HE Ahmed Al Tayer Conferred 'Arab Banking Personality of the Year Award'

The presentation ceremony took place at the Concert Nobel Hall in Brussels. The glittering gala dinner was attended by more than 500 eminent dignitaries representing well over 300 banks and 95 per cent of all the financial institutions in the MENA region.

Mr. Adnan Ahmed Yousif, Chairman of Union of Arab Banks and CEO of Al Baraka Banking Group presented the award to H.E. Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer. Dignitaries who attended include H.E. Sultan Nasser Al Suwaidi, UAE Central Bank Governor; H.E. Juma Al Majid, Chairman, Dubai Council for Economic Affairs; H.E. Dr. Jassim El-Mannai, Chairman & General Manager, Arab Monetary Fund. In addition, a host of Central Bank Governors from Europe including the Belgian Central Bank Governor were in attendance at the event where a film about the accomplishments of H.E. Al Tayer was shown.

In his acceptance speech, H.E. Al Tayer praised the UAE leadership which provided him with the support and inspiration to contribute to the development of the financial sector in the UAE. "By introducing such an award, the Union of Arab Banks has aimed to promote the co-operation amongst Arab Banks in all areas and strengthen their relationship at all levels regardless of their local or regional status," he noted.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Adnan Ahmed Yousif said the selection of the award was in recognition of H.E. Al Tayer's outstanding accomplishments. "H.E. Ahmed Al Tayer has consistently won the adoration of his counterparts throughout his professional life, which was marked by continued success, not just in his capacity as a banker, but also as a businessman and an ambassador of the financial services industry," he stated, adding that H. E. Al Tayer is among the pioneers of banking industry in the Arab world.

The criteria for selection for the award included contributions to the comprehensive development of banking in the Arab world, long years of experience, role in developing banking relations between Arab banks, and active support in achieving the objectives of the Union of Arab Banks. As for the bank that the awardee heads, it should have accomplished excellent financial results consistently over the years.

In addition to being the Chairman of the governing body of Commercial Bank of Dubai and Emirates Bank Group, he also presides over a large group of business establishments, all of which played a leading role in expediting the quick economic growth that the UAE has achieved over the years.

"Arab Banks have consistently succeeded in realizing higher growth to keep up with the latest international developments, and overcome the challenges to achieve further growth. The list of the Top 1000 World Banks included 69 Arab Banks, out of which 15 national banks are from the UAE itself. Considering that the total number of national banks in the UAE is 21, it is quite an achievement," he added, dedicating the award to all his colleagues at Commercial Bank of Dubai and Emirates Bank Group and to the "dynamic banking community of the UAE."