Celebrating the Sounds and Traditions That Unite Us: Arab America Foundation Announces Performers for the 2026 CONNECT Empowerment Summit

posted on: Sep 30, 2026

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(WASHINGTON, D.C., September 30, 2026) The Arab America Foundation is excited to announce that several notable artists will perform at the 2026 CONNECT Empowerment Summit, taking place Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles in Chantilly, Virginia. Through these performances, the Summit will reaffirm Arab American identity, heritage, and culture while celebrating community and empowerment.

The 2026 CONNECT Empowerment Summit will come alive with music, dance, and cultural experiences celebrating the richness of Arab heritage across generations.

On Friday, November 6, Fann Wa Tarab presents Tarab Across Generations: The Songs That Raised Us, marking the debut of the Arab America Ensemble under the musical direction of renowned composer and qanunist Firas Zreik. Featured vocalists Mona Miari and Kareem Youssef will be joined by Ameer Armaly on oud, Nacim Khalfaoui on violin, Bashar Farran on bass, Mohamed Karzon on tabla, and Karim Nagi on riq, celebrating the timeless music that has shaped generations. Nadir Benmansour, a Franco-Algerian singer-songwriter whose music brings together the rich sounds and traditions of North Africa and the Mediterranean will open the evening.

On Saturday morning, Palestinian vocalist Nibal Malshi will take the stage for a special musical performance. On Saturday afternoon, musician and educator Karim Nagi will take audiences on “A Rhythmic Trip Around the Arab World,” an energetic, interactive journey celebrating the diverse drums, rhythms, and sounds of the Arab world. Zizi Zabaneh invites attendees to get moving with her interactive “Yalla! Let’s Balady” workshop, sharing the joy and traditions of Arab dance.

The celebration continues Saturday evening at the CONNECT Gala, where Jordanian vocalist Tarek Haddad of Dallas will perform alongside keyboardist Abe Diab, violinist Nacim Khalfaoui, and percussionist Mohamed Karzon.

The Gala will also feature the dynamic Malikat Al Dabke (Queens of Dabke), bringing the energy, pride, and tradition of dabke to the stage.

Friday Evening, November 6, 2026

Fann Wa Tarab Event–Tarab Across Generations: The Songs That Raised Us

On Friday, November 6, the 2026 CONNECT Empowerment Summit opens with an evening celebrating the music that has lived in our hearts, our homes, and our families for generations.

Following a 6:00 p.m. reception, Fann Wa Tarab, CONNECT’s signature cultural showcase, takes the stage at 8:00 p.m. with Tarab Across Generations: The Songs That Raised Us.

This year also marks the debut of the Arab America Ensemble, under the musical direction of renowned composer, artist, and qanunist Firas Zreik, and featuring vocalists Mona Miari and Kareem Yousef.

From Umm Kulthum and Fairuz to Abdel Halim Hafez and Wadih El Safi, the evening celebrates the legendary voices and timeless melodies that shaped generations across the Arab world and throughout the diaspora.

These are the songs that filled our parents’ and grandparents’ homes, accompanied family gatherings, echoed through cafés and concert halls, and traveled with immigrants as they built new lives in America. Rooted in poetry, passion, improvisation, and the tradition of tarab, they carry stories of love, longing, homeland, joy, and resilience.

Tarab Across Generations will bring these beloved classics to life while celebrating how their music continues to inspire new generations of Arab Americans.

The Arab America Ensemble
Vocalists: Mona Miari & Kareem Youssef
Musicians: Firas Zreik – Kanun & Director
Ameer Armaly – Oud
Nacim Khalfaoui – Violin
Bashar Farran – Bass
Mohamed Karzon – Tabla
Karim Nagi – Riq

We’re excited to announce that Nadir Benmansour, a Franco-Algerian singer-songwriter whose music brings together the rich sounds and traditions of North Africa and the Mediterranean will open the evening.

This special performance is included with full registration to the 2026 CONNECT Empowerment Summit.

REGISTER HERE

Saturday Morning, November 7, 2026

Nibal Malshi

Saturday Afternoon, November 7, 2026

A Rhythmic Trip Around The Arab World

Yalla Let’s Balady Workshop

Saturday Evening, November 7, 2026

Al Rabitah Gala

On Saturday, November 7, at 5:30 p.m., the CONNECT Empowerment Summit will host the Al Rabitah Gala, inspired by Al Rabitah Al Kalamieh, the literary society founded by Kahlil Gibran and his colleagues over a century ago to celebrate Arab identity and culture. Meaning “The Connection” Al Rabitah symbolizes unity through art and expression. In this same spirit, the Gala will feature a sit-down dinner, featuring the all women’s Malikat Al Folkloric Dabke Troupe, and an exhilarating evening of Arab pop and folk music with the incomparable Arab American Jordanian vocalist from Dallas, Texas, Tarek Haddad—a night filled with song, dance, and the spirited dabke.

Vocalist: Tarek Haddad
Musicians:
Abe Diab – Org
Nacim Khalfaoui – Violin
Mohamed Karzon – Tabla

This special event is included with full registration to the CONNECT Empowerment Summit.

REGISTER HERE

Featured Performers at the Connect Empowerment Summit Events:

Firas Zreik

Firas Zreik is a Palestinian-born, New York–based artist, composer, lyricist, and educator who has revolutionized the role of the kanun on the global stage. Blending the Arab maqam tradition with contemporary styles, his music is both authentic and innovative, marked by nuanced microtonal expression. Since 2013, he has toured internationally and collaborated with renowned artists including Roger Waters, Simon Shaheen, Residente, and his mother, celebrated vocalist Amal Murkus. A Berklee College of Music graduate, Zreik has performed at Lincoln Center, Boston Symphony Hall, WOMEX, and the Carthage International Festival, while also mentoring emerging musicians worldwide.

Mona Miari

Mona Miari is an internationally acclaimed Palestinian singer-songwriter, musician, and artistic director based in New York City. Known for her powerful stage presence and commitment to Arabic music and Palestinian cultural expression, she has performed at Lincoln Center, BAM, Opera America, Roulette Intermedium, the Brooklyn Museum, and major festivals worldwide. She made history as the first Arab singer to headline Boston’s Hatch Memorial Shell. Miari serves as Artistic Director of the New York Arabic Choir and has collaborated with Roger Waters on “Comfortably Numb – Reimagined.” She is currently preparing her highly anticipated debut album, scheduled for release in 2026.

Kareem Youssef

Kareem Youssef is a Lebanese American singer who was born in Lebanon and has lived in Brooklyn, New York since his family immigrated there in 1988. Growing up surrounded by Lebanese and Arab culture and listening to his father sing, he fell in love with music, especially that of Wadih el Safi, Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Fairouz, Umm Kulthuum and many others.
Kareem has been active in the church choir from a young age and leads as its director today. He joined the NYAO in 2011 as a member of the chorus, singing behind his father and the late Bassam Saba and is honored to be a part of continuing Bassam’s vision for the orchestra.

Tarek Haddad

Tarek Haddad is a Jordanian-Canadian artist, singer, keyboardist, and oud player whose work blends authentic Arab musical traditions with a contemporary sound. He has performed at concerts, festivals, and on television and radio programs across the Arab world and North America. Haddad has released more than 30 songs, several earning millions of views, including “Akhadt Ithin Al-Madam,” “Al-Mansaf,” and “Al-Urdun Ilna.” He received an artistic honor in 2023 and has built a strong social media following. Known for his dynamic stage presence, Haddad delivers energetic performances combining vocals, instrumental music, and Arab musical traditions while connecting warmly with audiences worldwide.

Nibal Malshi

Nibal Malshi is an extraordinary Palestinian artist born in the vibrant city of Haifa. Since age five, Nibal has enchanted audiences worldwide, drawing inspiration from revered Arab artists and gracing prestigious stages across her homeland, Europe, and the USA, including the renowned Institute de Monte Arab in Paris. A proud Academy of Music and Dance graduate in Jerusalem, Nibal’s artistry knows no bounds. From captivating dance workshops in Ramallah to inspiring collaborations in Germany to numerous concert performances in the U.S., she spreads harmony and unity through her music. Join Nibal and her Arab music ensemble for an unforgettable performance that will resonate deeply with you.

Nadir Benmansour

Nadir Benmansour is a Franco-Algerian singer-songwriter whose music brings together the rich sounds and traditions of North Africa and the Mediterranean. Originally from Tlemcen in western Algeria and now based in Marseille, he blends Andalusian music, Oran Raï, Saharan Gnawa, folk, blues, reggae, and Mediterranean influences into a distinctive musical style. Performing in several languages, Nadir uses music to bridge cultures and celebrate the diversity of his North African heritage. He is also a soloist with the Arab-Andalusian Orchestra of Provence, sharing Algeria’s musical traditions and contemporary influences with audiences across cultural and geographic boundaries.

Karim Nagi

An Egyptian living in Chicago, Karim Nagi, has been a tireless contributor to Arab American life for 3 decades. He has recorded 18 albums, performed his Arabiqa cultural assembly in over 500 schools, produced dozens of Arab Dance Seminars, and published a book. He has lectured in several universities, including Yale and Stanford, and has a TEDx Talk, “The Tambourine, My Partner in Diplomacy & Disruption.” Nagi employs Arab percussion as instruments of advocacy, enticing countless Americans to support Arab culture. He is currently completing a new children’s book and accompanying music album, which are scheduled for release in early 2026.

Abe Diab

Abraham Diab, a proud Arab American musician from Detroit, Michigan, has been immersed in music since childhood, starting his journey at the age of seven. Introduced to the Arab organ at the age of 13 by his late father and teacher, Abdallah Abbas, Diab was inspired to pursue his musical dreams. Over the years, he has performed with local Arab ensembles at weddings, parties, and cultural gatherings, while also mastering the Arab accordion. A seasoned artist, he has been a percussionist for over 40 years and a keyboardist for more than 30 years. Diab brings his passion and heritage to this year’s CONNECT Empowerment Summit.

Ameer Armaly

Ameer Armaly is a Palestinian American oud player and software engineer whose work bridges music, technology, and accessibility. Born in South Carolina, he studied oud under renowned musicians Simon and Najib Shaheen. Armaly holds a PhD in computer science from the University of Notre Dame and received the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship for his work advancing programming accessibility for the blind. He spent six years at Google improving Android accessibility. Since moving to New York in 2023, Armaly has produced and led Arabic music concerts at venues including Symphony Space, while teaching, mentoring musicians, and preserving both celebrated and lesser-known Arabic musical traditions.

Nacim Khalfaoui

Nacim Khalfaoui is a Tunisian violinist renowned for his mastery of the Eastern violin. Beginning his musical journey as a pianist, a serendipitous encounter eventually led him to the violin. Over 16 years, Khalfaoui has performed on stages worldwide, with travels throughout Europe, North Africa, and the United States enriching his distinctive musical perspective. His experience with the Tunisian National Arabic Orchestra and participation in Arabic Music Retreats deepened his connection to Eastern melodies and traditions. Believing that the bond between musician and instrument lies at the heart of musical expression, Khalfaoui also shares his artistry and experience with aspiring violinists through teaching.

Bashar Farran

Bashar Farran is a Lebanese musician, educator, and passionate advocate for the transformative power of music. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Musicology with a concentration in Jazz and a Master of Music in Music Education with an emphasis in Jazz. As both a performer and educator, Farran views music as more than a form of personal expression—it is a powerful means of communication, connection, and growth. His approach to teaching is rooted in the belief that music education can inspire meaningful change, helping students discover their creativity, develop confidence, and experience the joy of making music together.

Mohamed Karzon

Mohamed Karzon was born and raised in Ramallah, Palestine. With a passion for music, Mohamed has performed all over the world, both as a solo artist and with various groups such as the Palestine Youth Orchestra, and the Palestine National Orchestra.
Mohamed studied classical percussion abroad in France before returning to Palestine to teach at local conservatories for the last 12 years. Mohamed is one of the most sought after percussionists in Palestine and the Middle East, both in Arab and classical percussions.

Zizi Zabaneh

Zizi Zabaneh, of Lebanese and Colombian descent, is an acclaimed Middle Eastern dance instructor celebrated for her passion and artistry. With years of experience teaching worldwide, she blends technical mastery with cultural storytelling and personal expression. She is the producer of the annual Caravan of Dancers festival in Orlando, Florida, which unites world-renowned artists to celebrate Middle Eastern dance through workshops and performances. A vibrant presence on TikTok and Instagram, she inspires a global community with tutorials, performances, and cultural insights. Dedicated to advancing both tradition and innovation, Zabaneh continues to shape the future of Middle Eastern dance worldwide.

Malikat Al Dabke

Malikat Al Dabke (Queens of Dabke) is the DMV area’s first all-women’s dabke troupe, founded in 2023 by Arab American women dedicated to preserving and celebrating cultural identity through dance. The ensemble performs and teaches Palestinian and Lebanese dabke, Iraqi dabcha/chobi, and traditional zaffe, while creating original choreography and aweehas. With more than a decade of experience among its members, Malikat Al Dabke has performed nationwide at universities, cultural institutions, embassies, weddings, and community events. Through performance and education, the troupe shares dabke’s history, cultural significance, joy, and healing power across generations and communities.

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The CONNECT Empowerment Summit offers a unique opportunity to engage with a vibrant community of visionary leaders, influential speakers, and like-minded individuals.

This dynamic two-day gathering brings together Arab Americans from across the nation for powerful sessions on networking, leadership, and celebration. Attendees will connect with trailblazing changemakers and emerging youth voices while exploring topics such as entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, public service, youth leadership, and the richness of Arab heritage and identity.

In 2025, we welcomed over 400 attendees from 24 states—2026 will be even bigger. Don’t miss your chance to join this growing national movement!

The Arab American Foundation (AAF) is a nonprofit (501 (c) (3)) educational and cultural organization. Its mission is to promote Arab heritage, empower and educate others about Arab identity, connect Arab Americans, and build coalitions with diverse organizations across the U.S.

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For press inquiries: Claire Boyle: ryelda@arabamerica.com

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