Mideast CEOs shine at top awards

 

 

Some of the region’s most outstanding leaders in business and government were recognised at the 5th Middle East CEO of the Year Awards on Wednesday in Dubai.

Eight chief executives from the public and private sectors received the awards at the Burj Al Arab hotel. And once again CEOs from Dubai distinguished themselves, taking half of the top awards.

 

In addition, a special presentation was made for Dominique de Villepin, the former prime minister of France, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership and efforts to build bridges and understanding between the Middle East and the rest of the world.

In his acceptance speech, de Villepin dedicated the award to Jacques Chirac, the former French president. He said: “Such events bring the latest knowledge and information to the forefront, connecting people and anticipating changes. It is very important because there is no leadership without information, without connections and without anticipation of the world’s problems.”

He added there has been a revolution in the definition of power; power is no longer defined by force, instead “the key factor is influence”.

He called for a security council of foreign affairs ministers to be created to convene regularly with peace on its agenda. He urged the region to take a look at the benefits of peaceful nuclear energy and commended the GCC for its initiatives in places such as Afghanistan.

Rashed Abdulaziz Al Rashed, Riyad Bank, Saudi Arabia

Corporate Management Development CEO