Amman, Jordan – April 2025 – The Ibn Battuta International Centre for Intercultural Studies (IBCIS) and the Arab Thought Forum (ATF) Jordan are joining forces to host the highly anticipated 4th Ibn Battuta International Conference, scheduled to take place in Amman, Jordan, in September 2025. This significant collaboration marks a milestone in their mutual dedication to advancing intercultural dialogue, promoting academic exchange, and exploring the legacy of Ibn Battuta’s extraordinary travels.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was recently signed by Dr. Sadiq Al-Faqih, Secretary-General of ATF, and Dr. Abbas Panakkal, Director of IBCIS. The MOU formalizes their partnership and sets the stage for a conference that will explore the theme, “Trade, Travel, Tradition, and Trajectories: The Global Exchanges that Shaped the World.” The conference will delve into the role of trade routes, travel, and cultural traditions in shaping global history and contemporary society.

The conference’s objectives include promoting intercultural dialogue, highlighting Ibn Battuta’s contributions to global exchanges, and examining the lasting impact of historical Arab trade routes on modern geopolitical dynamics. The event will provide a platform for international scholars and thought leaders to explore the intersections of trade, travel, tradition, and global development.

We are honored to announce that His Royal Highness Prince Hassan bin Talal, the Founder of the Arab Thought Forum, will serve as the official patron of both IBCIS and the 4th Ibn Battuta International Conference. HRH Prince Hassan’s patronage is expected to elevate the event’s prestige, ensuring its importance as a central forum for intellectual exchange and cultural diplomacy. His Royal Highness will offer opening remarks and support the conference’s mission to promote greater global understanding.

In the meeting focused on the conference, Dr. Abbas Panakkal presented his book Muslair King to HRH Prince Hassan. The Prince shared that he had already gone through  the book and praised its exploration of decolonial historiography. During the discussion, Prince Hassan also offered valuable insights into the history of the Hashemite Kingdom, further enriching the conference’s theme of cultural exchange and intellectual dialogue.

The 4th Ibn Battuta International Conference will cover four key thematic areas: the role of trade in global connections, the impact of travel and exploration on global dynamics, the influence of tradition on intercultural exchanges, and the enduring impact of historical exchanges on modern global development. These discussions will highlight the significant role of the Arab world in shaping medieval and modern global history.

Jordan and the wider Arab world will take center stage during the conference, given Ibn Battuta’s travels through the region. The Levant, Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa were crucial crossroads for merchants, scholars, and travelers, and the conference will emphasize their pivotal role in the historical development of trade, pilgrimage, and intellectual exchanges.

The collaboration between IBCIS and ATF will ensure a well-rounded and impactful event, with IBCIS leading academic initiatives and promoting international participation, while ATF handles local logistics, media outreach, and public relations. Together, both organizations are committed to ensuring the conference’s success and maximizing its academic and cultural impact.

The Arab Thought Forum (ATF) is a leading intellectual institution dedicated to fostering cross-cultural dialogue, promoting intellectual exchange, and supporting initiatives that contribute to the development of the Arab world and beyond. ATF serves as a platform for constructive discussions on global issues, bringing together diverse perspectives to promote understanding and solutions. For more information, visit www.atf.org.jo.

The Ibn Battuta International Centre for Intercultural Studies (IBCIS) is committed to advancing intercultural understanding through research, dialogue, and educational programs. The Centre plays a vital role in highlighting the significance of both historical and contemporary cultural exchanges in shaping global societies.

The 4th Ibn Battuta International Conference promises to be a landmark event, offering invaluable insights into the global exchanges that have shaped the world. With the support of HRH Prince Hassan bin Talal, this conference will serve as an important forum for cultural and intellectual dialogue, reinforcing the significance of global exchanges in the advancement of understanding and collaboration.