Damas wins the prestigious Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award in re-export category

The award was organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It is conferred on companies and organisations that make significant contribution to national development. A total of 39 companies were nominated for the awards from which the judging panel selected the winners based on management and performance criteria.

Tawhid Abdullah, Managing Director of Damas, received the award from HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Group, at an impressive ceremony attended by top government officials, foreign dignitaries, members of the Board of Directors of Dubai Chamber, representatives of business councils and trade centres as well as members of the media.

Tawhid Abdullah noted, "We are honoured to receive this accolade and look forward to many years of making more significant contribution to the nation. What makes this award unique is that it represents excellence at all levels - high quality products, business ethics and core criteria for customer service excellence - factors which give us the edge in a highly competitive industry. Thus the award is a testimony of our vision, strategic goals and the corporate social responsibility we have shown over the years."

The award has gained relevance since its inception over three years ago as it illustrates the increasing importance of doing business ethically in the UAE. The award fosters a culture of entrepreneurial spirit, customer satisfaction, building long-term relations with the community and facing future challenges for long-term success.

The assessment criteria of the award include management and performance which take 70% of the total evaluation weight. New categories added in the list such as Construction and Real Estate Development goes in line with Dubai Chamber's vision and policy that complements the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015.

The panel of judges comprised of its Chairman, HE Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy; HE Dr. Jassim Al Mannai, Chairman - Arab Fund Monetary Board; HE Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General - Dubai World Trade Centre; Dr. Karl-Joachim Dreyer, President, Hamburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Robert L. Howie, President, Balanced Scorecard Collaborative; and Prince Sifiso Zulu H.M., Vice-Chairman World Chambers Federation (Paris, ICC) and past president of the Durban Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

This year, a fifth category for 'Real Estate Development' was added to the awards in view of its importance as one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the UAE, as well as the sector's great contribution to the country's economy. The other four categories are Manufacturing, Finance, Re-Export, and Construction. Moreover, the companies operating under the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) were allowed to apply for the MRM Business Award for Free Zones under the category of 'Finance'.

Tawhid concluded he is extremely thankful to the award committee and the panel of judges for considering Damas for this honour which is a validation of the progressive spirit of the company and the drive required to fuel such efforts.