Qatar Foundation’s BilAraby Initiative Announces Details of Its Second Annual Gathering in Doha

(MENAFN- BLJ Worldwide) Qatar Foundation’s BilAraby initiative is stepping up preparations for the BilAraby Annual Gathering 2026, which will take place on 19–20 September at Multaqa (Education City Student Center) in Doha, under the theme “With Our Ideas, We Build.”
The theme reflects the BilAraby initiative’s belief that change can begin with a single idea: it matures through dialogue, gains strength through experience and collaboration, and ultimately evolves into an initiative or solution that creates a tangible impact on society.
The BilAraby Annual Gathering 2026 provides Arab ideas and their creators with a pathway from vision and knowledge to shaping the future. It will bring these ideas to audiences through keynote talks and exploratory sessions, alongside interactive workshops and creative performances, in collaboration with 10 local and regional partners.
Regional and International Voices Enrich the Gathering
Since its launch, the initiative has received more than 1,600 applications from speakers and creators worldwide, reflecting its growing reach. For the BilAraby Annual Gathering 2026, it selected more than 15 speakers representing diverse experiences from across the Arabic-speaking world and beyond. They will present innovative ideas on entrepreneurship, technology, peacebuilding, genetics, sustainability, redefining victory, heritage, and identity.
Among the speakers participating in the BilAraby Annual Gathering 2026 are:
•Issam Hijazi (Palestine and Jordan): Tech entrepreneur, founder and CEO of “UpScrolled.”
•Dr. Bachir Halimi (Algeria): Expert and innovator in adapting technology and software to the Arabic language.
•Hamad Mubarak Al-Hajri (Qatar): Qatari entrepreneur, investor, and engineer; founder and CEO of “Snoonu.”
•Wael Al-Dahdouh (Palestine): Palestinian journalist and head of Al Jazeera Media Network’s bureau in the Gaza Strip, with more than 25 years of field reporting experience.
•Mona Kamel Youssef (Egypt): Champion swimmer.
•Dr. Said Ismail (Palestine and Jordan): Scientist specializing in genomics, precision medicine, and genetic applications.
•Zahra’ Langhi (Libya): Senior mediation adviser and former United Nations diplomat with experience in peace processes in Yemen and Libya.
•Khalid Al-Jaber (Qatar): Qatari traveler and adventurer.
•Mohammed Faris (Yemen): Researcher and thinker interested in time management and maximizing personal potential.
•Dr. Mohamed Aburawi (Libya): Surgeon and tech entrepreneur.
•Ayoob Thanoon (Iraq): Researcher interested in identity, culture, and renewing civilizational discourse.
•Lalla Kaber El Ghallawi (Mauritania): Activist and advocate for the rights and social inclusion of people with hearing impairments.
•Yasser Bahjatt (Saudi Arabia): Engineer and entrepreneur interested in empowering scientific imagination and innovation.
•Meshal Alotaibi (Kuwait): Architect specializing in building energy efficiency and sustainable urban solutions.
•Dania Khaled (Palestine): Business development consultant and communication mentor.
Additional participants will be announced in due course. Registration for the BilAraby Annual Gathering 2026 remains open, and tickets can be booked through the BilAraby website at
Partners Turn Attendance into an Experience
Ten local and regional partners will offer audiences hands-on experiences spanning digital storytelling, reading, debate, content creation, and scientific innovation.
The partner experiences will include the “Inspiration of the Pen” exhibition by Qatar Reads; the “Read to Me” program by the Queen Rania Foundation for Education and Development; a dialogue space hosted by QatarDebate Center; a mini studio for Al Araby TV, presented by Fadaat Media; interactive activities by Cambridge University Press & Assessment; an interactive pathway by Al Sharq Forum; and a space by Qatar Scientific Club, affiliated with the Ministry of Sports and Youth, featuring robotics and 3D printing technologies. Qatar Media Corporation will also participate, while the QIYADA Conference will contribute an exploratory session. Qatar Airways and Visit Qatar will participate as sponsors of the BilAraby Annual Gathering 2026.
Musician and academic researcher Dr. Mustafa Said will also give a musical performance during the opening ceremony, as part of a rich program of artistic performances and experiences. Visitors will help create a three-dimensional BilAraby sculpture, explore the “Architecture of Thought” exhibition held in collaboration with Qatar Foundation universities, including Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), and capture memorable moments at the hologram-based “BilAraby Lens” photo booth.
Regional Tour Paves the Way to Doha
The BilAraby Annual Gathering 2026 follows an intensive regional tour as part of the “BilAraby in…” series, which visited Damascus, Amman, and Djerba from 4–9 August 2026, bringing together 14 speakers and approximately 1,000 participants in collaboration with 10 strategic partners.
The three stops established a model centered on listening to local expertise and highlighting local ideas, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences together in a more inclusive dialogue that will continue at the BilAraby Annual Gathering 2026 in Doha.
For more information about the BilAraby Annual Gathering 2026 and the latest updates, please visit:

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