Dubai, March 15th 2012-On the back of His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri's recent announcement that the UAE's economic growth for 2011 was 3.3 per cent - more than double 2010's figure - the 2nd Annual Financial Thought Leaders Summit opened for its second day at the Grosvenor House hotel.

Organised by French business information group naseba, the event connected upto 100 senior-level delegates to collate industry data and discuss sustainable growth plans for the GCC. Last night saw the Corporate Visionary Leaders Awards, which recognised the contributions of C-level executiveswho have demonstrated a positive impact not only on their organisations, but the GCC as a whole.

Faisal Al Bannai, CEO of Axiom Telecom, scooped the CEO of the Year award winner at the ceremony. Axiom Telecom serves around 95 percent of the 1,500 small shops trading in the UAE. It offers phones, SIM cards and accessories on a makeshift, 'micro-distribution' basis to capture the lower end of the market.

One of the recurring themes of the opening day's discussions was the need for diversity, not only in terms of product but in location, processes, and leadership. Mr Al Bannainoted that micro-distribution was a "part of the business [that] was key to the company's growth and had helped to double net profits last year."

The awards also considered key factors such as the need to create jobs for young people, and the Innovative Leader of the Year award winner achieved just that. Rashid Fahad Al-Naimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mazaya Qatar Real Estate Development has contributed significantly to improving the job market for young people in Qatar.

Speaking at the Mazaya's general assembly meeting henoted "Mazaya Qatar is committed to achieving the goals of the policy of Qatarisation and to significantly contribute to Qatar National Vision 2030... We have put the necessary strategies in place to create more job opportunities and recruit more young talent in various departments and branches [and] have open doors for qualified Qatari young talents all the time."

The Al Fara'a Foundation secured the Organisation of the Year award, due to its balanced approach of reward versus benefit. The company has also shown highly successful market diversification in recent years. Thegroup of companies has partnered with various international organisations such as Blue World Concrete, Ecosmart, and Estidamafor the adoption and development of green technologies to reduce CO² emissions.

Other award winners were AdilAbdalla Al Fahim, Vice President of Finance at Dubai Airports, who received the Financial Thought Leader of the Year award, and Dr AbullahSuliman Al Amro, CEO of the King Fahd Medical City, who won the Visionary Leader of the Year. Further nominees included ZiadMakhzumi, CFO ofArabtec. The company was awarded a US$153million contract for expansion of the Dubai International Airport and has also won three contracts in neighbouring Abu Dhabi for AED 256 million. As a result, shares of Arabtec have soared over 100 per cent this year.

Commenting on the awards, naseba Managing Director Fabien Faure explained: "As the UAE continues to bounce back from an unprecedented economic crisis, many can learn from these dynamic leaders who had the foresight and expertise to negotiate it successfully. We feel it is appropriate to acknowledge these MENA-based thought leaders who have given their respective organisations the ability to thrive and survive during challenging times."

Day two drew to a close with intense group discussions and roundtables sessions on developing quantifiable Key Performance Indicators for performance appraisal and the impact of the Arab Spring on various organisations.

About naseba
naseba produces, promotes and hosts business summits, professional training courses and business exhibitions targeting executive level attendees across multiple industries. Each event is focused on re-education, networking and creating a deal-flow platform for all participating organisations. Whether it is raising capital, expanding to a new market, vendor sales contracts or sourcing a strategic partner, naseba facilitates and supports clients' business development.

Our team of experts conducts extensive research in conjunction with recognised thought leaders to ensure that all events are relevant, timely and at the forefront of market and industry trends.

naseba collaborates with leading media, industry and local authorities, such as International Data Corporation (IDC), International Business Consultancy Group (IBCG), Saudi Trading and Resources Co. Ltd. (STAR Group Holdings), HIL International Lawyers & Advisers (HIL), International Herald Tribune, CNBC Arabia, Zawya, Council of Saudi Chambers, Asharqia Chamber, Abu Dhabi Health Authority, Ministry of Health - UAE, Ministry of Economy - UAE, Ministry of Environment and Water - UAE, Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation, Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning - Qatar, Privatization and Investment Board (PIB) - Libya, Principality of Monaco, Singapore Tourism Board, Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad, Department of Civil Aviation - Malaysia and many others.

Since its inception in France in 2002, naseba has organised over 400 events and played host to 58,000 executive delegates globally. Operating from four strategically located offices, naseba has on-the-ground presence in Monaco, Cairo, Riyadh, Dubai, Bangalore and Kuala Lumpur.

At naseba, we make it happen.

For more information on naseba, please visit www.naseba.com.

For more information: visit www.ftlsummit.com

For media information, please contact:
Deepti Kadam, Marketing Manager
Tel: +971 4367 1383
Email:deeptik@naseba.com

© Press Release 2012