UAE's 20 top corporate performers in 2008 were honoured at the first Newsweek awards of excellence program, hosted by Newsweek Arabic edition, a leading weekly magazine in the region.

The awardees were recognised for their outstanding contribution to national and economic growth as well as the advancement of their respective industries at a ceremony held yesterday (March 31) at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai.

Senior correspondents and writers of the Newsweek editorial board selected the honourees, which included UAE-based companies and private and government institutions and organisations, following extensive research and study.

Selected guest speakers from among the winners discussed their roles in their particular industry and the present and future of their sectors.

The ceremony marked the ninth anniversary of the weekly magazine and served as the inaugural event of what will be an annual feature in the Newsweek calendar.

“We appreciate the active participation of government agencies and the UAE’s industries, which served as the key to making such a successful inaugural event,” said Mohamad Salman, regional manager, Newsweek Arabic edition.

“The awardees truly serve as inspirations for organisations to exert their best efforts and take the lead in national development. Future editions of this award will hopefully serve as motivation for private and public organizations to likewise excel in their fields,” he added.

“As a media organisation it is our responsibility to act as the mirror of the society and the nation through which we can reflect the significant achievements of our country in the recent past.

“Although we have not covered all the sectors in this year’s awards program, we have chosen those sectors that are primary; that have a direct impact on our economy. This Award of Excellence Program is just a small beginning of a long journey ahead of us.”

Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, director general of Dubai Department of Information, presented the awards to the winners.

The following is a sector-wise listing of award winners:

Finance - Dubai International Financial Centre, Central Bank of UAE, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, and Noor Islamic Bank

Media - Dubai Media City

Government/Semi- Government - Dubai Airports

Airlines - Air Arabia

Education - University of Sharjah

Hospitality - Burj Al Arab, Atlantis and Emirates Palace

Real Estate & Property - Mag Properties, Al Barari, RAK Properties, Dubai Pearl, Zaya and Falconcity of Wonders

General Trading - Damas Jewellery and Danube – TradeArabia News Service