Hanane Djoua
Doha
Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), attended the opening of the Arab Global Scholars (AGS) Annual Gathering on Sunday.
In her remarks at the gathering, HH Sheikha Moza emphasised the significance of the event, stating, "Today, we held the annual Arab Global Scholars gathering — a natural continuation of the Arab Expatriate Scientists Conference which we launched in 2006. I was delighted to meet this diverse community of scientists, innovators, researchers, research institutes, and industry partners, with whom we aim to strengthen our partnerships.
"Today, AGS members may be based anywhere in the world, as through technology we explore new and different methods of collaboration, making it easier for everyone to contribute to ensuring this region is stronger and better able to overcome the challenges of the 21st century.”
Held at Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Minaretein building, the gathering marks the latest evolution of QF’s initiative to nurture a contemporary renaissance of Arab science and research. This initiative seeks to reconnect scholars and intellectuals with roots in the Arab world to contribute positively to the region’s development and long-term future.
The origins of AGS date back almost two decades to the establishment of QF’s Arab Expatriate Scientists (AES) Network. AGS has emerged as an innovation-focused community linking Arab scholars, research institutes, universities, and industry partners to advance science, research, and capacity-building projects from within Qatar. Currently, AGS comprises over 14 key institutions in Qatar and beyond.
The three-day event features esteemed Arab experts — both internationally and locally based — working to impact the sciences and humanities within the Middle East and beyond. Participants engage in high-level dialogues and dedicated workshops designed by HBKU, focusing on local, regional, and global issues such as Precision Health and Biotech, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Sustainability, and Environmental Health. These sessions also facilitate exchanges between scholars and policymakers.
A key highlight of the opening was the introduction of AGS’ digital platform, which has evolved into an immersive and interactive space. This platform offers members a wealth of collaborative opportunities, including research projects, academic exchanges, and professional development activities.
Following the opening remarks, the first day commenced with a panel discussion on the role Arab intellectuals must play in shaping contributions to the Arab renaissance.
The panel included notable figures such as Dr Dina Katabi from MIT, Dr Shihab Kuran from Emerald Innovations, Dr Taha Kass-Hout from GE HealthCare, and Dr Hilal Lashuel from QF. Moderated by Dr Ahmed Elmagarmid, executive director of Qatar Computing Research Institute, the discussion highlighted the importance of Arab-inspired efforts to address the educational, technological, social, and economic challenges facing the region.
After the panel, Dr Katabi said, "While the challenges facing the Arab world are considerable, they are by no means insurmountable. Each requires a distinctly Arab response that prioritises a deep regional appreciation of the problem at hand, as well as collaboration among academics, scientists, and industry to positively shape the Arab future. AGS is ideally placed to facilitate and support such initiatives, turning obstacles into opportunities in the process.”
The second day will feature a distinguished address on recent developments in AI and Generative AI by Dr Usama Fayyad, followed by a panel discussion on the critical role of Arab intellectuals in post-conflict recovery and reconstruction. This session will include insights from Dr Chaouki Abdallah, Dr Karem Ahmad Sakallah, and Hend Alhinnawi, exploring how Arab scholars can leverage their knowledge and networks to support conflict-affected communities.
"Today was a highly productive start to the gathering,” said Dr Abdallah. "Discussions have been full and frank, fostering a vibrant knowledge exchange among stakeholders who care passionately about the future of the Arab world. I look forward to engaging with my peers on matters of mutual interest and concern over the coming days.”
Over the next two days, attendees will also participate in a series of workshops, roundtable discussions, and visits to partner organizations.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune, several prominent scholars attending the gathering expressed optimism about the outcomes of the event.
Fouad R. Kandeel, associate director of the Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute in Los Angeles, expressed concerns about communication gaps between Arab expatriates and their home countries.
"One of the problems we face in our part of the world is the lack of communication between those who have left the Middle East to advance their knowledge and skills and their connections back home. This is not due to a lack of nationalism; many of us wish to return to our countries, but a lack of seriousness in our region regarding the necessary resources and capabilities continues to hinder our ability to reconnect with our home countries,” Kandeel said.
Imad El Haddad, group head at the Paul Scherrer Institute, highlighted the importance of collaborative initiatives across countries. "We need these initiatives in different countries. It’s crucial to adopt a model similar to the European one, where various countries collaborate. Funding should come from across the region to enable this cooperation,” he opined.