Overview of the BilAraby Annual Gathering 2026
The recent BilAraby Annual Gathering in Doha, Qatar, marked a significant milestone in fostering community dialogue and innovation. Organized by the Qatar Foundation’s BilAraby initiative, the event brought together 1,600 participants to explore the development of digital platforms, address entrepreneurship challenges, and utilize community insights for peacebuilding. This year’s theme, “With Our Ideas, We Build,” encapsulated the spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Event Highlights and Keynote Speakers
Taking place on September 19 and 20, 2026, at the Multaqa in Education City, the gathering featured a diverse program that included main-stage presentations, workshops, and interactive sessions. Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, Qatar’s Minister of Education and Higher Education, attended the event, emphasizing the initiative’s importance in enriching local and regional dialogue.
Among the notable speakers was Issam Hijazi, the Founder and CEO of UpScrolled, who shared his experiences in creating a social media platform focused on user empowerment. He stressed the importance of establishing a digital environment that reflects authenticity and personal narratives. Hijazi’s insights encouraged attendees to embrace their unique experiences as valuable contributions to their communities.
Another impactful presentation came from mediation expert Zahra’ Langhi, who discussed the complexities of peacebuilding in conflict-affected areas. Her talk, “Who Tells the Story of Peace?”, highlighted the critical role that local voices play in rebuilding trust and understanding in such communities, particularly drawing from her work in Yemen.
Translation and Educational Initiatives
In a dedicated workshop for the BilAraby Open Translation Project, Dr. Anwar Dafa-Alla underscored the significance of volunteer efforts in making Arabic content accessible to a global audience. Participants engaged in discussions about the challenges of translation, especially when it comes to poetry, where nuances and meanings must be carefully balanced.
Additionally, Musab Masri, a translator and multimedia supervisor, shared his approach to preserving the eloquence of original texts while ensuring clarity for the target language audience. The workshop culminated in the proposal of a “Translation Buddy” program aimed at pairing seasoned translators with newcomers, ensuring high-quality output and continued engagement in the translation community.
Commitment to Arabic Language and Culture
The BilAraby gathering also featured initiatives aimed at promoting the Arabic language. Nour Awamleh from the Queen Rania Foundation highlighted the importance of Arabic as a cornerstone of identity and communication, particularly through programs like “Read to Me.” This initiative encourages parents to engage with their children in Arabic from an early age, aligning with Qatar Foundation’s mission to empower future generations.
Media organizations, such as Qatar Media Corporation, further illustrated their commitment to enhancing the visibility and utility of the Arabic language. Their participation underscored the belief that distinct media terminology and content are essential for the growth of Arabic in various professional fields.
In conclusion, the BilAraby Annual Gathering served as an important platform for fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration among diverse communities. By connecting a wide array of participants, from educators to business leaders, the event successfully promoted a shared vision of a rich and vibrant Arabic cultural landscape. Participants left not only with new knowledge and insights but also with a renewed commitment to nurturing the Arabic language and addressing pressing societal challenges.