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Qatar Foundation will host the second edition of the QIYADA conference on September 25-26 under the theme "Guided by Faith: Thriving in a Changing World", bringing together Muslim youth aged 17 to 24 from across Qatar alongside scholars, thought leaders, and inspirational figures at Multaqa (Education City Student Center) in Education City.Sponsored by Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB) as the official sponsor, and the Ministry of Sports and Youth as the participant sponsor, this year's conference will aim to empower youth to tackle global challenges, explore Islamic values, foster leadership skills, and promote multi-cultural understanding through insightful keynote sessions and interactive workshops.In a statement on Monday, QF said this year's edition features a prominent lineup of speakers from diverse cultural backgrounds, including, Dr. Omar Suleiman, a globally-renowned scholar and theologically-driven activist for human rights, and Dr. Hanan Ahmed Al Qattan Founder and Director of Etizan Center for Psychological, Educational, and Sharia Consultation and Training.Commenting on the Ministry of Sports and Youth's sponsorship of the conference, Ahmed Mohammed Al Harami, Assistant Undersecretary for Youth Affairs from the Ministry of Sports and Youth, said: "The Ministry of Sports and Youth support for the second edition of the QIYADA Conference stems from our belief in the importance of providing spaces that enable young people to engage in dialogue, learn, and exchange ideas, while enhancing their ability to consciously navigate the changes taking place in the world, while preserving their identity, values, and principles.""The conference represents an important platform that brings together young people with leading scholars, thought leaders, and inspiring figures, providing them with an opportunity to gain new knowledge, develop their leadership skills, and learn from diverse experiences that contribute to broadening their horizons and strengthening their role in their communities", he said.He added: "We believe that empowering young people is not limited to developing their skills and capabilities; it also includes strengthening their awareness of their identity and values and creating a supportive environment that helps them translate these values into initiatives, practices, and positive impact within society"."This partnership with Qatar Foundation underscores the importance of integrating national efforts to support young people and creating more spaces that enable them to participate, engage, and build relationships based on dialogue and knowledge. This, in turn, contributes to preparing a generation capable of leading the future with confidence, awareness, and responsibility," he said.For his part, Dr. Abdulbasit Ahmed Al Shaibei, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar International Islamic Bank of (QIIB), said: "Our support for this conference reflects our firm belief that investing in young people is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in the future of our nation. It is also part of our commitment to empowering the next generation with the knowledge, values, and leadership skills needed to navigate today’s challenges with confidence, purpose, and resilience."He added: "Through this partnership with Qatar Foundation and a distinguished group of scholars and thought leaders, we aspire to create genuine spaces that inspire young people, strengthen their Islamic identity, and unleash their positive energy to make a sustainable and tangible impact at both the local and global levels.""Our sponsorship is based on our assessment of the rapid changes the world is witnessing today. Our youth, particularly those aged between 17 to 24, face unprecedented challenges due to the dominance of artificial intelligence, the accelerating digital transformation, and constant pressures on their identity and values. Therefore, we believe that the QIYADA conference is as an ideal platform to bridge the gap between contemporary development and religious practices, while fostering thoughtful dialogue and critical thinking, and building social and intellectual connections," he said.The annual QIYAQA conference is intended for Muslim youth who are interested in issues of faith, identity, leadership, and community engagement - particularly high school and university students throughout Qatar. The conference is also open to non-Muslim students who are interested in participating in meaningful dialogues and exchanging new perspectives.Initiated by the Office of Wellness and Spiritual Life within Qatar Foundation's Higher Education, this conference supports Qatar Foundation's mission to promote education, leadership, and innovation. It also aligns with QF's overarching commitment to driving global impact and social advancement through collaboration, dialogue, and value-driven education. 

Despite several challenges, Muslim youth in Qatar are turning to faith as a source of strength. Islam provides spiritual resilience, confidence, and guidance in navigating societal pressures. As global interest in Islamic youth leadership and authentic Muslim voices rises, it is clear that faith can empower – not isolate – the next generation.As the global conversation on youth aspirations continues, Qatar Foundation (QF) is hosting its inaugural Qiyada conference, sponsored by Qatar International Islamic Bank. The conference will take place on September 19-20 at Multaqa and is open to students of all faiths aged 17-24 who are eager to engage in honest conversations, share fresh perspectives, and explore faith-driven solutions to challenges.Tarteel Elamin Emam, a Muslim student pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at QF's Hamad Bin Khalifa University says: “My faith inspires my strength. I didn’t reach this phase of my life despite my faith; rather, because of it.“In Arabic, there is a word called Sanad which means backbone: a source of support, strength, and empowerment. And my faith is that – Sanad. It is the hand that will always catch me no matter how many obstacles I face or how many challenges lay ahead.”For Emam, staying true to her faith is success in itself. “I’ve met many people who reject my beliefs,” she says. “They walk their path, and I walk mine. At times, our paths intersect, but this doesn’t take away from my journey, and it won’t determine my path ahead. Even the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encountered opinions, resistance, and misunderstanding."Tasami Kamal Elobied Hussein, a student at Qatar University’s College of Nursing, says empowerment and faith aren’t in conflict – they feed each other. “I don’t feel powerful despite being Muslim; I feel powerful because I am,” she says.“My faith doesn’t limit me; it liberates me and protects me from manipulation, doubt, and losing myself amid people’s arguments or expectations. I know many enjoy questioning faith, especially in an era where science is idolized and spirituality is often dismissed.“It’s not just about praying or checking boxes. Even when I feel different from others – whether they are Muslims who treat religion as culture, or non-Muslims who see it as blind faith – I still stand tall. And even if I haven’t changed the world yet, simply being aware of its reality, and my role in it, makes me powerful.”When asked about achieving her goals while staying true to her religious values, Hussein says: “Success means remaining aligned with my values, purpose, and Islamic worldview. It means living as a vicegerent on Earth, not just as a contributor within the system. My academic performance is a tool that serves my purpose, but it doesn’t define my worth or tell the whole story. Real success is when my beliefs become practical; when I use my worldview to generate new ideas, take action, and grow.”