Qatar Foundation is organizing the second edition of the “Qiyada: Aspirations and Development of Muslim Youth in Qatar” conference under the theme “Guided by Faith, We Thrive in a Changing World,” on September 25 and 26, 2026. The event will bring together Muslim youth from across Qatar, aged 17 to 24, with a distinguished group of scholars, thought leaders, and inspiring personalities at Multaqa, Education City Student Center.

The second edition of the conference, held with the sponsorship of Qatar International Islamic Bank as the official sponsor and the Ministry of Sports and Youth as a supporting sponsor, aims to empower the younger generation to navigate global challenges, explore Islamic values, encourage leadership, and strengthen unity across cultures through keynote sessions and interactive workshops.

This year’s edition of the “Qiyada” conference will feature prominent speakers from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Dr. Omar Suleiman, a renowned imam, scholar, and human rights advocate; Dr. Hanan Ahmed Al Qattan, founder and director of Etizan Center for psychological, educational, and Shariah-based consulting and training; Amjad Al Nour, a Sudanese filmmaker and journalist working with Al Jazeera Media Network; and Fidaa Al Din Yahya, a Yemeni social media influencer and blogger with a wide audience across various digital platforms.

Commenting on the Ministry of Sports and Youth’s sponsorship, Ahmed Mohammed Al Harami, Assistant Undersecretary for Youth Affairs, said: “The Ministry of Sports and Youth’s sponsorship of 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, learning, and the exchange of ideas, while enhancing their ability to thoughtfully navigate the changes taking place in the world, while preserving their identity, values, and principles.”

He noted that the conference represents an important platform that brings young people together 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 broaden their horizons and strengthen their role in the development of their communities.

He added: “We believe that empowering young people is not limited to developing their skills and capabilities, but also includes strengthening their awareness of their identity and values, and creating a supportive environment that helps them transform these values into initiatives, practices, and a positive impact on society.”

He further highlighted that the partnership with Qatar Foundation reflects the importance of integrating national efforts to support young people and create more spaces that enable them to participate, engage, and build relationships based on dialogue and knowledge, contributing to the preparation of a generation capable of leading the future with confidence, awareness, and responsibility.

For his part, Dr. Abdulbasit Ahmed Al Shoabei, CEO of Qatar International Islamic Bank, said: “We are pleased at QIIB to announce our official sponsorship of the second edition of the ‘Qiyada’ conference, organized by Qatar Foundation. This strategic support stems from our belief that investing in youth is a true investment in the future of the nation, and from our social responsibility to empower the younger generation and equip them with the insights and skills needed to face the challenges of our time with awareness, confidence, and adaptability.”

He added: “Through this partnership with Qatar Foundation and a distinguished group of scholars and thought leaders, we aspire to create meaningful spaces that inspire young people, strengthen their Islamic identity, and unlock their positive potential to create a sustainable and tangible impact at both the local and global levels.”

He noted that the sponsorship is based on an understanding of the rapid changes taking place in today’s world, where young people, particularly those aged 17 to 24, face unprecedented challenges related to the growing influence of artificial intelligence, rapid digital transformation, and ongoing pressures on identity and values. “We saw in the ‘Qiyada’ conference an ideal platform to bridge the gap between contemporary development and religious practice, while providing a nurturing environment for meaningful dialogue and the building of strong social and intellectual connections.”

He concluded: “Our primary goal through this presence is to actively contribute to preparing a generation of young leaders capable of combining authenticity with modernity, demonstrating intellectual excellence in addressing global challenges, and harnessing technology for the benefit of their communities.”

The annual “Qiyada” conference primarily targets Muslim youth interested in issues related to faith, identity, leadership, and community engagement, particularly high school and university students across Qatar. The conference also welcomes non-Muslim students interested in participating in meaningful dialogue and exchanging new perspectives. It is therefore open to all participants seeking constructive dialogue and opportunities for networking and relationship-building, driven by intellectual curiosity, reflection, and a willingness to learn from others, while strengthening participants’ Islamic identity and their ability to create a positive impact locally and globally.

The event was launched by the Guidance and Moral Support Office within Qatar Foundation’s Higher Education sector, in support of Qatar Foundation’s mission to promote education, leadership, and innovation. It also aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to creating global impact through collaboration, education, social advancement, and the creation of spaces for meaningful dialogue.