4 days ago
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.
