Meet the Distinguished Guests of the 2025 Arab in Britain Gala Dinner
The Third Annual Arab in Britain Gala Dinner will take place on Monday, 1 December 2025, at the Hilton Watford Hotel, bringing together leading Arab and British figures from politics, the arts, media, education and humanitarian work for an evening that celebrates Arab identity, culture and excellence.
Organised by the Arab in UK (AUK) platform, the Gala has become a landmark event in the community’s calendar — a night where elegance meets purpose, and Arab achievements in Britain are recognised and shared.
This year’s edition will also feature the Arab Personality of the Year Awards (APYA 2025), honouring outstanding Arab contributions across three key categories: Culture and the Arts, Science and Education, and Community and Humanitarian Service.
Guests will have the opportunity to meet the finalists in person and take part in the voting process.
Guests of the Third Annual Gala Dinner
Political & Community Leaders
MP Ibtisam Mohamed
The first British MP of Yemeni heritage, known for her principled stance on justice and human rights and her vocal support for Palestine.
Dr Dhia Al-Falaki
A pioneering figure in Arab community work in Britain, instrumental in establishing educational and cultural institutions that strengthen Arab–British engagement.
Lord Mayor Safiya Saeed
Lord Mayor of Sheffield and the first hijab-wearing Muslim woman to hold the post — a strong advocate for diversity and youth empowerment.
Artists & Creative Voices
Maestro Basel Saleh
Conductor of the London Arabic Orchestra, presenting a performance that blends Arab musical heritage with the sophistication of Western orchestration.
Khalid Abdalla
The acclaimed Egyptian–British actor from The Kite Runner and The Crown, and one of the most recognisable Arab talents in British film.
Nadia Sawalha
The celebrated British–Jordanian actress and broadcaster, admired for her television work and her commitment to human values and social advocacy.
Humanitarian & Professional Trailblazers
Dr Mohammed Tahir
Humanitarian surgeon and founder of Fajr Iraq, with a long career dedicated to medical relief and charitable work across communities.
Noor Norris OBE
British–Syrian psychologist and activist behind the “Secure Life” campaign, which led to the introduction of Raneem’s Law to protect victims of domestic abuse.
Yasir Al-Din
A prominent real-estate developer and Director of Palm Real Estate, regarded as one of the leading Arab names in the UK property sector.
Anas Elkady
Entrepreneur and Director of Sawa Travel, a key figure in travel and tourism services for the Arab community.
Media Figures, Digital Creators & Influencers
Amjad Al-Noor
A well-known Arab media figure in the UK whose extensive experience adds depth and energy to this year’s gathering.
Farid Alkazemi
Media creator and strategist, recognised for his insightful content and influential digital presence.
Ibrahim Khadra
beIN Sports correspondent and a prominent Arab voice in international sports journalism.
Rahma Zein
The Egyptian journalist known for her compelling coverage of the war on Gaza and her challenge to biased narratives in British mainstream media.
Joudie Kalla
Palestinian–British chef and author of Palestine on a Plate, celebrated for bringing modern Palestinian cuisine to global audiences.
Additional Influential Guests
- Mazin Urso – A creative digital storyteller known for his innovative style and his ability to capture the Arab youth experience in Britain.
- Osamah Almaliki – A leading content creator whose relatable, high-quality work has reshaped how Arab life in the UK is portrayed online.
- Nour Debsi – One of the UK’s most impactful Arab influencers, appreciated for her authentic, heartfelt take on identity and everyday life.
- Ghazal Baghdadi – Parenting consultant and founder of Kenzandmom, offering a thoughtful and modern approach to conscious motherhood.
- Yousef Al-Helou – Palestinian journalist and filmmaker returning for a second year, known for his powerful visual storytelling and commitment to preserving the Palestinian narrative.
- Raneem Yatakan – A rising digital voice in Britain, recognised for her calm, reflective content centred on daily life, identity, and women’s empowerment.
A Night That Celebrates Excellence and Arab Achievement
Guests will have the chance to meet these influential figures in person and engage with the finalists of APYA 2025, who represent some of the most inspiring Arab contributions to British society.
More distinguished names will be revealed soon.
— Reserve your place now before the gala sells out.
Throughout this elegant evening, guests will have the chance to meet these inspiring figures, alongside the finalists of the Arab Personality of the Year Awards (APYA 2025) — individuals who embody Arab excellence and leadership across multiple fields.
APYA 2025 Judging Committee
The Arab Personality of the Year Awards are overseen by an independent judging panel entirely separate from AUK’s editorial management.
The committee is chaired by Professor Dr Qusay Kamal Al-Deen Al-Ahmadi, Iraq’s Cultural Attaché in the United Kingdom and former President of the University of Mosul (2019–2024).
Its members include:
- Sabah Al-Mukhtar, President of the Arab Lawyers Association in Britain.
- Tahrir Waswas, business consultant based in West Lothian, Scotland.
- Samira Mallouki, Moroccan journalist and correspondent for Akhbarna Al-Jalia.
- Abdulrahman Al-Jabri, social activist in the property sector.
- Katya Yousef, British-Lebanese journalist at Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
- Mona Adam, advisor at Kensington & Chelsea Council and CEO of Shaman.
- Dr Samer Al-Jamous, academic at Cranfield University and director of the King George V Social Centre and Derby Arabic School.
Seven winners will be honoured during the evening: four selected directly by the judging panel and three chosen jointly through a combination of public voting and jury evaluation.
Nominees are assessed based on detailed criteria, including service to Arab and Islamic causes, community impact, artistic authenticity and creativity, scientific innovation, and lasting humanitarian or social influence.
A Night of Excellence and Giving
This year’s Gala also includes a special partnership with Action For Humanity, launching a humanitarian initiative to sponsor 1,000 orphaned Arab children in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities — a reminder that pride in Arab identity is inseparable from compassion and social responsibility.
On 1 December, the Hilton Watford will come alive with music, culture, and inspiration — a night celebrating Arab identity, creativity, and contribution in Britain.
It promises to be a memorable occasion and a moment of shared pride for the Arab community for years to come.
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