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

posted on: Sep 30, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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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.

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.

More than a concert, it is a celebration of memory, identity, heritage, and connection—and the enduring power of Arab music to cross borders, bridge generations, and bring our community together.

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

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

REGISTER HERE!

Saturday Afternoon, November 7, 2026

Yalla Let’s Balady Workshop

Saturday Evening, November 7, 2026

Al Rabitah Gala Banquet

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:

Maysoon Zayid

Maysoon Zayid is an actress, comedian, writer, and disability advocate who has broken barriers in entertainment and public life. A proud Palestinian American, she is best known for her sharp wit, fearless humor, and pioneering role as one of America’s first Muslim female comedians. She is also the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir Find Another Dream, which chronicles her journey with cerebral palsy and her path to success. Zayid co-founded the New York Arab-American Comedy Festival, delivered a widely acclaimed TED Talk, and continues to inspire audiences worldwide through performance, activism, and storytelling.

Yousef Shamoun

Yousef Shamoun is an acclaimed Syrian vocalist celebrated for his mastery of Tarab, the classical Arab musical tradition. Born in Aleppo, the historic center of Arab music, he trained under renowned musicians and quickly earned recognition for his powerful voice and emotive performances. Youssef has performed on prestigious stages across the Middle East, Europe, and the United States, preserving and promoting Arab musical heritage for new generations. Deeply connected to his cultural roots, he is committed to sharing the beauty and richness of Arab music with global audiences.

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.

Marwa Morgan

Marwa Morgan is a renowned Egyptian vocalist known for her mesmerizing performances of classic Arabic music. She began singing at the age of 12 and has since performed on prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, compelling audiences with her rich, powerful voice. Growing up in Cairo, Egyptian musical icons, including Umm Kulthum, heavily influenced Marwa’s musical style. Morgan brings the soul of Arabic music to life with her evocative interpretations.

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.

Karim Jaber

Karim Jaber is a Lebanese pop vocalist, songwriter, and composer whose powerful voice and dynamic performances have made him a beloved entertainer across the Arab world and beyond. He rose to prominence as the Golden Medal winner of Studio El Fan 2002 (LBCI) and has since built a career performing at weddings, engagements, festivals, and significant cultural events. Now based in Orlando, Florida, Karim continues to captivate audiences with his hit songs, including “El Bint El Lebnaneye,” “Bnayya Flastiniya,” and “Metl El Malak.” His artistry seamlessly blends passion, tradition, and modern pop flair, making him a standout talent in Arab music.

Abe Diab

Abraham Diab, a proud Arab American musician from Detroit, Michigan, has been immersed in music since childhood, beginning at age 7. Taught the Arab organ at the age of 13 by his late father and teacher, Abdallah Abbas, Diab was inspired to pursue a lifelong passion for music. Over the years, he has performed with local Arab ensembles at weddings, parties, and cultural gatherings, mastering both the Arab accordion and percussion—where he boasts over 40 years of experience—as well as the keyboard for more than 30 years. Since the inception of the CONNECT Empowerment Summit, Diab has enlivened the program with musical interludes between panels, creating a spirited atmosphere that bridges community and culture. This year, he will also join Karim Jaber on stage at the Al Rabitah Gala, adding his unique artistry to an unforgettable evening.

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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