Who’s the best?

While the whole world wobbles, Qatar continues to defy gravity, forecasting 16 percent growth and making a massive push to open its arms to the world. Ambition doesn’t come much bigger than bidding to host a World Cup – and this statement of intent at state level filters down to the man in the street. Qatar has the money to be a potential gold mine for anyone in the private sector prepared to provide quality and innovation. The men and women featured over the next few pages are the very epitome of that spirit. Their success is no accident. Some will be familiar faces to the readers of this magazine, others new. One thing is for certain, we will see much more of them over the coming 12 months. Remember their names…

Businesswoman of the Year
HH Sheikha Hanadi Bint Nasser Bin Khalid Al Thani
Founder and Chairperson, Amwal
(Accepted by George Shehadeh, CEO, Amwal)

The indefatigable Her Highness Sheikha Hanadi’s list of accomplishments is astonishing. Not only did she found Amwal – she is now the chairwoman – but she is also CEO of Al Wa’ab City and vice president of Nasser Bin Khaled Al Thani & Sons Holding Group, a firm that owns and manages a wide variety of business units.

Not bad for a woman who started her career as a lecturing assistant in the Economics department of the University of Qatar.

Amwal, or the Qatar Ladies Investment Company as it was then called, was founded in 1988, and even then broke ground by becoming the first investment company to receive a licence from the Qatar Central Bank to conduct investment banking and wealth management in the country.

As if that wasn’t enough, in 2005, she founded Al Wa’ab City – a 1.2 million sq m commercial and residential space – with an initial investment of $1.8bn.

And then there’s the philanthropy – Sheikha Hanadi is a trenchant supporter of community activities and women’s issues.

She’s on the advisory board for the Arab Business Angels Network and she was named a Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum in 2005. She is also a board member at Dana Gas.

2010 has been another fantastic year for Sheikha Hanadi, in which she has seen her various interests go from strength to strength. She is a worthy winner.

Businessman of the Year
Issa Abu Issa, Salam International
Issa Abu Issa’s CV is one of the most impressive in the whole Gulf region.

He is chairman of the Board of Directors and co-founder of Salam International, secretary general of the Qatari Businessman Association, chairman of the Board of Directors of Salam Bounian Development Company and member of the Board of Trustees at Al Shaqab Equestrian Academy.

And that’s just for starters. He is also a member of the World Economic Forum, and a member of the Board of Directors of Palestine Investment Bank, Amwal Invest, and other prestigious organisations in the region.

He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the United States International University in the US.

Salam International has had a fabulous year, even in these difficult financial times – and no one is in any doubt that this is because of the leadership and experience Issa has demonstrated over the last twelve months.

Abu Issa is a role model for all businessmen in the region – a standard to which to aspire, and Arabian Business rightly applauds him for it.
Bank of the Year
Qatar Islamic Bank
(Collected by Ahmed Meshari Muhaidi, GM, Business Domestic Group)

Qatar Islamic Bank has had another great year, moving closer by the day to its stated ambition of being the leading global Islamic bank in the world while at the same time adhering to the highest Sharia and ethical principles.

QIB says it wants to meet international banking standards; partner the development of the global economy and participate in the advancement of the society – and who could argue, after the last twelve months – that it hasn’t achieved that?

The strategy is wonderfully simple, too. To build a global reputation as the leading Sharia-compliant bank through planned expansion of the business and by offering above average returns to shareholders.

The intention is also to be the leading bank in the regional markets by increasing market share – and to become the leading supplier of innovative Islamic banking solutions in Qatar and the GCC countries.

Qatar is at the start of an ambitious and fascinating journey. Qatar Islamic Bank reflects the drive and determination of the government. We had no hesitation in making the award.

Best Visionary in Real Estate
Mazaya Qatar
(Collected by Seraj Al Baker, CEO)

As Qatar enters a new phase of rapid development that is characterised by the increasing rates of financial surpluses and disposable income per capita, Mazaya Qatar Real Estate QSC is emerging as a major player in the vital sector of property development.

Mazaya’s focus is on investing in and developing diverse real estate projects primarily in the State of Qatar in compliance with Islamic Sharia principles.

Through targeted real estate sectors and strategic alliances, it aims to carry out an assortment of outstanding projects from small developments to large mega-projects.

A key element of the strength of the company is its management which combines expertise, knowledge and proven record of success in the property development sector.

Mazaya’s spirit is the spirit of optimism. 2011 should be its best year yet.

Arabian Business deliberated long and hard about who should take this gong, but in the end the choice unanimous. Congratulations.
Private Bank of the Year
Qatar National Bank
(Collected by Yousef Al Darwish, general manager, Group Communications)

Since its foundation, QNB has steadily grown to become the leading financial institution in Qatar, with the largest market share in the country.

QNB has the largest distribution network in Qatar, comprising 44 branches and offices in addition to eleven Islamic branches and offices operated by QNB Al Islami and more than 160 ATMs. QNB was the first conventional bank in Qatar to offer Sharia-compliant banking products and services through QNB Al Islami, established in 2005.

QNB’s international presence is rapidly expanding to include new locations around the world to supplement the long established branches in London and Paris. Currently QNB has presence in 22 counties including branches in Yemen, Oman, Kuwait and Singapore as well as representative offices in Iran and Libya. A branch was recently inaugurated in Sudan, offering a full range of Islamic banking services and products.

Insurance Company of the Year
Doha Insurance
(Collected by Sheikh Nawaf Al Thani)

Another great year for Doha Insurance as inspired leadership has seen the company’s plans to capture greater market share paid some dividends. If Doha Insurance can keep up its performance in 2010, it will take some beating in 2011.

For those who still don’t know: Doha Insurance Company QSC is a Qatar-based public shareholding company engaged in the business of insurance and reinsurance activities. The company offers a range of insurance services, such as claim services for motor and medical insurance; engineering insurance, which covers contractors’ all risks; fire insurance; marine insurance, which covers marine cargo and marine hull; motor insurance; public liability, and travel insurance. The company also operates an Islamic Takaful branch under the brand name Doha Takaful that offers insurance and reinsurance activities in accordance to Islamic Sharia principles.
Best Higher Education Developer
Qatar Foundation
(Collected by Dr Saif Ali Al Haraji, vice chairman, Qatar Foundation Board of Directors)

Is there a more important institution in Qatar than the Qatar Foundation? You’d be hard pushed to find one – not in the arena of developing human capital.

The Qatar Foundation is leading the emirate’s drive to become an advanced knowledge-based society – which is a commendable statement of intent by anyone’s reckoning.

The foundation is transforming Qatari society by educating the rising generation to the highest world standards – these will be the skilled professionals who will be the country’s future leaders.

It is turning Qatar into a producer of knowledge by building a research base. Some of the new ideas will reach the stage of commercialisation, helping diversify the economy – which is an aim the government of all GCC economies hold close to their hearts.

Qatar Foundation is also reaching out to individual sectors of the community and addressing social issues to accelerate the human development process in numerous directions.

Long may it flourish.

Real Estate Company of the Year
Pearl Qatar
(Collected by Jerry Jackson, technical director)

The Pearl-Qatar in Doha, Qatar is an artificial island spanning nearly four million sq m. When completed it will be the first land in Qatar to be available for freehold ownership by foreign nationals.

Once completed The Pearl will create over 32km of new coastline, for use as a residential estate with an expected 15,000 dwellings by 2010.

It is the type of mega development capable of caputuring the world’s attentions and breaking down conventional wisdom on what can and cannot be achieved in the arena of marine construction.

Developed by United Development Company (UDC) and master planned by architecture and design firm Callison, the island is located 350 metres offshore of Doha’s West Bay Lagoon area.

Residential development on the island is intended to incorporate various national and international themes including aspects of Arabic, Mediterranean and European culture. Commercial and educational facilities are also planned to support the various residential precincts.
Fastest Growing Company of the Year
Qatar Project Management
(Collected by Nasser Kamal, CEO)

The Qatar Project Management Company was established with QR500m ($137.3m) authorised capital. The company works on real estate, residential, commercial, leisure and infrastructure projects, both within and outside Qatar for leading real estate developers – Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, Barwa Real Estate Company and their subsidiaries.

The QPM operates independently from parent company, Barwa, and provides Qatari Diar and Barwa project management services, such as feasibility studies, their review, cost management, project control, health and safety management, programme development and management, risk management, and claim management and resolution.

Initial project management responsibilities of QPM included the QR4.5bn ($1.23bn) Barwa Al Baraha Phase II development, which is of immense social significance to Qatar. Among the other major projects to be managed by QPM are the construction of QR3bn ($824m) Barwa Doha luxury tourist destination, and the QR5bn ($1.37bn) Phase I of Barwa City.

Best Participation in Qatar Economy
Qatar Petroleum
(Collected by Sultan Al Abdulla, QP manager, public relations)

Qatar Petroleum is in good hands.

The chairman and managing director Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah recently told investors and employees that despite the ravages of the global downturn, QP remains on course to hit targets, long term. This statement will have come as music to the ears of the government of the emirate, for whom the Qatar Petroleum is such an important institution.

QP’s achievements in the LNG industry illustrate the desire and commitment of His Highness the Emir of Qatar to these principles. Under his leadership, QP has become a global leader in the LNG industry and now plays an essential role in supplying gas to regional markets as well as those in North America, Asia and Europe.

QP is also actively expanding its international investment portfolio through strategic investments in energy and petrochemical projects around the globe.

This is being managed through its international division – Qatar Petroleum International (QPI).

Congratulations to everyone involved.
Retail Company of the Year
Darwish Holding
(Collected by Saoud Abdullah Al Darwish, vice chairman)

Darwish Holding has seven core businesses: Darwish Retail Services, Darwish Commercial, Darwish Real Estate, Darwish Investments, Darwish Industries, Darwish Business Services and Darwish Ventures.

With decades of experience in bringing the world’s finest brands to consumers in Qatar and around the Gulf, Darwish Retail Services is at the forefront of luxury lifestyles in the region. A subsidiary of Darwish Real Estate, Darwish Residential is responsible for managing real estate endeavours and various residential projects including villas, apartments and residential towers.

Apart from successful business ventures, Darwish Group has for many years supported and sponsored a range of social events such as the Qatar Masters Golf Tournament, Soccer Championships and many more that support the development of the society.

Aviation Company of the Year
Qatar Airways
(Collected by Fathy Al Shehab, senior vice president commercial, Qatar and Indian subcontinent)

What a year it has been for Qatar Airways, which recently introduced its flagship Boeing 777 aircraft for the first time on one of its European routes, operating daily between London Heathrow and its Doha hub.

In July, Qatar Airways reached a milestone with the arrival of its 20th Boeing 777 aircraft.

Today, the airline operates 21 Boeing aircraft, including eight of the long range versions, eleven extended range (300-ERs) and two freighters.

Qatar Airways was recently voted as the third best airline in the world following the annual Skytrax survey of eighteen million international passengers. In the survey, the airline was also voted as having the best business class service and catering in the world, as well as being honoured as the best airline in the Middle East for the fifth consecutive year.

Anyone who has had the plaeasure of flying with Qatar Airways recently will have no doubt that Arabian Business’ judges made the right decision when awarding Qatar Airways the aviation company of the year award. Let’s hope they are back again next year.
Best Logistics Company
Gulf Warehousing Company
(Collected by Ranjeev Menon, CEO)

Gulf Warehousing Company was formed in March 2004 as a publicly listed company listed on Doha Securities market. It has 40,000 Qatari shareholders.

Gulf Warehousing aims to be the leading service provider in Qatar for third party logistics services to a wide range of customers in all sectors of business.

The Gulf Warehousing Company, has become the first logistics company in the Middle East to purchase CLASS – a sophisticated logistics system used for both in house projects and for clients that intend to outsource or improve their warehousing and distribution operations.

CLASS assists in identifying details such as the resources required to ensure the optimum balance of cost, service and on-going efficiency in response to changes in supply chain demand as well as the right selection of storage solution and material handling equipment.

Special CSR Award
Dohaland
(Collected by Jawaher Al Khozaii, communications manager)

Dohaland is a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development and was set up in April 2007.

Dohaland is an advocate of Qatar Foundation’s aspirations and ideals which will create leading edge urban living concepts that build on traditional Arabian architecture and design and contribute to the social and cultural heritage of Doha.

Aligned with ‘Qatar National Vision 2030′ led by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, it aims to enhance and contribute to the social dynamism, cultural heritage and quality of life in Doha and beyond. Dohaland sets out to bring to life the progressive vision of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned. Through Vision 2030, Sheikha Mozah draws attention to development of the environment so harmony can exist between economic growth, social development and environmental protection.
Environmental Award
Friends of the Environment Centre (FEC)
(Collected  by Saif Al Hajari, chairman)

Friends of the Environment Centre (FEC) is located in Doha. It is a non-profit organisation seeking to enrich the concept of environmental conservation and community education.

It hosts innovative activities and events funded by the private sector in order to raise funds. The centre was established in October 1992.

FEC believes in preserving the environment and to promote using it and enjoying it without harming its natural resources. The organisation is mandated to keep the environment clean and safe for future generations.

Its objectives are to create greater environmental awareness among citizens and to urge individuals to research and innovate in order to foster environmental well being. It also seeks to guide individuals towards the preservation of the environment and to encourage individual and collective initiatives that contribute to sustainable development in the emirate.

The environment is of huge concern to us all – long may FEC thrive.

Telecoms Company of the Year
Qtel
(Collected by Adel Al Mutawa, executive director, group communications)

They say everyone loves to talk – and nowhere is this more true than in the Gulf where the battle for the slice of the enormous telco pie is as fierce as it is anywhere in the world. Adel Al Mutawa’s presence on stage to collect this gong was symbolic then of a great victory.

Qatar Telecom (Qtel) is the telco licensed by the state to provide both fixed and mobile telecommunications services in the State of Qatar.

It has a presence in seventeen countries, and is committed to expansion both in the Middle East and North Africa region and South East Asia.

In total, it provides coverage to a population in excess of 560 million people, with 57.5 million subscribers.

As well as offering diverse, cutting edge products and services, it enjoys partnerships with many of the world’s leading telecommunications players. Only this time last year, Qtel announced the signing of a syndicated revolving credit facility – it was oversubscribed by more than 100 percent and the final facility size was $2bn. Since then it has gone from strength to strength. The signs for 2011 couldn’t look better.
Hospitality and Tourism Company of the Year
Qatar Tourism Authority
(Collected by Jabor Eid Al Mohannadi, head of PR)

Qatar Tourism Authority’s (QTA) role is to organise, enable, and supervise the tourism industry development in Qatar, as well as to represent and promote Qatar as a quality tourism destination for leisure, business, education, and sport.

Qatar Tourism Authority gets actively involved in organising events and promotions which positively reflect on the general image of Qatar as an evolving tourism destination.

Every year sees more tourists heading to Qatar – evidence of the stellar work QTA is doing. The target is to grow the tourism industry in Qatar by 20 percent in the next five years.

This will be delivered through a variety of methods including attracting international travellers flying through Doha, thanks to the key location of Qatar, between Europe, Africa and Asia.

Qatar has everything needed to be make a perfect holiday destination – sun, sand, sea and a thriving cultural scene to rival anything to be found in the region. The QTA then has a wonderful job: to spread the good news as loudly as possible. It is doing it well.

Best Project in Energy
Rasgas
(Collected by Abdullah Al Hashim, Public Affairs manager)

What a year it has been for Rasgas.

Amazing to think it was only as recently as March 2007 that Rasgas inaugurated its fifth natural gas liquefaction train, a move that put Qatar in a position of undisputed leadership in world LNG. It took the nation’s combined nameplate LNG production capacity to 30.7 million tonnes per annum (Mta).

For a nation of fewer than a million people to dominate such a key and fast-growing part of the global natural gas industry is a remarkable achievement.

At the turn of the 21st century, the term “liquefied natural gas” (LNG) was not even widely known. But today Qatar is bringing this very efficient fuel to homes and businesses around the world, from Asia to Europe and soon the United States.

Rasgas is very much at the forefront of this push, and Arabian Business therefore has no hesitation in applauding the company’s achievements in 2010 and congratulating the visionary management of the company which is responsible for guiding it to this award.