National Arab American Heritage Month: 2026 Celebration Recap

posted on: Apr 22, 2026

By: Rita Yelda / Arab America Contributing Writer

On Thursday, April 16, 2026, over 250 people gathered for the Arab America Foundation’s National Arab American Heritage Month Signature Celebration at the Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria, Virginia.

April is National Arab American Heritage Month, a time for Arabs and their supporters to come together to celebrate heritage and advance understanding through education and events. There is a lot to celebrate: Arab Americans have built businesses, strengthened neighborhoods, and upheld the values that define America. Arab Americans have also advanced the nation’s achievements in diplomacy, science, art, technology, and music. 

Why was Virginia chosen as the location of the signature event for 2026? Virginia has approximately 134,322 Arab Americans, making it #10 among states with the largest Arab American populations. Arab Americans in Virginia reside in 78 of the state’s 95 counties, and the largest number of new Arab immigrants to Virginia came from Iraq, Egypt, and Morocco.

This year marked the ninth annual celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month, launched in 2017. The 2026 theme, “Many Voices, One Community,” reflected the rich diversity of Arab American identities while affirming the shared values that unite our community. Arab Americans continue to be marginalized or reduced to headlines that do not accurately reflect the community and its people. There is a need to provide an unbiased narrative to build bridges of understanding and broaden perspectives, a role that National Arab American Heritage Month plays. 

The elegant black-tie evening in Alexandria brought together civic leaders, professionals, artists, and advocates to celebrate the enduring contributions of Arab Americans to the United States. Marsil Sobhy entertained guests with an acoustic ney, a type of reed flute, while they enjoyed mocktails and a delicious Arab buffet.

The event was emceed by Ameera David, Emmy Award-winning journalist, and it included an art exhibit, a fashion show, dancing and socializing, and much more.

The program began with a powerful address from Warren David, President of Arab America and Co-Founder of the Arab America Foundation, who explained why National Arab American Heritage Month matters: “It’s not just a celebration, it’s a declaration that we are a part of the American story – that our heritage matters, that our contributions – past, present, and future – are woven into the fabric of this country. And most importantly, it’s for the next generation, so that our children and grandchildren never have to question who they are. But instead, stand tall with pride, confidence, and clarity… Our voices may be many, our voices may be different, but our purpose is one: to be seen, to be heard, and to define who we are on our terms.”

Another pivotal moment at the event was a poetry reading that left many choked up with its relatability and the ongoing struggles of Arab Americans. Zeina Azzam, a Palestinian American poet and Poet Laureate Emerita (2022-2025) of the City of Alexandria, read a poem by Lisa Suhair Majaj titled “Guidelines,” which speaks to the poet’s experience of immigrating to the U.S. only to be scrutinized and distrusted as an Arab American. Below is an excerpt of Lisa Suhair Maja’s poem:

If they ask you what you are,
say Arab. If they flinch, don’t react,
just remember your great-aunt’s eyes.

If they ask you where you come from,
say Toledo. Detroit. Mission Viejo.
Fall Springs. Topeka. If they seem confused,

help them locate these places on a map,
then inquire casually, Where are you from?
Have you been here long? Do you like this country?

This year’s special guest was Yasmin Elhady, a stand-up comedian and host of Hulu’s Muslim Matchmaker, who charmed the audience with her jokes and comedic insights. Semiramis Luxe and the Algerian-American Association of Greater Washington hosted a unique and colorful Arab fashion show featuring over 24 ensembles from Southwest Asia and North Africa.

“The Golden Era of Arab Music: An Evening of Timeless Arab Classics” was led by Usama Baalbaki, Arab vocalist and National Arab Orchestra Chairman, and Nibal Malshi, acclaimed Arab vocalist. The Faris El-Layl Dance Troupe impressed the crowd with their dabke, a traditional Levantine folk line dance characterized by synchronized stomping, hopping, and kicking. Often performed at weddings and celebrations, dabke symbolizes unity and cultural heritage. D.C.-based DJ Basbousa rounded out the night with energetic tunes that got everyone up out of their seats and dancing.

At a time when Arab Americans continue to face exclusion from diversity initiatives and harmful public discourse, the event in Alexandria – and all the events celebrated nationwide for National Arab American Heritage Month 2026 – served as an important opportunity to celebrate heritage, affirm identity, and amplify Arab American voices. Though Arab Americans are ethnically and religiously diverse, a shared culture is reflected in language, cuisine, and deep-rooted traditions.

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