The Arab British Chamber of Commerce marked its 50th anniversary year at a gala dinner celebration yesterday evening in the presence of senior diplomats, business executives, government officials, media representatives, ABCC members and friends.
The sold-out event held in the luxurious The Biltmore Mayfair allowed the Chamber to express thanks to all its strategic partners and the countless members who have benefited from using its services over the years.
A series of speeches reviewed the ABCC’s proud record of service over fifty years in building friendship through trade and lauded Arab British cooperation and the continuing opportunities for closer business partnership.
His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry, was the guest of honour and praised the ABCC’s role in his keynote address.
Interim Secretary General & CEO, Mrs Rita Massoud, MBA, FCIPD stressed the Chamber’s continued support for its members and its unswerving mission to strengthen Arab British collaboration.
Mrs Masoud expressed gratitude to Qatar Chamber for sponsoring the event and its chairman for his excellency’s longstanding support for the ABCC. She introduced a short video surveying the ABCC’s half century history and remembering those who had contributed to its work.
Mr Robert Gray, a member of the ABCC’s Board of Directors, delivered welcoming remarks on behalf of our Chairman, the Rt Hon Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean, who conveyed her thanks to the Chamber’s friends and supporters.
The final speaker, Mr Spencer Mahony , the UK Deputy Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan, Department for Business and Trade brought greetings on behalf of the UK Government.
Luxury chocolatier, Maison Samadi London supported the event by providing special gifts for all the guests.