The National Council on US-Arab Relations (NCUSA) 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 Honorable Paul Findley on Mr Al Habtoor’s behalf at the 23rd annual Arab-US Policymakers Conference in Washington, D.C. The event took place on October 28-29 2014 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Joanna Andrews reports.
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, the Honorable, 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 US-Arab Relations we can foster a better understanding between the American people and the Arab world.”
The NCUSAR, founded in 1983, is an American non-profit, nongovernmental, 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 organisations to share resources and maximise effectiveness.