The National Council on US-Arab Relations has honoured Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Chairman, Al Habtoor Group with an international Award. The Global Humanitarian and Business Achievement Award, was presented to the Honourable Paul Findley on Mr. Al Habtoor’s behalf at the 23rd annual Arab-US Policymakers Conference in Washington DC. The event took place on October 28-29 2014 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
The annual two-day conference, titled ‘Framing and Charting the Region’s Issues, Interests, Challenges, and Opportunities: Implications for Arab and US Policies,’ saw a record number of attendees – exceeding 1,200 people on both days.
The National Council Founding President and CEO Dr. John Duke Anthony paid tribute to Al Habtoor’s international attainments, recognising his leadership in education, philanthropy and building bridges between East and West.
Upon receiving the award, Al Habtoor’s friend, the former Congressman Hon. Paul Findley said, “Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor is a giant among a small group of men whose vision and determination created today’s Dubai; the wonder city of the modern world.”
He added that Mr Al Habtoor is a powerful force in education, philanthropy and anti-poverty endeavours, “He knows how to make money and he knows how to spend it wisely for the benefit of humanity.”
Al Habtoor said, “I am pleased to receive this award from such a prestigious organisation. Through organisations like the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations we can foster a better understanding between the American people and the Arab world.”
The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, founded in 1983, is an American non-profit, non-governmental, educational organisation dedicated to improving American knowledge and understanding of the Arab world. From its offices in Washington, D.C., and through the alumni of its educational programs spread all across the United States, the National Council works with sister organizations to share resources and maximise effectiveness.
The award comes fresh on the heels of another prestigious award received by the Al Habtoor Group Chairman earlier in the month. Al Habtoor delivered a keynote speech, Righting the Wrongs: Democracy and Human Rights, and was honoured with the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award at the C3 U.S.-Arab Summit’s annual conference at the Union League Club in New York City in recognition of his long-term contribution to regional peace, prosperity, philanthropy and support towards building a better understanding between East and West.