Outstanding firms awarded for their achievements

(WAM)   

Seventeen winners from a wide range of businesses have been honoured at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Awards 2007 ceremony.

The prizes recognised the recipients’ outstanding performance and contribution to the development of the UAE’s economy, the overall business environment and society at large.

The event is organised  with the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The awards were yesterday presented by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Group.

The programme is run by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the winners are selected in accordance with a business high performance model developed by the organisation.

The model covers issues related to the management and performance of firms.

The assessment is based on management and performance criteria, which accounts for 70 per cent of the total evaluation.

The management criteria include five elements – leadership perspectives, strategic initiatives, quality imperatives, corporate culture and corporate social responsibility. The performance criteria includes output, achievements and the company’s contribution towards the nation and society.

“On behalf of the business community, which Dubai Chamber is honoured to represent, I take this opportunity to extend our deep appreciation to the Government of Dubai for its continuous efforts in building a solid infrastructure, 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,” said Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, the chamber’s First Vice-President.

“Now in its third year, the award scheme surges ahead in line with Dubai Chamber’s new strategy to become the best chamber in the world alongside its mission to support the business community with all possible means to grow and compete globally and to provide the best possible motivation and encouragement to improve its performance. As per Sheikh Mohammed’s vision, Dubai Chamber will adopt significant initiatives that aim to develop business sectors and enhance its social responsibility and competitiveness in enabling the private sector to cope with this vision.”

A new award category – real estate development – has been introduced to reflect the importance of this sector and its contribution to the nation’s economy. The new section was added to the existing four – manufacturing, finance, re-export and construction.

Sultan Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the panel of judges, praised the role of the award in the country’s economic development. “The award has acquired a massive importance due to its role in highlighting the best business practices and excellent performance of certain companies, and for appreciating its contribution to the national economy,” he said.

“The award enables 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 provides an opportunity to excel.”

The winners

Manufacturing:

- Lootah Ready Mix Concrete

- Steven Rock

- Jotun UAE

Manufacturing (free zones):

- Clipsall Middle East

- Acer Computers

Re-export:

- Damas

- Apparel

Construction:

- Ascon Company

- Al Hamad Building Contracting

- Arabtec Construction

Real Estate:

- Emaar Properties

- Union Properties

- Tameer Holding Investment

Finance:

- National Bank of Abu Dhabi

- HSBC Bank

- UAE Money Exchange Centre

- Emirates Bank