Building on the success of the re:publica in Germany and elsewhere in Europe, we have begun considering leaving our European comfort zone and have cast a hopeful eye towards Arabia – an exciting, challenging region and one that is connected to Europe in numerous ways.

Digital culture is spreading across Arab society, changing and transforming the lives of more than 200 million people, unlocking their potential and talents. This makes it all the more attractive for discussing the implications of the digital sphere in this region with local bloggers, vloggers, entrepreneurs, civil society activists, journalists, artists and many others.

The idea would be to explore the potential of innovation and transformation through the tools of the digital society in all relevant areas: economic development, education, employability, gender equality and renewable energies, among others.