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Qatar Foundation’s BilAraby initiative participated in the 35th Doha International Book Fair with a panel discussion examining how Arabic ideas can move beyond traditional publishing and reach wider audiences through digital content, multimedia platforms and new forms of knowledge engagement.

The session, titled “Arabic Between Publishing and Content: How Do We Expand the Impact of an Idea?”, was held at the exhibition’s Cultural Salon at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). The event was organised under the supervision of the Qatari Forum for Authors as part of the book fair programme, which was organised by the Ministry of Culture – Qatar Cultural and Heritage Events Center.

Expanding the Reach of Arabic Ideas

BilAraby’s participation reflected Qatar Foundation’s broader commitment to strengthening the role of Arabic in cultural dialogue, knowledge production and digital innovation.

The discussion focused on a key question: how can ideas created in Arabic reach broader and more diverse audiences, both inside and outside the Arabic-speaking world?

Panelists explored the transformation taking place across the Arabic knowledge industry, particularly the shift from print-focused publishing to digital-first content. The conversation highlighted how Arabic can serve not only as a language of expression and preservation, but also as a powerful medium for producing knowledge, shaping public discourse and enabling new voices to emerge.

From Books to Digital Knowledge Experiences

A major theme of the session was the changing journey of an idea. While books remain a vital foundation for intellectual and cultural work, speakers noted that today’s audiences increasingly engage with ideas across podcasts, video content, social platforms, interactive formats and digital communities.

The panel examined how publishers, writers and content creators can transform strong ideas into accessible and engaging knowledge experiences. This includes adapting Arabic content for different platforms while preserving depth, meaning and cultural relevance.

The discussion also touched on the role of Arabic in promoting epistemic justice — ensuring that Arabic-speaking communities are not only consumers of knowledge, but also active producers and contributors to global conversations.

Leading Voices in Arabic Media and Reading Culture

The session was moderated by Souhila Abada, content supervisor and lead trainer at the BilAraby initiative.

Speakers included Jaber Al Harami, writer and editor-in-chief of Al Sharq newspaper, and Fatima Al Malki, Director of the Qatar Reads initiative at Qatar National Library.

Together, they discussed the responsibilities of media organisations, publishing houses, libraries and content creators in expanding the presence of Arabic knowledge across modern communication channels.

Arabic as a Language of Innovation

Commenting on BilAraby’s participation, Hisham Nourin, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Programs at Qatar Foundation, said the initiative’s presence at the Doha International Book Fair came from a firm belief in Arabic as a language capable of innovation and knowledge leadership.

“The participation of the BilAraby initiative in the Doha International Book Fair stems from our firm belief that Arabic is a language of knowledge production and innovation, not just a means of expression. While a book is a vital starting point, the impact of an idea truly expands when it moves through podcasts, visual content, and digital platforms to reach a global audience,” he said.

Interactive Engagement with the Public

Alongside the panel discussion, BilAraby hosted interactive activities designed to encourage public participation. Visitors were invited to brainstorm new forms of Arabic content creation and explore how ideas can be transformed into impactful digital experiences.

The activities supported BilAraby’s wider mission of creating a space where Arabic content, creativity and knowledge-sharing can evolve in line with the needs of modern audiences.

Strengthening Qatar’s Cultural and Knowledge Economy

BilAraby’s participation in the Doha International Book Fair reinforced Qatar’s growing role as a regional platform for culture, publishing and knowledge exchange.

As Qatar continues to invest in education, media, research, creativity and digital transformation, initiatives such as BilAraby contribute to the development of a stronger Arabic content ecosystem — one that connects heritage with innovation and local identity with global reach.

Updates on BilAraby and its 2026 gathering are available through the initiative’s official website: www.bilaraby.qa.