Shell to sponsor coveted Arab Journalism Awards 2005
More than 2000 entries from Pan Arab region in awards fray spread over
12 categoriesApril 09, 2005 Royal Dutch/Shell Group (Shell) has announced its sponsorship of Arab
Journalism Award 2005, one of the most coveted media awards in the Middle East
region and Arabic speaking countries to be announced in April 2005.
The Arab Journalism Award, instituted by Dubai Press Club in 1999 under
the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown
Prince of Dubai and the UAE Defence Minister, has grown in scope and
credibility, attracting a large number of entries every year from all over the Arab
world. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, External Affairs Manager, Shell Markets (Middle
East), said, “Journalists play a central role in the Arab world as they form
the vital conduit between the masses and the events that shape their daily
lives. The contribution of media in creating awareness about various
issues has been commendable. Journalists serve as important pillars in the
direction of progress in the Middle East region and Arab Journalism Awards seeks
to recognise and stimulate journalistic excellence in the Arab Media.”“Our sponsorship of the award reinforces Shell’s commitment to the
development of media in the Middle East region. As the award forms the pinnacle of
media excellence in the region, Shell’s express intent of nurturing
media and media professionals has become a reality.”
Around 2138 entries have been received so far for the awards that are
given in 12 categories including Politics, Business, Investigative
Journalism, IT, Best Columnist, Culture, Sports, Environment, Photo-Journalism,
Caricature, Interview and Journalism for children, besides the Media Personality of
the Year. Each prize has a cash award with a total value of US $
230,000 for all of the awards. A judging committee consisting of 65 renowned
media personalities and leading academics from the Arab world are in the
final stages of evaluating the entries or the Arab Journalism Award 2005.ENOC WINS MOHAMMED BIN RASHID ESTABLISHMENT AWARD
DUBAI -April 7, 2005
Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) LLC and its subsidiary (EPPCO) has won a special award for the semi-government group that contributed most to the procurement programme of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment
for Young Business Leaders - a pioneering organisation aimed at developing entrepreneurs within the Arab world.
The award was presented to Hussain Sultan, ENOC Group Chief Executive and Board Member, at a ceremony at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce attended by His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment.
The awards programme, which honours business excellence in the sector, is part of the Establishment's mission to encourage the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the United Arab Emirates. Sultan said: "As the 'Energy Partner of Choice' ENOC is committed to sourcing at least 5 per cent of its procurement needs through Establishment enterprises and this award recognises our success in helping young companies develop their potential. "SMEs are key to the future of any economy and ENOC has been at the forefront in encouraging nationals to get involved in these businesses since the Establishment's inception in 2003."
The awards ceremony honoured outstanding performances by UAE national SME owners, as well as supporters of the Establishment's programme. Ismail Baqer, General Manager, ENOC Real Estate, who has been responsible for ENOC's procurement scheme since its inception, said: "The Establishment's innovative programme is in line with our own commitment to growing local businesses and offering rewarding opportunities to UAE youth. "We will continue to work with the Establishment in helping young Emiratis build the businesses of the future."
The gala ceremony saw 22 young business leaders honoured, as well as six winners in the Special Awards category, and was attended by dignitaries and top government officials, as well as prominent businessmen and women. Establishment Chief Executive, Abdul Baset Al Janahi, said: "The procurement programme greatly increases the scope of projects and opportunities available for SMEs and ENOC is an excellent example of how leading local companies can play a vital role in encouraging young nationals to play their part in expanding and diversifying the economy."
QATAR AIRWAYS CEO SPEAKS AT KEY GLOBAL TRAVEL SUMMIT IN INDIA
Akbar Al Baker Joins Decision Makers In New Delhi To Debate Travel Trends
7 April 2005
Doha, QATAR – The future of the global travel industry will come under the spotlight in India this weekend when decision makers converge for the annual gathering of the World Travel and Tourism Council.The 5th Global Travel and Tourism Summit, organised by the WTTC, will bring together high-profile Chief Executives, Managing Directors and Chairmen of leading travel companies from around the world to New Delhi.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer and Qatar Tourism Authority Chairman Akbar Al Baker will be among the panelists during debates at the three-day summit being held in the city’s Ashoka Hotel between April 8-10, 2005.The summit is also an opportunity for the industry’s most influential people to network with their peers from both the public and private sector.
The main theme of the conference will be ‘Realising the Potential’ in which discussions will centre on removing barriers to competition, creating prosperity and empowering people to understand the full potential of the travel and tourism industry.
In a series of highly interactive discussions and keynote presentations, leading government, industry and media players will focus on the need for the sector to realise its full potential for social and economic good. The summit will be opened by the Honourable President of India, Dr Abdul Kalam. Ahead of his visit to India, Al Baker said the summit presented an opportunity for some of the world’s leading travel industry figures from the aviation, hotel, tourism, travel agency and tour operator sectors, to get together and debate issues that affect their businesses. “Less than 12 months ago, Qatar Airways was privileged to host the WTTC summit here in Doha,” said Al Baker.
“India is one of the world’s top-selling holiday destinations and how appropriate it is for the industry to gather and discuss key national, regional and global trends in a country which is enjoying economic prosperity.” Added Al Baker who will speak in a session, Power to Debate: “A healthy international travel and tourism industry relies heavily on a strong airline infrastructure as a vehicle to fly business travellers and holidaymakers around the world. “Many people however in the corridors of power underestimate the importance of an airline’s role in today’s burgeoning travel and tourism industry.
“Regulation is a big obstacle in the aviation industry where many airlines are prevented from operating new routes and adding capacity which simply stifles competition. “Compared with many other industries, aviation lags behind, with antiquated bilateral systems that govern capacity simply to serve as a protectionist policy for national airlines that does nothing but hinder competition.”
“I sincerely hope this conference helps address some of the problems we in the airline industry face.” Al Baker will also speak at a session, Latest Innovations, which will focus on how entrepreneurs introduce new products and services to attract and retain business. Other speakers at the conference include Renuka Chowdhury, Indian Minister of Tourism, Bill Marriott, Chairman and CEO of Marriott International, Giovanni Angelini, CEO and Managing Director of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Stelios, Haji-Ioannou, Founder and Chairman of easyGroup and PRS Oberoi, Chairman of the Oberoi Group.
Award-winning Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world operating a modern all-Airbus fleet of 39 aircraft, which will double in size over the next few years following a $5.1bn order for 34 additional Airbus jets. The airline is one of the launch customers of the twin-deck A380 ‘super jumbos’ with four aircraft on order, scheduled for delivery from 2009. The airline operates to 60 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Indian sub-continent and the Far East from its operational hub in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar in the Arabian Gulf. The World Travel and Tourism Council is a forum for global business leaders, representing 100 of the most important travel and tourism companies in the world, including major airlines, tour operators, and hotel chains. It is the only body representing the private sector in all parts of the travel and tourism industry worldwide.
QATAR AIRWAYS SIGNS US$10m PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ASIAN GAMES DOHA 2006
Award-Winning Airline Secures Key Sponsorship Deal For Asia’s Biggest Sporting Event
Doha, QATAR – 4 April 2005: Qatar Airways and the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (DAGOC) officially signed a partnership agreement worth US$10 million (QR 36,500,000) to announce Qatar Airways as the Official Airline for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006.Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Mr. Akbar Al Baker and Director General of DAGOC Mr. Abdulla Al Qahtani signed the agreement in Doha today. Local and international media representatives attended the historic ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The alliance with Qatar Airways, the national airline of Qatar, will enable DAGOC to deliver the highest possible standard of airline service to athletes, officials, spectators and media representatives participating in the 15th Asian Games. Doha 2006 will welcome thousands of athletes from 45 countries across Asia and tens of thousands of spectators from around the world.
“The Games is the major focal point for Qatar over the next 18 months and it will bring tremendous benefits to our country. The provision of a world-class airline in Qatar Airways flying participants and supporting the event will be a key aspect of the success of the Games,” said Mr. Al-Qahtani. “The support of Qatar Airways as the official airline at a time when our progress is already exceeding all expectations and our momentum is taking off at full speed, is greatly welcomed. Qatar Airways is among the most experienced airlines in the world and we are confident that they will deliver the best ever airline service for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006”. Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said he was delighted, on behalf of the airline, to be supporting the biggest sporting event ever staged in the history of Qatar.
