Faisal Al Bannai, founder and CEO of Axiom Telecom, was presented with the Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Arabian Business ceremony in the presence of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister.
Al Bannai, 32, was recognized for his contribution to the Middle East’s wireless telecommunications market and his uncanny ability to deliver a successful vision and aggressive business strategy for the Axiom brand.
“Spotting new business opportunities and creating the right environment for our customers and employees to receive the best possible experience is a passion,” said Faisal Al Bannai. “The year 2005 has been marked by the dedication and commitment of my colleagues at Axiom and I very much thank Arabian Business for recognizing our team efforts.”
Al Bannai’s entrepreneurial spirit has sparked the company’s excellence in creating an unparalleled customer experience as well as being able to deliver the latest in wireless technology.
To meet the market demand for a wholesale and retail business for mobile communications, Al Bannai founded Axiom Telecom in 1997 with just four employees. Today the company has grown into a multi-billion dirham operation with over 850 employees, 200 retail outlets and 240 retail points of presence across the region.
The Axiom Group is targeting more than 600 outlets and 300 retail points of presence across the region by the end of 2006.
Al Bannai was selected by an independent number of judges comprised of leading businessmen from local and international corporations. The awards, organized by ITP, are held annually to recognize and encourage business entrepreneurship and best practice across the region.
Al Bannai also scooped the Lifetime Achievement Award for Young Business Leaders at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in April 2005.
Hosted by the Mohammad Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum honored Al Bannai with this prestigious award.
About Axiom Telecom
Founded in 1997 by its CEO and local entrepreneur Faisal Al Bannai, Axiom Telecom is the largest mobile wireless retailer in the Middle East with revenues exceeding Dhs two billion.
Axiom Group has over 200 retail outlets and 240 retail points of presence, with over 850 employees in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. It is the leading authorised multi-brand wholesale distributor of mobile communications equipment in the Middle East, with its presence growing exponentially. Axiom’s portfolio includes leading international brand manufacturers such as Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, Siemens, Samsung, LG and i-mate™.
About Al Bannai Group
Founded in 1960, Al Bannai Group is a locally owned and operated company; businesses owned by the group are: Gelato, UNO, Arabiata, Naanplus, Sofra Worldwide, Axiom Telecom, Target printing press, Emirates Marine Services and FF International.
