QF's Inaugural BilAraby Summit Showcased How Arabic Language Can Thrive in Digital Age

Al Bawaba

3 days ago

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."
He added: "We are inspired by a long, rich legacy of authentic Arab and Islamic heritage. It is essential to draw from this heritage to inform and inspire our present, rather than rely solely on importing knowledge and ideas from the West or living in the past to avoid the responsibility of progress. We must continue the journey through sustained, tireless effort."
Alagel emphasized the importance of gatherings, which bring together key stakeholders from across the Arab world.
Among these compelling voices who shared their story at the summit was Abdul Rahman Sayidi from Mauritania, a business administration researcher and academic advisor, who introduced a visionary model of working that harmonizes with the rhythms of the universe and human nature. He explained that his model, which blends philosophy and science, depicts time as a facilitator of life, rather than a source of stress.
He said: 'We need systems that align with our natural rhythms, making work part of our life rather than its entirety. Work should express who we are, not burden us. We need systems that balance productivity with human essence.'
The summit also spotlighted the journey of Arab innovators including Egyptian engineer Taimur Al-Hadidi, who built a house entirely using recycled materials; Diana Al-Sindi, the Iraqi engineer at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), who inspired by distant stars, taught Arab youth that space is an adventure for all; and Jordanian educator Salam Katanani, who transformed the world of science into a realm of exploration and excitement.
These stories collectively echoed the Summit's core message that Arabic is not just a language of the past—it is a language of ideas, innovation, and the future.