QF's BilAraby Summit highlights how Arabic can thrive in digital age
Tribune News Network
Doha
Earlier this year, Qatar Foundation's inaugural BilAraby Summit brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to explore the evolution of the Arabic language in the age of Artificial Intelligence, digitization, and entrepreneurship—while honouring its cultural legacy.
Held at Qatar Foundation's Education City, the summit served as a platform to amplify voices and ideas from across the Arabic-speaking world. More than 800 participants, including technology experts and creators, engaged in panel discussions, interactive workshops, and dialogue-driven sessions, focusing on the role of Arabic as a dynamic and modern language.
'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.'
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.
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Qatar Tribune
5 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
Cabinet okays draft MoU between interior ministry, US investigation bureau for security cooperation
DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has chaired the Cabinet's regular meeting at the Amiri Diwan. Following the meeting, Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs HE Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi stated the following: At the outset of the meeting, the Cabinet extended sincere greetings to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, asking Allah Almighty to return this blessed occasion for His Highness with the best of health and wellness, and for the State of Qatar and its people further development and prosperity under the wise leadership of HH the Amir, as well as the Arab and Islamic nations with goodness and blessings. The Cabinet reviewed the topics on its agenda, noting the Shura Council's approval of a draft law extending the concession granted to Mowasalat (Karwa), a Qatari joint stock company, to manage and operate taxis. The Cabinet approved a draft agreement on mutual administrative assistance for the optimal application of customs law and for the suppression, investigation and combating of customs violations between the governments of the State of Qatar and the Republic of Tunisia. The Cabinet also approved a draft memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Interior of the State of Qatar and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States of America regarding security cooperation, a draft memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Interior of the State of Qatar and the Department of Homeland Security in the United States of America regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and a draft memorandum of understanding in the field of law enforcement between the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) in the State of Qatar and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Cabinet approved a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in legal fields between the Ministry of Justice in the State of Qatar and the Ministry of Justice in the Republic of Albania, a draft memorandum of understanding on joint cooperation between the Public Prosecution in the State of Qatar and the Public Prosecution in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and a draft memorandum of understanding in the field of cultural heritage preservation between the Qatar Museums in the State of Qatar and the Hong Kong Palace Museum in Hong Kong, People's Republic of China. The Cabinet's meeting concluded with a review of the reports of the Grievances Committee of the Qatar Financial Markets Authority on grievances that the committee considered from 01/07/2023-31/12/2023, and from 01/01/2024 to 30/6/2024, and a report on the results of the participation of the delegation of the State of Qatar, headed by HE Minister of Social Development and Family, in the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York in March 2025.
ILoveQatar.net
a day ago
- ILoveQatar.net
H.H. Sheikha Moza inaugurates Sidra Medicine's new Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Ward
Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, officially inaugurated the new pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) ward at Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation entity. The new ward is dedicated to treating children with blood disorders, immune system diseases, and genetic conditions. During the visit, Her Highness toured the facility, engaged with clinical teams, and received an overview of the HSCT program's role in advancing care and stem cell and gene therapies for children in Qatar and the region. Her Highness was accompanied by His Excellency Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud, the Minister of Public Health, members of Sidra Medicine's Board of Directors and senior leadership, including Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, Chief Executive Officer and Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer. The HSCT ward is a core part of Sidra Medicine's HSCT Program, using curative therapies to provide life-saving care and treatment for children with a range of blood diseases and cancers. This includes malignant and non-malignant conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, immune deficiencies, and metabolic disorders. HSCT also known as bone marrow transplant, replaces diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells from the patient (autologous) or a donor (allogeneic). Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO of Sidra Medicine, said: 'The opening of our new pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Ward, the first of its kind in the country, marks a major step in expanding access to life-saving care for children in Qatar and the region. As the HSCT program grows, it will play a vital role in reducing the need for outbound referrals and in positioning Qatar as a center of excellence for pediatric cell and gene therapies. This is about building sustainable, high-quality care close to home for our patients and their families.' Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer at Sidra Medicine, said: 'The launch of the HSCT Ward reflects our commitment to supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030. It strengthens the foundation of a knowledge-based economy by building national expertise in precision and regenerative medicine. Our goal is to ensure that every child in Qatar can access the best possible treatment, close to home and grounded in clinical excellence.' Managed by the Hematology and Oncology Division at Sidra Medicine, the new ward is designed exclusively for pediatric patients under the age of 18. It is divided into two main sections - one section for children undergoing HSCT and the other for patients with complex hematology-oncology diagnoses such as cancer, that require intensive chemotherapy and inpatient care. With an initial capacity of 20 beds, the new pediatric HSCT ward integrates cutting-edge infrastructure, including high-level isolation facilities that meet international infection control standards. It is scheduled to receive patients for autologous transplants in late June of 2025 with preparations underway to care for inpatient children who will undergo allogeneic transplants, at a later stage. Dr. Ayman Saleh, Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology & Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant at Sidra Medicine said: 'Our HSCT program brings together key specialties to deliver advanced and curative care for children with complex conditions. With four autologous procedures successfully completed and plans underway to offer allogeneic transplants in the near future, we are building a strong foundation for pediatric cellular therapy in Qatar. This service is a testament to the pioneering and family-centered care and cure approach that we offer to all our patients.' In addition to treating patients with various blood diseases and cancers, the HSCT program at Sidra Medicine is the core part of its precision medicine strategy to facilitate genomic research programs for pediatric autoimmune disorders, genetic and rare diseases. Sidra Medicine's HSCT program is further enhanced by a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-qualified laboratory team operating under the Advanced Cell Therapy Core (ACTC). The ACTC manages the processing and cryopreservation of hematopoietic stem cells and is currently working toward Sidra Medicine's qualification as a treatment center for Casgevy, a gene therapy for thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Dr. Chiara Cugno, Director of the Advanced Cell Therapy Core and GMP Facility at Sidra Medicine said: 'Our GMP-qualified laboratory is a key enabler in delivering safe and effective cellular therapies. By maintaining the highest standards in cell processing and cryopreservation, we are supporting precision treatments for children with cancer, blood, and immunologic disorders. It is an essential part of ensuring every child receives the most personalized care possible.' All HSCT program services will be open to both local and international patients, with more than 50 children currently awaiting transplantation in Qatar. Future phases for the HSCT program include scaling allogeneic transplant capacity and introducing CAR-T cell and gene therapies. The HSCT program includes a multidisciplinary team of specialized physicians, apheresis-trained staff, dedicated HSCT nurses, and allied health professionals. The Sidra Medicine care team also involves experts in immunology, infectious diseases, radiology, psychology, pharmacy, nutrition, child life, and social work. The integrated approach ensures comprehensive and patient-centered care throughout the transplant journey. Before a transplant, every child will go through a detailed evaluation at Sidra Medicine's outpatient clinic to ensure they are ready for the procedure. Once admitted, the children will undergo conditioning chemotherapy to prepare their bodies for the stem cell infusion. They will then be monitored very closely during the aplasia phase, when their immune system is at its weakest. Most patients will stay at the hospital for about 30 to 40 days. Following discharge, they will continue their care through regular follow-ups in an outpatient setting. In addition to medical and nursing care, Sidra Medicine offers support services for patients and families, including social work, clinical nurse specialists, and case management. While formal support groups are under development, ongoing engagement with families is embedded throughout the care process. For more details about Sidra Medicine's Hematology and Oncology services and its GMP facility, please visit:
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
AI podcast ‘The Next, On Air' redefines event coverage for Media City
Tribune News Network Doha During the 2025 Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg, held from May 20 to 22, Media City Qatar, in partnership with Google Cloud, launched 'The Next, On Air'—an AI-powered podcast created using Google Cloud's NotebookLM. The podcast featured daily episodes in both Arabic and English, automatically generated to summarise key discussions from the Forum. Visual content, including human avatars, was produced using Google Cloud's VEO 2 video generation technology, showcasing the potential of generative AI in immersive storytelling. Each episode offered a preview of the day's agenda and a recap of highlights from the previous day's sessions, condensing tens of hours of content involving hundreds of speakers and insights from thousands of participants. This innovative activation presents a new model for engaging with major conferences and events, ensuring that valuable insights remain accessible—regardless of whether one is physically present.
