We've Arrived! CONNECT Is Here! More Than 300 Expected for an Unforgettable Weekend of Arab American Empowerment!

posted on: Nov 4, 2026

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Dr. James Zogby, Seven Powerful Panels, Spectacular Arab Entertainment, Four Signature Meals, and More Than 20 Events — November 6–8 in the Washington, DC Area!

WASHINGTON, DC — November 4, 2026 — The countdown is over! This Friday, November 6, the Arab America Foundation will welcome an anticipated gathering of more than 300 Arab Americans and friends from across the country to the 2026 CONNECT Empowerment Summit at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles in Chantilly, Virginia.

Under the theme “CONNECT — Together We Rise,” the three-day gathering promises an extraordinary celebration of Arab American identity, leadership, heritage, culture, and community.

With more than 20 events and activities, seven engaging panel discussions, outstanding musical performances, interactive cultural workshops, four signature meal gatherings, networking opportunities, and recognition of emerging Arab American leaders, CONNECT offers something for everyone.

And there’s still time to join us! A limited $50 registration discount brings the full Summit package from $349 to just $299. The discount may expire as additional registrations are received.

Special Friday Appearance: Dr. Abdul El-Sayed

One of the most anticipated moments of CONNECT will be a special Friday evening appearance by Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Egyptian American public health leader and U.S. Senate candidate from Michigan.

Appearing just days after the November 3 election, El-Sayed will address Arab American leadership, public service, identity, and empowerment during the Friday evening program, ahead of the spectacular Fann Wa Tarab musical celebration.

His appearance underscores the importance of Arab Americans asserting their identity, strengthening their connections, and taking an active role in shaping America’s future.

Dr. James Zogby Joins Distinguished National Voices

Among the prominent leaders participating in CONNECT is Dr. James Zogby, President of the Arab American Institute and one of the nation’s most respected advocates for Arab American political engagement and representation.

Dr. Zogby will make a special appearance during Saturday evening’s Al Rabitah Gala, bringing his perspective on Arab American identity, leadership, and the challenges and opportunities facing our community.

At a time when Arab Americans are confronting challenges involving civil rights, political representation, and U.S. foreign policy, his presence underscores the importance of coming together, strengthening our collective voice, and sustaining momentum for the future.

Your CONNECT Weekend at a Glance

Friday, November 6 — Inspiration, Leadership & Tarab

• 12:00 PM — Registration and Vendor Exhibits Open
• 1:30 PM — Opening Panel: We Are All Educators — Changing Hearts, Changing Minds
• 2:30 PM — Food and Entrepreneurship Panel: Brewing a Movement — How Arab Entrepreneurs Are Changing America’s Taste and Culture
• 3:30 PM — Young Professionals Networking Reception
• 6:00 PM — Ahlan Wa Sahlan Welcome Dinner and Reception
• Friday Evening — Special Appearance by Dr. Abdul El-Sayed
• 7:30 PM — Fann Wa Tarab: Tarab Across Generations — The Songs That Raised Us

Friday’s Fann Wa Tarab will open with a special performance by Franco-Algerian musician Nadir Benmansour and his ensemble, bringing the vibrant rhythms and rich musical traditions of North Africa to the CONNECT stage.

The evening will also feature the debut of the Arab America Ensemble, under the musical direction of qanun virtuoso Firas Zreik, with vocalists Mona Miari and Kareem Yousef. Together, they will celebrate the unforgettable music of Fairuz, Umm Kulthum, Abdel Halim Hafez, and Wadih El Safi in a spectacular evening of Arab musical heritage spanning generations and regions.

Saturday, November 7 — Empowerment, Rising Leaders & Gala Celebration

• 8:00 AM — Man’oushe, Foul, and Qahwa Networking Breakfast
• Morning — Inspiring panels on civic leadership, women’s leadership, and Arab American empowerment
• 11:45 AM — Rising Leaders Recognition Ceremony: 40 Under 40, 30 Under 30, and 20 Under 20
• 12:30 PM — Sahtein Networking Lunch
• Afternoon — Engaging conversations on mental health, media representation, and preparing the next generation for leadership
• 5:30 PM — Al Rabitah Gala Reception and Evening Celebration, featuring a special appearance by Dr. James Zogby

Throughout Saturday, attendees will also enjoy exceptional Arab cultural performances and interactive experiences, including vocalist Nibal Malshi, Karim Nagi’s rhythmic journey around the Arab world, and Zizi Zababneh’s lively “Yalla Let’s Baladi” dance workshop.

Saturday evening’s Al Rabitah Gala will celebrate Arab American excellence with a special appearance by Dr. James Zogby, the presentation of the prestigious 2026 MVP Award to Noura Ismail, and captivating performances by acclaimed tenor Amine Hachem, vocalist Tarek Haddad, and the electrifying Malikat Al Dabke dance troupe. The evening promises unforgettable music, dancing, and a celebration of our shared heritage.

Sunday, November 8 — One More Chance to CONNECT!

• 9:00–10:30 AM — Yalla CONNECT! Farewell Networker
• 11:00 AM — Special Washington, DC Arab American Landmarks Bus Tour and Lunch (separate advance registration required)

Sunday offers one final opportunity to exchange contacts, renew friendships, and carry the spirit of CONNECT back to communities across the country.

SEE THE FULL CONNECT PROGRAM AND SCHEDULE

Seven Conversations That Matter — One Community Moving Forward

CONNECT brings together leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, advocates, artists, and emerging voices to address issues that matter to Arab Americans.

From education, cultural identity, and entrepreneurship to civic engagement, women’s leadership, mental health, media representation, and preparing the next generation, these conversations reflect the Foundation’s mission to PROMOTE our heritage, EDUCATE others about our identity, and CONNECT and EMPOWER our community.

At a time when Arab Americans face significant challenges involving civil rights, representation, foreign policy, and cultural understanding, CONNECT provides a welcoming national space to celebrate our achievements, strengthen relationships, and work toward a more empowered future.

Four Signature Meals — Because Connection Happens Around the Table!

Arab hospitality is at the heart of CONNECT! The Summit includes four special meal gatherings: Friday’s Ahlan Wa Sahlan Welcome Dinner, Saturday’s traditional Man’oushe, Foul, and Qahwa Breakfast, the Sahtein Networking Lunch, and the spectacular Saturday evening Al Rabitah Gala Banquet.

These gatherings are more than meals — they’re opportunities to reconnect with old friends, meet new colleagues, share ideas, and build lasting relationships.

Don’t Miss Our Online Silent Auction!

The Arab America Foundation’s 2026 Online Silent Auction is already underway, featuring a remarkable collection of Arab artwork, cultural treasures, handcrafted items, jewelry, and exclusive collectibles.

Highlights include artwork by renowned Lebanese American artist Helen Zughaib and a personally autographed Palestinian keffiyeh from Arab Idol champion Mohammed Assaf.

Proceeds support the Foundation’s educational, mentorship, leadership development, and youth empowerment initiatives.

The auction is open to everyone, including those unable to attend the Summit. Bidding closes Saturday, November 7, at 10:00 PM Eastern Time.

EXPLORE THE SILENT AUCTION AND PLACE YOUR BIDS

A Special Thank You to Our Wonderful Sponsors!

An event of this magnitude would not be possible without the generous commitment of our sponsors and community partners.

The Arab America Foundation extends its heartfelt appreciation to the organizations, businesses, and individuals whose support helps bring Arab Americans together to celebrate our heritage, elevate our voices, and empower future generations.

VIEW OUR CONNECT 2026 SPONSORS

Last Chance! Save $50 on Your CONNECT Registration

There’s still time to be part of this extraordinary national gathering!

Regular Full Summit Registration: $349

Special Discounted Registration: $299

Use Coupon Code: $50DISCOUNTCODE

To receive your discount:

1. Select General Registration ($349).
2. Scroll to the Coupon Code box.
3. Enter $50DISCOUNTCODE.
4. Your registration will be reduced to $299.

This special discount is available for a limited time and may expire as additional registrations are received.

CONNECT — Together We Rise!

November 6–8, 2026

Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles
14750 Conference Center Drive
Chantilly, Virginia — Washington, DC Area

More than 300 expected. More than 20 events. Seven powerful conversations. Four signature meals. Two unforgettable evenings of Arab music and celebration. One extraordinary community.

We’ve arrived! Yalla, CONNECT!

For information: www.arabamericafoundation.org
Phone: 877-272-2944

About the Arab America Foundation

The Arab America Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nonsectarian educational and cultural organization dedicated to promoting Arab heritage, educating Americans about Arab identity, and connecting and empowering Arab Americans across the United States. Through national initiatives, leadership programs, cultural celebrations, and community engagement, the Foundation strengthens Arab American identity and builds bridges of understanding throughout the nation.