Dubai: His Highness the president of United Arab Emirates Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the "Head of State Merit Award" on the founder of Al Islami Foods Haj Saeed Lootah in recognition to his distinctive role in building of union of the country in a special ceremony organised on UAE National Day.
Other prominent personalities were also given away this merit award.
The UAE President said, "As our country looks forward to more prosperous future, it does not forget the founding fathers and others who had built the federation and made the UAE an advanced state".
The ceremony was attended by UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Their Highnesses, Members of Supreme Council, Rulers of Emirates and Crown Princes.
Saleh Abdullah Lootah, Managing Director of Al Islami Foods commented:
" This is a great honour for us and we are much delighted to having another jewel in the crown of Al Islami. Our employees are elated and proud of being a part of noble visions of Haj Saeed Lootah. We are committed to continue this legacy".
HH Sheikh Khalifa expressed his appreciation of the efforts of these personalities, who significantly contributed to the union since its inception alongside the founding fathers of UAE. " We give these, men alive or dead, all the appreciation and respect, and value their historical role in establishing the state and consolidating it until it becomes today one of the most developed countries in the world." The honouring of such a category of men, he continued, is a "token for gratitude of the UAE to all loyal citizens whose work had contributed to the formation of the current standing of the UAE among nations"
Haj Saeed Bin Ahmed Lootah is a self-made businessman who progressed from being an entrepreneur to an accomplished teacher, author, economist, banker, businessman and a visionary community leader.
With the enduring values of education, cooperation and economy set as the foundations of his work, Haj Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Lootah started a number of businesses as well as not-for-profit education and research ventures, with an aim to serve the people of the United Arab Emirates.
Haj Saeed Ahmed Lootah pioneered the development of 'Halal Food' and 'Islamic Banking' in UAE that spread across the Middle East band beyond. One such testament and model is 'Al Islami Foods' company, formerly known as Co-op Islami, established in 1981 which has become a leading trend-setter in the GCC's processed halal food industry; and establishment of Dubai Islamic Bank. ###
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About Al Islami Foods:
Established as CO-OP ISLAMI in 1981 to cater to the growing demand for halal food in the Arab world, AL ISLAMI FOODS was formed as a result of the long relentless efforts commenced in the early seventies when Hajj Saeed Bin Ahmad Lootah instituted Dubai Co-operative Society.
Starting with its successful frozen chicken product line, CO-OP ISLAMI further expanded its operations to include processed meat.
In 1991, Dubai Co-operative Society's efforts were culminated by establishing its "CO-OP ISLAMI" meat processing plant in Jebel Ali Free Zone. This plant is considered a recognizable breakthrough as it became the highly active producer of a variety of food products under the name "CO-OP ISLAMI.
In 2006, CO-OP ISLAMI was re-launched as AL ISLAMI in an effort to propel the company to new heights of success. Now, Al Islami products are considered as a quality benchmark trusted by consumers across the UAE and the GCC, and this has made it one of the best and most preferred brands in the region. www.alislamifoods.com
MEDIA CONTACT:
Nasir Iqbal
Al Islami Foods
P. O. Box 3922, Dubai, UAE;
Tel: +9714-8853333; Fax: +9714-885233; Mobile: +971-50-4243076
Email: nasir.iqbal@alislamifoods.com
© Press Release 2011
