DUBAI — The Union of Arab Banks presented the 'Arab Banking Personality Award' for 2006 to Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, chairman of Commercial Bank of Dubai and Emirates Bank Group.
The presentation ceremony took place at the Concert Nobel Hall in Brussels. The event was attended by more than 500 dignitaries representing over 300 banks and major financial institutions in the MENA region.
Adnan Ahmed Yousif, chairman of Union of Arab Banks and CEO of Al Baraka Banking Group presented the award to Al Tayer. Dignitaries who attended include Sultan Nasser Al Suwaidi, UAE Central Bank governor; Juma Al Majid, chairman, Dubai Council for Economic Affairs; Dr Jassim El Mannai, chairman and general manager, Arab Monetary Fund. In addition, a host of central bank governors from Europe were in attendance at the event where a film about the accomplishments of Al Tayer was shown.
In his acceptance speech, Al Tayer praised the UAE leadership which provided him with the support and inspiration to contribute to the development of the financial sector in the UAE. "By introducing such an award, the Union of Arab Banks has aimed to promote the co-operation amongst Arab banks in all areas and strengthen their relationship at all levels regardless of their local or regional status," he noted.
Adnan Ahmed Yousif said the selection of the award was in recognition of Al Tayer's outstanding accomplishments. "Ahmed Al Tayer has consistently won the adoration of his counterparts throughout his professional life, which was marked by continued success, not just in his capacity as a banker, but also as a businessman and an ambassador of the financial services industry," he stated, adding that Al Tayer is among the pioneers of banking industry in the Arab world.
The criteria for selection for the award included contributions to the comprehensive development of banking in the Arab world, long years of experience, role in developing banking relations between Arab banks, and active support in achieving the objectives of the Union of Arab Banks. As for the bank that the awardee heads, it should have accomplished excellent financial results consistently over the years.