Khalaf Al Habtoor honored with United Nations award

Khalaf Al Habtoor, the Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group, has been honored with a prestigious award from the United Nations in recognition of his humanitarian work in Palestine.

The ‘Shield of Merit’ accolade was presented to the Dubai-based businessman by delegates from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) on November 16,2011, at the Al Habtoor company headquarters on Al Wasl Road, Dubai.

The UNRWA representatives included Peter Ford, Representative of the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, and Maria Mohammedi, Donor Relations Coordinator, External Relations and Project Office. 

“We presented Mr Al Habtoor with the UNRWA ‘Shield of Merit’ in recognition of his support of the Palestinian cause,” said Maria Mohammedi of UNRWA. “Not only has he been vocal on an international level in his condemnation of the way the Palestinian people have been treated, he has continuously provided generous financial support to aid them over the years. His effort to help them is very much appreciated.”

Al Habtoor said he was delighted to receive the award. “I am honored to receive this award,” he said. “The plight of the Palestinians is a cause that has long been close to my heart. Aware of how they have suffered and continue to suffer at the hands of Israel, I am happy to do anything that I can in order to ease their plight.”