London Arabia is the leading body for connecting London with the Arab world. Our key activities include events, research, advocacy, education and membership. Collectively, we raise the standard of the engagement between the British capital and the Arab visitors– driving value for professionals and the organisations they serve.
We are driven by our values and have a strong commitment to social responsibility, women’s empowerment and bridging the perceived gap between the UK and Arab world, by strengthening cultural and business ties.
We were honoured to welcomeThe Rt Hon Theresa May
to the Arab Women's Summit
London Arabia in Numbers
We connect, promote, and support Arab and British businesses, whether they are already established in both regions or looking to explore opportunities in the UK or Arab world.
Welcome to London Arabia
We were honoured to welcome HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh to the Arab Women of the Year Awards as the Guest of Honour.
We were honoured to welcome HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh
to the Arab Women of the Year Awards as the Guest of Honour.
Welcome to
London Arabia
Connecting London & the Arab World
Untold
Stories
What Sets Us Apart
What Sets Us Apart
London Arabia in Numbers
This is a space to welcome visitors to the site. Grab their attention with copy that clearly states what the site is about, and add an engaging image or video.
Innovative Design
We were honoured to welcome HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh to the Arab Women of the Year Awards as the Guest of Honour.
We were honoured to welcome HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh to the Arab Women of the Year Awards as the Guest of Honour.
Welcome to
The Arab Travel
Summit & Awards London-UK
Held during the World Travel Market in London, we will publicly recognise and celebrate those leading the way in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries at the annual Arab Travel Awards.
Hey, I'm Anna, a digital designer focused on creating digital solutions and interactive experiences for your brand.
Where the
UK & the Arab World Meet
The Arab Travel Summit and Awards is an initiative dedicated to discovering, acknowledging, and celebrating remarkable travel destinations in the Arab world that demonstrate efforts to promote diversity, inclusion, equity, and sustainable experiences in the tourism industry.
Held during the World Travel Market in London, we will publicly recognise and celebrate those leading the way in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries at the first annual Arab Travel Awards. These awards will truly bring attention to the cultural and diplomatic efforts that take place in the industries and pay tribute to the leaders that have worked tirelessly to make Arab tourism and hospitality synonymous with excellence.
The Summit is a half day conference bringing together innovative leaders, powerful decision makers and bright minds to discuss the future of luxury travel and tourism, highlighting how it can be used as a tool for diplomacy and connection. The Summit will be followed by a glittering award ceremony, recognising the very best destinations, entities and companies in Arab travel, tourism and hospitality. Strictly by invitation only, the event will be attended by ambassadors, diplomats, ministers, executives, entrepreneurs, celebrities and more.
Held during the World Travel Market in London, we will publicly recognise and celebrate those leading the way in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries at the annual Arab Travel Awards.
Where the
UK & the Arab World Meet
Held during the World Travel Market in London, we will publicly recognise and celebrate those leading the way in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries at the annual Arab Travel Awards.
The Arab Travel Summit and Awards is an initiative dedicated to discovering, acknowledging, and celebrating remarkable travel destinations in the Arab world that demonstrate efforts to promote diversity, inclusion, equity, and sustainable experiences in the tourism industry.
Held during the World Travel Market in London, we will publicly recognise and celebrate those leading the way in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries at the first annual Arab Travel Awards. These awards will truly bring attention to the cultural and diplomatic efforts that take place in the industries and pay tribute to the leaders that have worked tirelessly to make Arab tourism and hospitality synonymous with excellence.
The Summit is a half day conference bringing together innovative leaders, powerful decision makers and bright minds to discuss the future of luxury travel and tourism, highlighting how it can be used as a tool for diplomacy and connection. The Summit will be followed by a glittering award ceremony, recognising the very best destinations, entities and companies in Arab travel, tourism and hospitality. Strictly by invitation only, the event will be attended by ambassadors, diplomats, ministers, executives, entrepreneurs, celebrities and more.
HE Shaikh Fawaz Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Dean for the Council of Arab Ambassadors and Ambassador for the Kingdom of Bahrain
H.E. Dr. Imad Al-Hijazin
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Ms Nusrat Ghani MP, Madam Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, and Chairman of Ways and Means.
Haytham Kamhiyah Chief Executive Officer of Europe Arab Bank plc
Prof. Robert R. Lorenz, MD, MBA
President
Cleveland Clinic London
Mr Omar Bdour,
CEO of London Arabia Organisation
HE Yazan Alkhadiri Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism and
Antiquities in Jordan.
Lord Purvis of Tweed
Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords
Mr Shabib Al’Maamari
Managing Director
Visit Oman – Sultanate of Oman
Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch Chief Executive Officer Sidra Medicine
Rupert E Daniels
Director of Services for the UK Government
Mr Jace Tyrrell
CEO
Opportunity London
Chris Shirling-Rooke MBE Chief Executive of Maritime UK
Mr Mark Davy
Founder & CEO, Futurecity
Adam Frost
Director of Programme, Luxury Hospitality Management
Regent's University London
Mrs Baria Alamuddin, Award Winning Journalist, writer, Middle East Expert and Activist.
Mr. Ahdab is the Chief Hospitality Operations Officer for Taiba Investments company
HE Shaikh Fawaz Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Dean for the Council of Arab Ambassadors and Ambassador for the Kingdom of Bahrain
His Excellency Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohamed Al Khalifa has been the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s since 2015, with accreditation also to the Republic of Ireland, the Kingdom of Spain and, since February 2023, Iceland. Prior to his appointment as Ambassador in London, H.E. Shaikh Fawaz held several senior positions in Bahrain, including Minister of State for Communication (2012-2014), President of the Information Affairs Authority (2010-2012), and President of the General Organization for Youth and Sports (2000-2010). His Excellency Shaikh Fawaz holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the American University in Washington, DC, and a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He also graduated from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. The Ambassador has received several notable awards for his outstanding contributions to Bahrain, including the Order of Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, 1st class, the Order of Bahrain, 1st class, and the Order of Achievement, 1st class, as well as the Prince Salman bin Hamad Medal for Medical Merit in recognition of his efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
H.E. Dr. Imad Al-Hijazin
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Dr. Imad Al-Hijazin was appointed Minister of Tourism and Antiquities in August 2025, following a government reshuffle led by Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan. Born in 1963 in Zarqa, Jordan, Dr. Al-Hijazin holds a doctorate in Tourism Studies and Heritage Management. He has dedicated much of his career to academia, serving as a full-time lecturer at Mutah University, where he contributed to the development of future leaders in the tourism sector. Prior to his current role, Dr. Al-Hijazin held several key positions within Jordan's tourism industry. Notably, he served as the General Director of the Jordanian Hospitality & Tourism Education Company, overseeing Ammon Applied University College. In his capacity as Minister, Dr. Al-Hijazin is committed to enhancing Jordan's tourism sector by improving infrastructure, promoting sustainable practices, and preserving the nation's rich cultural heritage. He has actively engaged with various stakeholders, including tourism associations and local communities, to develop comprehensive strategies aimed at revitalizing the industry. Dr. Al-Hijazin's leadership is instrumental in positioning Jordan as a premier destination for cultural and adventure tourism, fostering both economic growth and international collaboration
Ms Nusrat Ghani MP, Madam Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, and Chairman of Ways and Means.
Nusrat Ghani was elected as Chairman of Ways and Means, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons on Tuesday 23rd July 2024was a Minister of State (Minister for Europe) in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office between 26 March 2024 and 5 July 2024. She was previously a Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade as well as Minister of State responsible for the Investment Security Unit at the Cabinet Office from 7 February 2023 to 26 March 2024. She was previously Minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy from 27 October 2022 to 7 February 2023, and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport from January 2018 to February 2020. Nusrat was a Government Whip between July 2019 and December 2019, and an Assistant Government Whip from January 2018 to July 2019. Education Nusrat was the first woman in her family to be formally educated. She attended state comprehensive school before studying at Birmingham City University (BA Government and Politics) and Leeds University (MA International Relations).
Haytham Kamhiyah
Chief Executive Officer of Europe Arab Bank plc
Haytham Kamhiyah was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Europe Arab Bank plc in December 2018. He brings over 30 years of experience in the Banking industry with specific focus on the MENA region. He started his career with Arthur Andersen in the audit and business advisory division before joining the Capital Bank of Jordan in 1996, where he became General Manager in May 2005. Haytham held the position of CEO with Emirates Development Bank in the UAE and a member on the Board of Jordan International Investment Group, Ithmar Islamic Finance Company, Jordan International Insurance Company, and Safwa Islamic Bank. Haytham holds professional qualifications from the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA) and from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) in the United States. In 2005, he obtained the Advanced Management Program Diploma from the INSEAD Business School.
Mr Omar Bdour,
CEO of London Arabia Organisation
Omar Bdour is the CEO of London Arabia Organisation: an organisation started with the aim to strengthen cultural and business relationships between the UK and the Arab world. Omar oversees the Arab Women of the Year Awards and London Arabia Art & Fashion Week, which celebrate the incredible Arab culture in London and the United Kingdom. Omar is passionate about his personal mission to encourage better relations between the two regions, an aim evident in his previous work establishing LocalArabia as the first bilingual Arabic-English Newspaper, as well as work in the Arab British Chamber of Commerce from 2007-2015. His previous experience throughout his two-decade career has given him unique insight into relations between Arab and British businesses, governments, brands, and diplomats. For this, he is widely known in London as a leader in cultural exchange and international relations. Omar is also the author of Trust Me, I’m An Arab, a book that serves as a guide to difference between Arab and Western business, in order to bridge the gap and aid in the forging of successful business relations. This is the culmination of many years or work teaching western companies and organisations on how to improve cross-cultural communication with their Arab colleagues, clients, and counterparts. He has also moderated and spoken at different events with a focus on Arab women and cross- cultural communications.
Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch Chief Executive Officer Sidra Medicine
Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch is the Chief Executive Officer and Board Member Ex-Officio of Sidra Medicine, a women’s and children’s hospital in the State of Qatar. She joined the healthcare organization in November 2022. Prior to her appointment as the CEO of Sidra Medicine, Dr. Tinubu-Karch was actively involved with the management team of the healthcare organization, in her previous capacity as a non-executive board member since 2019 as well as in an advisory role with the management committee. Dr. Tinubu-Karch has extensive clinical experience in general internal medicine, hospital and geriatric medicine. She is certified in health information technology and has led several international based programs about the application of technology in clinical medicine. She also holds numerous high-profile board appointments and memberships in leading healthcare colleges and societies in the United States of America. Prior to joining Sidra Medicine, Dr. Tinubu-Karch was the clinical instructor at the University of Washington, School of Public Health. Her previous experience as a practicing physician in the USA includes - Swedish Medical Center; University of Washington; the Department of Veterans Affairs in Seattle and VA Health Care Systems. Dr. Iyabo is also the founder and CEO of 6M Geriatrics and Hospital Medicine. Her international roles include serving as a consultant physician in health systems improvement at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. Dr. Tinubu-Karch received her medical degree from St. Georges University Medical School. She has a master’s degree in health administration and conducted her fellowship training in critical care from the University of Washington. She also has a fellowship in geriatric medicine from the Swedish Medical Center and completed her residency in internal medicine from Lennox Hill Hospital. She is a past recipient of the Washington State health information technology grant and previously served on the Washington State Medical Association Health Informatics Advisory and Accreditation Committees.
Mr Shabib Al’Maamari
Managing Director
Visit Oman – Sultanate of Oman
As Managing Director of Visit Oman – Sultanate of Oman’s premiere Digital travel operator – Shabib Al’Maamari is responsible for running all facets of the business and for leading the company in fulfilling its strategic objective - connecting the world to Oman’s beauty, while taking the local Omani travel and tourism sector to newer heights. In a career spanning 20 years, Al’Maamari has served key private and public sector organizations in Oman, holding senior positions in Oman Aviation Group and Transom. He has been instrumental in establishing business development policies and M&A strategies in line with the expansion plans of the aviation and tourism sectors, as well as marketing the sectors in source markets by designing and executing global media campaigns. He has also seamlessly managed stakeholder relationships, growing the ecosystem function across business units, and acting as a sector development ambassador in local and international markets. Shabib Al’Maamari has also initiated the establishment of national youth empowerment initiatives while serving at prestigious institutions in the Sultanate, including BP Oman, Injaz Oman, Diwan Royal Court of Oman, and the Ministry of Manpower. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Missouri and a management certification from Penn State University in the USA
Dr Robert R. Lorenz, MD, MBA
President
Cleveland Clinic London
Robert Lorenz is the President of Cleveland Clinic London. He assumed this role in June 2023, having served Cleveland Clinic for over two decades in various leadership positions. Dr. Lorenz, a head & neck surgeon, has practiced at Cleveland Clinic for the past 28 years. In his previous role, Dr. Lorenz was Executive Medical Director of Market and Network Services for Cleveland Clinic. He led all aspects related to Cleveland Clinic’s contracting for specialty care, including innovative payment models for both government and commercial contracts. Dr. Lorenz received a bachelor of science in molecular biochemistry and biophysics from Yale University and graduated with honors from the University of Rochester School of Medicine. He completed a residency in otolaryngology at Cleveland Clinic and a surgical fellowship at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Lorenz also received an Executive MBA with Distinction from London Business School. From 2008-2011, Dr. Lorenz was the first Chief Medical Officer of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. He was responsible for creating the first transfer of Cleveland Clinic’s business and medical services model and culture to a non-Western country.
Lord Purvis of Tweed
Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords
Jeremy Purvis was appointed a Liberal Democrat working peer in August 2013, taking the title Lord Purvis of Tweed. He is Leader and Foreign Affairs spokesman for the party in the House of Lords. He was born at the mouth of the river in Berwick-upon-Tweed and represented its source as Member of the Scottish Parliament for Tweeddale, Ettrick & Lauderdale (2003-2011). When elected he was the youngest constituency MSP and he is one of the youngest ever Life Peers. Jeremy is currently the Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesman for Foreign Affairs, International Development and International Trade. In Parliament he successfully steered through the House of Lords the International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Act 2015, establishing in law the UK’s annual commitment to reach the 0.7% of GNP for official development assistance. In the 2015-16 session he introduced a Constitutional Convention Bill to establish a British citizen led constitutional convention to renew British democracy. Jeremy is a former member of the House of Lords European Affairs Committee and a former member of the International Relations Committee. He served on the Executive Committee member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (UK) and the Executive Committee of the British Group of the Inter Parliamentary Union. He is co-chair and office holder of a number of All Party Parliamentary Groups on constitutional reform, the Global Goals, human rights, democratic participation and supporting Scottish industries such as textiles and whisky. Jeremy has extensive experience in private sector consultancy and governance advice to conflict and post conflict states, especially in the Middle East. He is an effective facilitator and chair and has conducted high level facilitation in the Gulf, Middle East, North Africa, sub Saharan Africa and Asia. Jeremy was a member of the Finance Committee in the Scottish Parliament and the Liberal Democrat Spokesman on Finance and the Economy. He drafted the Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto for the 2011 election. He was the first MSP to publish full proposals for the devolution of further tax powers to the Scottish Parliament in 2004, then proposed the establishment of the Steel Commission and served as a member of it. Many of his proposals have now been delivered in the Scotland Act 2016. Jeremy pioneered new policy development and thinking for innovative funding such as loan funding through Regional Development Banks based on social enterprise thinking. Douglas Fraser of the BBC described this as one of the “genuinely new ideas” of the Scottish election campaign in 2011. Colin Donald, Business Editor of the Sunday Herald described Jeremy’s work as: “In a parliament that has failed to convince many in the industry that it understands their day-to-day challenges, Jeremy Purvis is widely regarded as one of the brightest and most creative talents. Not only has he been a doughty fighter for Borders business but he is one of the few MSPs who is prepared to consult widely and think rigorously, widely and intelligently about how to nurture entrepreneurialism in Scotland.” Jeremy established and chaired the Cross Party Group on Supporting Veterans in Scotland and wrote the Scottish Veterans Charter, now adopted across Scotland’s local authorities and health boards. This was in response to his perception of a lack of focus in policy and delivery in supporting former armed forces personnel. This has now been corrected to be benefit of veterans. During his term of office Jeremy held more than 1,000 advice surgeries across the breadth of his former constituency and helped 6,000 individual people in resolving issues. This gave him a deep insight into the services that people need but he also worked closely with charities and local businesses. With this work a number of press profiles described him as “thoughtful” (The Herald),“assertive” (The BBC), “widely respected” and “the party’s astute finance spokesman” (The Daily Telegraph) and “smart, humorous and feisty” (Sunday Herald). Jeremy chaired the highly regarded 2016 Scottish Parliament election campaign for the Scottish Liberal Democrats. After Jeremy’s terms in the Scottish Parliament he developed and lead proposals for further reform to progress more home rule for Scotland: Devo Plus. Establishing a trusted reputation as a constitutional and political reformer he led a Cross Party group with MSPs from Labour, the Scottish Liberal Democrats and Scottish Conservatives to progress reforms to strengthen the Scottish Parliament within the UK. Most of his proposals have now been enacted in the Scotland Act 2016. During his first year in the Lords he established and Co-Chairs the All Party Parliamentary Party on UK Reform, Decentralisation and Devolution. Jeremy formally served on the advisory board of the independent think tank Reform Scotland. He currently serves as patron and trustee of a wide number of national and Scottish Borders charities and bodies, including Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott. Immediately prior to taking his seat in the House of Lords he was Director of Campaigns at the independent Scottish environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful. His previous experience includes various strategic communications roles in the private sector (1998-2003, 2011-2013) as well as being assistant and head of office for Lord Steel from 1993-1998.
Rupert E Daniels
Director of Services for the UK Goverment
Rupert serves as the Director of Services for the UK Government within the Department for Business and Trade. With over three decades of leadership experience, his career spans the creative industries, culture, sport, finance, and education. As a senior civil servant, Rupert plays a pivotal role in shaping policy and advising ministers to stimulate economic growth. His remit covers both domestic and international markets, with responsibilities across financial and professional business services, creative sectors, healthcare, sport, education, consumer goods, retail and hospitality. He is the senior responsible official overseeing the delivery of the Creative Industries and Professional Business Services pillars within the UK’s Industrial Strategy. In addition, he sits on both the Creative Industries and Professional Business Services Councils, leads the UK’s strategic economic partnership with Saudi Arabia, and serves as Commercial Director for the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka. Rupert’s distinguished career spans C-level roles at FIFA, Cambridge University Press, and Arsenal FC. His achievements include contributing to three FIFA World Cups, rebranding the world’s oldest publishing house, and delivering globally acclaimed sponsorships. A sought-after speaker with an influential international network, he has represented the UK at premier global forums such as SXSW and Cannes Lions. His leadership has powered international campaigns that have generated over £100 billion in exports and investment for the UK economy.
Mr Jace Tyrrell
CEO
Opportunity London
Jace Tyrrell Chief Executive, Opportunity London Co-Founder, City-Squared Consulting (UK, Singapore & Australia) During a 25-year career in urban regeneration, destination development and campaigning in the UK and Australia, Jace has led successful industry and precinct partnerships and holds the world record for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). His recent tenures include CEO of New West End Company (London’s West End & Mayfair), setting up Australia’s first BID across Sydney’s Western Harbour and in 2023 becoming CEO for Opportunity London, the public/private partnership seeking to secure the next £100bn of capital investment for London. Jace has represented thousands of businesses and employees, secured millions in funding and successfully advocated for billions into capital investment. His entire career has been spent in building meaningful collaborations and driving value across cities with businesses, working with Government at all levels and cultivating local communities. Jace is passionate about sustainable and innovative cities, commercial real estate, and the retail & leisure sectors. He thrives in leading award-winning teams and working with purpose driven businesses. He is an Alumnus of the London Business School and Griffith University, Australia.
Mrs Baria Alamuddin, Award Winning Journalist, writer, Middle East Expert and Activist.
Mrs Baria Alamuddin, Award Winning Journalist, writer, Middle East Expert and Activist. Baria Alamuddin is an award-winning international journalist and broadcaster. She has interviewed numerous heads of state, including Margaret Thatcher, Benazir Bhutto, King Hussain of Jordan, Yasser Arafat and Fidel Castro, to name a few. Baria was the last journalist to interview Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Over the course of her career she interviewed hundreds of Western, Arab and global politicians, diplomats, cultural figures and other luminaries. Baria is also considered an expert on the Middle East and is frequently consulted for her insight and opinion by government and institutions, and frequently lectures at universities and education centres. Baria is also a firm advocate for women’s rights and works tirelessly support women’s empowerment wherever she can. She is known for taking a hard stance to support human rights and the values she believes in.
Mr Mark Davy
Founder & CEO, Futurecity
Mark Davy is the Founder of Futurecity, a global placemaking agency established in 2007 to promote culture-driven development. As a former artist, Davy champions culture as the guiding force behind the regeneration and development of towns, cities, and regions. Mark has persuaded the private sector to invest in the arts at an early stage in the masterplan and regeneration process, with over 140 public art projects and 250 strategies delivered across the UK, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Australia. In London, Futurecity has contributed to major projects such as Battersea Power Station, Nine Elms, and the Crossrail Culture Line. Davy is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a member of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Advisory Panel, Trustee of Hypha Studios, Executive Director of the Land Economic Society, and a member of the NLA Expert Panel for Culture and the National Trust Regional Advisory Group.
Mr. Ahdab is the Chief Hospitality Operations Officer for Taiba Investments company
Mr. Ahdab is the Chief Hospitality Operations Officer for Taiba Investments company and the former President of Hotels Operations for Dur Hospitality, the leading hospitality company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mr. Ahab oversees all hotel operations, aligning the company's vision to grow its portfolio across the Kingdom. Currently, he manages 15 Hotels with 5000+ hotel rooms in various cities with Makarem Hotels brand in Makkah and Madinah and international brands such as Marriott, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn in other cities. With over 35 years of experience in hospitality, Mr. Ahdab has established himself as one of the industry's most progressive and energetic leaders. Renowned for his unwavering commitment to stringent quality standards and his groundbreaking financial innovations, he has consistently driven success in every market he has touched. A champion for Saudi talent, Mr. Ahdab recognizes their potential to shape the Kingdom's hospitality future. He actively supports programs that unlock their skills and empower them for success. Leveraging his experience and network, Mr. Ahdab unlocks new business opportunities in every market. Recent successes include opening China tourism channels for the Kingdom with Cvent and STA. Mr. Ahdab navigated numerous mergers and acquisitions, ensuring stability and successful integrations by building teams focused on maximizing strengths and delivering value to stakeholders. He also acted as the Hospitality expert for many arbitrations between owners and operators. Mr. Ahdab began his hospitality career in 1977 with Le Méridien (then an Air France subsidiary), holding senior finance and operations roles across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, GCC, Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean. In 2017, he became CEO of Retaj Group (Qatar) before joining Dur Hospitality. His prior experience includes CEO at Retaj Hospitality Group (Doha), Vice President for Africa & Indian Ocean for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and various leadership positions and worldly GM roles. French citizen, born in Syria, Mr. Ahdab holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Commerce with a major in Accounting from Damascus University. He furthered his education through various diplomas from INSEAD, Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) and Essec – Leoron Development Institute, including Min- MBA, Advanced Finance, Resorts Marketing, and Human Resources. In 2000, he received the honorary title of Executive Doctor for International Relations from CEHMI (Geneva). Mr. Ahdab’s achievements extend beyond his extensive experience. In 2023, he was awarded The World's Leading Travel Personality at the 2022 World Travel Awards event in Muscat, Oman. He was also ranked 16th and 21st, respectively, in the Hotelier Middle East Power 50 List in 2020 and 2019. Since 2020, he is serving on Future Hospitality Advisory Board- FHS. Beyond his leadership role at Taiba Investments, Mr. Ahdab actively shapes the industry. In January 2024, he was elected Chairman of the IHG Owners Association for IMEA (India, Middle East, Africa). His dedication extends further back, having founded and led hospitality associations like the Seychelles Hotels Association (1986-1991) and St. Martin Hotels Association (1993-1995). He also co-founded the Association des Professionnels du Tourisme du Gabon – AHSM (1996-1998)
Partnering with the Arab Travel Awards and Summit offers unparalleled access to the key players in the global, luxury travel industry. You will be granted the opportunity to gain close exposure to high-level decision-makers; participate in meaningful conversations and induce a chance to elevate your brand.
Define Excellence in Travel
Spark conversations with global leaders and innovators, initiate collaborations and engage in profound discussions that define the future of travel and hospitality at the Arab Travel Summit.
Build the Right Connections
Directly connect with our curated community across the UK and Arab world to grow highly profitable relationships that last. Establish innovative collaborations and unique partnerships that benefit you and your corporation.
Take your Business to the next level
Participate in a carefully designed experience to authentically drive growth and innovation. We encourage you to take advantage of our prestigious platform to spread your impact worldwide and raise the profile of your organisation.
Celebrate Cultural Connection
Join us in honouring individuals who are increasingly breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes and opening doors to a greater understanding and appreciation of one another. Celebrate the ones who are, not only at the top of their field, but taking deliberate action to make the world a more collaborative place.
Catch a Glimpse
Watch the video below to witness highlights of the 2024 Arab Travel Awards
What Sets Us Apart
Why Partner with Us?
For over ten years, we have been recognised as leader
in Arab British relations.We can help you:
Gain unparalleled access to key players, be positioned as a leader in cultural relations, raise your platform and reputation internationally, make your voice heard and define excellence in luxury Arab travel, tourism and hospitality.
H.E. Dr. Imad Al-Hijazin
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
HE Shaikh Fawaz Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Dean for the Council of Arab Ambassadors and Ambassador for the Kingdom of Bahrain
Ms Nusrat Ghani MP, Madam Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, and Chairman of Ways and Means.
Haytham Kamhiyah Chief Executive Officer of Europe Arab Bank plc
Prof. Robert R. Lorenz, MD, MBA
President
Cleveland Clinic London
Mr Omar Bdour,
CEO of London Arabia Organisation
HE Yazan Alkhadiri Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism and
Antiquities in Jordan.
Lord Purvis of Tweed
Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords
Mr Shabib Al’Maamari
Managing Director
Visit Oman – Sultanate of Oman
Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch Chief Executive Officer Sidra Medicine
Rupert E Daniels
Director of Services for the UK Government
Mr Jace Tyrrell
CEO
Opportunity London
Chris Shirling-Rooke MBE Chief Executive of Maritime UK
Mr Mark Davy
Founder & CEO, Futurecity
Adam Frost
Director of Programme, Luxury Hospitality Management
Regent's University London
Mrs Baria Alamuddin, Award Winning Journalist, writer, Middle East Expert and Activist.
Mr. Ahdab is the Chief Hospitality Operations Officer for Taiba Investments company
Proudly Partnered with these brands
You are in Excellent Company
Meet some our Members
Our Founding Members :
What Sets Us Apart
London Arabia is the leading body for connecting London with the Arab world. Our key activities include events, research, advocacy, education and membership. Collectively, we raise the standard of the engagement between the British capital and the Arab visitors– driving value for professionals and the organisations they serve.
We are driven by our values and have a strong commitment to social responsibility, women’s empowerment and bridging the perceived gap between the UK and Arab world, by strengthening cultural and business ties.
We were honoured to welcome
The Rt Hon Theresa May
to the Arab Women's Summit
.png)
.png)
