Meet the Founders
Sunmbleena. M
CEO and Founder
Hello! I am the founder and CEO of the Asian Arab Network. My role is to handle all external affairs as the Director of Outreach & Partnerships, and to make sure this network is equipped with the best possible partners and support for our members. The pillar I represent is professional and personal development as a career and peer mentor. Outside of AAN, I’m a dual degree student, double majoring in International Relations and Politics BSc and Philosophy BA, and I work with the World Federation United Nations Association as the only Global Partner based in the United Kingdom.
Sarah Ahmed
Co-founder
Hello! I am a co-founder of the Asian Arab Network. My role is to handle all Operations and Finance aspects of AAN for our members as the Director of Operations and Finance, and to make sure the money and investments made into AAN are being utilised to benefit our members. The pillar I represent is Academic Development, as an academic mentor. Outside of AAN, I am a Business Analyst at Markel International and a Young Leader at the Brokerage.
Zainab Abbass
Co-founder
Hello! I am a co-founder of the Asian Arab Network. My role is to handle all Social Media engagement and plan the best events for our members as the Social Development and Marketing Director, and to make sure the highlights and special moments are captured on our socials, as well as the events being communicated to our members via trending media platforms. The pillar I represent is Social development as a seasoned events organiser. Outside of AAN, I am a Bidding Assistant Apprentice at Mace.
Our Supporters
Frequently Asked Questions
1. So basically, it’s just Pakistanis and Indians in one big room?
No! we mean *all* of Asia and the Arab world. That includes countries like Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Iran, Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Morocco, and more. It’s not just South Asia — it’s East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa too. If you’re from or connected to any Asian or Arab country, you belong here.
2. Do I need to speak Arabic or an Asian language to join?
Nope! we operate in English. Whether you’re fluent in five languages or just know “hello” and “where’s the food?”, you belong here. Language isn’t a barrier, it’s a bonus.
3. Is this like a dating network? 😅
We’re here to connect careers, cultures, and communities - not set up matches or slide into DMs. That said, when you bring together driven, interesting people from across Asia and the Arab world, real friendships (and yes, sometimes relationships) naturally form. We focus on professional growth, but human connection? That’s just what happens when great people meet.
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