Two Spectacular Evenings of Arab Music, Culture, and Celebration Headline CONNECT Empowerment Summit 2026

posted on: Oct 21, 2026

From the timeless classics of Abdel Halim Hafez and Fairuz to the exhilarating rhythms of Arab pop, folk music, and dabke, the Arab America Foundation presents two unforgettable evenings celebrating the music, heritage, and traditions that unite generations.

WASHINGTON, DC (October 21, 2026 )— The Arab America Foundation is bringing together an extraordinary lineup of Arab and Arab American musical talent for two spectacular evenings of cultural celebration at the 2026 CONNECT Empowerment Summit, November 6–7, at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles in Chantilly, Virginia.

On Friday, November 6, audiences will experience Fann Wa Tarab: Tarab Across Generations — The Songs That Raised Us, featuring the debut of the Arab America Ensemble and an outstanding lineup of internationally acclaimed musicians and vocalists.

On Saturday, November 7, the celebration continues with the Al Rabitah Gala, featuring acclaimed Jordanian vocalist Tarek Haddad, the dynamic Malikat Al Dabke folkloric dance troupe, and distinguished Arab American leader Dr. James J. Zogby, President of the Arab American Institute, as the evening’s featured speaker.

Together, these two events represent an ambitious celebration of Arab musical heritage, bringing generations together through the melodies, rhythms, and cultural traditions that have shaped Arab identity across the world.

“Our heritage is our legacy. If we don’t preserve it, celebrate it, and pass it on to future generations, who will?” said Warren David, President of Arab America and Co-Founder of the Arab America Foundation. “These two extraordinary evenings represent everything we believe in at the Foundation. We are bringing together remarkable artists, celebrating the music that shaped our lives, and creating opportunities for our children and grandchildren to experience the beauty of their heritage. CONNECT is about much more than a conference or a concert. It’s about strengthening the bonds that unite us through our shared heritage, culture, and values, and building something meaningful that will endure for generations.”

Friday, November 6: Fann Wa Tarab — The Songs That Raised Us

Imagine an evening filled with the unforgettable melodies of Fairuz, Abdel Halim Hafez, Wadih El Safi, Warda, Sabah Fakhri, Najat, Nazem Al Ghazali, and Ziad Rahbani — songs that filled our parents’ and grandparents’ homes, accompanied family celebrations, and traveled with Arab immigrants as they built new lives in America.

These are the songs that connect generations through memories of family, homeland, love, longing, and belonging.

Fann Wa Tarab: Tarab Across Generations — The Songs That Raised Us will bring this extraordinary musical heritage to life through a captivating concert featuring the debut of the Arab America Ensemble, a newly established initiative of the Arab America Foundation dedicated to preserving, performing, and celebrating classical Arab music.

The ensemble will be led by Firas Zreik, an internationally acclaimed Palestinian-born, New York-based qanun artist, composer, and educator whose innovative artistry bridges classical Arab maqam traditions and contemporary musical expression. A Berklee College of Music graduate, Zreik has performed at prestigious venues including Lincoln Center and Boston Symphony Hall and collaborated with internationally recognized artists.

The concert will feature two exceptional vocalists:

Mona Miari, an internationally acclaimed Palestinian singer-songwriter and artistic director based in New York City, has performed at Lincoln Center, BAM, the Brooklyn Museum, and major international festivals. Known for her powerful voice and passionate commitment to Palestinian and Arab cultural expression, Miari made history as the first Arab singer to headline Boston’s Hatch Memorial Shell.

Kareem Youssef, a Lebanese American vocalist based in Brooklyn, brings a lifelong devotion to classical Arabic music. Inspired by the legendary voices of Wadih El Safi, Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Fairuz, and Umm Kulthum, Youssef has performed with the New York Arabic Orchestra and continues to preserve the musical traditions passed down through his family and community.

Joining the ensemble are accomplished musicians Ameer Armaly on oud, Nacim Khalfaoui on violin, Bashar Farran on bass, Mohamed Karzon on tabla, and Karim Nagi on riq, bringing together exceptional artistry and the rich instrumental traditions of Arab music.

Friday, November 6: Fann Wa Tarab — Opening ACT: Franco-Algerian Singer-Songwriter Nadir Benmansour

The evening will open with Nadir Benmansour, a Franco-Algerian singer-songwriter from Marseille whose distinctive sound blends Andalusian music, Oran Raï, Saharan Gnawa, folk, blues, reggae, and Mediterranean influences. A soloist with the Arab-Andalusian Orchestra of Provence, Benmansour brings the musical diversity of North Africa to the CONNECT stage.

Serving as the evening’s emcee will be Ameera David, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and former anchor at Sinclair Media in Washington, DC, and WXYZ-TV in Detroit. A proud Arab American, David has built a distinguished career covering politics, international affairs, and the economy while championing thoughtful journalism and diverse voices.

Fann Wa Tarab promises an extraordinary musical journey through the songs that raised us — and the traditions we are determined to pass on.

Individual admission: $125. Admission is included with CONNECT Empowerment Summit registration.

Saturday, November 7: Al Rabitah Gala — Celebrating the Spirit of Connection

The celebration continues Saturday evening with the Al Rabitah Gala, an elegant banquet and exhilarating evening of Arab music, dance, and community fellowship.

The Gala draws its inspiration from Al Rabitah Al Qalamiyah (The Pen League), the historic literary society established more than a century ago by Kahlil Gibran and fellow Arab writers who sought to celebrate and advance Arab literature, identity, and cultural expression.

Al Rabitah, meaning “The Connection,” reflects the very spirit of the CONNECT Empowerment Summit: bringing people together through their shared heritage, cultural traditions, and collective aspirations.

Serving as Saturday evening’s emcee will be Sara Shouhayib, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, former television news anchor, and founder of Capital Emcee in Houston, Texas. A proud Lebanese American and 2021 Arab America Foundation 40 Under 40 honoree, Shouhayib has hosted events nationwide, bringing her engaging personality, professionalism, and passion for storytelling to the stage. She is dedicated to celebrating Arab American heritage, supporting philanthropic causes, and strengthening community connections.

Adding to the excitement will be Malikat Al Dabke (Queens of Dabke), the Washington, DC metropolitan area’s first all-women’s dabke troupe. Founded in 2023, the ensemble celebrates Arab cultural identity through energetic performances of Palestinian and Lebanese dabke, Iraqi dabcha/chobi, and traditional zaffe. Their performances combine the joy of dance with a deep commitment to preserving cultural traditions across generations.

Amine J. Hachem is an award-winning Lebanese-American operatic tenor, songwriter, and producer. Founder of Clairemine Opus Inc., he has performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. In 2025, he starred in and produced Antar & Abla, an Arabic opera in Abu Dhabi. He received the 2026 BIAF Best International Artist Award.

A special highlight of the Gala will be an address by Dr. James J. Zogby, founder and president of the Arab American Institute, nationally recognized author, political commentator, and longtime advocate for Arab American civic engagement.

For decades, Dr. Zogby has been among the most influential voices advancing Arab American political participation, representation, and understanding of the Arab world. His leadership and advocacy have helped shape the national conversation about Arab American identity and the community’s role in American public life.

Headlining the evening will be Tarek Haddad, a dynamic Jordanian-Canadian vocalist, keyboardist, and oud player based in Dallas, Texas, whose performances blend authentic Arab musical traditions with contemporary pop and folk sounds.

With more than 30 released songs, millions of online views, and performances across North America and the Arab world, Haddad has developed a devoted following through his engaging stage presence and energetic musical style.

His performance promises an exciting evening of beloved Arab melodies, dancing, and celebration that will have guests on their feet.

Joining Haddad will be accomplished musicians including Abraham Diab, a Detroit-based Arab American keyboardist and accordionist with decades of experience performing Arab music; Nacim Khalfaoui, a distinguished Arabic violinist and educator in the Washington, DC area; and Mohamed Karzon, a highly regarded Palestinian percussionist who has performed internationally with ensembles including the Palestine Youth Orchestra and Palestine National Orchestra.

Individual admission: $150 | Table of 10: $1,500. Admission is included with CONNECT Empowerment Summit registration.

Preserving Our Heritage, Connecting Our Future

The two evening celebrations are highlights of the 2026 CONNECT Empowerment Summit, a national gathering that brings together Arab American leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, professionals, students, and families for discussions on civic leadership, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, youth engagement, identity, and public service.

Through its cultural programs and the launch of the Arab America Ensemble, the Arab America Foundation is working to create lasting opportunities for Arab American artists, musicians, and future generations to experience and share the extraordinary richness of Arab culture.

“We want our young people to know more than where their families came from. We want them to experience the music, understand the traditions, appreciate the accomplishments, and feel the pride of belonging to this extraordinary community,” added David. “Our mission is to promote our heritage, educate others about our identity, and connect and empower Arab Americans. These evenings bring that mission to life. This is our responsibility, and this is the legacy we hope to leave.”

The Arab America Foundation invites the community to join these two exceptional evenings and experience the power of music, culture, and connection.

Event Information and Registration

2026 CONNECT Empowerment Summit
November 6–7, 2026
Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles
14750 Conference Center Drive
Chantilly, Virginia

Friday, November 6 — Fann Wa Tarab
6:00 p.m. Reception and Dinner | 8:00 p.m. Concert
Individual admission: $125

Saturday, November 7 — Al Rabitah Gala
5:30 p.m. Gala Banquet
Individual admission: $150 | Table of 10: $1,500

Both evening programs are included with full CONNECT Empowerment Summit registration. Individual tickets are also available.

Register:
https://arabamericafoundation.regfox.com/connect-empowerment-summit-2026

View the Full Summit Program:
https://arabamericafoundation.org/schedule/

About the Arab America Foundation

The Arab America Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational and cultural organization dedicated to promoting Arab heritage, educating Americans about Arab identity, and connecting and empowering Arab Americans while building bridges with diverse communities throughout the United States.

For more information, visit www.arabamericafoundation.org.

For Media Inquiries: Rita Yelda (Yelda Media)

ryelda@arabamerica.com

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