Grants:Conference/ARE/Wikiarabia 2022 in Dubai/Report

Introduction edit

WikiArabia 2022 - Highlight Video

WikiArabia Conference is an annual gathering that brings together professionals, enthusiasts, and contributors from the Arab world and outside to discuss, collaborate, and inspire each other in open knowledge and free content. With a focus on the Arabic Wikipedia, other Wikimedia projects, and Wikimedia Movement, WikiArabia is a platform to exchange ideas, share experiences, and promote the growth and development of Arabic content online.

Context edit

 
Group Photo
In the rapidly evolving digital age, access to information is crucial, and the Arabic-speaking world is no exception. Recognizing the importance of open knowledge and free content, the WikiArabia conference serves as a vital meeting ground for individuals passionate about enhancing Arabic representation and accessibility online. Whether you are a seasoned contributor, a researcher, an educator, or simply interested in learning more about the Arabic Wikimedia community, the conference offers a space for collaboration, learning, and engagement.

The WikiArabia conference in Dubai 2022 aims to build upon the success of previous events, striving to foster a vibrant and inclusive community of contributors dedicated to enriching Arabic content. Attendees can expect a variety of presentations, panel discussions, talks, workshops, and networking opportunities, all centered around the theme of empowering the Arabic Wikimedia ecosystem. Participants had the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, gain insights from experienced contributors, and acquire valuable skills needed to enhance Arabic content online. Topics may include content creation, translation, outreach strategies, partnerships, technical advancements, and more. Furthermore, sessions focusing on improving diversity, inclusion, and representation within Arabic Wikimedia will also be at the forefront of the conference agenda. With its global appeal and multicultural atmosphere, Dubai is an ideal host city for WikiArabia 2022. A vibrant hub for innovation and technology, Dubai offers diverse experiences and opportunities for attendees to explore beyond the conference activities. Participants can immerse themselves in the rich Arabic culture, visit iconic landmarks, and engage with fellow contributors in a dynamic and inspiring setting.

By attending the WikiArabia conference, you become a part of a more significant movement that aims to bridge the digital gap, encourage collaboration, and promote open knowledge in the Arabic-speaking world. We look forward to welcoming you to Dubai in 2022 as we continue to shape the future of Arabic content together at WikiArabia.

Concept edit

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Observing the WikiArabia logos from 2015 to 2021, there's been a trend started in 2017 by Egypt of including national landmarks in the logo. Despite this individual touch, such country-specific symbolism might undermine establishing a robust, unified brand identity for WikiArabia. Issue Identified: The absence of a consistent visual representation for WikiArabia results in a weakened brand identity. Using country-specific icons interferes with the clear articulation of WikiArabia's unique brand. Proposed Solution: We recommend our User Group lead to design a logo encapsulating WikiArabia's identity. This design could be utilized long-term by all Wikimedia communities within the region. Incorporating Arabic text, "ويكي عربية الإمارات," into the logotype can lend a regional touch to the logo. The proposed logo concept is composed of regional touch, and using "و" as a letter mark maintains consistency with previous logos. In terms of color and font psychology in the conference logo, we can observe the following: Orange and yellow hues contribute feelings of passion, energy, warmth, friendliness, excitement, intellect, and happiness. Black introduces sophistication, security, power, elegance, authority, and substance.

The chosen font evokes feelings of youth, creativity, novelty, boldness, and impact.

Site edit

The Wikiarabia conference website is a comprehensive portal that provides all the necessary information about the conference, organized clearly and efficiently navigable.

Homepage: Upon landing on the homepage, the user is greeted with an overview of the conference, including the central theme, dates, and location.

Program Page: You can find a detailed conference schedule in the program section. This section lists all the conference sessions, complete with their start and end times, the name of the speakers, and the rooms where each session will take place. The sessions are typically categorized based on their themes, making it easy for attendees to find the most relevant sessions to their interests.

Speakers Page: The speaker's section provides a complete list of all the speakers at the conference. Each speaker's entry includes a short bio, a professional photo, and details about the session(s) they will lead. This section helps attendees familiarize themselves with the speakers and their areas of expertise.

Social Events Page: The website also includes a section dedicated to social events, usually planned outside of the main conference hours, to encourage networking and relaxation among attendees. Details about these events, including the date, time, and venue, are provided.

Venue and Accommodation Page: Detailed information about the conference venue and recommended accommodation options, including a specific conference hotel, is provided in a separate section. This includes the addresses, contact information, and a map for more straightforward navigation. Sometimes, this section also details special rates negotiated for conference attendees at the recommended hotel.

Visitor Information Page: The website usually includes a section with visitor information about the host country. This might contain valuable tips about local customs and etiquette, safety, public transport, local attractions, currency, and travel advisories. It could also provide recommendations for restaurants, cultural sites, and other places of interest to help attendees make the most of their visit.

Contact and Registration Page: Finally, the website will provide a section with contact details for the conference organizers should attendees have further queries. There will also be a registration section where attendees can register for the conference, choose their sessions, and sometimes even book accommodation.

This website serves as a one-stop shop for all information related to the Wikiarabia conference, making it easier for attendees to plan their participation and make the most of the conference experience.

Media Coverage edit

 

The conference was met with remarkable media coverage, significantly enhancing its visibility and reach. A strategic media gathering was organized during the conference, leading to extensive English and Arabic reportage. This strategic decision ensured the wide dissemination of conference content and provided a platform to articulate the essence of the conference to a broader audience. Several insightful articles appeared across various media platforms, highlighting the conference's key themes, sessions, speakers, and discussions. The impact of these articles was multifold: they not only brought international attention to the conference but also stimulated dialogue and engagement within the Wikimedia community and beyond. The conference's social media channels played a pivotal role in digital outreach. Thanks to the efforts of a dedicated social media intern, who was actively involved throughout the conference, the event had a robust online presence. A comprehensive social media plan was in place, ensuring that all key developments and insights from the conference were promptly and accurately shared across various platforms. Moreover, the invaluable assistance of a volunteer allowed us to provide thorough coverage of the conference on the official Facebook page. This dedicated individual worked tirelessly to capture all significant moments and discussions, updating the conference's Facebook page with regular posts, photos, and live updates. This facilitated real-time engagement with the online audience, fostering a sense of inclusivity for those who couldn't attend in person.

E-Visas for Participants and Non-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for Speakers edit

 

The organizational committee embarked on a comprehensive strategy to facilitate e-Visas for participants from diverse countries, including those with intricate visa requirements. In partnership with experienced travel agencies, the committee established a streamlined process, ensuring a seamless visa application procedure. Close collaboration with specialized visa experts well-versed in varying country prerequisites provided valuable insights into the necessary documentation and procedures for each participant's unique circumstances.

Internal guidelines meticulously tailored to participants from different countries outlined the specific documents required for successful visa applications. The committee maintained transparent communication channels with participants, promptly addressing inquiries and concerns regarding the visa application process. Regular email updates kept participants well-informed at every stage, fostering clarity.

Acquiring NOCs for speakers involved meticulous cooperation with governmental authorities, balancing adherence to their requirements with ensuring smooth travel arrangements. Direct communication channels were established between the organizational committee and government authorities responsible for issuing NOCs. This communication detailed the event's nature, international speakers' involvement, and the positive impact of their participation.

The committee diligently navigated specific regulations governing NOC issuance, ensuring accurate completion and timely submission of all requisite forms. A designated team within the committee proactively followed up with government officials, swiftly addressing potential obstacles. In cases of challenges, the committee engaged in proactive discussions with government representatives to reach timely resolutions. This approach deftly circumvented potential roadblocks.

In both the e-Visa and NOC processes, the organizational committee's meticulous attention to detail, unwavering dedication to participant comfort, and strategic collaboration with pertinent partners and authorities converged to create a triumphant Wikiarabia event in Dubai.

Key Figures and goals edit

The Wikiarabia 2022 conference held in Dubai showcased a commendable level of participation and diversity from all across the globe. This report analyzes the participation and attendee statistics for this prestigious event. The Wikiarabia 2022 conference in Dubai saw considerable participation and high levels of diversity. It successfully brought together people from various corners of the world, unified by their passion for Wikimedia and its initiatives.

Speakers: The conference welcomed 36 distinguished speakers, delivering various sessions throughout the event. These sessions spanned numerous topics and areas of interest within the Wikimedia community, providing attendees with various perspectives and insights.

Wikimedia Affiliations: 18 Wikimedia affiliations participated in the conference, illustrating a robust engagement from the broader community. The engagement of these affiliations signifies a wide-ranging influence and a solid commitment to the Wikiarabia conference. Wikimedians Participation: 78 Wikimedians attended the conference, bringing in diverse perspectives and experiences from the Wikimedia community. This large turnout of Wikimedians implies a significant interest and involvement in the topics and activities of the conference.

Wikimedia Foundation Staff and Volunteers: The conference was also graced by 13 participants from the Wikimedia Foundation staff and volunteers. Their presence symbolizes the foundation's high level of commitment and support towards the Wikiarabia conference.

Gender Representation: Female representation at the conference was notably high. With a significant 48.7% of female delegates who received scholarships, the event strongly emphasized promoting gender equality within the Wikimedia community. Moreover, female attendees constituted 57% of the total, further underlining the conference's commitment to ensuring diversity and inclusion.

International Participation: Participants came from 26 countries, demonstrating the international appeal and significance of the conference. The high level of global participation highlights the cross-cultural engagement that Wikiarabia encourages and supports. This year we have had participants from nonstandard counties for WikiArabia, such as India, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. And for the first time in this regional conference, the SudaniUser group participated.

Sessions: The conference boasted many sessions, with 47 in total. This wide variety of sessions indicates the event's comprehensive coverage of topics related to Wikimedia and its various projects. Thematics was very variable, Hub discussion, Wikimedia education, Q&A with Mariana Iskander, and with the board of trustees that visited this regional conference for the first time.

Total Attendees: In total, the conference attendances were 160 individuals from inside and outside the UAE; that's because we invited the university students for the pre-conference day. This figure is a testament to the conference's overall success in attracting a sizable crowd and the vibrant atmosphere it has managed to create.

Goals edit

Target outcome Achieved outcome Explanation
Total of 100 Participants 160 Participants Altogether, the conference drew a diverse audience of 160 individuals hailing from both within and beyond the UAE. This inclusivity was facilitated by our invitation extended to university students for the pre-conference day. Regrettably, there were three participants who couldn't attend due to missed flights, while two others were promptly substituted by eager individuals from the waiting list. Remarkably, over 10 participants took it upon themselves to travel from countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan and Oman, showcasing their enthusiasm for the event. Additionally, a participant from the USA was granted a semi-scholarship, underscoring our commitment to fostering accessibility and participation within the conference.
Total of 50 Sessions 54 Sessions Throughout the conference, we remained responsive to the interests and inquiries of both speakers and participants, leading to the incorporation of additional sessions. A case in point is the workshop initially focused on translation tools with Amir E. Aharoni. As the conference unfolded, it became evident that there was a heightened demand for this topic. Consequently, our planned single workshop expanded into two separate workshops, held on different days. This dynamic adjustment exemplifies our commitment to providing relevant and engaging content that addresses the evolving needs and desires of our attendees.
Empower Female participants in the region 48.7% of female delegates who received scholarships.
Moreover, female attendees constituted 57% of the total.
This outcome was influenced by a confluence of factors. In order to foster greater inclusivity and diversity, we collaborated with partners who kindly assisted us in inviting five accomplished women who had previously participated in Wikimedia projects, particularly within the realm of education. This strategic effort yielded significant results, especially evident during our pre-conference day, where a substantial number of female participants were present. As a gratifying outcome, the conference's overall demographic profile was marked by a remarkable 57% representation of female attendees, underscoring our commitment to creating an environment that resonates with a wide spectrum of voices and experiences.
International Participation: MENA Arabic speaking countries existing affiliations Outside of the MENA: Azerbaijan, Armenia, United Kingdom, Swiss, India
Inside the MEDA but not existing groups: Oman, Kuwait
Development of the local UAE User Group Subsequent to the event, Wikimedia UAE User Group underwent a comprehensive restructuring process, adopting a more professional approach to their operations and activities. This transformation reflects a concerted effort to enhance their organizational efficiency and effectiveness, aligning with best practices and standards in their endeavors. The members of the organization now follow an approval system, which ensures that individuals are admitted into the group in a deliberate and thoughtful manner. This process not only fosters a sense of purposeful inclusion but also helps maintain the group's coherence and shared goals.
Furthermore, the roles and responsibilities within the organization have been meticulously defined. This clarity not only prevents ambiguity but also promotes effective collaboration by ensuring that each member understands their specific contributions and obligations. This structured approach to roles and responsibilities enhances the overall efficiency and productivity of Wikimedia UAE User Group.

Thematics edit

Pre-Conference Day edit

The Wikiarabia 2022 conference in Dubai highlighted many themes and topics through its robust pre-conference program. This report analyzes these themes, setting a solid foundation for the broad and diverse discussions during the conference. Orientation and Introduction The pre-conference session included several introductory sessions to orient new attendees to various Wikimedia platforms. These sessions included:

  • "Make your First Contribution: Intro to Wikipedia!"
  • "Basics of Wikipedia"
  • "Introduction to Wikidata"
  • "Introductory session: what is Wikimedia Commons?"
  • "What is Wikisource?"

These sessions ensured that newcomers to the Wikimedia community could actively participate in and contribute to the conference discussions. It indicated a clear focus on inclusion and accessibility, making the wealth of knowledge Wikimedia platforms offer accessible to even the uninitiated.

Creative Writing and Presentation Skills

Sessions on "Introduction to creative writing for Beginners with Sarah Alhakimi" and "Presentation Skills" equipped attendees with valuable skills that are important within the Wikimedia community and in broader professional and academic contexts. These sessions demonstrated the conference's commitment to its attendees' personal and professional development, providing value beyond just knowledge of Wikimedia platforms.

Multimedia and Competitions

The pre-conference also featured a "Wiki Loves Monuments Competition" session, demonstrating an active focus on engagement and participation. This initiative can boost enthusiasm and participation in the Wikimedia projects. Additionally, including a "Professional Photography" session speaks to the importance the conference places on the visual aspects of knowledge sharing. It indicates the comprehensive nature of the conference, understanding and addressing the need for high-quality visual content in Wikimedia projects.

Summary

The pre-conference program was designed to cover a variety of themes and topics, focusing on technical and soft skills. By ensuring a basic understanding of the Wikimedia projects for all attendees and providing sessions that encourage active participation, the conference was positioned to be both inclusive and engaging. Moreover, integrating skill-building sessions with introductory modules illustrates a conscious effort to provide attendees with a comprehensive experience that extends beyond simple exposure to Wikimedia's diverse platforms. These elements combined create a rich and dynamic pre-conference program that set the stage for a successful and impactful Wikiarabia 2022.

Three Days of the Conference edit

Opening and Closing Sessions

The conference commenced with an Opening Ceremony that included music, poetry, and VIP speeches, creating an atmosphere of celebration and unity. It concluded with a Closing Ceremony to wrap up the events and discussions of the conference similarly engagingly.

Community and Collaboration

Sessions like "CEO of Wikimedia Foundation meets the Arabic Community," "Panel Discussion of the Affiliations Representatives," "Affiliates Committee Meets The Community," "WikiArabia 2022 Board Session: Sip and Chat with the Wikimedia Foundation Trustees", and "Wikimedia Movement Comms - How We Can Work Together!" demonstrated a strong emphasis on fostering connections and dialogue between different stakeholders in the Wikimedia movement. These sessions underscored the conference's commitment to fostering a collaborative environment and provided a platform for exchange and interaction, facilitating better understanding and cooperation within the movement.

Skill Development and Technical Aspects

Sessions such as "Workshop: Visual Editor Features, how to Use it for easy editing," "Workshop: Wikimedia Hub in The Region," "Translate Wiki Workshop: Translating user interface into your language," and "sharing opportunities for new developers in the Wikipedia Community" provided attendees with valuable technical skills and insights. They showed the conference's focus on empowering its community with the tools and knowledge needed to contribute effectively.

Global Perspective and Movement

The Discussions like "Global Wikimedia Movement, Who is Involved In It, and What Category Do You Fall Under?", "What is Movement Charter/Drafting Committee and its Significance to the Arab Community?", "Global Rights, What Are They? What Are Their Significance?" and "Why Should Templates Be Global, How Will It Benefit the Arabic Wikis Particularly" pointed towards the global reach of the movement and the crucial role of every individual and group within it. They also emphasized the importance of understanding and integrating global perspectives into regional efforts.

Wikimedia Projects and Initiatives

Sessions like "Helping Newcomers - The Growth Project Benefits," "Roles and Responsibilities in the Wikimedia Movement," "Arabic Wikisource: Challenges and Results," "Make Wikipedia Work Well In Your Language!" and "What about Wikipedia Application for Android users" illustrated the ongoing projects and initiatives in the Wikimedia movement. They served to inform attendees of the opportunities and challenges within these projects.

Thematic Discussions

Thematic discussions, including "Wikipedia and the Palestinian Narrative," "The Technical Aspect of Arabic Wikipedia: Status, Challenges and Solutions," "Biographies of living persons: Concept Development and policy building," and "The Sound of Free Knowledge - The Wikimedia Sound Logo Contest" showed the depth and diversity of the topics covered in the conference. They brought out distinct aspects of the Wikimedia movement, ranging from technical challenges to more significant socio-political issues.

Grants and Sponsorships

Sessions like "Grants Strategy Relaunch" and "I'm a Wikimedian, Not An Accountant: What Fiscal Sponsorship Can Do For Your Project?" focused on funding and financial support for Wikimedia projects, indicating the conference's practical considerations for project implementation and sustainability.

In summary, the Wikiarabia 2022 conference presented a wide array of topics, reflecting a comprehensive and nuanced approach to the issues and opportunities within the Wikimedia movement. The program demonstrated a solid commitment to community engagement, skill development, collaboration, and movement expansion, promising attendees a rich and impactful experience.

Post-Conference Survey edit

 

Based on the data provided from 51 responses, the overall satisfaction with different aspects of the WikiArabia 2022 conference can be analyzed as follows:

Program Rating

The program of WikiArabia 2022 received an average rating of 7.84 out of 10. This suggests that attendees were generally satisfied with the content of the conference. However, compared to other aspects, it had the lowest score, indicating that there might be room for improvement in the selection or organization of the sessions, topics, speakers, or the program's overall structure.

Venue Rating

The venue of WikiArabia 2022 was rated highly, with an average score of 9.49 out of 10. This indicates that attendees were extremely pleased with the location chosen for the conference. It suggests that the venue was suitable in terms of accessibility, space, facilities, and atmosphere for a conference of this scale.

Hotel Rating

The hotel for the conference, Holiday Inn, received a solid average rating of 8.86 out of 10. This suggests that attendees were quite pleased with the accommodation arrangements. Factors such as the hotel's comfort, location, amenities, and service likely contributed to this high rating.

Organization Rating

The overall organization of WikiArabia 2022 received an average rating of 8.45 out of 10. This solid rating suggests attendees found the event well-coordinated and professionally managed. However, as it's slightly lower than the venue and hotel ratings, there may be areas in the organization and execution of the conference that could benefit from further refinement.

In summary, the ratings suggest a successful conference with positive feedback on the venue, hotel, and organization. While still rated favorably, the program presents an area with potential for enhancement in future events.

Next steps edit

Activities during the conference 6 months after the conference
Strategic Discussions:

Hub Discussions.

The Wikiarabia conference featured a panel by MCDC discussing the entirety of events within the movement strategy. Alongside this, there was an engaging brainstorming session and presentation focused on the hub.. Participants in the Wikimedia Hub discussion at Wikiarabia in Dubai initiated a comprehensive survey aimed at engaging the Arabic-speaking community. The individuals involved in the discourse embarked on a collective effort to conduct an all-encompassing assessment, fostering interaction and collaboration within the Arab-speaking Wikimedia community. and after this a cohort of volunteers has commenced the launch of a pilot hub project.
Capacity Development:

Capacity building and workshop sessions

During the initial day before the conference commenced, a total of 10 workshops and 10 capacity-building sessions were thoughtfully curated for the local students. The outcomes were notably positive, playing a pivotal role in augmenting the participation levels in wiki projects within the UAE. As the conference unfolded, its agenda included an impressive array of 15 sessions. These sessions were designed to enhance a spectrum of proficiencies, ranging from financial acumen and technical expertise to the nuanced art of community management.
Projects and Working Groups The million project Networking and collaboration and announcements during the opening and closing ceremony. Initiated by the UAE's local user group, an ambitious three-year project has been set into motion, poised to foster a far-reaching collaboration with various Arabic-speaking affiliations and individuals. The overarching objective is to collectively achieve a remarkable milestone of one million contributions. Anticipated to take flight in December 2023, this meticulously planned initiative embodies the aspirations of a united effort to enhance the Wikimedia ecosystem across the Arab-speaking world.

Financial report edit

To ensure the event's success, we formed partnerships with financial supporters who played important roles in making it happen. We received support from sources both within and beyond the Wikimedia movement.

The Emirates Literature Foundation was a significant supporter, providing backing of 501,595 AED (equivalent to 135,475.45 USD), which made up 54.31% of the total funding. The Wikimedia Foundation also showed strong support with a substantial grant of 352,944.31 AED (equivalent to 103,958.14 USD), making up 41.68% of the total.

We also partnered with Google MENA, a notable presence in the region, contributing 33,950.62 AED (equivalent to 10,000 USD), which constituted 4,01% of the overall funding. This collaboration highlighted the shared objectives of organizations working together, reinforcing our joint efforts to ensure the event's success.

Aside from scholarships, the remaining funds were divided fairly evenly between various categories, including materials and merchandise, communication, refunds, and the social event. Among these categories, the most significant cost was attributed to VA, translation services, social events.

Unfortunately, the financial outcome wasn't favorable, as the expenses outweighed the revenues, resulting in a negative balance. Consequently, we found ourselves needing additional financial assistance, leading us to request supplementary support from the Wikimedia Foundation.

Detailed expenses
Items Total Cost (AED) Total Cost (USD)
Total travel and accomodation costs 279 359,68 79 074,84
1 Air travel 187 873,18 53 719,19
2 Ground travel - Transport 7 179 2 114,54
3 Hotel rooms - Single rooms 14 850 4 009,5
4 Hotel rooms - Double/twin rooms 49 980 13 494,6
5 Catering 19477,5 5737,01
Total venue costs 360 000 99 200
1 Rent venue 60 000 16 200
2 Technical support 37 067 10 100
3 Video and audio 240 000 64 800
4 Livestream and recording 30 000 8 100
Total staff costs 64 613 17 466,94
1 Operations coordinator 25 000 6 750
2 Communications officer 16 000 4 320
3 Administrative officer 15 000 4 050
4 Staff accomodation 4980 1 356,94
5 Staff transport 3633 990
Total other expenses 197 823 53 692,72
1 Internet support 10000 2 700
2 Human sim translators 27 000 7 290
3 Design / logo / Marketing 40 000 10 800
4 Cultural activities 59 032 16 085,01
5 Permits, Visa processing and NOC 17 646 4 808,17
6 Media coverage 25 760 7 000
7 Welcoming gifts ( t-shirts, pens, cups, stickers ....) 18 385 5 009,54
Grand total 908 862,6 249 434,51

SWOTS edit

Strengths:

The conference displayed several strengths. An increase in the number of English sessions broadened the potential audience, while high-quality translation facilitated understanding across different languages.

The event saw a more significant number of delegates from various nationalities, which enriched the diversity of the conference. Notably, female representation was enhanced, reflecting a commitment to gender equality. The diverse program covered almost all projects associated with the Wikimedia Foundation, introducing new topics for discussion.

In addition to the leading conference, a special "Wiki-youth Day" catered to younger participants. More inactive user groups were invited, expanding the range of perspectives shared. Team members were consistently available to offer assistance, and volunteers performed exceptionally. This was the first WikiArabia conference with a well-designed dedicated website that provided comprehensive information for delegates, ensuring a smooth registration process.

Weaknesses:

Despite the overall success, the conference had several areas of weakness. Last-minute changes in the program caused confusion and needed to be adequately communicated to all team members, affecting the coordination of the event. The frequency of updates on the conference website added to the confusion. The programme structure could have been better balanced, with fewer simultaneous sessions and more focus on Wikipedia. It was observed that translation services were limited and should have been provided for all sessions. The program grid needed more clarity, and there was a general feeling that there needed to be more sessions tailored for beginners. The time allotted for each session seemed insufficient, and critical discussions were sometimes scheduled simultaneously. Some speakers were overloaded with multiple sessions on the same day. Lastly, there were only a few panel discussions during the conference.

Annexes edit

 
commons category