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About Us

ABOUT THE COUNCIL

The Australian Arab Business Council is a dynamic and vibrant organisation that meets monthly over dinner to hear from expert speakers on issues of relevance to business. The Council works closely with governments and businesses, Australian and overseas, to grow trade within Australia and Between the Arab world. We have a very close working relationship with the Council of Arab Ambassadors. It is also a business referral and support network which can provide employment opportunities through its members and support to worthwhile community projects. The Council and its members have a good understanding of local and Arab cultures, their economies and social structures and are well positioned to play a very important role in growing trade between Australia and the Arab world.

MEMBERSHIP

The Council has over 170 members ranging from small to large size businesses covering an array of industries and professions including banking and financial institutions, insurance, media, legal, accounting, health, business management, information and communication technology, property development, travel, building and construction, food, furniture, and timber.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Vice President

Treasurer

Secretary

Assistant Secretary

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member

Executive Officer

SUB-COMMITTEES

Revenue and Growth Sub-committee

Mark Merhi – Merhis Corp
Michael Khdor – NAB
Sam Harb – Sam the Paving man
Eddie Chehab – Advanced Timber

Membership Sub-committee

Hassan Moussa – RM Gregory
Jay Sayed – Datcom

Events Sub-committee 

Jo Wazzi – Swan Events
Bass Elhashem – All Star Solutions

HISTORY OF AABC

2017
Oct 11

New Website

New Website

AABC launched new website

Jul 13

New Branding

New Branding

AABC launched the new branding

2016
Apr 30

Ten Year Anniversary

Ten Year Anniversary

AABC celebrated the Australian Arab Business Council’s (AABC) ten-year anniversary. This is a significant milestone in the development of this organisation as it marks its “coming of age” and constitutes our fortitude, continued development, progress and maturity.

2015
Jan 10

Bank of Palestine

  AABC organised a special luncheon for a Palestinian Bank with leading business figures within the Australian Palestinian community.

2014
Nov 08

AABC Harbour Cruise / Business Awards

AABC Harbour Cruise / Business Awards

Recognised and rewarded high business and entrepreneurial achievers who have demonstrated drive, energy and innovation on a night of entertainment at a Sydney Harbour cruise.

Mar 18

Trade Expo with the Council of Arab Ambassadors

Trade Expo with the Council of Arab Ambassadors

  The AABC organised in conjunction with the Council of Arab Ambassadors, the first ever Australian Arab Trade Expo at the NSW Parliament House.  All day seminars held and exhibitions to help boost trade between Australia and the Arab World.

Mar 12

Golf Day

Golf Day

Networking Golf Day where members and guests had a very engaging and networking day at a golf course.

2013
Dec 03

Arab League Delegation

Arab League Delegation

  AABC business Luncheon with a special Arab League Delegation which was on a mission to test the need and practicality for a permanent office in Australia.  This was their first and only visit to Australia.

Sep 11

Adopting a new name

Adopting a new name

Changed our name from Australian Arab Business Network (AABN) to the more inclusive name of the Australian Arab Business Council (AABC).

2012
Apr 09

New Website

AABC Launched a new and more interactive website.

2011
Apr 13

Gala Dinner and Business Awards

Gala Dinner and Business Awards

Organised an Annual Gala Dinner and recognised high business achievers

2010
May 12

Tawasol – Directory of members

Tawasol – Directory of members

  The AABN launched a very comprehensive directory of members (Tawasol) which listed members, their contact details and clear information about their business.

Mar 17

Gala Dinner and Business Awards

Gala Dinner and Business Awards

Organised our second Gala Dinner and initiated two business awards to recognise high and young entrepreneurial business achievers, who have shown exceptional talents, capacity and innovation. An independent panel at arms’ length from the Board was formed to examine assess..Learn more

2009
Nov 10

Dinner with Councillors

Dinner with Councillors

Held a private dinner with Councillors and Mayors of Arabic speaking background with a view to work cooperatively to support government efforts to create employment opportunities for school leavers and young people.

Oct 14

Dinner with Members of Parliament

Dinner with Members of Parliament

Held a private dinner with State and Federal Members of Parliament with high Arabic constituency and discussed closer engagement between the political and business communities.  

Aug 12

Saudi Student Delegation

  The AABN hosted a student delegation from Saudi Arabia from King Fahd University who were visiting Australia on a manufacturing tour of Australia, which the AABN helped to organise.

Apr 09

Six Year Plan

Six Year Plan

Developed a six-year plan from 2009 to 2015 guided by a consultative process with members.

Feb 10

Planning Session

Planning Session

Held the first planning session to seek members input into the way forward.

2008
Dec 13

First Gala Dinner

First Gala Dinner

Organised the first Gala Dinner and recognised business achievers following a very comprehensive assessment and nomination process.

Aug 29

AABC welcomed Arab Diplomats as Honorary Members

AABC welcomed Arab Diplomats as Honorary Members

A delegation of the AABC visited Canberra to confer honorary membership for the Arab Ambassadors in Australia.

2007
May 17

Joint Forum with Arab Ambassadors

Joint Forum with Arab Ambassadors

The first Annual Forum with the Council of Arab Ambassadors held, hosted by the Dean then, Ambassador of Iraq.  This has since become an annual event, mostly hosted by the AABC.

2006
May 10

The Official Beginning

The Official Beginning

The Australian Arab Business Network (AABN) was formally registered and established. The AABN was established to provide a forum for interaction and exchange of information, ideas, business and referrals.

2005
Jun 08

The Process of Formation

Work on the formal development and incorporation of a new organisation, under the name of Australian Arab Business Network officially began and extensive deliberations followed as to the purpose, aims and objectives and mission as well as the structure of..Learn more

2004
May 12

The Beginning

Informal gatherings held over dinner on the second Wednesday of every month between Australian Arab businesses, initially at a social level, to increase cooperation and networking between those businesses. These dinners continued to date.