Net Group Executive Chairman included in International WHO'S WHO

Mr. Ali Z.A. Abu Monassar, Executive Chairman, Net Group, Dubai has attained the honour of being included in the International WHO'S WHO Historical Society.

The inclusion is an accomplishment in itself. Mr Ali Monassar is being listed in the 2008 edition of the directory of International WHO'S WHO of Professionals.

Mr Ali Monassar is recognized for his professional achievements in the tourism sector of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region during his tenure of more than 25 years' service.

He has been instrumental in shaping the Net Group to be a front-line player in UAE tourism market for nearly two decades.

The International WHO'S WHO Historical Society, based in Washington DC, recognizes the achievements of qualified professionals and provides a valuable, business-to-business reference directory of its distinguished member professionals.

'Selection for inclusion in this organization and membership is a testament to the professional, academic and civic achievement of the member,' the WHO'S WHO citation proclaims. Membership and biographical listings in the international WHO'S WHO of Professionals directory is a highly selective process, which includes comprehensive research, in-depth interview and biographical review.

Achievements

A recent news release from the WHO'S WHO Historical Society elaborated on Mr. Ali Monassar's achievements as a distinguished Professional. 'His broad experience, competence and expertise; his proven success in managing global business; international exposure, professional contacts and an astute grasp of sales, marketing, business and strategic management enables him to efficiently handle his divergent duties'.

Mr. Monassar holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Cambridge University, and is well versed in the dynamics of the tourism business. 'His business acumen has been the strength/ catalyst on which the Group has made greater strides in the face-paced, ever-changing marketplace'.

Courage and conviction

'Believe in yourself and in what you do.' This is Mr. Monassar's guiding principle for both personal and professional success. This strong conviction lent the courage to overcome various situational and economic challenges.

Resilience in times of adversity, adaptability to new situations and innovative solutions to challenges are the key factors that have contributed to Mr. Monassar's success: deft handling of the dent caused in UAE tourism during the historical 9/11 is a case in point.

'It was certainly a very challenging situation. However, thanks to our team and supportive staff, we managed to tide over by creating a new low-priced business segment for the tentative phase- without ever compromising on the credibility and brand values of the Net Group,' Mr. Monassar had said in a recent interview.

Awards

Net Group has achieved more than sixty professional awards under his leadership.

Mr. Ali Monassar recently received the PATWA/ Pacific Area Travel Writers Association Award for promoting regional tourism in the UAE. The award was received during the ITB, a leading travel-trade exhibition in Berlin, March 2008, following the PATWA award for Net Tours in 2004.

Net Group has been acknowledged as one of the strongest brands in the United Arab Emirates, attaining the UAE Superbrands status for four consecutive years from 2004 to 2007. Superbrands is an internationally recognized arbitrator of branding excellence.

Net Tours and Travels, the flagship company of Net Group, has been recognized by the Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing department as the Best Co-participant in various overseas tourism exhibitions.

Recent developments

The establishing of Net Tours, Ras Al Khaimah - a joint venture of Net Group with Ras Al Khaimah, and Net Tours new business office in Saudi Arabia are the recent ventures.

During the year 2007, Mr. Ali Abu Monassar established 'Burj Al Salam,' a heritage-style-hotel with modern comforts, adding value to tourism and hospitality in Sanaa'- Yemen. He is the founding Chairman and owner of the one-of-its kind hotel in the historical city.

Broad Outlook

'Success should be considered in a broader perspective, rather than a personal achievement,' Mr. Monassar believes. 'I take pride in being a part of an organisation that
contributes towards developing a thriving tourism destination; and I aim to extend this experience on a broader canvas'.

Mr Ali Monassar is a working group member of the Emiratization Task Force for Tourism - ETFT set up by the Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing in the year 2002. He contributed to the success of the UAE Global Youth Re-Union held in the UAE during 2002 and 2003.

International membership

Who's Who - Member, International Who's Who Historical Society- 2008.
WOI - Represents Net Group as a member of the World of Incentives - a group of 'select DMCs in the world offering high quality Incentives'.
SITE - Society of Incentive & Travel Executives: Member since 1994.
ICCA - Represents Net Conference and Conventions as a member of the International Congress & Convention Association since 2002.
SKAL International - Tourism Professional - Member since September 5, 2002.