Doha, September 15 (QNA) - Qatar Foundation (QF) has completed preparations to host the second BilAraby Annual Gathering on September 19-20 under the theme "With Our Ideas, We Build," with more than 1,000 participants from over 25 nationalities expected to attend.

Hisham Noreen, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Programs at QF, told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that QF views BilAraby as a strategic investment in the ability of Arabic-speaking communities to produce knowledge, develop ideas and turn them into practical solutions that contribute to societal progress.

He said QF seeks to combine pride in Arab culture and enduring values with openness to global expertise, developing solutions that address communities’ needs while enabling innovators to play an active role in advancing their societies.

Noreen said the gathering is expected to have an impact beyond the two-day event by fostering connections between innovators and institutions and creating opportunities for collaboration and the exchange of expertise.

He noted that the program features more than 12 exploratory sessions, 19 interactive exhibitions, inspirational talks on the main stage, interactive workshops, and artistic, cultural and creative performances, with more than 11 local and regional partners taking part. The gathering brings together Arabic-speaking voices from around the world to promote intellectual exchange and showcase Arab innovation.

Noreen said the 2026 edition received more than 400 applications from prospective participants, with around 15 inspirational speakers selected to take part. Their experiences span fields including media, science and technology, precision medicine, architecture and heritage, entrepreneurship, sustainability, peacebuilding, sports and social work.

The speakers include Palestinian journalist Waael Al Dahdouh, Director of Al Jazeera's Gaza bureau; Palestinian-Jordanian-Australian technology entrepreneur Issam Hijazi, Founder and CEO of UpScrolled; Algerian technology expert and innovator Dr. Bashir Halimi, who specializes in developing technology and software for the Arabic language; and Qatari entrepreneur and engineer Hamad Mubarak Al Hajri, Founder and CEO of Snoonu.

Noreen said the diversity of participants reinforces Arabic's role as a language of contemporary thought and a vehicle for developing solutions rooted in people's lived experiences. The initiative has attracted more than 1,100 applications across its first two editions, reflecting growing interest in the platform.

He said the Doha gathering follows an intensive regional tour held from August 4 to 9 across Damascus, Amman and Djerba. The tour brought together 14 speakers, around 1,000 participants and 10 strategic partners, broadening the initiative's reach and bringing its intellectual dialogue closer to the communities where the ideas originated. (QNA)