Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum to present Mohamed Alabbar with Leadership Award

Alabbar, who is frequently acknowledged by the real estate and hospitality industries for his role in steering growth in the region, has been singled out by the hotel investment sector in recognition of his contribution to the hospitality industry.

According to AHIC co-organiser, Jonathan Worsley, Alabbar won the award following online nominations made by AHIC's 50-strong, key industry leader, advisory board.

As an AHIC Leadership Award winner Alabbar joins HRH Prince Al Waleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, CEO of Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Holding Company (2005); HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai (2006); and Maurice Flanagan, Vice Chairman and Group President of Emirates, UAE's international airline (2007).

"This award for leadership in the hotel investment sector recognises Alabbar's 15-plus years of dedication to the growth of the real estate sector in the region and for his efforts in helping to put Arabia on the 'lifestyle' map, especially through his steadfast role at Emaar Properties,"

said Worsley.

Worsley observed that the 2008 conference theme, The Ripple Effect, reflects the critical role that Alabbar has played in developing Emaar into a truly global brand and business.

He confirmed that for the fourth year running, AHIC is held under the patronage of HH Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

"We are thrilled to have His Highness Shaikh Ahmed confirm his support and attendance again this year. This is a true sign that AHIC has cemented its place as the significant event on the region's hotel investment calendar," Worsley said.

The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference will run from May 3-5, 2008 at Dubai's Madinat Jumeirah Convention Centre and is jointly organised by The Bench and MEED.

AHIC 2008 sees the introduction of a first-day Summit session. India has been selected as the Summit's flagship topic.

Platinum sponsors of the 2008 event include: Bawadi, IFA Hotels & Resorts, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, Ministry of Brazil, Nakheel Hotels and The Rezidor Hotel Group.

Gold Sponsors include Abu Dhabi Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), Accor SA ME, Aldar Hotels & Hospitality, Almulla Holding LLC, Arabian Travel Market, Christie + Co, Cushman & Wakefield Hotels, Davis Langdon LLP, DLA Piper, DLF Hotels, Emaar Hospitality Group, Emirates Airline, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International Inc, Godwin Austen Johnson, Golden Tulip MENA Region, Group RCI, GuestInvest, Hamilton Hotel Partners, Heller Ehrman, Hilton Hotels, Horwath HTL, HVS, iBAHN, InterContinental Hotels Group, Interval International, Jumana - Secret of the Desert, Jumeirah, Kempinski Hotels, Langham Hotels International Limited, Layia Hospitality, Marriott International, Molinaro Koger, Morgan Stanley, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, Mozambique Tourism Anchor Investment Program, Northcourse Real Estate Leisure Solutions, OBM International, Rakeen, Rotana, Shaza Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Strategic Solutions, Taj Hotel Resorts & Palaces, Tiara Hotels & Resorts, TDO - Tourism Development Organisation (MENA), TRI Hospitality Consulting, Turks & Caicos Islands, Vision Hospitality Asset Management, WATG, West LB and Wyndham Hotel Group International.

Media sponsors include AME Info, ATM, Breaking Travel News, CNBC Arabia, CNN, Destinations of the World, HOTELS, Hospitality News Magazine, Luxury Hotelier, Sleeper and TTN.

Supporters: Dubai Convention Bureau, The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, IBLF, IH&RA, Native Energy, Villeroy & Boch, WTTC.