AlArab in UK rally for Gaza: 300 orphans sponsored and “Arab Personality of the Year 2025” honoured

AlArab in UK held its third annual conference in London this week, bringing together more than 240 prominent professionals, public figures and activists from across the United Kingdom. The event placed Palestine, Sudan and Yemen at the centre of its programme, highlighting escalating humanitarian crises and reaffirming a shared sense of responsibility among Arabs living in the UK.

Hosted in the British capital, the gathering united leading figures from the medical, media, cultural, humanitarian and academic sectors. More than a community event, it provided a coordinated space for dialogue, solidarity and practical humanitarian support — particularly for children affected by conflict.

A cultural opening rooted in shared Arab identity

The evening opened with a musical medley representing countries across the Arab world, offering an atmosphere of collective memory and identity. Broadcaster Ola Al-Fares presented the event, reflecting on the evolving role of Arabs in Britain — many of whom arrived as migrants or refugees and today contribute significantly to public life while maintaining strong ties to their homelands.

Humanitarian momentum: 300 orphans sponsored

One of the most significant outcomes of the night was the collective pledge to sponsor approximately 300 orphans from the most conflict-affected parts of the Arab region, including Palestine, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Syria and Lebanon.

Each sponsorship, valued at £420 annually, provides comprehensive educational, medical, psychological and social support under the supervision of Action for Humanity.

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Attendees of Iraqi background took a leading role, contributing nearly half of all sponsorships, followed by participants from Egyptian, Moroccan, Syrian and Palestinian backgrounds. Seven individuals and groups pledged sponsorship of 20 orphans each.

Sudanese influencer Amjad Al-Nur delivered one of the event’s most moving moments, urging attendees to expand their contributions and quoting the Prophetic tradition on the virtue of caring for orphans — a message that immediately translated into a sharp rise in commitments.

AlArab in UK held its third annual conference in London, UK.

AlArab in UK held its third annual conference in London, UK.

AlArab in UK held its third annual conference in London, UK.

AlArab in UK held its third annual conference in London, UK.

AlArab in UK held its third annual conference in London, UK.

AlArab in UK held its third annual conference in London, UK.

AlArab in UK held its third annual conference in London, UK.

Palestine at the heart of the event

The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza featured prominently, with speakers highlighting the devastating toll of Israel’s ongoing assault. Attendees stressed that the crisis is no longer a localised issue but a universal moral cause requiring sustained pressure at political, legal and media levels to stop violations and uphold Palestinian rights.

Solidarity gestures throughout the evening reflected the central place of Palestine in the collective consciousness of AlArab in UK and among supporters globally.

Honouring Arab excellence: “Arab Personality of the Year 2025” awards

The conference also honoured a group of distinguished Arab professionals for their humanitarian, cultural, academic and social contributions. Awardees included:

• Shatha Al-Twei – Cultural and Artistic Achievement
• Dr Noor Ghadhban – Academic and Scientific Excellence
• Afrah Muflahi – Community Service and Humanitarian Work
• Khalid Abdullah – Artistic Achievement
• Dhiaa Al-Falaki – Institutional and Community Leadership
• Noor Norris – Distinguished Arab Personality
• Dr Mohammed Taher – Arab Personality of the Year 2025

A diverse judging committee of academics, legal experts, media professionals and community leaders oversaw the selection process to ensure transparency and representation.

AlArab in UK: A growing soft-power influence

Entering its third year, AlArab in UK — chaired by British-Palestinian journalist Adnan Hmidan — describes itself as a dynamic platform connecting Arabs across the United Kingdom. Its mission includes strengthening cultural identity, promoting social cohesion, advancing humanitarian causes and highlighting the positive role Arabs play in wider British society.

Through its cultural events, advocacy work, training programmes and charitable initiatives, the platform aims to act as a bridge between Arabs in the UK and their countries of origin.

A unified message of responsibility

The conference delivered a unified message: AlArab in UK is increasingly using its collective presence, expertise and resources to advocate for justice, support vulnerable communities and uphold humanitarian values across the region.

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