Meet the Committee
Aurelia Finch
Aurelia recently graduated from St Antony’s College at the University of Oxford with an MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies, after her undergraduate studies at Durham University in Arabic and Spanish Language and Culture. Her primary research focuses on Jordan and its people, exploring the identity and assimilation of Amman’s diverse youth. During her time at university, Aurelia founded and led several MENA-focused societies, most recently having served as Oxford Arab Society’s Vice-President and Oxford Iranian Society’s founding Vice-President (2023-2024), and as editor for the peer-reviewed journal, the Oxford Middle East Review (2022-2024).
As Director, Aurelia is honoured to lead the Network as an organisation which stands at the forefront of making enduring personal and institutional ties between the UK and the MENA region, bringing a unique combination of MENA-related opportunities to the Network’s brilliant and accomplished members, and giving the diverse official and non-official representatives of the entire MENA region the platform to represent their country and region directly to the members themselves.
Tim Green
Tim is a recent graduate of Regent’s Park College at the University of Oxford, where he read Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. With a strong academic foundation and a passion for fostering cross-cultural dialogue, Tim is dedicated to promoting meaningful engagement between the UK and the MENA region.
As Director of the UK-MENA Network, Tim is driven by a vision of growth and impact, striving to expand the Network’s reach through increased membership, diverse events, and dynamic trips that highlight the rich cultural and geopolitical significance of the region. He firmly believes that the UK-MENA Network plays a vital role in inspiring and connecting young professionals and students with an interest in the MENA region, a mission he views as more critical than ever.
Clàudia Quijal Duart
Clàudia is reading for an MA in Middle Eastern Studies and Intensive Arabic at SOAS, where she specializes in Middle Eastern politics and history. Alongside her academic pursuits, she serves as the Internship Program Officer at the Embassy of Bahrain in London, balancing her theoretical knowledge with real-world engagement. Claudia is also contributing as a freelance writer for the Conservative Middle East Council (CMEC). She previously completed a Master’s in Geopolitics, Territory, and Security at King’s College London, following an undergraduate degree in International Relations in Madrid.
Fueled by an unwavering passion for the MENA region, Clàudia is captivated by its politics, geopolitics, foreign policy, Arabic language, religion, and culture. As Events Director, she is determined to inspire and unite the Network’s members, curating enriching and inspiring events that spark meaningful dialogue, foster connection, and celebrate the richness of the region, and its ties with the UK.
Hafsah Malik
Hafsah is a BA International Relations graduate, currently studying for an MA in Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies at King’s College London. As Head of Events of the KCL Diplomacy Society (2022-23), Hafsah organised student visits to multiple embassies and hosted events with former UK Ambassadors and diplomats, and as Co-Programme Director of the Foreign Policy and Security Conference (2023-24) she led a committee to coordinate a conference, and collaborated with the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in London and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain to organise educational trips that foster cultural and diplomatic exchange. Her internships with Young Diplomats in London and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain further highlight her enthusiasm in the field.
With a keen interest in Middle Eastern foreign policy, Hafsah's dedication to fostering international understanding and cooperation is reflected in her efforts to facilitate cross-cultural engagements.
Tom Dingwall
Tom graduated from Exeter College at University of Oxford with a BA (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Currently, he works as a Sales Development Representative at Passionfruit.
Tom is deeply passionate about strengthening relationships between the UK and the MENA region, driven by a belief in the transformative power of education and cultural exchange. He is committed to increasing awareness and understanding of the region’s diverse cultures, customs, and political landscapes among audiences in the UK. Through his role within the UK-MENA Network, Tom hopes to connect with more countries, delegates, leaders, and businesses, building a platform that promotes meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
Malak Metwally
Malak holds a BA in Religion, Politics, and Society, and currently works as a Research Assistant at King’s College London.
As the Logistics Coordinator for the 2022/23 Foreign Policy and Security Conference, she guided high-profile events, including diplomat speaker sessions and embassy visits, ensuring the success of initiatives designed to deepen understanding of global security dynamics. Prior to this, she worked at the Economic and Commercial Office of the Egyptian Embassy in London, where she contributed to fostering economic ties between Egypt and the UK by contributing to trade analysis, preparing market insights, and facilitating strategic communication between businesses and government representatives.
With a deep-rooted connection to the MENA region, Malak’s personal and professional experiences have cultivated a strong passion for fostering cross-cultural understanding and promoting dialogue between the UK and the Middle East.
Jack Hodges
Jack is a Customer Success Manager at Sayari, working with an array of government and commercial clients to eliminate information gaps and expose hidden risks. Prior to joining Sayari, Jack held roles in geopolitical advisory, strategy consultancy, and financial media, working with senior stakeholders in government and finance across the Arabian Gulf and Europe.
With a focus on building relationships on behalf of clients between these two regions, Jack’s expertise lies in translating client objectives into impactful strategies. He has also worked in the intelligence units of one of the “Big Four”, as well as in the UK Parliament. Jack holds a degree in International Relations from Durham University, with a focus on the Middle East.
Shubhangi Singh
Shubhangi has a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution in Deeply Divided Societies from King's College London. She is passionate about creating innovative solutions that drive positive change in the MENA region, and is dedicated to advancing projects that foster peace, prosperity, and sustainable growth.
Her professional background spans journalism, with several years of experience in the field, including her current role with the BBC World Service since 2023. Shubhangi's expertise lies in negotiations and the development of impactful projects that bridge divides and promote cooperation, particularly in the Global South. Shubhangi’s work aims to strengthen cross-border collaboration, building a foundation for lasting peace and economic opportunity in regions marked by complex challenges.
Muhammed Aslaner
Muhammed is a DPhil candidate in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at St John’s College, the University of Oxford, specialising in Late Ottoman History. His research focuses on the interconnected post-WWI national movements against the European occupation in modern-day Turkey, Iraq, and Syria. Prior to his DPhil, Muhammed studied for a BA in History at Boğaziçi University, Turkey, and later completed an MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies at St Antony’s College, Oxford. Muhammed also serves as a research assistant at Oxford’s Department of International Development.
His extensive research experience includes working in the Ottoman/Turkish State Archives (BOA/BCA), Ottoman Military Archives (ATASE), and Jordan National Archives, as well as working on personal diaries and memoirs written in Ottoman Turkish, Turkish, Arabic, English, and French. As Academic Director, Muhammed looks forward to liaising with academic institutions, curating reading lists before delegation trips, and managing the Network’s blog. Passionate about bridging academic and cultural divides, he is committed to deepening understanding of the MENA region’s historical and contemporary significance.