What is Al-Mubadarah?

Al-Mubadarah is an independent international NGO devoted to developing a global platform for Arab development and strengthening professional ties in and between the Arab World and its Diaspora through innovative human and institutional capacity building programs.  Al-Mubadarah is a multi-level and multi-disciplinary approach for sustainable development through the convening of the diverse groups committed to and interested in strengthening Arab communities and building a brighter, resourceful and interconnected future for the Arab World. Al-Mubadarah is committed to mobilizing and deploying resources to serve an influential platform for information sharing, knowledge building, and international technical assistance for the Arab world (Middle East & North Africa).We are an institution that matches capacities of the diaspora to the needs in the region.

Al-Mubadarah stems from the ongoing need to address a number of challenges and opportunities related to the development of Arab communities and the growing quest for stewardship from and the cooperative engagement of diverse stakeholders. Our work aims to reverse the brain-drain and immigration of talents and skills from the Arab World and to advocate for policies and actions in favor of sustainable and comprehensive Arab development. Al-Mubadarah engages Global Arab Diasporas to become motivated, empowered and personally vested in development throughout the Middle East and North Africa and their home countries.

What is your tag line?

What is your vision?

Engaging and empowering the Arab Diaspora to be active in professional & economic development in the Arab World through innovative capacity-building programs.  As we continue to expand our global outreach, we are constantly building on the amazing network of talented, skilled and passionate professionals that we can rely on to mentor, coach and work with Arab colleagues in the Arab world.

How and when was Al-Mubadarah founded?

Al-Mubadarah was officially launched in Washington DC, USA, during a special Public Diplomacy  luncheon "Arab & Muslim Americans Answering Obama's Call" organized in collaboration with the Aspen Institute’s Global Initiative on Culture and Society as part of a series of events related to President Obama’s Summit on Entrepreneurship on April 29, 2010. Since our launch, Al-Mubadarah has partnered with numerous organizations and institutions working in the field of Arab Development including the Aspen Institute, Association of Arab American Engineers and Architects and Harvard Arab Alumni Association for their Harvard Arab Weekend. We have been actively engaged in speaking and listening tours to hear from Diaspora communities their views and aspirations towards a brighter and more prosperous Arab World.

Al-Mubadarah was founded by Victor Shiblie and Hazami Barmada both residents of Washington DC. The vision was one that had been on their mind (and the minds and hearts of many they talked to over the years). They had a realization that so many talents existed in global Arab communities, and so many people wanted to contribute back to their countries, but lacked a transparent and accountable way to do it. After many months of brain-storming, Al-Mubadarah was born. The vision quickly spread and inspired many other Arab Americans who have contributed their professional efforts, skills and time as volunteers to build the organization and create a platform that we hope will inspire many others to realize their potential to help develop the Arab world!

What does the word 'Al-Mubadarah' mean?

Al-Mubadarah is an Arabic word meaning: “Taking Initiative”.  We have taken the word and are living by it! We believe that Arabs around the world have a role to play by taking initiative and help lend their talents, skills and passions to building the Arab world and contributing to professional and community development.

Who is eligible for Al-Mubadarah programs?

Al-Mubadarah is an organization that was founded with the idea of being by the people, for the people. We are committed to being grassroots driven and catering to local needs in the Arab World and in the expat community. We are looking forward to working with anyone who is interested in sustainable development in the region. Professionals of all backgrounds, ages, genders, education levels, income levels, religions, and views are welcome to apply to our programs.

Is Al-Mubadarah a non-profit organization?

Yes, Al-Mubadarah is a 501(c) nonprofit organization registered in the State of Virginia (TIN # 27-222303). We have the operational names of Arab Empowerment Initiative & Al-Mubadarah, however are referred to as Al-Mubadarah.

What do we mean by 'empowerment'?

Empowerment to us means: to care. To be empowered to take initiative. To be ACTIVE members of constructive development. To realize the role that we can each play, in whatever small capacity to make a difference. Small acts by many people adds up. Small donations many many people add up. Small passions of many people can transform entire communities. Be Empowered. Are you?