Under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Kurdistan Region, and in the presence of a number of university presidents, vice presidents, deans, researchers, and academics from higher education institutions across the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, the University of Zakho proudly hosted the first day of the First International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Engineering and Applied Sciences (ICAIEAS 2026) on Wednesday, 17 June 2026.

The conference, jointly organized by the University of Zakho in collaboration with Duhok Polytechnic University, Şırnak University, Soran University, and Akre University for Applied Sciences, will continue for two days, from 17–18 June 2026.

The conference commenced with a moment of respect in honor of the martyrs. This was followed by an opening address delivered by Prof. Dr. Dyar Abdulkarim Saeed, President of the University of Zakho, on behalf of the University of Zakho and the partner universities. In his speech, he stated:

“Our primary objective is to benefit from the latest scientific achievements. Artificial Intelligence is not merely a technological and scientific topic; rather, it is a civilizational phenomenon capable of transforming the course of humanity for decades to come.”

He also expressed his gratitude to the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for their support in organizing the conference.

On the other hand, the Ministry’s address was delivered by Dr. Amir Abdulrahman Chaly, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. In his remarks, he congratulated the University of Zakho and the partner universities and emphasized the importance of such conferences as significant scientific initiatives that contribute to the advancement of the region.

As part of the conference program, a documentary video introducing the organizing universities was presented, followed by a brief overview of the conference delivered by Prof. Dr. Jasim Mohammed Abdo.

Following the opening ceremony, the conference keynote speakers delivered their presentations. The keynote speakers included: Prof. Dr. Masoud, Eng. Hassan, Prof. Dr. Tariq, Prof. Rashid, Dr. Arslan, Mr. Mirza, Prof. Dr. Mohammed, Eng. Ani (online), Prof. Dr. Mevan, and Asst. Eng. Abdulrazzaq.

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, certificates of appreciation and commemorative recognitions were presented to the participants. Following the lunch break, the technical sessions were conducted in various halls across the University of Zakho campus.

The second and final day of the conference is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 18 June 2026, beginning with technical sessions at 10:00 a.m. The closing ceremony and presentation of recommendations will be held at 12:00 noon and will be chaired by Prof. Dr. Frast Hito Abdulrahman.