Founder’s Message

We believe no country can develop and flourish unless there is modern education, as education is the foundation upon which a nation and its communities’ institutions build. Iraq has suffered and persevered through myriad challenges, but there is now a glimmer of hope because of the hard work of Iraqis—a new start for a promising future.

I am Saadi Saihood, and my sons and I have made it our family’s mission to usher our country out of its legacy of terrorism and turbulence. The idea of establishing the American University of Iraq – Baghdad came to us at a family gathering with my sons, Hussein, the eldest; Ali, the middle; and Yousif, the youngest. We have worked day and night to create a contemporary university with a solid foundation of exceptional faculty and staff and partnerships with some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States. This university will create a new foundation for Iraq and become the first of its kind in Baghdad and the largest academic and research institution in the Middle East.

As a family, we believe that Iraq merits reclaiming its place in history as the cradle of civilization. Mesopotamia was the source of all other cultures, the home of the first prophet, and the founder of the world’s first laws.

The sun must rise, and a new generation must also build up. We believe Iraq can only be rebuilt by its sons and daughters because they carry the hopes and dreams of not only themselves but of those before them. It is time to create a new generation of Iraqis who will lead a united nation into the future.

Saadi Saihood and his Sons | Founders