Arab America Foundation sets 2026 CONNECT Empowerment Summit for November in Chantilly

The Arab America Foundation will hold its CONNECT Empowerment Summit Nov. 6-8, 2026, at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles in Chantilly, Va. The event is designed to bring together Arab Americans for networking, leadership programming, cultural celebration and civic engagement, following a 2025 summit that drew more than 400 attendees from 20 states.

Why it matters: - The CONNECT Empowerment Summit is designed to bring Arab Americans together around leadership, civic participation, youth engagement and community-building. - The event aims to expand a national network of Arab American attendees, speakers and organizers across the Washington, D.C. area and beyond. - The 2025 summit drew more than 400 attendees from 20 states, setting a baseline for growth in 2026.

What happened: - The Arab America Foundation announced the CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit for Friday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, with an optional Sunday program on Nov. 8. - The summit will be held at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles, 14750 Conference Center Drive, Chantilly, Va. 20151. - Warren David, co-founder of the Arab America Foundation, said the summit is meant to build community, amplify the Arab American voice and support the next generation of leaders. - The foundation included registration and sponsorship calls to action in its announcement.

The details: - Friday programming runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with registration, information, exhibits and breakout sessions. - Friday evening includes the Ahlan Networking Reception and Dinner at 6 p.m. and the Fann Wa Tarab Cultural Evening at 8 p.m. - Saturday begins with a networking breakfast at 8 a.m. featuring man’oushe, foul and qahwa. - The main summit session starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday and includes presentations from public service officials, community leaders, influential women, rising leaders and performers. - The summit will recognize Rising Leaders at noon, including 20 Under 20, 30 Under 30 and 40 Under 40 awardees. - A Sahtein Networking Lunch follows at 12:30 p.m., and the daytime program ends at 3:30 p.m. - Saturday evening opens with a reception at 5:30 p.m. and the Al Rabitah Gala at 6:30 p.m. - The gala will feature Arab cuisine, special recognition and live Arab music. - The optional Sunday program runs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a farewell networking reception, followed by a Washington, D.C. landmark tour and lunch. - The Arab America Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational and cultural organization. - The foundation says its mission is to promote Arab heritage, educate Americans about Arab identity and connect and empower Arab Americans with one another and with diverse organizations across the U.S. - More information is available on the Arab America Foundation website.

Between the lines: - The summit blends professional networking with cultural programming, which suggests the foundation is using heritage and career development as parallel entry points for engagement. - The emphasis on youth awards, women’s empowerment and public service points to an effort to shape both community identity and political participation. - The Washington-area location may help attract attendees from national advocacy, nonprofit and policy circles.

What's next: - Registration and sponsorship are open ahead of the November 2026 summit. - The foundation is positioning the event as a larger follow-on to its 2025 gathering. - Attendees can expect additional summit details as the event date approaches.

The bottom line: - The Arab America Foundation is turning CONNECT into a multi-day national convening for Arab Americans, with culture, leadership and civic engagement at the center.