Ahmed Mohammed Al-Harami, Assistant Undersecretary for Youth Affairs from the Ministry of Sports and Youth.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation is organizing the second edition of the QIYADA conference, themed “Guided by Faith: Thriving in a Changing World”, on September 25-26 that will once again bring Muslim youth aged 17 to 24 from across Qatar alongside scholars, thought leaders, and inspirational figures at Multaqa (Education City Student Center) in Education City.
Sponsored by Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB) as the official sponsor, and the Ministry of Sports and Youth as the participant sponsor, this year’s conference will aim to empower youth to tackle global challenges, explore Islamic values, foster leadership skills, and promote multi-cultural understanding through insightful keynote sessions and interactive workshops. Conference and registration details can be found here: QIYADA: Qatar Islamic Youth Aspiration and Development Assembly | Qatar Foundation
This year’s edition features a prominent lineup of speakers from diverse cultural backgrounds, including, Dr. Omar Suleiman, a globally-renowned scholar and theologically-driven activist for human rights; Dr. Hanan Ahmed Al-Qattan Founder and Director of Etizan Center for Psychological, Educational, and Sharia Consultation and Training, and a specialist in psychological and family counseling; Amjad Al-Nour, a Sudanese filmmaker and journalist working for Al Jazeera Media Network; and Fidaa Al-Deen Yahya, a Yemeni social media influencer and blogger with a large following across his various social media accounts.
Commenting on the Ministry of Sports and Youth’s sponsorship of the conference, Ahmed Mohammed Al-Harami, Assistant Undersecretary for Youth Affairs from the Ministry of Sports and Youth, said: “The Ministry of Sports and Youth support for the second edition of the QIYADA Conference stems from our belief in the importance of providing spaces that enable young people to engage in dialogue, learn, and exchange ideas, while enhancing their ability to consciously navigate the changes taking place in the world, while preserving their identity, values, and principles.”
“The conference represents an important platform that brings together young people with leading scholars, thought leaders, and inspiring figures, providing them with an opportunity to gain new knowledge, develop their leadership skills, and learn from diverse experiences that contribute to broadening their horizons and strengthening their role in their communities”, he said.
He added: “We believe that empowering young people is not limited to developing their skills and capabilities; it also includes strengthening their awareness of their identity and values and creating a supportive environment that helps them translate these values into initiatives, practices, and positive impact within society”.
“This partnership with Qatar Foundation underscores the importance of integrating national efforts to support young people and creating more spaces that enable them to participate, engage, and build relationships based on dialogue and knowledge. This, in turn, contributes to preparing a generation capable of leading the future with confidence, awareness, and responsibility.”
Dr. Abdulbasit Ahmed Al-Shaibei, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar International Islamic Bank of (QIIB)
For his part, Dr. Abdulbasit Ahmed Al-Shaibei, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar International Islamic Bank of (QIIB), said: “We are pleased to announce our official sponsorship of the second edition of the QIYADA Conference. Our support for this conference reflects our firm belief that investing in young people is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in the future of our nation. It is also part of our commitment to empowering the next generation with the knowledge, values, and leadership skills needed to navigate today’s challenges with confidence, purpose, and resilience.”
He added: “Through this partnership with Qatar Foundation and a distinguished group of scholars and thought leaders, we aspire to create genuine spaces that inspire young people, strengthen their Islamic identity, and unleash their positive energy to make a sustainable and tangible impact at both the local and global levels.
“Our sponsorship is based on our assessment of the rapid changes the world is witnessing today. Our youth, particularly those aged between 17 to 24, face unprecedented challenges due to the dominance of artificial intelligence, the accelerating digital transformation, and constant pressures on their identity and values. Therefore, we believe that the QIYADA conference is as an ideal platform to bridge the gap between contemporary development and religious practices, while fostering thoughtful dialogue and critical thinking, and building social and intellectual connections.”
It is worth noting that the annual QIYAQA conference is intended for Muslim youth who are interested in issues of faith, identity, leadership, and community engagement – particularly high school and university students throughout Qatar. However, the conference is also open to non-Muslim students who are interested in participating in meaningful dialogues and exchanging new perspectives.
The conference welcomes participants who are curious, reflective, and eager to learn, offering them a collaborative space to explore how their Islamic values can be channeled to bring about positive action and meaningful change within their respective communities.
Initiated by the Office of Wellness and Spiritual Life within Qatar Foundation’s Higher Education, this conference supports Qatar Foundation’s mission to promote education, leadership, and innovation. It also aligns with QF’s overarching commitment to driving global impact and social advancement through collaboration, dialogue, and value-driven education.
