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
Genan Issa
President
George Bousamra
Vice President
Jay Sayed
Treasurer
Hassan Awada
Secretary
Reem Borrows
Assistant Secretary
Gus Balloott
Board Member
Eddie Chehab
Board Member
Jo Wazzi
Board Member
Firas El Kesm
Board Member
Reem El Kudor
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
New Website
AABC launched new website
New Branding
AABC launched the new branding
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.
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.
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.
Golf Day
Networking Golf Day where members and guests had a very engaging and networking day at a golf course.
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.
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).
Gala Dinner and Business Awards
Organised an Annual Gala Dinner and recognised high business achievers
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.
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
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.
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.
Six Year Plan
Developed a six-year plan from 2009 to 2015 guided by a consultative process with members.
Planning Session
Held the first planning session to seek members input into the way forward.
First Gala Dinner
Organised the first Gala Dinner and recognised business achievers following a very comprehensive assessment and nomination process.
AABC welcomed Arab Diplomats as Honorary Members
A delegation of the AABC visited Canberra to confer honorary membership for the Arab Ambassadors in Australia.
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.
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.