BilAraby Annual Gathering, the annual event hosted in Doha, Qatar
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The Annual Gathering, held in Doha each April, is the stage on which 16 speakers present their inspirational ideas
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Qatar Foundation’s BilAraby initiative participated in the 35th Doha International Book Fair (DIBF), organized by the Ministry of Culture – Qatar Cultural and Heritage Events Center, with a panel discussion titled “Arabic Between Publishing and Content: How Do We Expand the Impact of an Idea?” The session was hosted at the exhibition’s Cultural Salon, organized under the supervision of the Qatari Forum for Authors, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) on 17 May 2026.
This participation highlights BilAraby’s active role in the cultural landscape and its commitment to fostering dialogue between readers, publishers, and content creators. The session addressed a central question: how can ideas formulated in Arabic find broader pathways to reach more diverse audiences, both within and beyond the Arabic-speaking world?
The discussion examined the ongoing shifts in the Arabic knowledge industry, tracing the transition from traditional print publishing to digital media. Speakers emphasized that Arabic is not merely a language that preserves meaning, but one fully capable of driving knowledge production, amplifying the reach of ideas, and providing a platform for new, diverse voices.
Panelists also explored the role of Arabic in promoting epistemic justice and enriching digital content. Participants discussed how publishers and content creators can transform inspiring ideas into interactive knowledge experiences that resonate across multiple platforms and media formats.
Moderated by Souhila Abada, content supervisor and lead trainer at the BilAraby initiative, the session featured Jaber Al Harami, writer and editor-in-chief of Al Sharq newspaper, and Fatima Al Malki, director of the Qatar Reads initiative at Qatar National Library (QNL).
Hisham Nourin, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Programs at Qatar Foundation, stated: “The participation of the BilAraby initiative in the Doha International Book Fair stems from our firm belief that Arabic is a language of knowledge production and innovation, not just a means of expression. While a book is a vital starting point, the impact of an idea truly expands when it moves through podcasts, visual content, and digital platforms to reach a global audience.”
In addition to the panel, BilAraby’s participation included interactive activities that invited the public to brainstorm new forms of Arabic content creation and explore ways to transform ideas into impactful digital experiences and shared knowledge.
Updates on the BilAraby initiative and its 2026 gathering are available on its website: www.bilaraby.qa.
