Abdul Hamid Shoman selected Banker of the Year

It is one of several awards created by Arabian Business magazine and ITP Group, dedicated this year to celebrate excellence in Jordan's business sector.

One of the most prominent awardees of the Arabian Business Awards during the past years is his Majesty King Abdullah the Second Bin Al Hussein who was awarded the Arab World Personality of the Year 2003 which his Majesty received from his Highness Price Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.

The selection of Shoman for the title came in recognition of his distinguished role as the leader of one of the most remarkable international banking institutions.

He led the bank to assume advanced economic levels and achieve record financial results year after year, apart from the bank's active participation in financing structural and strategic projects in various countries in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The bank has also played a key role in facilitating pan-Arab trade on the one hand, and building bridges between middle eastern markets and the rest of the world.

Shoman said that recognition should go to the entire family of Arab Bank, which started as one branch with a modest capital to evolve now into one of the largest banking networks in the world, thanks to relentless work, sound planning and teamwork.

Arab Bank Group is a major international banking network, with more than 500 branches located in 30 countries spanning over five continents.

The group achieved by the end of September 2008 record financial results, posting $814.5m in profits, while total assets reached $46.5bn and shareholders equity rose to $7.7bn.

Arabian Business Achievement Awards are presented annually in a ceremonies held in different Arab cities.

The magazine selected Jordan this year in recognition of the successful and pioneering experiences the country has seen, increased interest in excellence and economic development the country has achieved.