ABOUT US
Empowering Voices.
Shaping the Future.
WHO WE ARE
The Canadian Arab Institute (CAI) is a charitable policy and community development think-and-do-tank. It was co-founded by a group of community leaders in 2011 to encourage and facilitate the inclusion of Canadian Arabs in the country's cultural, political, civic, and socio-economic life. CAI’s vision is for an engaged and empowered community in an inclusive and respectful society.
Its mission is to promote Canadian interests by researching and articulating the perspective and potential of Canadian Arabs and advancing their contributions to society. CAI is the only organization of its kind that focuses on Canadians of Arab heritage, supporting inclusion and social cohesion.
OUR MISSION
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INFORM
Inform Canadian society on issues that are important to the Arab community through research and thought leadership.
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CELEBRATE
Celebrate the Canadian Arab community’s achievements and history through events, programs and content that highlight individual and collective success.
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ENGAGE
Support a more engaged community through partnerships, civic initiatives and volunteerism.
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THRIVE
Support a more cohesive and integrated Canadian Arab community through professional development and partnerships.
board of directors
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Nedal Ismail
Board Chair
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Youssef Youssef
Board Treasurer
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Bessma Momani
Board Director
the Team
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Hamza Arsbi
Interim Director of Research and Policy
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Noura Hamade
Director of Research and Policy
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Rawan Mustafa
Manager of Communications and Operations
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Kathryn Jajo-Yacoub
Manager of Communications and Operations
Advisory Board
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Dany Assaf
Advisory Director
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Dr. Walid Hejazi
Advisory Director
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Ziad Said
Advisory Director
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Dr. James Zoghby
Advisory Director
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Jehad Aliweiwi
Advisory Director
Our Work
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Arab knowledge hub
Have you ever wondered what Arab culture is? Who is considered an Arab? What are the myths that Arabs are facing? This Knowledge Hub answers all those questions and more, generously funded by the Government of Canada.
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programming
From civic engagement to youth empowerment and cultural celebration, our programming at the Canadian Arab Institute is designed to amplify the voices and experiences of Arab-Canadians.
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research
Our research spotlights the experiences, needs, and contributions of Arab-Canadians through data-driven insights and community-informed studies. From public policy to representation and equity, CAI’s research helps shape conversations that matter.
