Under the Golden Sponsorship of Al-Mustaqbal University, the 13th Babylon International Festival of Cultures and Arts kicked off on Thursday morning, 8 October 2026, in the ancient city of Babylon, under the slogan “We Are All Babylonians,” with broad participation from Iraqi, Arab, and international artists and intellectuals, and in the presence of local government representatives. The festival will continue until 16 October, featuring a diverse cultural and artistic programme that includes the International Book Fair, an art exhibition, poetry evenings, literary and cultural seminars, as well as musical, theatrical, and artistic performances reflecting the diversity of the Iraqi and international cultural scene. As part of the International Book Fair, Al-Mustaqbal University’s pavilion attracted considerable attention, with visitors showing strong interest in exploring the university’s publications and academic and cultural achievements. This reflects the university’s role in supporting scientific and cultural activities and strengthening its presence at cultural events. The festival serves as a cultural platform bringing together various forms of creativity, including poetry, literature, music, theatre, cinema, and visual arts, alongside intellectual discussions and heritage activities. It seeks to reinforce the status of Babylon as a meeting point of civilizations and cultures and to promote cultural exchange among peoples. Al-Mustaqbal University’s sponsorship of this cultural event underscores its commitment to supporting artistic and literary activities and contributing to the advancement of Iraq’s cultural scene, in line with its mission to serve society and promote the values of knowledge and creativity. Al-Mustaqbal University The No. 1 University in Iraq