Guests

Abtisam Mohammed is a British Labour MP representing Sheffield Central and the first British woman of Yemeni heritage elected to Parliament. Before entering politics, she worked as a human rights and immigration lawyer, advocating for marginalized groups and social justice. She has been an outspoken advocate for Palestine, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and accountability for human rights violations. Her principled stance and humanitarian commitment make her a leading example of Arab female leadership in British politics.

Basel Saleh is an acclaimed Syrian composer, oud player, and conductor of both the London Arab Orchestra and the Orchestra of Syrian Musicians. A graduate of the Higher Institute of Music in Damascus with a Master’s in Music Education, he has led and collaborated with major ensembles such as the BBC Singers, Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and Truro Sinfonia. His performances have graced global stages including Glastonbury, WOMAD, and the Royal Festival Hall. Saleh’s music fuses Arabic authenticity with Western orchestral sophistication, making him one of the leading voices in cross-cultural musical innovation.

Dhia Al-Falaki is a pioneering Arab-British figure who played a central role in developing Arab community institutions in the UK throughout the late 20th century. He co-founded the Arab Club in Britain in 1980 and the Arab Educational and Cultural Forum in 1986, dedicated to teaching and promoting Arabic language and culture. He also served as Vice President of the Council for the Advancement of Arab-British Understanding until 2000. Al-Falaki organized the Arab Community Conferences (1990–1999) and chaired the Arab Community Advisory Council, promoting cooperation and civic engagement among Arabs in the UK while advocating integration without assimilation.

Dr. Mohammed Tahir is a renowned orthopaedic and peripheral nerve surgeon based in London and Baghdad. He is Chief of Surgery at FAJR Global and Founder & CEO of Fajr Al-Iraq, a humanitarian organization dedicated to rebuilding Iraq through health, education, and technology. Named Ambassador of Humanity by the Republic of Iraq, he is also Co-Founder of HumVol, a global volunteer movement. Guided by his motto “If not me, who?”, Dr. Tahir exemplifies compassion, leadership, and courage in serving crisis-affected communities.

Ibrahim Khadra is a Palestinian-British journalist who began his media career covering politics and sports for Palestine TV, later joining Russia Today in Moscow before moving to the BBC in London and Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper. He is now a senior sports correspondent for beIN Sports, covering major football events in the UK and worldwide. His career reflects deep professionalism, versatility, and a passion for connecting Arab audiences with global sports coverage.

Joudie Kalla is a renowned Palestinian-British chef dedicated to promoting Palestinian cuisine as a reflection of national and cultural identity. Born and raised in the UK, she carries the flavors and memories of Palestine into the global culinary scene. She is the author of two acclaimed cookbooks, Palestine on a Plate and Baladi, both blending traditional recipes with contemporary presentation and personal storytelling. Through her cooking, Joudie transforms food into a form of cultural resistance — celebrating heritage, preserving identity, and sharing the beauty of Palestine with the world.

Khalid Abdalla is a British actor of Egyptian descent, born in Glasgow and raised in London. A graduate of the University of Cambridge with a degree in English Literature, he gained international acclaim for his roles in The Kite Runner, United 93, and Green Zone, and most recently as Dodi Fayed in The Crown. Beyond acting, Khalid is deeply involved in humanitarian and cultural advocacy, particularly in support of Palestine. He has been active in public campaigns and artistic collaborations that promote justice and human rights.

Nadia Sawalha is a British actress and television presenter of Jordanian descent, daughter of renowned actor Nadim Sawalha. She began her career in the BBC series EastEnders before becoming a familiar face on the long-running ITV talk show Loose Women. Known for her authenticity and outspokenness, Nadia also channels her passion for cooking and digital media into creative projects. She is vocal in her support for Palestinian rights, using her public platform to advocate for justice and human dignity.

Nour Norris OBE is a British-Syrian psychotherapist and activist who has dedicated her life to supporting victims of domestic violence and strengthening protection systems in the UK. Following the tragic murder of her niece Raneem Oudeh and sister Khaola Saleem in 2018, she launched the national “Secure Life” campaign, which led to the passing of Raneem’s Law—a landmark reform improving emergency response and victim protection. Through her company, Nour Norris Ltd, she provides trauma-informed training for professionals in health, law enforcement, and social care. Honoured with an OBE in the 2025 King’s Honours List, Nour continues to work closely with the Home Office to influence national policy and promote safety, awareness, and justice for survivors.