Member of Parliament Mudhar Al-Karoui acknowledged on Thursday (May 7, 2026) that the project to establish a new administrative capital in Iraq was proposed nearly nine years ago, but security and political circumstances prevented its implementation, despite its long-term strategic importance.

Al-Karoui stated that security disturbances and political instability, along with the high financial cost, led to postponing the project's implementation, pending the availability of a clear vision for planning and financing.

He explained that Baghdad suffers from high population density exceeding nine million people, making the consideration of a new administrative capital an urgent necessity to address urban congestion and redistribute state institutions.

He noted that many countries have moved toward establishing administrative capitals within long-term plans that may extend to one hundred years, aiming to reduce pressure on traditional cities and improve administration and services efficiency.

He clarified that the project aims to transfer government institutions to a modern city with advanced infrastructure, which would help reduce pressure on Baghdad and create a more efficient administrative environment.

Engineer Abdul Rahim Al-Shammari affirmed that establishing an administrative capital has become a necessity, noting that Baghdad's basic design has become outdated, especially after the significant changes the city witnessed after 2003.

He added that Egypt's new administrative capital experience could serve as an incentive for Iraq, despite differing capabilities, considering that pursuing this option represents a correct step on the strategic level.

Calls are escalating in Iraq to find radical solutions to the crisis of population expansion and congestion in Baghdad, amid declining efficiency of the current infrastructure.