Dominique de Villepin awards Sheikh Maktoum Young CEO of the Year

Dominique de Villepin awards Sheikh Maktoum Young CEO of the Year Award for 2008 Awards hosted by the Middle East Excellence Awards Institute

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (BUSINESS WIRE) - 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.

www.meawards.com
Buchanan Communications for Sheikh MaktoumBobby Morse, +44-(0)20-7466-5000 bobbym@Buchanan.uk.com