The regional BilAraby series gathered 14 speakers and nearly 1,000 attendees, supported by 10 strategic partners.

Doha, Qatar – 18 August 2026: BilAraby, a Qatar Foundation initiative, has concluded its regional “BilAraby in…” series. Organized by local partners in Damascus, Amman, and Djerba, from 4–9 August 2026, the events featured speakers from Syria, Jordan, and Tunisia who shared ideas in Arabic deeply rooted in their personal experiences and community realities.

The three-city tour drew a remarkable turnout of nearly 1,000 attendees and 14 speakers, backed by 10 strategic partners instrumental in the events’ success. In Syria, six speakers addressed a crowd of 400; in Jordan, three speakers spoke to an audience of 400; and in Tunisia, five speakers engaged with 200 attendees.

The “BilAraby in…” series revolves around a simple yet profound concept: bringing ideas directly to people in their own cities to spark dialogues that resonate with their local environments. Consequently, each stop reflected the distinct character of its host city, highlighting youth experiences in Damascus, celebrating knowledge and perseverance in Amman, and bridging heritage with the present in Djerba.

Damascus: Youth Experiences and Shared Spaces 

The regional tour kicked off in Damascus, Syria, on 4 August at the historic Khan As'ad Pasha Al-Azem. Under the theme Youth Experiences and Shared Spaces, the Youth Affairs Foundation organized the event in collaboration with BilAraby and the Masahat media initiative. Six young speakers discussed ambition, hope, art, heritage, freedom, and the role of knowledge in serving society, topics united by a shared drive for positive social impact.

Jana Al-Shab spoke about embracing opportunities and forging new paths, while Hasan Al-Talfah shared his journey of turning personal adversity into a mission to protect others. Housam Ghzayel explored the role of theater in healing and reclaiming the power of expression, and Amirah Alsousou evoked the memory of the Hejaz Railway and the communities it once connected. Abdullah Ater reflected on the true meaning of freedom and choice, and Dr. Fadi Katamesh concluded the session with the story of a knowledge initiative that began with just three volunteers and grew into a thriving hub for learning and dialogue.

Amman: Knowledge and Perseverance in the Service of Society 

The series then moved to Amman, Jordan, on 6 August for BilAraby in Amman: The Pulse of Letters and the Spirit of Achievement. Organized by Al-Taj for Media and Artistic Production, the event was held at the Conference Palace of the Applied Science Private University. It took place under the patronage of former Jordanian Prime Minister Dr. Abdul Raouf Al-Rawabdeh.

The Amman edition highlighted Jordanian experiences, showcasing how knowledge serves the community and perseverance paves the way for achievement. Eng. Hussam Tarawneh shared the success story of the Karak Creativity Club, whose programs have benefited over 40,000 individuals. Eng. Salam Aboualhaiyjaa discussed her career in space engineering and her efforts to encourage youth to pursue STEM fields. Lastly, Dr. Abdelbaset Alrawashdeh shared his unwavering dedication to his medical mission and patients, despite overcoming significant personal health challenges.

Djerba: Heritage in Dialogue with the Present 

The regional tour concluded in Djerba, Tunisia, on 9 August, with an event organized by the Carthage Debate Association and the Unique Djerba Association. Set on an island whose distinct settlement patterns earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023, discussions centered on preserving cultural memory and reimagining it through education, art, tourism, and content creation. The overarching message was that heritage remains alive only when viewed through a modern lens and carried into the future.

Nasser Bouabid outlined the journey to secure Djerba’s UNESCO World Heritage status, while Said Al Barouni highlighted the cultural memory preserved within the manuscripts of the Barouni Library. Poet Sonia Ferjani offered her perspective on the connection between poetry, identity, and belonging. Rayen Bouajaja shared his insights on digital education and content creation, and Selima Terras discussed her experience with collaborative songwriting and the power of music to unite people and foster dialogue.

Beyond the talks, attendees participated in two hands-on workshops: “Discover the World of Debates” and “Your Content Is Your New Resume.” These sessions seamlessly blended thought-provoking ideas with practical skill-building, empowering the audience to transition from active listeners to active participants.

“BilAraby in…”: A Dialogue Spanning Cities 

The “BilAraby in…” series bridges the distance between the initiative and its audiences, amplifying diverse local voices while maintaining BilAraby’s core identity. This tour aligns with the initiative’s growing international footprint. At the Misk Global Forum 2025 in Riyadh, BilAraby presented an interactive experience blending storytelling with modern technology. At the 9th Al Sharq Youth International Conference 2025 in Istanbul, it empowered young people to develop solutions rooted in their communities’ realities. Earlier, in February 2026, the initiative participated in sessions in Oxford, addressing the Arabic language, knowledge equity in the digital world, and the role of Arabic-speaking communities in tackling shared global challenges.

Looking ahead, BilAraby is gearing up for the BilAraby Annual Gathering 2026, to be hosted in Doha on 19–20 September 2026 at Multaqa (Education City Student Center) under the theme “With Our Ideas, We Build.” The Annual Gathering will feature inspiring keynotes, workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions, and interactive spaces designed to help participants exchange ideas, build networks, and establish partnerships.

For registration, ticket bookings, and further updates, please visit: www.bilaraby.qa