Dominique de Villepin Awards Sheikh Maktoum Young CEO of the Year Award for 2008

25/03/2008 - 12:40

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher al Maktoum, the newly
appointed President of Al Fajer Properties (AFP) and CEO of the Al
Fajer Group (AGF), has been awarded the prestigious Young CEO of the
Year award by the former French prime minister Dominique de Villepin.
The Middle East Excellence Awards Institute in Dubai hosted the award
ceremony at the prestigious Burj Al Arab Hotel.

In his acceptance speech, Sheikh Maktoum said: "I would like to
first thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice
President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for
creating an environment that supports the pursuit of excellence which
has made such a significant event possible, making Dubai the center of
the new-world. Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed have given
people like me the opportunity to excel and perform nationally as well
as on the global stage. I would like to also thank His Excellency, the
former Prime Minister of France, for presenting me this award, as it
is truly a great honour to be recognized amongst such great CEOs from
the region. I hope to continue to exceed these expectations in all my
future business ventures."

The award recognizes the accomplishments of a CEO which have been
achieved within a very short period of time and honors those leaders
who have shown tremendous leadership potential at a young age and who
will continue to contribute to their organization´s future success.

Sheikh Maktoum received a BS/BA in finance from Suffolk University
in Boston. After completion of his degree he returned to Dubai where
he began working with AFG in an executive capacity. With his rapid
appointment as the CEO of the Group, he initiated the arduous task of
diversifying the Group´s businesses with a focus on building a global
brand name. Today, the Group employs more than 18,000 employees with
an annual turnover of approximately AED 5.8 billion.

Always seeking out new investment opportunities, Sheikh Maktoum
simultaneously took on the directorship role of Shadar Holdings to
take a partnership stake in Virgin Megastores, Promod, Pull & Bear,
and Bershka in the United Arab Emirates, all ventures proving to be
highly profitable.

Before his appointment as President of Al Fajer Properties (AFP)
recently, Sheikh Maktoum took on the challenging role of serving as
the Chairman of Dubai International Holding Company (DIHC). He
single-handedly master minded the creation of the international A1
Grand Prix (A1GP) racing series, leveling the playing field for car
racing from across the globe and earning him and Dubai the right for a
place in history. He received his first international award last year
when he was selected as "Young Global Leader 2007" by the World
Economic Forum.

Notes to editors:

Al Fajer Properties:

Al Fajer Properties LLC, was established in November 2004 as a
wholly owned subsidiary of AFG. Since then the company has built up a
significant land bank of note. The company is currently in the process
of developing its flagship project which consists of 5 commercial
towers located in the Jumeirah Lake Towers Community. With an
estimated project value of over AED 3 billion the company has
positioned itself to become a leading player in the fastest growing
real estate market in the world.

Al Fajer Group

Al Fajer Group was established in 1965, by its Group President His
Highness Sheikh Hasher Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum. Since his appointment
of CEO of the group in 1998 the company has rapidly grown to a
diversified business entity delivering high quality service to a wide
range of international clients. With more than 18,000 employees and an
annual group turnover of AED 5.8 billion, the Group´s business
interests to date have now placed it as a market leader with the
following nationally recognizable companies incorporated under its
umbrella; Al Ahmadiah Contracting & Trading, a leading national
contracting firm with over 35 years of widespread construction
experience; Al Ahmadiah Aktor LLC identified as one of the few
established professional construction companies reputed for its
reliable expertise in intricate designs and exacting quality
standards; Al Fajer Security & Maintenance, a leading specialist in
providing a wide range of multi-property services; Lunar Electro, a
national Electro Mechanical Contracting firm; Al Fajer Establishment,
a general trading company with over 3 decades of expertise
representing world renowned and leading brand of products supplying to
the construction and printing industry; Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd, a
well established company in India which has become a pioneer in
container manufacturing in the Middle East specializing in mild steel
barrels and drums; Al Fajer Information & Services, with over 2
decades of experience in providing a complete range of organization
and management services through its five divisions which include Fairs
and Exhibitions, Octanorm Displays, Shop Fittings, Design & Graphics
and International Exhibit Builders. Other group members include: Al
Fajer Travel & Tourism; Al Fajer Medical Supplies; Al Fajer Interiors
& Decorations LLC; and Al Fajer Investments & Development.

www.alfajer.com

The Middle East Excellence Awards Institute

The Middle East Excellence Awards Institute was conceived by
Datamatix to recognize and promote leadership and entrepreneurial
forays within the region. It has consistently emphasized the nurturing
and development of regional leadership and talent in different sectors
of industry to create a resource base which can effectively contribute
and support Middle East expansion initiatives. The region has
witnessed tremendous economic and social growth in the second half of
the 20th century. This progress has been made possible by the efforts
of many visionaries and leaders. The Institute was established to
honor those individuals and organizations that have driven development
in the region. It recognizes their commitment, courage and capable
leadership which have made a difference to the region´s economy and
society.