Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani chairs a Cabinet meeting in Baghdad. The government has suspended work in the capital on May 15 and 18 ahead of the Arab League Summit. May 2025.
Baghdad
May 15 and 18 declared official holidays ahead of Arab League Summit
BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Cabinet has suspended official working hours in Baghdad on Thursday, May 15, and Sunday, May 18, as the capital prepares to host the Arab League Summit on May 17, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s media office.
The two dates bookend the usual weekend off days on Friday and Saturday.
The decision applies to all government offices, with the exception of the Ministry of Education and its affiliated directorates, which will remain open on Sunday to maintain the national school calendar.
The Arab League Summit is expected to bring high-level delegations from across the region to Baghdad, prompting authorities to prioritize logistical and security measures.
As part of heightened preparations, Iraq’s Ministry of Interior announced a complete ban on protests in the capital from May 11 to May 20. The ministry warned that “any attempt to demonstrate will be considered a violation of the law,” citing the need to maintain public order during the summit.