Qatar Foundation’s (QF) BilAraby initiative has officially launched its regional activation tour, making its first stop at the Misk Global Forum in Riyadh. The move marks a significant collaboration with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), aiming to empower and connect young innovators and entrepreneurs across the MENA region.
A Strategic Partnership to Empower Youth
The collaboration builds on a strategic partnership established earlier this year. Hisham Nourin, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Programs at Qatar Foundation, described the participation as a natural extension of the fruitful collaboration that began during the inaugural BilAraby Gathering in Doha.
“Our participation in the Misk Global Forum marks the first stop on BilAraby’s regional tour, giving us the opportunity to connect directly with young people and thought leaders, and to discover ambitious young Arab voices capable of creating real, lasting impact in our societies,” Nourin stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Ahmed Bindous, Director of Partnerships Development at Misk, highlighted the shared vision between the two foundations. “We share common visions and converging ambitions with Qatar Foundation, and this participation marks the beginning of a broader partnership,” said Bindous. “What Qatar Foundation offers through BilAraby and its focus on enriching Arabic content and increasing its presence among young people provide significant added value that aligns with our goals.”
Immersive Activation Engages Innovators
At the Misk Global Forum, the BilAraby activation space drew hundreds of attendees, including young professionals, thought leaders, and content creators. The space featured a range of immersive activities designed to blend modern technology with storytelling.
Visitors were greeted with a virtual reality tour of Qatar Foundation’s Education City campus, showcasing its ecosystem built on innovation and sustainability. The experience continued with ‘Sensory Capsules’ that used surround sound and visual technology to present inspiring Arab stories. An interactive ‘Nominate and Subscribe’ station allowed attendees to record video pitches for a chance to speak at the BilAraby Gathering 2026 or to express interest in hosting future BilAraby events.
The BilAraby Majlis Fosters Innovation Dialogue
A central feature of the activation was the BilAraby Majlis, which hosted a panel discussion on the role of innovation in community development. The session addressed common obstacles faced by Arab innovators, such as limited resources and regulatory hurdles, and explored how initiatives like BilAraby can nurture emerging talent.
The panel featured Dr. Ayoub Al-Subihi, founder of Falak for Space Sciences and Research, and Lina Al-Thakeer, a digital researcher and speaker. Al-Thakeer shared her own journey, emphasizing the value of regional support systems.
“We discussed the role of innovation as a true engine of development, and the challenges Arab innovators may face,” Al-Thakeer said. “I shared the obstacles I overcame during my journey as a game designer at the Innovation Hackathon… and my enriching experience with BilAraby in 2025.”
The Majlis also hosted interactive sessions exploring the initiative’s mission and practical strategies for turning creative ideas into impactful social movements.
About The BilAraby Initiative
The BilAraby initiative, launched by Qatar Foundation, is a platform dedicated to promoting the Arabic language and empowering young Arabs to create impactful, relevant content. It aims to foster constructive dialogue, facilitate knowledge exchange, and provide a stage for ambitious young voices to drive positive change in their communities. The initiative connects innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders through events like the annual BilAraby Gathering and regional activations.
Source: Zawya
