Under the auspices of the General Secretariat of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), and under the supervision of the President of Al-Zahraa University for, Prof. Dr. Zainab Al-Mulla Al-Sultani, the inauguration ceremony of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology building, along with the opening of the overpass connecting the university buildings on the Baghdad Road, was held on the sidelines of the 18th International Rabi’ Al-Shahada Festival. The ceremony witnessed wide official and academic attendance from inside and outside Iraq.

The ceremony commenced with a speech by the Legal Custodian of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein (PBUH), Sheikh Abd Al-Mahdi Al-Karbala’i, in which he emphasized that university education constitutes a fundamental pillar in building both the individual and society in accordance with an Islamic vision. He also highlighted the mission of higher education and the motivations behind establishing universities and educational institutions dedicated to women, stemming from firm belief in their pivotal role in societal development.

The Governor of Karbala, Mr. Naseef Jassim Al-Khattabi, delivered a speech in which he outlined the esteemed status of women in Islam and the high regard they receive from the Supreme Religious Authority. He praised the initiative of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein in establishing this academic institution and expressed pride in the presence of a university dedicated to women’s education in the governorate, noting the continuous support and clear vision of Sheikh Abd Al-Mahdi Al-Karbala’i in developing educational infrastructure.

For his part, Mr. Qassim Al-Yassari, Chairman of the Provincial Council, commended the vision of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein, which has embodied a unique model that integrates foundational principles with the requirements of contemporary education. He affirmed that the Shrine’s non-profit service institutions place academic quality and rigorous outcomes at the forefront of their objectives. He also noted the increasing demand for universities characterized by academic integrity, congratulating the opening of the Faculty of Engineering as a qualitative leap supporting the advancement of women’s higher education.

In turn, the President of Al-Zahraa University, Prof. Dr. Zainab Al-Mulla Al-Sultani, affirmed that this inauguration reflects the vision of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein, which views human development as the cornerstone of progress and advancement. She emphasized that the university prioritizes women’s empowerment and scientific preparation, alongside a serious pursuit of openness toward the global knowledge system.

She further outlined the technical specifications of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology building, noting that it was implemented in accordance with the latest engineering standards to provide an integrated educational environment. The building aims to graduate cadres capable of confronting contemporary challenges and addressing societal issues with a sound scientific mindset that combines professional competence with the preservation of identity and values. She concluded by highlighting the qualitative achievements realized by the university, stressing the continuation of efforts to establish new research centers and faculties that enhance scientific research and serve the community.

This achievement, supported and sponsored by the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein and guided by the directives of the Supreme Religious Authority, stands as clear evidence of Al-Zahraa University’s steady progress in implementing its scientific and humanitarian vision. It reinforces the university’s position as an academic institution that contributes to human development and women’s empowerment, and reflects its commitment to a pioneering role in serving society, preparing a conscious generation capable of meeting the challenges of the modern era, and upholding the values of justice and knowledge.

Translated by Zahra’ Salman Revised by Asst. Lect. Safa’ Al-Sadi