LONDON: In a landmark moment for Arab entrepreneurship, the Arab Entrepreneurs Board recently hosted an event at the House of Lords, celebrating entrepreneurship, innovation, and the strengthening of UK-MENA partnerships.
The gathering marked the first event of its kind in the UK, and the second major initiative by the board following the successful Arab Women Awards ceremony in April 2025.
The event was opened by Lord Dominic Johnson, who delivered a keynote highlighting the critical role of entrepreneurship in building resilient, inclusive economies.
Lord Dominic Johnson, who delivered a powerful keynote highlighting the critical role of entrepreneurship in building resilient, inclusive economies. Supplied
Other distinguished speakers included Bandar Reda, secretary-general of the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, and Faisal Abbas, editor-in-chief of Arab News. Both speakers highlighted the importance of deepening the strategic, economic, and cultural ties between the UK and the MENA region.
Hosted by Wael Alzein, founder and CEO of the Arab Entrepreneurs Board, and Dr. Asma Ounnas, co-founder and chief strategy officer, the evening brought together key voices from business, diplomacy, and media under the shared mission of amplifying the Arab entrepreneurial presence on the global stage. The overarching theme focused on UK-MENA partnership, and the role of Arab entrepreneurship in bridging economies, cultures, and communities.
“This gathering was not just symbolic — it was strategic,” said Ounnas. “We are reshaping the narrative around Arab enterprise by putting collaboration, creativity, and global ambition at the heart of our work.”
Adding a unique cultural dimension, the evening featured an exclusive exhibition of signed lithograph paintings by King Charles III and Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, commemorating the 25th anniversary of their artistic celebration of the Asir mountains.
Guests also received signed copies of “Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile” authored by Arab News Editor-in-chief Faisal Abbas.
The guest list included representatives from leading brands such as NEOM, Binghatti, BMG Financial Group, The Ritz London, Aston Martin, Harrods, Hill House Interiors, Luxury Magazine, and Bicester Village, alongside diplomatic envoys from Arab embassies, members of the House of Lords, and representatives from both the London Chamber of Commerce and industry and the British Chambers of Commerce.
Entrepreneur members of the board were also present. All attendees were united by a shared commitment to fostering long-term partnerships, driving innovation, and promoting regional prosperity.
“We were deeply inspired by the energy in the room — from startups to sovereign-level projects,” said Alzein. “This is just the beginning of a movement that connects ideas with capital, and vision with execution.”
The Arab Entrepreneurs Board also announced a slate of upcoming events and initiatives, including more awards ceremonies, summits, strategic partnerships, and the launch of their new PR division in London aimed at amplifying Arab entrepreneurship on the global stage.
