Mashreq CEO Abdul Aziz Al-Ghurair to be honored in New York by ABANA

Each year, ABANA presents the Achievement Award to exceptional individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to the financial services industry in the Arab world, or individuals of Arab descent who have made considerable contributions to the field in general. Previous recipients of the ABANA Achievement Award have most recently included the Lebanese banking system represented by H.E. Mr. Riad Salamé, Governor of the Banque du Liban, Dr. Mohamed El-Erian, Co-CEO of PIMCO, Faisal Hamad Al Ayyar, Chairman of United Gulf Bank, Lubna Olayan, CEO of Olayan Financing Company, Dr. Richard Debs, Founding President of Morgan Stanley International, and Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company.

This year, ABANA is proud to celebrate Abdul Aziz Al-Ghurair's accomplishments. Mr. Al-Ghurair joined Mashreqbank in 1977, working in a progressive capacity until he acquired his leading post in the early 1990s. A strategic leader and man of distinction, his determination to distinguish Mashreq has taken the bank to new levels of success. His carefully-planned strategy has made Mashreq one of the top banking institutions in the United Arab Emirates.

"ABANA is honored to present the 2008 Achievement Award to Abdul Aziz Al-Ghurair for his business acumen, commitment to excellence and substantial achievements," said Laura Osman, President of ABANA.

Mr. Al-Ghurair is also President of Al-Ghurair City, Chairman of Masafi Mineral Water Company and Director of Abdulla Al-Ghurair Group of Companies. Mr. Al-Ghurair is on the board of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Economic Council of Dubai and a member of the Governing Council of Dubai's Higher Colleges of Technology. In August of 2006, Mr. Al-Ghurair was appointed Chairman of the Arab Business Angels Network. Mr. Al-Ghurair, a native of the United Arab Emirates, holds a Bachelor's in Engineering from California State Polytechnic University in the United States.

The award ceremony, which will be held at The Pierre Hotel in New York City, will begin with a reception at 6:00 pm followed by a dinner gala at 7:00 pm.