Qatar Foundation (QF) recently concluded the second edition of its BilAraby Annual Gathering, which took place on September 19-20 at Multaqa in Education City, Doha. The event attracted approximately 1,600 participants who engaged in discussions focused on developing digital platforms, addressing entrepreneurship challenges, and leveraging community knowledge to promote peace.
The gathering was organized under the theme "With Our Ideas, We Build" and featured a variety of activities, including mainstage talks, exploratory sessions, workshops, and interactive spaces. These formats allowed participants to share experiences, exchange ideas, and explore how to apply them practically.
Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater, Qatar’s Minister of Education and Higher Education, attended the second day of the program and toured the partner pavilions. The event also included presentations such as “Lead in His Footsteps (Peace Be Upon Him): An Interactive Simulation of Prophetic Leadership,” led by QF’s QIYADA conference, and a session on advancing Arabic-language education called “Read to Me,” presented by the Queen Rania Foundation for Education and Development.
Executives and participants shared insights that highlighted the event’s focus on innovation and collaboration. Hisham Nourin, executive director of Strategic Initiatives and Programmes at QF, emphasized the importance of continued knowledge exchange beyond the gathering. He noted that the event aims to foster connections that help attendees develop ideas and address pressing issues, while contributing to the growth of Arabic language and culture through shared expertise.
Several speakers illustrated these themes through their own experiences. Issam Hijazi, founder and CEO of the social media platform UpScrolled, discussed his efforts to create a digital environment where users have greater control over the content they see, advocating for platforms that authentically reflect users’ stories. Mediation expert Zahra’ Langhi highlighted the significance of understanding conflict-affected communities, sharing insights from her work in Yemen on the role of mothers of abductees in facilitating prisoner exchanges and rebuilding trust.
Entrepreneurship challenges and resilience were also highlighted by Hamad Mubarak Al Hajri, founder and CEO of Snoonu. He recounted overcoming early setbacks, including a funding crisis following his employment termination, through the loyalty and shared commitment of his team, linking business success to trust and collective responsibility.
Additionally, the gathering featured the "Initiative Accelerator Lab," presented by Al Sharq Forum, aimed at helping participants move from ideas to tangible action. The BilAraby Open Translation Project workshop also took place during the event, with advisers and translators discussing the importance of volunteer contributions in making Arabic content accessible to wider audiences by translating texts—including poetry—while preserving their meaning and fluency.
A video presentation showcased previous BilArabyFee events held in cities such as Damascus, Amman, and Djerba, encouraging other communities interested in hosting future gatherings to participate. These regional efforts are part of the initiative’s ongoing mission to foster dialogue, exchange knowledge, and build bridges within and beyond the Arabic-speaking world.