Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation’s BilAraby initiative is preparing for the BilAraby Annual Gathering 2026, taking place on September 19-20 at Multaqa (Education City Student Center) in Doha under the theme “With Our Ideas, We Build.”
The theme reflects BilAraby’s belief that change can begin with a single idea, which grows through dialogue, experience and collaboration before evolving into an initiative or solution that creates tangible social impact.
The gathering will provide Arab thinkers and creators with a platform to move from ideas and knowledge to shaping the future. The programme will feature keynote talks, exploratory sessions, interactive workshops and creative performances, in collaboration with 10 local and regional partners.
Since its launch, BilAraby has received more than 1,600 applications from speakers and creators worldwide. For the 2026 gathering, more than 15 speakers have been selected, representing diverse experiences from across the Arab world and beyond. Their topics will include entrepreneurship, technology, peacebuilding, genetics, sustainability, heritage, identity and redefining victory.
The speakers are Issam Hijazi, tech entrepreneur and founder and CEO of UpScrolled; Dr. Bachir Halimi, an Algerian technology and software expert specialising in the Arabic language; Hamad Mubarak Al-Hajri, Qatari entrepreneur, investor, engineer and founder and CEO of Snoonu; Wael Al-Dahdouh, Palestinian journalist and head of Al Jazeera Media Network’s Gaza bureau; Mona Kamel Youssef, Egyptian champion swimmer; Dr. Said Ismail, scientist specialising in genomics, precision medicine and genetic applications; Zahra’ Langhi, Libyan senior mediation adviser and former UN diplomat. Other speakers include Khalid Al-Jaber, Qatari traveller and adventurer; Mohammed Faris, Yemeni researcher and thinker focused on time management and personal potential; Dr. Mohamed Aburawi, Libyan surgeon and technology entrepreneur; Ayoob Thanoon, Iraqi researcher interested in identity, culture and civilisational discourse; Lalla Kaber El Ghallawi, Mauritanian activist advocating the rights and social inclusion of people with hearing impairments; Yasser Bahjatt, Saudi engineer and entrepreneur focused on scientific imagination and innovation; Meshal Alotaibi, Kuwaiti architect specialising in energy-efficient buildings and sustainable urban solutions; and Dania Khaled, Palestinian business development consultant and communication mentor. Additional participants will be announced later.
Ten local and regional partners will offer hands-on experiences covering digital storytelling, reading, debate, content creation and scientific innovation. These include Qatar Reads, the Queen Rania Foundation for Education and Development, QatarDebate Center, Fadaat Media’s Al Araby TV, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Al Sharq Forum, Qatar Scientific Club and Qatar Media Corporation. The QIYADA Conference will contribute an exploratory session, while Qatar Airways and Visit Qatar will participate as sponsors. The opening ceremony will feature a musical performance by musician and academic researcher Dr. Mustafa Said. Visitors can also contribute to a three-dimensional BilAraby sculpture, explore the “Architecture of Thought” exhibition with Qatar Foundation universities, including VCUarts Qatar, and experience the hologram-based “BilAraby Lens” photo booth.
The gathering follows BilAraby’s regional “BilAraby in…” tour, which visited Damascus, Amman and Djerba from August 4–9, bringing together 14 speakers and around 1,000 participants with 10 strategic partners.
