'Identifying the best businesses in the Middle East has been a challenging but extremely rewarding project for MEED. This first crop of winners have set a new regional standard for excellence in both strategy and management, and have created a benchmark by which future contenders will be judged,' commented Edmund O'Sullivan, MEED's publishing director and the developer of the awards concept.

'MEED is especially appreciative of the quality of the award entries we received, as well as the hard work and commitment from our judges and sponsors,' added O'Sullivan.

'The enthusiasm with which the first MEED Awards were received by the region's business community has guaranteed that MEED will continue its initiative to recognise outstanding achievements in the Middle East,' said Richard Baker, Dubai-based general manager of MEED. He concluded, 'Tonight's award winners, through their diversity and innovation, have created an enduring example for the entire region.'

Networking event of the year

The evening, which began with a black-tie reception attended by over 400 individuals, was described by one attendee as the 'best networking event of the year in this region'.

A diversity of local dignitaries and regional executives mingled with senior corporate executives from the US, Europe and the breadth of the Middle East.

Representatives from organisations including, Mohamed Abulmohsin Kharafi & Sons, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, Dubai e-Government, Emirates Holdings, Equate Petrochemical Company, Gulf Air, the Kanoo Group, KLM, Microsoft Gulf, the National Bank of Kuwait, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic), SAP Arabia, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Siemens were on hand to congratulate the evening's winners.

Nigel Roberts, a leading financial journalist and commentator for CNBC Europe's European market wrap, played the role of MEED's master of ceremonies.

The Boeing Company acted as the platinum sponsor for the inaugural MEED Awards, which were also supported by ABQ Zawya and regional enterprise storage leader STME. CNBC, the Emirates Towers Hotel, and Business Travel World magazine rounded out the list of organisations providing support to the glittering MEED event.

Winners and Finalists for MEED Awards for Business Excellence

The Judged Awards

Business-to-Business Service Supplier Award

Sponsored by ABQ Zawya

Winner:CCC - Consolidated Contractors International Company

Finalists:

Batelco - Bahrain Telecommunications Company

HSBC Financial Services

Kanoo Machinery

Saudi American Bank

STME Limited

Business-to-Business Product Manufacturer Award

Winner:Zamil Air Conditioners

Finalists:

Sabic - Saudi Basic Industries Corporation

Equate Petrochemical Company

Dubai Cable Company

Business-to-Consumer Service Supplier Award

Winner:Batelco - Bahrain Telecommunications Company

Finalists:

National Bank of Kuwait

Riyad Bank

Giordano Fashions

Royal Mirage Hotel

Business-to-Consumer Product Manufacturer Award

Winner:Al-Ahram Beverages Company

Finalists:

Sadafco - Saudi Dairy & Foodstuff Company

Zamil Air Conditioners

IT Project of the Year Award

Winner:Tejari.com

Finalists:

Dubai e-Government

Egypt Cyber Center

The Public Warehousing Company

SAP Arabia

Zawya.com

The Reader Awards

International Business Airline Servicing the Middle East Award

Winner:Emirates

Finalists:

British Airways

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Regional Business Airline Servicing the Middle East Award

Winner:Emirates

Finalists:

Gulf Air

Saudi Arabian Airlines

Middle East Business Hotel of the Year Award

Winner:Emirates Towers Hotel

Finalists:

Al Bustan Rotana Hotel

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

The Editorial Awards

Middle East Project of the Year Award

Winner: Shuweihat IWPP

Finalists:

Dolphin Project

Seeb and Salalah Airports

Sulaibiya BOT

Qafco IV

Middle East Businessman of the Year Award

Sponsored by The Boeing Company

Winner:Nasser Mohamed Abdulmohsin al-Kharafi

The 2003 MEED Awards

Organisation for the 2003 MEED Awards for Business Excellence is already under way. Final categories and full entry criteria will be available from September. In the meantime, any organisations wishing to be associated with this prestigious event should contact their local sponsorship representatives or the event organiser (see details below).

Sara Baglin,

Events Organiser

EMAP Events, 33-39 Bowling Green Lane, London EC1R 0DA, UK

Tel: +44 (0)20 7505 8300

Email: sara.baglin@media.emap.com

Lynn Neil,

Sales Development Director

MEED, 33-39 Bowling Green Lane, London, EC1R 0DA, UK

Tel: +44 (0)20 7470 6414

Email: lynn.neil@meed.com

Ahmad Hifazat,

Regional Conference Manager

MEED Dubai, Office 109, West Building, Dubai Airport Free Zone, PO Box 25960, Dubai, UAE.

Tel: 00 9714 299 5300

Email: ahmad@meed-dubai.com