport, highlighted to Shafaq News that 'the new service is an important step toward strengthening religious, tourism, and trade relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.' He also underscored the significance of the route during the Umrah season, which draws millions of visitors annually. 'This connection not only facilitates smoother travel for pilgrims but also supports broader cooperation between the two countries in key sectors,' Al-Fatlawi noted. Additionally, Haider Ahmed, a representative of the International Air Company, confirmed that the airline has already begun operating flights from both Najaf and Baghdad to Medina. The current fleet consists of four aircraft, with plans to increase to six by June. He also revealed that the airline intends to expand its network to include destinations such as Istanbul, Jordan, the UAE, and Bahrain in the coming months.
Iraqi News
31-03-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Al-Rafidain Bank Director-General: Financial Technology Will Shape Iraq's Banking Sector
Baghdad – INA The Director General of Rafidain Bank, Ali Al-Fatlawi, emphasized that the bank has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, positioning itself as a cornerstone of Iraq's modern banking sector through the adoption of financial technology, the promotion of financial inclusion, and adherence to international standards of integrity and compliance. A Holistic Vision for Success Speaking to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Al-Fatlawi stated, 'Success is not merely the result of administrative decisions, but rather a comprehensive vision based on investing in human capital, forging strategic partnerships, and enhancing banking services in line with the latest global standards.' Investing in Human Capital: The Key to Growth Al-Fatlawi stressed that no financial institution can achieve sustainable success without a skilled workforce. 'Developing our employees has been a top priority, with substantial budgets allocated for training. We have sent staff to educational programs both inside and outside Iraq and partnered with the American University of Baghdad to deliver advanced programs in banking management, financial risk, and compliance.' Strengthening Financial Integrity and Compliance Al-Fatlawi highlighted the bank's commitment to financial integrity, stating that it has adopted advanced anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems, including the UN-backed goAML (Anti-Money-Laundering System). Additionally, Rafidain Bank has collaborated with global firm K2 to enhance compliance frameworks. 'These steps have strengthened our credibility with international regulatory and banking institutions and improved our position in the financial market,' he said. Financial Inclusion for a More Stable Economy He underscored the importance of financial inclusion, describing it as an economic necessity rather than an option. 'We have launched a dedicated team to develop banking initiatives and played a key role in streamlining electronic payment revenues for most government institutions, reducing cash dependency. We also introduced digital payment services that enable employees and retirees to access their entitlements seamlessly.' Financial Technology: The Future of Rafidain Bank Al-Fatlawi announced the launch of ATM services for the first time, alongside a new savings card that allows customers to invest their funds efficiently. 'We are also in the process of introducing credit cards, facilitating financial transactions both inside and outside Iraq, positioning Rafidain Bank among digitally advanced institutions,' he confirmed Strategic Partnerships to Enhance Banking Capabilities He pointed to partnerships with global entities such as Ernst & Young (EY) for banking governance development and K2 for financial compliance. 'These collaborations have boosted our operational efficiency and aligned us more closely with international banking standards.' A More Advanced Banking Future Al-Fatlawi concluded that Rafidain Bank is entering a new phase of development and influence within Iraq's financial sector. 'With the continued rollout of digital services, the expansion of financial inclusion, and the strengthening of global partnerships, we aspire to make Rafidain Bank a model for banking excellence in Iraq and the region,'he further noted.
Iraqi News
15-03-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
The General Coordinator announces that the Governorates Law will soon be presented to the Council of Ministers
Baghdad-INA The General Coordinator for Provincial Affairs, Ahmed Al-Fatlawi, announced on Saturday that the Provincial Councils Law will soon be presented to the Council of Ministers. While highlighting the advantages of the new Provincial Councils Law, he confirmed that it is in advanced stages. Al-Fatlawi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The experience of transferring powers between ministries and governorates, which began in 2015, still faces implementation challenges." He added, "The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Public Municipalities has effectively and practically transferred most of its powers, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has also transferred its powers, with the exception of the Welfare and Social Protection Commissions. Meanwhile, a Federal Court recently issued a decision regarding the transfer of powers to the Ministry of Agriculture, which was implemented in accordance with the decision of the Supreme Commission. In addition, the powers of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and some of the powers of the Ministry of Finance have been transferred." He explained that "the main problem lies in determining the ceiling on what remains with the ministry and what is transferred to the governorates, and the extent to which the parties adhere to this distribution." Regarding the new provincial councils law, Al-Fatlawi indicated that "the law is about to be presented to the Council of Ministers before being referred to the House of Representatives," stressing that "the law has reached advanced stages." He continued, "The new law priorates clearer, more detailed rules regulating the relationship between the executive, legislative, and oversight bodies in the governorates. It aims to achieve better administrative stability by establishing controls for oversight mechanisms and the relationship between the executive and legislative branches." He pointed out that "the new provincial councils law will address the issues between the governorates and the federal government, whether related to the House of Representatives or the Prime Ministry," noting that "the legal text, when implemented, may be subject to different interpretations. This will require a role for the State Council in interpreting some provisions, in addition to the role of the Federal and Administrative Courts in resolving disputes. This will gradually contribute to the maturation of the experience and the stabilization of the rules."
Iraqi News
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Iraqi News
Najaf International Book Fair 2024: A cultural hub connecting the world
Najaf ( – The 4th edition of the Najaf International Book Fair officially opened on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, hosting an impressive 200 publishing houses from 20 Arab and foreign countries, in addition to numerous Iraqi publishers. The event reaffirms Najaf's status as a cultural, intellectual, and religious center in the Arab world. A major cultural gathering in Iraq The fair, which will run for 10 days, is considered one of Iraq's most significant literary and academic events. The event showcases over 600,000 book titles, covering a wide range of subjects, including literature, science, history, and politics. According to Ahmed Al-Fatlawi, the spokesperson for the Najaf local government, the fair is not only a platform for book lovers, researchers, and academics but also a cultural, literary, and intellectual festival that strengthens Najaf's role as a hub of knowledge. 'The local government of Najaf attaches great importance to hosting cultural exhibitions and festivals,' Al-Fatlawi stated. 'Over the past years, Najaf has hosted more than 25 cultural events, reinforcing its reputation as a capital of culture and thought.' An international presence with 20 participating countries Haider Hashem Al-Moussawi, the media director of the Najaf International Book Fair, emphasized the global scale of this year's edition. 'This year, we have publishing houses from 20 countries, making this fair a true crossroads for literature and arts, both locally and internationally,' he told the Iraqi News Agency (INA). The event has attracted renowned publishers from across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to explore rare books, recent publications, and valuable academic resources. Beyond books: cultural forums, book signings, and poetry nights In addition to the vast selection of books, the fair features an array of cultural activities, including: Book launches and signings by prominent authors Intellectual discussions and seminars Poetry evenings featuring renowned poets Panel discussions on literature, politics, and contemporary issues Al-Moussawi noted that these activities aim to enhance cultural dialogue and provide a dynamic space for knowledge exchange. Government support and commitment to cultural development This year's fair has received official endorsement from the Iraqi Presidency, demonstrating its growing national significance. 'The Najaf International Book Fair has become an essential cultural tradition, and the local government has worked tirelessly to remove any logistical obstacles for participants,' Al-Fatlawi stated. He added that the fair plays a vital role in enhancing Iraq's cultural scene, as it fosters a reading culture, supports local and international authors, and strengthens the country's literary heritage. Najaf: a historical and intellectual beacon Najaf has long been recognized as a center of Islamic scholarship and intellectual discourse. The city, home to one of the world's most prestigious Islamic seminaries, has historically served as a hub for scholars, poets, and writers. Hosting a major international book fair further solidifies Najaf's role in cultural diplomacy, allowing for intellectual exchanges between Iraqi and international thinkers. Final thoughts: a promising future for Iraq's cultural scene The Najaf International Book Fair stands as a testament to Iraq's enduring literary and intellectual traditions. Despite past challenges, events like this illustrate Iraq's commitment to reviving its cultural and literary identity on the global stage. With expanding international participation, diverse book collections, and enriching cultural events, the fair continues to bridge the gap between readers, scholars, and global publishers.
Shafaq News
12-02-2025
- General
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Najaf hosts 4th International Book Fair
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, the Iraqi city of Najaf opened its Fourth International Book Fair. Ahmed Al-Fatlawi, spokesperson for the Najaf local government, told Shafaq News that the fair features 200 publishing, including publishers from 20 Arab and foreign countries. 'The fair is a literary, scientific, political, and media event, offering authors and researchers access to rare and valuable books essential to their work,' Al-Fatlawi said. He further stressed that the Najaf local government is committed to hosting cultural exhibitions and festivals, having organized over 25 such events in recent months to solidify the city's status as a center for knowledge and intellectual thought. The 10-day event provides a platform for those interested in literature, philosophy, and history, reinforcing Najaf's reputation as a cradle of learning and enlightenment.
