Hello, fellow Wikimedians! We’re thrilled to report back from an exceptional WikiArabia conference held in Muscat, Oman! 🇴🇲
A Journey of Determination to Muscat
This WikiArabia felt like a reunion, a chance to reconnect with those we’d last seen at our Dubai gathering. But the path to this reunion was a story in itself. The initial vision was to convene in the beautiful Kingdom of Jordan. However, as the situation in Palestine unfolded, impacting regional stability,other countries were being considered, such as; Tunisia, the UAE, and Oman as alternative locations.
Our journey with WikiArabia, Muscat began in July 2024. A key turning point came through our connection with Mohammed Al Khoory, a powerful advocate for youth empowerment, whom we’d met during the Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature. Al Khoory’s belief in nurturing young talent resonated deeply with our mission. With his support, we embarked on planning an event in Oman, a country many of us had only encountered in middle school geography books. This is where the true value of Mohammed Al Khoory’s partnership became clear. He became our eyes and ears on ground, providing invaluable guidance on logistical matters, from organizing engaging social activities, securing VIP invitations, and managing media coverage. These contributions were essential in transforming our vision into a reality.
Triumphing Over Challenges with Omani Enthusiasm
Organizing a conference of this scale inevitably presents challenges. Visa restrictions regrettably prevented 18 participants from joining us. However, with the remarkable support of dedicated Omani youth volunteers, we persevered. Their energy and expertise in managing guest arrivals, resolving logistical issues, and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere were truly commendable.
A Hub of Knowledge, Connection, and Engagement
The conference, held in October 2024, welcomed 250 participants representing over 20 countries, with a significant and appreciated presence from the local Omani community. Across three days and three distinct thematic tracks, we hosted over 56 sessions and talks, some offered in both Arabic and English.
- Day 1: Nurturing the Future – Youth Day and Newcomer Engagement: This day established a vibrant tone, commencing with a session on the Omani Youth Wiki Program, curated by WMUAE specifically for young Omani contributors. Workshops and diverse sessions catered to both novice and experienced Wikimedians. Engaging activities, such as WikiPaint, facilitated networking and community building.
- Day 2: Expanding Horizons – GLAM Partnerships and Beyond: This day focused on GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) partnerships and global competitions run collaboratively by MENA members. It highlighted opportunities for attendees, emphasizing the WMF’s vision of community resourcing and its role in bridging gaps within supported communities.
- Day 3: Celebrating Our Roots – Arabic Language Day and Cultures of the Middle East and North Africa: The final day focused on enriching the Arabic Wikipedia and maximizing the potential of tools within the Wikimedia ecosystem. Sessions explored strategies for growth and improvement, empowering contributors to enhance the Arabic language content. The day culminated in the engaging “Let’s Connect” Connectathon. This interactive session saw participants share traditional sweets from their hometowns, weaving stories of cultural significance and personal connection. This provided a delightful and insightful glimpse into the diverse culinary traditions represented within the MENA region.
Beyond Formal Sessions: Fostering Connections
Recognizing the importance of informal interaction, we integrated engaging activities throughout the program. These proved highly popular, particularly with the Omani community, fostering connections between experienced Wikimedians and newcomers, and cultivating a dynamic and welcoming environment. These sessions provided valuable opportunities for attendees to network, brainstorm project ideas, and connect on a deeper level.
Edit-a-thon: Enriching Arabic Wikipedia
A key component of WikiArabia Muscat was an edit-a-thon focused on enriching Arabic Wikipedia content. Held in conjunction with the conference and organized by the Wikimedia UAE User Group and members from Arabic Wikipedia Rotana and Ahmed nagy, the edit-a-thon ran from October 25th to November 10th, 2024. The event aimed to train new users, particularly those who attended the conference’s educational sessions, and improve the quality and quantity of Arabic language articles. Nearly 45 participants, including 28 new users, contributed to the edit-a-thon, resulting in the publication of 489 articles, 20 of which focused on Omani content. Prior to the edit-a-thon, participants had access to five training sessions (three in-person and two online) covering Wikipedia principles, guidelines, and practical editing skills. The edit-a-thon provided a valuable opportunity for participants to collaborate, learn, and contribute to the growth of Arabic Wikipedia.
Reflections on a Resounding Success
WikiArabia, Muscat, was a resounding success. It showcased the power of community, the passion for knowledge, and the dedication to strengthening the Wikimedia movement within the Arab world.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all who contributed to this achievement:
- The dedicated Omani youth volunteers
- Our inspiring speakers and presenters
- All participants who traveled from near and far
- Our partner, Mohammed Al Khoory
We eagerly anticipate reuniting with you at the next WikiArabia!
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