In a landmark moment for Arab entrepreneurship, the Arab Entrepreneurs Board recently hosted a prestigious event at the House of Lords in London to celebrate innovation and strengthen the strategic, economic, and cultural ties between the United Kingdom and the MENA region.
By the Numbers
- 1st: Event of its kind hosted by the board in the UK.
- 2nd: Major initiative by the board in 2025, following its successful Arab Women Awards.
- 25th: Anniversary of the artistic collaboration by King Charles III and Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, which was commemorated in an exhibition at the event.
A Strategic Gathering of Leaders
Hosted by the board’s founder and CEO, Wael Alzein, and co-founder Dr. Asma Ounnas, the evening brought together key voices from business, diplomacy, and media. The event was opened by a keynote speech from Lord Dominic Johnson, who highlighted the critical role of entrepreneurship in building resilient economies. He was joined by other distinguished speakers, including Bandar Reda, secretary-general of the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, and Faisal Abbas, editor-in-chief of Arab News.
Reshaping the Narrative of Arab Enterprise
The overarching theme of the evening was the power of Arab entrepreneurship to bridge economies and cultures. “This gathering was not just symbolic — it was strategic,” said Dr. Ounnas. “We are reshaping the narrative around Arab enterprise by putting collaboration, creativity, and global ambition at the heart of our work.” Wael Alzein added, “This is just the beginning of a movement that connects ideas with capital, and vision with execution.”
A Fusion of Business, Diplomacy, and Culture
The event was attended by a high-profile guest list that included representatives from leading brands such as NEOM, Binghatti, Aston Martin, and Harrods, alongside diplomatic envoys from Arab embassies and members of the House of Lords. Adding a unique cultural dimension, the evening also featured an exclusive exhibition of signed lithograph paintings by King Charles III and Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.
About the Arab Entrepreneurs Board
The Arab Entrepreneurs Board is an organization dedicated to amplifying the Arab entrepreneurial presence on the global stage. It works to connect founders and business leaders, foster long-term partnerships, and reshape the narrative around enterprise and innovation in the Arab world.
Looking Ahead
The Arab Entrepreneurs Board concluded the event by announcing a slate of upcoming initiatives, including more awards ceremonies, summits, and the launch of a new PR division in London. This signals the board’s long-term commitment to its mission of fostering collaboration and promoting regional prosperity.
Source: Arab News