Why did we start Mideast Youth?
We know that our region is one of the most misrepresented places in the world. For that reason, we felt it was time to create a network to enable youth from across the Middle East - and across the world - to learn more about us, our neighbors, and our relationships with each other. We wanted a place where we can be proud of our diversity yet united in the name of the values we promote: human rights, religious freedom, tolerance, and free speech.

Who funds us?
Unlike most other networks, Mideast Youth is entirely self-funded. No paid employees, no sponsorship, no co-ownership. Just a bunch of students who run this voluntarily yet professionally. Put simply, we are our own boss. The network currently runs all of these projects which it maintains by its voluntary membership. Those who support us and our work are welcome to donate, it’s the only way we can keep running.

What does Mideast Youth have to offer?
Our aim is to offer the public what mainstream media constantly lacks - uncensored information, personal anecdotes from underrepresented minorities, highlighting ignored or forgotten human rights abuses, articles that focus on unique and youthful art, music and culture. In terms of content we offer much more. The website serves as an interactive and educational platform for our readers and participants. Aside from this, Mideast Youth also sponsors dozens of websites within the region for independent networks within the region, as well as journalists, activists, artists, and more.

Who can join our network as an author or staff member?
Absolutely anyone from or in the Middle East and North Africa. Our only requirement is to be respectful as an author. Currently all our staff members are volunteers who invest and work on the website without financially gaining from it. Their passion for achieving the goals of Mideast Youth is enough to work consistently and tirelessly on its development.

What do we want to prove by creating this website?
We want to prove the fact that diversity is powerful and positive, and we should find ways to coexist for the sake of a better, more stable, and productive region. Currently MideastYouth.com is the only site to come out of the Middle East that is engaged with diversity to such a degree. Our authors are incredibly diverse; they range among Palestinian Christians, Arab Jews, Iranian atheists, Israeli soldiers, Sudanese poets, Pakistani activists, Kurdish students, Arab Americans and many more representing different sects, social class, nationalities or religions. We strive to prove that despite all these differences we find ways to tolerate, support, and work with each other.

What do we mostly promote?
All authors on the site agree that constructive dialogue is key to progress and productivity. Intellectual and religious freedoms are the values that the site is built upon, and accepting our differences is the reason why we continue to grow as a powerful and tightly knit community.

Read our “about” page for more information on what we’re about and what we’re looking to change.

When was this started?
The website was created on May of 2006 in a small town in Bahrain. It gradually grew to what it is today.

Why is this mainly in English?
We speak English merely because it is our common spoken language, allowing us to communicate despite other linguistic barriers. We are working very hard to try and make this project entirely available in Arabic and Farsi. However, due to lack of funding and financial assistance, this has proven to be very difficult.

Do you have a question that isn’t answered here? contact us and ask. Want to get involved? Join us.