MEBA awards finalists revealed

The shortlisted contenders were announced today by Leaders Events, organisers of the region's most prestigious leadership and business excellence awards.

Unlike in previous editions when a separate awards ceremony was held, this year's MEBA awardees will be given their citations in front of a bigger audience, an elite gathering of the region's top business leaders as well as the world's most celebrated management thinkers, strategists and honorary guests. Dignitaries and management experts, on the first day of the conference, including Desmond Tutu, Gary Hamel and Chester Elton are set to honour MEBA winners on stage at the Leaders in Dubai Business Forum on October 26th, 2009 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The MEBA Awards platform, now in its third year, was created to identify and honour companies and individuals who are making a difference through leadership and innovation in their industry sectors.

"The MEBA Awards are the most highly sought after business and leadership excellence citation in the region and it is only fitting that the winners are given the best opportunity to shine, and be recognised among the business sector's cream of the crop. The jury had a difficult time in the selection process owing to the higher number of nominees compared to previous years, and the better quality of submissions. It should be exciting who the jury will pick to receive the MEBA Awards trophy this year,"

said Alan Kelly, Divisional Director, Leaders Events.

Of the 150 nominations received from all across the region, 19 finalists will compete for pride and prestige in various categories, including 'Marketing Strategy of the Year Award,' 'Recommended Employer of the Year Award,' 'Environmental Contribution Award,' 'Corporate Social Responsibility of the Year Award,' 'Small Business of the Year Award,' 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award,' Businessman and Businesswoman of the Year Award'.

The shortlist was selected by an international panel of judges including Alan Patching of Alan Patching & Associates; Brett King, CEO International of the American Academy of Financial Management; Jennifer Harwood, Business Champion of Direct Incite Pty Ltd; Tim Walmsley, Regional Director of Impact Porter Novelli; Aubrey Ghose, Managing Director and CEO, ais>Brandlab; Charles Wilson, Director, The Consultancy, Dr Julia Saurazas, VP - Finance and Administration College of the North Atlantic - Qatar and Tariq Qureishy, CEO Vantage and Board Member, Intel Capital.