Australian business awards honour high achievers in Dubai
Last week (19/11) at a glittering awards ceremony, more than 500 Australian business people in Dubai gathered to honour high achievers across the community.
The inaugural Australian Business Awards was held at The Safina Ballroom at The Jumeirah Beach Hotel and was hosted by Australian icon Rove McManus.
“It will be great when it’s finished!” said Rove McManus when asked about Dubai.
According to Mr Adam Malouf, Chairman, Australian Business Council - Dubai and Chairman of the Australian Business Awards Judging Panel, the awards were long overdue and offer a formal way to publicly recognize a number of significant achievements. Commenting on the awards, he said
“The nominations received for the awards event were phenomenal. The overwhelming response on the online voting system highlighted the impact that the short-listed nominees have had in the segments in which they operate, as well as in the community at large.”
“It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge The Entertainer. Donna Benton and her team did a tremendous job co-ordinating the first-ever Australian Business Awards in Dubai, and we certainly hope it is not the last. A wonderful time was had by all who attended, and it was heartening to see the success of Australians and Australian businesses in the region appropriately acknowledged.” he added.
Australians and Australian companies are present in ever-increasing numbers in the United Arab Emirates and are having a significant and positive impact on the UAE’s visual, social, economic, cultural and intellectual environments.
Speaking on behalf of the Australian Trade Commission and the Australian Consulate-General, Mr Kym Hewett, Consul-General and Senior Trade Commissioner said,
“We are delighted to congratulate not only the winners of the awards but all of the Australians who are operating successful businesses in the region and contributing to the community. Recognising their remarkable achievements through platforms such as the Australian Business Awards, emphasizes the contribution that Australia and its citizens are making to the quality of life and development in this dynamic region.”
It was an evening of recognition of some of the finest Australian businesses and people working in the Middle East, across 12 categories and with 2 special awards.
The two special awards were not based on votes, instead nominations were judged by a panel chaired by Mr Adam Malouf, Chairman, Australian Business Council - Dubai.
The Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Emirates Bank, was won by David Heffernan, CEO Septech.
The Personality of the Year sponsored by The Entertainer, was won by James Wyndham, Australian Trade Commission.
The 12 category awards were decided using an online voting system whereby each category received a shortlist of 3 nominees which went to public/community vote.
Hospitality Award sponsored by African + Eastern, was won by Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah
Construction Award sponsored by Allied Pickfords, was won by Multiplex
Media, Publishing & PR Award sponsored by Jumeirah Golf Estates, was won by The Entertainer
Property Award sponsored by Woods Bagot, was won by Nakheel
The Green Award sponsored by Multiplex, was won by Pacific Controls
Banking Award sponsored by Etihad Airways, was won by HSBC
Architecture Award sponsored by The Apparel Group, was won by Woods Bagot
Information Technology / Communications Award sponsored by Australian Business Council - Dubai, was won by www.networks.fzco
Beauty Award sponsored by Ozzie Opportunities, was won by Salon Ink
Logistics Award sponsored by Septech, was won by Etihad Airways
Leisure Award sponsored by Jumeirah Beach Hotel, was won by Ski Dubai
Retail Award sponsored by African + Eastern, was won by Ibn Battuta Mall
In addition to the awards programme the evening included a silent auction of items including: 3 nights at Six Senses Destination Spa Phuket, Thailand including meals and treatments valued at over AED 24,000; a Unique Noel Duigan Special Edition Chair valued at over AED 7,000; and a Stu Williamson Portrait Experience valued at over AED 1,400. The auction was well received and generous bids resulting in more than AED100,000 being raised for Burjuman’s Safe & Sound Fighting Breast Cancer in the UAE campaign.
The Australian Business Council - Dubai provides a solid platform for Australians, Australian companies and partners, to network with other business people and companies in the United Arab Emirates. Through the facilitation of social events, business luncheons and breakfasts with speakers addressing hot and relevant topics, the Council enjoys an ever-growing membership of more than 600 companies and individuals. For more information visit www.abc-dxb.com
