Under the Patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister of Iraq Mr. Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, and The Presence of His Excellency the Iraqi Minister of Health Dr. Salih al-Hasnawi, Apex Healthcare, a subsidiary of Estithmar Holding Q.P.S.C and one of the leading healthcare providers in the Middle East and North Africa, announced the Groundbreaking Ceremony for Baghdad International Hospital, under the patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mr. Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, and the presence of His Excellency the Iraqi Minister of Health, Dr. Salih Al-Hasnawi, Mr. Mohamad Moutaz Al-Khayyat, Chairman of the Board of Estithmar Holding, and Mr. Ramez Al-Khayyat, Vice Chairman of the Board of Estithmar Holding, along with the board members.

The ceremony took place on the project site on Sunday, October 19, where the Prime Minister of Iraq and the Minister of Health, accompanied by the board members of Estithmar Holding, laid the foundation stone for Baghdad International Hospital.

During the ceremony, the attendees were presented with an introductory film showcasing the project’s concept and design, which will cover an area of 100,000 square meters, with its refined architectural vision and unique location overlooking the Tigris River, the project is set to provide patients with a truly distinctive healthcare experience.

The hospital will feature 400 beds, 16 ICU beds, 12 operating rooms, and 80 outpatient clinics, including an Emergency Department. The facility will be capable of accommodating more than 600,000 outpatient visits annually, in addition to over 100,000 inpatient admissions per year.

It will be equipped with the latest technologies and will offer a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient services across all medical specialties. The hospital will also include departments for complex surgeries -including open-heart surgery, orthopedic oncology,

plastic surgery, and neurosurgery- as well as a dedicated pediatric surgery unit. In addition, it will provide transplant programs (liver, bone marrow, and stem cell), along with dialysis and neonatal care.

Apex Healthcare has also been granted an Investment License from the National Investment Commission under the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Iraq to develop a comprehensive private hospital in Al-Zaafaraniyah district (formerly Al-Rashid Camp) in the capital, Baghdad.

On this occasion, Mr. Mohamad Moutaz Al-Khayyat, Chairman of the Board of Estithmar Holding, said: “Today’s milestone reflects an ambitious vision for growth and development, and a strong confidence in the nation’s ability to attract world-class investments and pioneering projects. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, and His Excellency Mr. Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, Prime Minister of Iraq. What we are building today is only the beginning of a continuous journey to advance the healthcare sector and deliver modern, high-quality services worthy of the Iraqi people.”

Mr. Ramez Al-Khayyat, Vice Chairman of the Board of Estithmar Holding, has stated on this occasion: “At Estithmar Holding, we believe that true investment is one that creates a lasting and positive impact on people’s lives and society. That belief drives our ambitious strategy for regional and international growth. The launch of Baghdad International Hospital in the heart of the Iraqi capital reflects this vision; it is not only an advanced healthcare project, but also a symbol of confidence in Iraq’s future and in the strength of its investment climate to attract high-quality projects that will support sustainable development, create new jobs, and bring knowledge and expertise to the country.”

The project comes as part of Apex Healthcare’s strategic expansion as well as growing commitment to the Iraqi healthcare sector, following its successful partnership with the Iraqi Government to manage and operate Al Nasiriya Teaching Hospital in Di Qar and Al Imam Al Hassan Mujtaba Teaching Hospital in Karbala. These collaborations have demonstrated Apex Healthcare’s ability to deliver advanced healthcare services, enhance patient outcomes, and apply the highest standards of operational excellence in public healthcare institutions.

Under Apex Healthcare management, these hospitals have undergone significant expansion, increasing their total capacity to around 1,200 beds, thereby enhancing their ability to meet the growing demand of patients with greater efficiency and quality.

From his side, Mr. Joseph Hazel, Group Chief Executive Officer of Apex Healthcare, commented: “The establishment of Baghdad International Hospital reflects the company’s strong commitment in the potential of the Iraqi market and its desire to contribute to the development of the healthcare sector in Iraq. This project is not merely an investment expansion; it is a strategic step to support the healthcare transformation in Iraq by providing advanced medical services and specialized expertise. It is also a new milestone in our growth journey toward realizing our vision of building a better health future founded on trusted care, modern technologies, and global partnerships.”

Apex Healthcare continues to strengthen its position by implementing its proven model for hospital management and operations, which combines international medical expertise, modern administrative systems, and advanced technologies. This approach ensures greater operational efficiency, an enhanced patient experience, and improved quality of healthcare outcomes.

Bringing an extensive portfolio of experience in managing and operating hospitals across the MENA region. Its network currently spans eight hospitals across four countries, delivering care in partnership with world-renowned institutions such as Cedars-Sinai, one of the largest medical institutions in the United States, Asan Medical Center (Korea), and JK Medical Group (Korea). Apex Healthcare’s track record includes the successful launch and operation of flagship facilities such as The View Hospital in Qatar and the Korean Medical Center, both recognized for their excellence in patient experience, advanced clinical programs, and innovation. The company is also advancing the construction of the Algerian Qatari German Hospital (HAQA) in Algiers, a 400-bed facility that will feature 20 operating rooms and 60 intensive care beds.

This new investment in Iraq underscores Apex Healthcare’s mission to deliver trusted, high-quality healthcare across the MENA region by engaging leading medical expertise, advancing technology-driven facilities, and fostering partnerships with governments and academic institutions, building an ethical and resilient ecosystem that empowers individuals and communities to prosper.

The project follows the success of Estithmar Holding’s first venture in Iraq, the Rixos Baghdad Hotel & Residences, a new iconic landmark in the capital. The development has played a prominent role in repositioning Baghdad on the global tourism map by significantly contributing to the enhancement of the country’s hospitality and luxury residential infrastructure.

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