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.
Distinguished Guests
Among this year’s notable attendees is Abtisam Mohammed MP, the first British woman of Yemeni heritage elected to Parliament. Known for her courage and integrity, she has been a strong advocate for justice, human rights, and open support for the Palestinian cause.
Also appearing is maestro Basel Saleh, conductor of the London Arabic Orchestra, who will lead a live performance blending Arab authenticity with Western orchestral sophistication — a truly exceptional artistic experience.
Dr Dhia Al-Falaki, a pioneering Arab community leader in Britain, will also attend. Over several decades, he has helped establish key educational and cultural institutions that continue to strengthen Arab–British ties.
Joining him is Dr Mohammed Tahir, the humanitarian orthopaedic surgeon and founder of Fajr Al-Iraq, whose medical work embodies compassion, leadership, and service to communities in need.
From the worlds of media, food, and the arts, the evening will also welcome:
- Ibrahim Khadra, beIN Sports correspondent.
- Joudie Kalla, the Palestinian-British chef and author of Palestine on a Plate.
- Khalid Abdalla, the British-Egyptian actor known for The Kite Runner, United 93, Green Zone, and more recently for his portrayal of Dodi Fayed in The Crown.
- Nadia Sawalha, the British-Jordanian actress and TV presenter celebrated for her honesty, wit, and outspoken support for humanitarian values.
Also attending are:
- Safiya Saeed, Lord Mayor of Sheffield and the first hijab-wearing Muslim woman to hold the post, known for her leadership in promoting diversity and youth empowerment.
- Nour Norris OBE, the British-Syrian psychotherapist and activist behind the Secure Life campaign, which led to the passing of Raneem’s Law protecting victims of domestic abuse.
- Ola Al-Fares, the prominent Jordanian-Palestinian journalist and broadcaster.
- Rahma Zein, the Egyptian journalist recognised for her courageous challenge to biased coverage of the war on Gaza.
AUK is also honoured to welcome Mr Yasser Al-Deen, the property developer and director of Palm Real Estate, and Mr Yasser Al-Qadi, CEO of Sawa Travel, the event’s travel and logistics partner.
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.
Early Bird tickets are now available at a discounted rate, with limited seating.
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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