The world’s most powerful Arabs gathered at a glittering event in Dubai last night to celebrate the unveiling of Arabian Business‘s latest Power 500 list.
In a special awards ceremony, a number of leading and inspirational figures in the Arab world were honoured for their contributions to fields such as politics, society and humanitarian causes.
Click here to see the video of the event
Emaar chairman Mohamed Alabbar honoured some of the world’s most inspiring Arabs at a special function held on Monday night to launch the Arabian Business Power 500.
At a star studded event, featuring many individuals named in this year’s Power 500 list, Alabbar paid tribute were paid to four Arabs selected by the magazine to receive the “Most Inspiring Arabs” awards.
They included Saudi Arabia’s Reem Asaad, ranked third in this year’s list. Asaad is credited for launching the successful campaign to allow women to work in lingerie shops in Saudi Arabia.
Also honoured at the event were Palestinian philanthropist Munib Masri, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Sheikha Lubna, and the boss of the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department Major General Mohammed Al Marri.
Click here to see the video of the event
Earlier in the evening, Walid Akawi, CEO of ITP Publishing, paid tribute to the 500 Arabs named on the list, telling the crowd: “We have chosen names not just from the GCC but from 37 countries.
“We have incredible stories of Arabs who are doing incredible work in China, in Vietnam, in Brazil, all over Africa, all over Asia, the USA and Africa. Today the list we have published is the best guide ever to the success of Arabs.”
Akawi added: “The reason we do this list is to celebrate the work of Arabs all around the world. Every year we did the list, we discovered so much more. We found Arab doctors who were leading the way on cancer research.
“We found Arab scientists who were some of the most respected in the whole world. We found Arab artists whose paintings had inspired so many million people. We found Arab sports stars who are role models all over the world. So last year, I told my team, we should be bigger and better.
“If we are really to reflect the success of Arabs all around the world, we should really cover the whole world. That is why this year we have published 500 names.”
Alabbar received the award for being the most inspiring Arab in the world, with Akawi adding: “Mohamed Alabbar has done more to grow the region’s business than anyone else in the world. He makes us all proud to be Arab and I couldn’t think of anyone better to be receiving this award.”
Follow us on
