Joy first
Celebration is our mission statement. Every decision starts with whether it makes the night more fun.
Malak is Egyptian and Muzzi is Iraqi. Growing up in the UK, we noticed how few spaces celebrate our heritage. The events that do exist often feel quite serious. We understand why those spaces are needed, and the catharsis they offer our communities. El Naadi has a slightly different aim.
We’re interested in joy. Our communities are exhausted, and we deserve to have fun as much as anybody else does. So we’re throwing the kind of party we grew up with: a full table, loud music, and room to dance.
We’ve spent the last year cooking up this concept, quite literally. We visited our families in Cyprus and Egypt and learned from the experts, mama and baba. We also went looking for the tastiest produce and the most delicious drinks the region has to offer.
Who it’s for
Everyone. The Egyptian student who has moved to the UK and feels homesick. The Jordanian mother who has spent her life here and wants a space to be with her community. The Iraqi, Palestinian, Lebanese and Syrian communities who haven’t been able to return to their homelands.
It’s also for the allies and the curious, and for anyone who has never been to an Arab party. Let us show you how we do things, SWANA-style.