Arab International Festival postponed for 2013

The Arab International Festival has been postponed for the summer of 2013.  The one year hiatus will allow organizers to explore all opportunities for the upcoming year.  "With the move to a new location, Ford Woods Park, we needed more time to ensure we provide a quality event that the community has come to expect from us. The purpose of the 18-year-old annual celebration has been to enhance economic vitality of the region, cultural awareness and promotion of business along Warren Avenue in Dearborn, Michigan and other members of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce which sponsors the free, family-friendly event," said Fay Beydoun, director of the Arab International Festival.

The organizer, supporters and participating organizations will utilize this opportunity to increase the focus of the festival in showcasing the rich heritage of the community and the American-Arab owned shops and restaurants that have made Dearborn home.

Mayor John B. O'Reilly, Jr. said Dearborn remains supportive of the Arab International Festival and the American Arab Chamber of Commerce.  "We look forward to its continued success promoting businesses that help drive the city's economy and that make the community a cultural destination for visitors," he said.

Ms. Beydoun thanked members, residents, visitors, vendors and sponsors for their support of the Arab International Festival over the last 18 years, and stated: "The future direction of the Arab International Festival is still the same. This break will allow us to focus on improving the festival and further highlight the American-Arab Culture which is celebrated year in and year out with this wonderful event."

AAPN Recognizes the Success of
Arab Americans to a Sold Out Crowd

The American Arab Professionals Network (AAPN) of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 8thAnnual "Celebrating Success Banquet" on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. The sold out event attracted more than 500 people reflecting the Chamber's leadership among the ever growing Arab American Professionals.

"The banquet was an overwhelming success. We thank our partner Chase Bank, corporate sponsors, members, awardees and everyone who attended the banquet," said Fay Beydoun, American Arab Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

Each year, the AAPN recognizes and honors Arab-American professionals who are leaders in their fields and serve as mentors and role models for other American-Arabs in the region. It has honored professionals in the fields of Creative Arts, Education, Finance, Legal, Medical, and Technology with its prestigious American Arab Professional of the Year Awards. This year the AAPN presented Dr. Badih Jawad, Rick David, Moheeb Murray, Dr. Fawwaz Ulaby, Dr. Hoda Amine and Michael Ibrahim with the American Arab of the Year in their fields.

"This is a great event," said AACC Chairman Ali Dagher. "Congratulations to all of the awardees for their great accomplishments." Suzanne Sukkar, Chair of the AAPN committee stated that "We're proud to showcase our dedicated American Arab professionals and to celebrate their accomplishments."

For more information or to be involved in the AAPN Committee, contact the Chamber at 313- 945-1700, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it