Qatar-based Abu Issa Holding said its chairman Ashraf Abu Issa won top honours at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year Awards 2011 (EOY 2011) ceremony held in Doha.

The gala event was held for the first time in Qatar under the patronage of Sheikh Jassim Bin Abdul Aziz Al Thani, Minister of Business and Trade.

Ashraf Abu Issa received the 'Entrepreneur Of The Year' award from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, head of Enterprise Qatar executive committee and board member of Qatar’s SME authority at the event held recently.

E&Y’s award recognises outstanding entrepreneurs for their vision, innovation, courage, and leadership in building and growing successful businesses that influence the way we live, the products and services we depend on, and the economic vibrancy of our local communities and global markets, said an E&Y statement.

Issa won the award for establishing one of Qatar’s key retail empires and setting unique an exemplar for business in his industry, said a senior official.

“EQ is mandated with supporting entrepreneurs, potential entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs owing to the crucial role they play in today`s economies, fuelling growth, creating jobs and building communities,” said Noora Al Mannai, chief executive officer, EQ. 

Abu Issa will officially represent Qatar in the Global World Entrepreneur Hall of Fame to compete for the title of Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year set to take place in Monte Carlo from June 7 to 10. – TradeArabia News Service