The Canadian Business Council (CBC) Abu Dhabi held its annual Thanksgiving Brunch that Canadians and non-Canadians enjoyed with their families and friends. This year, over 200 participants, gathered in the ballroom of Hilton Corniche Abu Dhabi to mark this special occasion and reflect on the many blessings they are thankful for. The Thanksgiving Brunch program was filled with activities and entertainment for adults and kids!

The event started with welcoming remarks from the event’s Master of Ceremonies (MC), Mr. Hans Fraikin, CBC Board Member. This was followed by the singing of the Canadian National Anthem that was led by Ms. Tayana Badwan, a student from the Abu Dhabi Grammar School (AGS).  Mr. Fraikin then invited the Ambassador of Canada to the UAE, H. E. Masud Husain, and, CBC Chairman, Mr. Gregory Zoughbi to the stage to say a few words. They highlighted the importance of Thanksgiving and extended their own thanks, including appreciation to the CBC sponsors and members.

H.E. Masud Husain, Ambassador of Canada to the UAE

Mr. Gregory Zoughbi, CBC Chairman of the Board

Once again, the AGS student dance troupe entertained everyone. This year they delighted guests with an intricate Spanish dance.  Their costumes were eye-catching in red and black, and they danced in perfect synchronization. Later on during the event, AGS dance troupe showcased their diverse repertoire as they performed the traditional Arabic Panorama dance, to the joy of those present.

Mr. Jim McPherson, Assistant Principal of AGS led the prayer of thanksgiving before everyone was invited to the buffet, where a wonderful turkey dinner was served. The traditional carving of turkey with cranberry sauce and potatoes, pasta dishes, salads and a rich dessert buffet were enjoyed by all. As the guests were chatting and relaxing to the music of Canadian singers, the Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Air Canada (AC), AGS, and Concorde Corodex Group (CCG) as the event sponsors, represented by Mr. Deepu Cyriac, AC Country Manager, Mrs. Fatima Assad, AGS Director and Mr. Mahmoud Awad, CCG Managing Director.

From Left to Right:  Carol Milne, CBC Member of the Board and Head of Events Committee, Mahmoud Awad, Managing Director of Concorde Corodex Group, Fatima Assad, Director of Abu Dhabi Grammar School and Deepu Cyriac, Country Manager of Air Canada.

The clowns then took the stage and engaged the attendees with their magical tricks. Additionally, kids were having their share of fun in a separate room, with clown entertainers, face painting, and organized games.

The raffle followed. Thanks to our many event donors; it included vouchers for hotels, restaurants, gold coins, sunset cruise, golf package and the much awaited Air Canada two tickets. The companies that donated prizes are Air Canada, Abu Dhabi Grammar School, Arabian Nights Village, Bab Al Qasr Hotel, Beach Rotana, Captain Tony's, Careem, Coya Restaurant, Danat Al Ain, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Fitness First, Float UAE, Hilton Corniche, Labelle Chocolates and Flowers, Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi, Shangri-la Abu Dhabi, Tamba, The Cove Rotana - Ras Al Khaimah, Tilal Liwa Hotel, Yas Movies in the Park, Yas Links, Zaya Nurai Island and gifts for the kids by Masaya Gifts. 

From left to right: James Wilson, CBC Vice Chairman, Carol Milne, CBC Board Member and Head of Events Committee, Deepu Cyriac, Air Canada Country Manager, Mrs. Fatima Assad, AGS Director, Mr. Hans Fraikin, CBC Board Member, Mr. Gregory Zoughbi, CBC Chairman, and Mr. Sameer Khoury, CBC Treasurer to the Board.

From Left to Right: Mr. Erik Koeman, CBC Dubai Chairman and Mr. Hans Fraikin, CBC Board Member and Events Master of Ceremony

In addition to the tremendous support from AGS volunteers, we thank the group of volunteers from New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) who supported the event from start to finish. 

Thanks to our Event Sponsors and Donors