Approved for the Freedom of the City of London
The Court of Common Council approved Sabbir's admission to the Freedom of the City of London.
A life of service
Abdul Musabbir Karim, widely known as Sabbir Karim, is a British-Bangladeshi restaurateur, British Airways Cabin Crew Leader, humanitarian, philanthropist and community leader.
For more than three decades his work has connected people and communities in Britain and Bangladesh. From a long career with British Airways to building award-winning London restaurants, his working life has always centred on people.
Alongside business and flying, he has given decades to charitable, humanitarian and community work in the UK and Bangladesh. That work covers healthcare, vulnerable families, women and children, disaster relief, young people and local community projects.
- Years in aviation
- 31+
- London restaurants
- 3
- Years supporting Sreepur
- 30+
- People given free healthcare
- 7,000+
- Free medical camps
- 41
Aviation
31+ years with British Airways
More than three decades in international aviation have taken Sabbir all over the world. Flying has brought together the things he cares about most: people, different cultures and looking after others well.
Hospitality
Celebrating British-Bangladeshi hospitality
Sabbir is the founder and restaurateur behind three London restaurants, each with its own character.
- Salaam Namaste, Bloomsbury
- Namaaste Kitchen, Camden Town
- Namaaste Highgate, Highgate Village
Through them he's helped promote Indian and Bangladeshi cooking in London and used food as a bridge between cultures.
Charity and humanitarian work
Turning success into service
A large part of Sabbir's life has gone into helping others. Through the Salimun Nessa Free Primary Health Care Trust, the Sabbir Karim Foundation, The Sreepur Village and many independent humanitarian efforts, his work has reached communities across Britain and Bangladesh.
- 1,500+vulnerable families supported during COVID-19
Thousands of meals and essentials have also been provided during periods of crisis.
The Sreepur Village
Three decades with Sreepur
For more than thirty years Sabbir has supported The Sreepur Village, which works with vulnerable mothers and children in Bangladesh.
What started as fundraising and advocacy grew into a role as a trustee, helping to build links between supporters in Britain and communities in Bangladesh.
Community and public service
Building stronger links
Sabbir has worked closely with British-Bangladeshi communities, charities, young people, business leaders, parliamentarians and civic organisations.
His focus is opportunity, representation, healthcare and youth development, and stronger ties between Britain and Bangladesh.
Awards, recognition and media
Recognised for the work
Sabbir's work in hospitality, charity and community service has been recognised by professional bodies, community groups and the media.
His story and his restaurants have featured on national and local television and radio, and in newspapers and hospitality titles.
Latest news
Updates on charitable projects, medical camps, the restaurants, aviation, community work, awards and events.
Namaaste Kitchen recognised at the House of Commons
The Camden restaurant was recognised in the ACF Top 100 at an event in Parliament.
Two honours at the Asian Curry Awards
A personal award for charity and community service, and a restaurant award for Namaaste Highgate.
A continuing journey
“Success has greater meaning when it allows us to help others.”
Sabbir continues to combine business, aviation and public service with one aim: to make a practical difference to people's lives.