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The Arab Global Scholars (AGS) community convened at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) in Qatar Foundation’s Education City last week to announce the latest development in an initiative fueling a contemporary renaissance in Arab science and research. As an initiative led by Qatar Foundation, AGS aims to bring Arab scholars and intellectuals back to their region to contribute to its positive development and long-term future.

AGS, which began nearly twenty years ago, has solidified as an innovation-driven community, connecting 895 Arab scholars as well as research institutes, universities, and industry partners to advance science, research, and capacity-building projects within Qatar. Current AGS members and partner organizations include over 14 key institutions within and beyond Qatar. Individual members collaborate with the world’s largest public and private entities, including GE HealthCare, Humanitarian Tracker, and Pfizer.

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation, commented on the gathering: “We held the annual meeting of Arab Global Scholars, a natural extension of the Arab Expatriate Scientists Conference we launched in 2006. I was pleased to meet this diverse community of scientists, innovators, researchers, research institutes, and industry partners with whom we wish to strengthen our partnerships. Today, AGS members can be based anywhere in the world, as we explore new and different ways of collaboration through technology, enabling everyone to contribute more easily to making this region stronger and better equipped to face 21st-century challenges.”

Building on Her Highness’s remarks, Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah, president of HBKU, said: “The Arab Global Scholars initiative stems from Qatar Foundation’s role in promoting science, education, and research in Qatar and the region. We believe these elements are essential tools for the growth and prosperity of nations. By connecting Arab minds, AGS builds strong bridges between people, countries, and institutions, supporting economic development, ultimately resulting in a dynamic and influential Arab world.”

The three-day event allowed prominent Arab-origin experts in sciences and humanities worldwide to engage in dialogue centred on globally significant areas such as precision health and biotechnology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, sustainability, and environmental health.

The launch of AGS’s advanced digital platform (https://ArabGlobalScholars.org/), an immersive and interactive space connecting members to numerous collaboration opportunities—from research projects to academic and student exchanges to professional development activities—was a key feature of the event’s opening day.

By creating this platform, AGS recognizes that geographic borders are no longer obstacles to converging Arab expertise and creating a knowledge hub that inspires current and future generations to develop Arab-inspired solutions to global challenges.

Dr. Dina Katabi, director of the Center for Wireless Networks and Mobile Computing at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and CEO of Emerald Innovations; Dr. Shihab Kuran, co-founder and CEO of Power Edison; Taha Kass-Hout, Global Chief Science and Technology Officer at GE HealthCare; and Dr Usama Fayyad, inaugural executive director of the Institute for Experiential AI at Northeastern University, along with other public and private sector experts, were present.

“While the challenges facing the Arab world are substantial, they are by no means insurmountable. Each requires a distinct Arab response that prioritizes a deep regional understanding of the issue at hand, as well as collaboration between scholars, scientists, and industry to positively shape the Arab world’s future. AGS is ideally positioned to facilitate and support such initiatives, transforming obstacles into opportunities in the process,” noted Dr. Katabi.

The scholars engaged in dialogue on the importance of Arab-inspired efforts to address the myriad educational, technological, social, and economic challenges facing the region. They also discussed recent advancements in artificial intelligence and generative AI, the essential role Arab intellectuals can play in post-conflict recovery and rebuilding, and the reconstruction of communities affected by conflict.

Arab scholars and organizations wishing to contribute are encouraged to register on the AGS platform (https://ArabGlobalScholars.org/). New members will join a growing community dedicated to facilitating positive social and economic impact through the collective contributions of Arab minds, driving progress and innovation within the Arab community worldwide.