Abu Dhabi, U.A.E . February 1, 2014 – At AmCham Abu Dhabi’s 4th Annual Excellence Awards and 14th Annual Charity Gala, over 300 top business executives and government officials came together to recognize leading U.A.E. companies, institutions and entrepreneurs for their dedication to strengtheningU.S.-U.A.E. commercial relations. The finalists were honored Friday, January 31, with an evening gala at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi, sponsored by Al Noor Hospitals Group and other generous supporters.
“AmCham Abu Dhabi is proud to recognize the winners of the 2014 Annual Excellence Awards,” said Matthew E. Byrd, Chairman, AmCham Abu Dhabi. “This year’s Excellence Awards winners are truly outstanding individuals and organizations; they embody excellence in their business by demonstrating passion and dedication to their work while continuing the strong bilateral commercial relationship between the U.S. and U.A.E.”
The Excellence Awards applaud best-in-class American and Emirati individuals and businesses for their achievements in the local business community. The winners of the five awards are:
H.E Noura Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi (twofour54) , received the Young Achiever Award, which recognizes a young entrepreneur under the age of 40 who has demonstrated smashing success in professional practice and exemplifies a commitment to excellence by inspiring others in launching U.A.E. based business opportunities. Noura leads the Media Zone Authority and its subsidiaries, whose primary objectives are to foster Arab-focused media and digital businesses in the U.A.E. Her commitment to Arab talent development, and management of a unique strategy to facilitate the growth of the regional media industry has seen the Media Zone Authority hit the milestone of over 240 content creation partners.
Mary Corrado, Country Director of AMIDEAST Inc., received the Woman in Business Award, which recognizes a working female who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and accomplishment by pushing barriers, overcoming challenges and setting an example of perseverance and professionalism. Mary has been actively involved in the Abu Dhabi business community for the past 37 years. In 1996, Mary opened the U.A.E. office of AMIDEAST, a regional nonprofit education and training organization that manages scholarships and exchange programs, including the Fulbright program.
The U.S.-U.A.E Business Council received the Bridge of Excellence Award, which recognizes an organization that bridges the gap in bilateral trade relations and demonstrates a commitment to cross-border business alliances or joint ventures. The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council is a progressive business advocacy organization solely committed to advancing the trade and commercial relationship between the United States and United Arab Emirates.
Mubadala Development Company received the Falcon Organization Award, which recognizes an organization demonstrating an outstanding commitment to sustainable U.S.-U.A.E. business relations. AmCham Abu Dhabi recognized Mubadala for the important role that it plays in a range of mutually beneficial partnerships with leading U.S. companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, GE, The Carlyle Group, Cleveland Clinic and GlobalFoundries.
Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development , received the Falcon Individual Award, which recognizes an individual demonstrating an outstanding commitment to sustainable U.S.-U.A.E. business relations. Her Excellency is the first woman in the U.A.E. to hold a cabinet position, where she had major impact on enhancing U.A.E. economic and foreign trade relations with the U.S. In 2013, Sheikha Lubna was appointed as the Minister of International Cooperation and Development, with the responsibility of boosting the U.A.E.’s role as a major donor and key player in global human development.
Proceeds raised from the event were donated to local charities and educational institutions, in support of U.A.E. aid programs and initiatives.
2014 marks the 14th year of AmCham Abu Dhabi giving back to the community. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of 17 leading Abu Dhabi companies, guests were treated to an elegant and entertaining evening, which included a beautiful laser show and performance by a flute artist, an acrobatic performance, and music set by DJ Jack.
Sponsors of the 4th Annual Excellence Awards and 14th Annual Charity Gala are Al Noor Hospitals Group; Gulf Diagnostic Center Hospital; Boeing International Corporation; DynCorp International; Gulf Alliance Company – A Perot Company; Middle East General Enterprises; Occidental Oil & Gas International LLC; Lockheed Martin Global Inc.; International New York Times; Flooka; Etihad Airways; Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas; Fast Rent A Car; Option 1 Live Communications; Sayah Engineering MENA; Elite Pearl Charter; and Gray Mackenzie & Partners. – CCI Newswire
