Houston, TX – March 21, 2025: The 31st Annual Ramadan Iftar, hosted by Ahmad and Hussein Alyasin, was a grand celebration of culture, unity, and diplomacy at the Optima Global Financial head office in Houston. The prestigious event brought together an esteemed gathering of diplomats, community leaders, and officials, reinforcing the significance of Ramadan as a time for reflection and connection.
A Distinguished Gathering!
The evening was attended by high-ranking diplomats and community leaders, including:
• Hon. Sheikha Tamador Althani, Consul General of Qatar.
• Hon. Kai Henning, Consul General of Germany.
• Hon. Ourina Ritonga, Consul General of Indonesia.
• Hon. Marty McVey, Consul General of Bangladesh.
• Hon. Azam A. Al Asfoor, Consul General of Kuwait.
• Hon. Hawree Al Talabany & Mrs. Al Talabany, Consul General of Iraq.
• Hon. Muhammad Aftab Chaudhry & Mrs. Chaudhry, Consul General of Pakistan.
• Mr. & Mrs. Saeed Sheikh, esteemed community leaders.
• Hon. William Ferguson, Sugar Land City Council Member.
• Hon. Julian Ramirez, Houston City Council Member.
• Hon. Letitia Plummer, Houston City Council Member.
Additionally, several deputy consuls, diplomats, and prominent community figures joined the gathering, further fostering international relationships and cultural exchange.
A Night of Culture and Culinary Delights.
Guests were treated to an exquisite grand dinner catered by Fadi’s, featuring a diverse selection of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean delicacies. A highlight of the evening was the live dessert station, where Turkish chefs prepared fresh Kunafa, a beloved traditional sweet known for its rich, crispy layers soaked in syrup.
Adding to the cultural ambiance was a breathtaking Tanoura dance performance, a centuries-old Egyptian folk tradition. The vibrant spinning, intricate choreography, and colorful costumes mesmerized the audience, creating an atmosphere of artistic elegance and spirituality.
Honoring Community Leadership.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation to Ahmad Alyasin by Houston City Council Member Julian Ramirez in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the community. The audience erupted in applause as Alyasin humbly accepted the honor, marking a heartfelt moment of gratitude and acknowledgment.
A Heartfelt Tribute and an Unforgettable Evening.
The program, flawlessly hosted by Madiha Masood, started on time with Ahmad Alyasin warmly welcoming his distinguished guests. In his speech, he expressed deep appreciation for the attendees and became emotional while remembering his late son, adding a touching and personal dimension to the evening.
Guests, some of whom have attended the event for decades, remarked that this year’s Iftar stood out as one of the most well-organized and exceptional gatherings yet. The thoughtful planning, warm hospitality, and engaging atmosphere left a lasting impression, making it a truly memorable evening.
As the night concluded with laughter, networking, and meaningful conversations, it was evident that the 31st Annual Ramadan Iftar at Optima Global Financial had not only upheld tradition but had also set a new standard for unity, cultural appreciation, and diplomatic engagement in Houston.
