Qatar Foundation completes preparations for BilAraby 2026

Qatar Foundation has finalized arrangements for the second BilAraby Annual Gathering, scheduled for September 19-20, under the theme "With Our Ideas, We Build." Over 1,000 participants from more than 25 nationalities are anticipated to attend the event, which aims to foster intellectual exchange and showcase Arab innovation. Hisham Noreen, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Programs at QF, emphasized that BilAraby represents a strategic investment in the capacity of Arabic-speaking communities to generate knowledge, develop ideas, and turn them into practical solutions for societal progress.

Noreen highlighted the gathering's commitment to balancing pride in Arab culture with openness to global expertise, creating opportunities for collaboration and the exchange of ideas. The program will feature more than 12 exploratory sessions, 19 interactive exhibitions, inspirational talks, workshops, and artistic performances, with over 11 local and regional partners participating.

Noreen noted that the 2026 edition received more than 400 applications, with 15 inspirational speakers selected from diverse fields such as media, science and technology, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and peacebuilding. The diverse lineup of speakers reflects BilAraby's commitment to promoting Arabic as a language of contemporary thought and a platform for developing solutions rooted in people's lived experiences.

The initiative has already garnered over 1,100 applications across its first two editions, indicating growing interest in the platform. Prior to September, BilAraby conducted a regional tour across Damascus, Amman, and Djerba from August 4-9, engaging 14 speakers, 1,000 participants, and 10 strategic partners, further extending the initiative's reach and bringing its intellectual dialogue closer to the communities where the ideas originated.