Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation’s inaugural BilAraby Summit, held in Doha earlier this year, showcased Arabic-language innovation focusing on how it can evolve in the era of Artificial Intelligence, digitization, and entrepreneurship, while highlighting how, despite the advancements, it can continue to preserve its rich cultural essence.
Held at Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Education City, the summit amplified ideas and voices from across the Arabic-speaking world by bringing together more than 800 technology experts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who, through panel discussions, interactive workshops, and dialogue-driven sessions, explored the future of Arabic as a dynamic, modern language that continues to evolve.
“This summit focused on practical models demonstrating Arabic’s value as a language of science and innovation,” said Dr. Anwar Dafa-Alla, Translation Consultant at the BilAraby Initiative.
Dr. Dafa-Alla participated in an exploratory session titled “Translating BilAraby Content: A Bridge to Global Communication,” where he underlined the initiative’s Open Translation Project which aims to translate Arabic content into multiple languages, extending its reach to a global audience.
Dr. Dafa-Alla said the project seeks to make BilAraby sessions accessible worldwide, freely disseminate knowledge, and support the digital growth of the Arabic language. It also aims to strengthen Arab identity globally, and foster social impact by sharing inspiring ideas with non-Arabic speakers.
In light of the success of the inaugural summit, BilAraby is preparing for its second edition alongside a number of regional events.
Faisal Alagel, Chief Executive Producer of Sard Group from Kuwait, said: “In recent years, we have seen a renewed focus on questions of identity and language within Arab society. This shift marks a new phase of reexamining the values that shape our lives, the language we use to think, to speak with one another and with our children, and to create arts and sciences. The BilAraby Summit offered a valuable platform for dialogue and the exchange of experiences and expertise among content creators and professionals engaged in the Arab world.”
