Growing participation is proof excellence is taking top priority

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai yesterday presented awards at the fourth edition of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Awards.

Organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and held at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai the ceremony was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, heads of government departments, dignitaries, board members of Dubai Chamber, representatives of business councils, groups and trade centres, a large number of businessmen and members of the media.

The awards were given to 18 winners from a cross-section of organisations and business establishments for their outstanding entrepreneurship in their respective sectors and unflinching contribution to the economic development of the UAE, the overall business atmosphere and the society at large.

While welcoming the gathering, Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman, Dubai Chamber, extended his appreciation of Sheikh Mohammed's continued support in encouraging the private sector and providing a healthy environment that helps economic sectors to flourish and Dubai to take its leading position as a key player on the world economic map.

"The growing number of companies participating in the award, which has been associated with the name of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is proof that excellence has become a wider field for competition between the companies and establishments operating in Dubai, indicating a healthy work environment unique to the emirate's corporate culture," he said.

Al Ghurair said the award, which was set up as a Dubai Chamber initiative in 2005, provides an institutional and educational opportunity to the participants to evaluate and analyse their own business performance, and at the same time, benefit from other corporation's experiences in seeking excellence. It also helps firms to raise competitiveness and motivate staff to perform with distinction and serves as an incentive for continued success and development.

"The award has acquired a massive importance due to its role in highlighting best business practices and excellent performance of certain firms, and for appreciating its contribution to the national economy. Moreover, the award enables the participating firms to get detailed evaluation and confidential feedback reports on the company's business performance and areas of strength and development, and that in itself is a good result and an opportunity to excel in the UAE business," said Al Ghurair.

"This year we have added two new categories of Corporate Social Responsibility and Supply Chain & Logistics, as both these categories play an important and integral role in the economic development of a country.

Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Awards Panel of Judges, praised the role of the award in the country's economic development and extended his deepest thanks to Dubai Chamber for initiating and sponsoring the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award for the fourth successive year.

"There are no losers here as all participating companies are the beneficiaries whether they win or lose. The winners would be an example for others to follow as the participating companies will get accurate evaluation and feedback report on their performance and achievements and can come back for the award's next session with renewed ability and zeal of competition."

Al Mansoori said the award's selection requires a thorough checking and accurate analysis of the participating firms meeting the requirements and criteria of the award based on Business High Performance Model, which is developed by Dubai Chamber and covers issues related to the management and performance.

Hamdi Osman, Vice-President of Federal Express International, who won two awards, said the awards motivate the private sector to perform even better.

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