Applauds the Achievements of U.S. and U.A.E. Companies, Institutions, and Entrepreneurs
ABU DHABI, U.A.E. – At AmCham Abu Dhabi’s 8th Excellence Awards and 18th Charity Gala, top business and community leaders came together to recognize leading U.S. and U.A.E. companies, institutions and entrepreneurs for their dedication to strengthening U.S.-U.A.E. commercial relations. The finalists were honored Friday, January 26, with an evening gala at Rosewood Abu Dhabi, with guest of honor, the Honorable Barbara A. Leaf, U.S. Ambassador to the U.A.E.
"AmCham Abu Dhabi is proud to recognize the winners of the 2018 Excellence Awards," said Sharief Fahmy, Chairman of AmCham Abu Dhabi. "We honor and celebrate these U.S. and U.A.E. companies, institutions and individuals for their achievements and contributions to enhance the U.S.-U.A.E. commercial relationship. Because of their commitment and dedication to excellence, the U.S.-U.A.E. relationship continues to grow stronger.”
The Excellence Awards applaud best-in-class American and Emirati individuals and businesses for their achievements in the local business community. The winners of the five awards are:
Nora Jamal Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Cancer Patient Care Society – Rahma received the Young Achiever Award, which recognizes a young entrepreneur under the age of 40 who has demonstrated smashing success in professional practice and exemplifies a commitment to excellence by inspiring others in launching U.A.E. based business opportunities. Nora is the Director General and Founding Member of the Cancer Patient Care Society – Rahma, which offers care, services and information to help cancer patients receive treatment and information about cancer, while educating the community regarding the types, causes and prevention of cancer. Nora has worked diligently to promote Rahma’s mission in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., regionally and internationally. In line with her efforts to spread public health awareness, Nora has also launched multiple activities including high profile lectures during the World Cancer Day; awareness campaigns for cancer in the U.A.E. and various partnership programs with companies, hospitals, health associations, schools and the community, which have inspired others to launch projects and businesses in the healthcare sector. Nora is also an advisory member of the United Planet Foundation, an international humanitarian organization based in Boston which fosters cross-cultural understanding.
Esther Ndichu, Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations, Indian Subcontinent, Middle East and Africa, UPS, received the Woman in Business Award, which recognizes a working female who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and accomplishment by pushing barriers, overcoming challenges and setting an example of perseverance and professionalism. Esther is the Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for UPS in the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East and Africa. She is responsible for public/government and customs affairs for the region. One of her core focus areas and interests is increasing cross border trade and identifying ways to assist SME’s access global markets. Esther has proven herself to be an entrepreneurial leader, passionate about the cause of logistics and women empowerment. She has been spearheading UPS’s Women’s Leadership Development program in the region and launched an apprenticeship program in U.A.E. which has opened doors for many women to consider the transportation sector as a career choice. The program focuses on helping women enhance their ability to lead others professionally and personally while developing the knowledge, skills and values necessary to confidently step into a leadership role within UPS.
Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General, U.A.E. Space Agency, received the Falcon Individual Award, which recognizes an individual demonstrating an outstanding commitment to sustainable U.S.-U.A.E. business relations. Dr. Mohammed is the Director General of the U.A.E. Space Agency and is one of the most qualified national leaders within the space industry. His initial responsibility included designing and creating the agency. Under his leadership, the U.A.E. Space Program has collaborated with a number of U.S. organizations, including Lockheed Martin, the U.S. Strategic Command and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. These collaborations lead to various joint projects in the aerospace industry, which further strengthened the U.S.-U.A.E. commercial relationship.
The Boeing Company received the Falcon Organization Award, which recognizes an organization demonstrating an outstanding commitment to sustainable U.S.-U.A.E. business relations. The Boeing Company is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. The Boeing Company shares a long-standing relationship with the United Arab Emirates and has worked closely with U.A.E. civil and defense authorities to achieve the country’s objectives and ambitions. This collaboration has helped the U.A.E. transform into a global transportation, logistics and tourism hub. In 2017 alone, U.A.E. carriers announced the purchase of 265 new Boeing aircraft valued at $42.1 billion. These purchases will support hundreds of thousands of jobs in the U.S. Boeing has also entered high profile industry collaborations with U.A.E. organizations including the Mubadala Investment Company, Tawazun Precision Industries and Emirates Defense Industries Company (EDIC) creating jobs in the U.A.E. In addition, Boeing has supported numerous organizations to address the U.A.E.’s community needs including INDEMAJ, Action Care, Injaz, Planet Finance and various educational programs.
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) received the Bridge of Excellence Award, which recognizes an organization that bridges the gap in bilateral trade relations and demonstrates a commitment to cross-border business alliances or joint ventures. Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) is a market for trading securities; including shares issued by public joint stock companies, bonds issued by governments or corporations, exchange traded funds, and any other financial instruments approved by the U.A.E. Securities and Commodities Authority. A strong supporter of U.S.—U.A.E. cross-border business alliances, ADX has been holding annual roadshows in the U.S. in order to provide American investors with the best investment opportunities available in the MENA region. Due to its commitment to the U.S. investors, ADX currently has 3,800 American investors on the exchange with American investors ranked in the first place among non-U.A.E. nationals in terms of market value of shares since 2015. ADX is also a host to 2157 American asset management companies, among which are the 25 biggest asset management companies in the world in terms of Assets Under Management.
Proceeds raised from the event are donated to local charities and educational institutions, in support of U.A.E. aid programs and initiatives. The four beneficiary organizations this year are: Emirates Red Crescent, the Make-A-Wish Foundation U.A.E., the American Community School of Abu Dhabi and St. Joseph’s School.
8th Annual AmCham Abu Dhabi Excellence Awards Winners, Nominees, Sponsors, VIPs and AmCham Abu Dhabi Board Members
2018 was declared the U.A.E.’s Year of Zayed to honor the founding father’s wisdom, contribution and goodness. AmCham Abu Dhabi is proud to commemorate his generosity by continuing the tradition of raising funds for deserving local organizations. 2018 marks the 18th year of AmCham giving back to the community. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of 16 leading Abu Dhabi companies, guests were treated to an entertaining and elegant evening.
Sponsors of the 8th Annual Excellence Awards and 18th Charity Gala were Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX); Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi; Lockheed Martin Global Inc.; The Boeing Company; Northrop Grumman; The Captain’s Club; New York University Abu Dhabi; Raytheon Emirates Ltd.; Sayah Engineering MENA; Harris Corporation; Oshkosh Defense; Etihad Airways; AV Concepts; Spinneys Abu Dhabi LLC; The New York Times and UEMedical.
