Mediterranean cruise provides stage for 6th edition of prestigious awards event
28 August 2023, Dubai, UAE: The Burj CEO Awards celebrated its 6th edition by recognizing exceptional entrepreneurs, humanitarians, and business leaders from around the world. The dazzling event took place aboard a luxurious Mediterranean cruise, sailing from Greece to Turkiye from August 22 to 27, 2023. Sponsored by Go Turkiye, a global online-trading platform (GTC) and Stars on Board, the ceremony was graced by Doro Manzi, the Captain of Norwegian Jade. This prestigious occasion acknowledged remarkable individuals and organizations across a diverse array of over 50 categories.
This year’s notable winners who are based in the UAE included humanitarian activist, Salam Hamzeh Ghaith, who won the Burj CSR Award as President & Founder of the SmallWorld Foundation, Ghaith has helped support thousands of children from more than 60 charities in over 45 countries. Recognized for his astute business acumen and his selfless compassion was Afghanistan-born visionary, Sayed Atiqullah Sadat Hofiani. A serial entrepreneur and the President of Seyit Hofiani Jewellery LLC, he was honored with the Award for Visionary Leader with a Heart of Gold.
Dubai Duty Free earned the prestigious title of Best Global Duty Free, a testament to its exceptional performance on the international stage. Additionally, the coveted Women in Business Award was bestowed upon Senem Anataca, representing 180UTC, in recognition of her contributions in the business world. Winning the Award for Outstanding CEO of the Year was Dr. Aftab Hasan, Chairman of Risk Exchange (DIFC) Limited, and CEO of Arya Insurance.
Among this year’s international winners was Walther Uzi E. Buenavista, Founder and CEO of The Shawarma Shack Fastfood Corporation, the first ‘buy one, take one shawarma’ company in the Philippines. Building a network of over 750 branches across the country, Buenavista was honored with the Best Franchisee of the Year Award.
The African CEO of the Year award presented to Patrick Mensah, WallStreet Investment. The Smart Government of the Year award received by Afghanistan. The Best Art & Culture of the Year award won by Potugal Fine Arts, received by Lady Ana Bela Resende.
Serenity Shield was honored with the title of “Best Technology Company, received by COO Hugues Svay” while the distinguished “Global Business Leader” award was presented to Arjodita Mustali, VIGAN Group. The Best Toursist Destination awarded to Turkiye. Business Link received the esteemed “Best Business Setup Consultancy Company” award, received by Hatem Elsafty. Among this year’s winners include Diana Nitescu, The Visionary CEO, OctagonHUB and The BURJ CEO Award for Business Leadership awardee is Nazih Antonios Moufarrej, Business Experts Gulf.
The Enduring Legacy Achievement Award was honoured in remembrance of Late. Z A Nizami. The Innovation Tech CEO Award was presented to Adrian Li Mow Ching, CEO, Fx Technology. The RAF Global received Global Humanitarian Foundation award, presented to the CEO Dr. Rizwan Adatia. The Middle East CEO of the Year award presented to Dr. Assad Rayess, Edelweiss Maritime Management Services.
Immersion4 was honored with the title of “Best Environmental & Corporate Sustainability Company, while the distinguished “Best HR Consultancy Company” award was presented to Shabbir Vakil, the CEO of Al Vakil Group. Recognizing excellence, Huzaifa Sura of Crystal Corporation LLC received the esteemed “Most Creative CEO of the Year” award. Among this year’s winners include Georgia Kartsanis, CEO Clubs Greece won the “Pioneer of the Year” award and The Best Innovation Platform Award won by Calico Biolabs, Reem Mahrat is the CEO of same.
Daniel Nachmias, earned the prestigious title of Commodity Trading Trailblazer of the Year. Additionally, the coveted International Haute Couture Excellence Award was bestowed upon Grace. E.Moon, CEO of Grace Moon Inspired. Winning the Award for Asia Pacific CEO of the Year was Sukh Sandhu, CEO of Career Calling International.
The Best Real Estate Developer of the Year 2023 Award was presented to Nicholas N. Bouri of N.G.B Construction & Management. The Middle East CEO (MEP) Award was presented to Neelivethil Rajeev of ESPA (MENA). Receiving the Best Coaching and Mentoring Award won by Benedicto Bena Nkhoma. Among those recognized in the medical sectors was Wael L.Mirza, Iraqi Pharmaceutical Industry Co. for the “Best Pharmaceutical & Biotech Company” Award.
Mr. Ralph Clemens Martin of O! Millionaire was honored with the title of “Outstanding CEO for Community Outreach & Sustainable Social Impacts,” while the distinguished “Best Citizenship By Investment Company” award was presented to Habila Malgwi, the CEO of Concordia Consultanicies. Recognizing excellence, Romain Gerardin Fresse of GFK Middle East received the esteemed “Middle East Outstanding Leader” award. Among this year’s winners include Dorothy Pinyoloya of Goshen City and The Fastest Growing Company awardee is Pantheon Holdings, CEO Brian Poe Llamanzares received the award.
The Start-Up Company of the Year Award was presented to Pedro Gameiro and Meenu Sasikumar of Gritseek Ventures Limited, a start-up enabler that focuses on connecting entrepreneurs with investors. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr. William Wraith III, Chairman & CEO, The Wraith Group, Inc., Co-Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Lyten, Inc. Receiving the Business Excellence Award for Women were Nadira Iqbal’s Naddira Couture and Hothur Ispat from India Private Limited. Among those recognized in the creative sectors was Dalida Khalil, who won the Lebanese Actress Award.
Mr. Youssef Harb of Stars on Board was honored with the title of “The Best Entertainment CEO,” while the distinguished “American CEO of the Year” award was presented to Wael Salim Elhalawani, the CEO of Starbuzz. Recognizing excellence in the retail sector, Youssef Allahham of MAG Apparel USA INC received the esteemed “Best Retail CEO of the Year” award.
Renowned for staging extraordinary celebrations to honor influential figures in global industry, the Burj CEO Awards is often referred to as the ‘Oscars’ of the business world. The event was pioneered by CEO Clubs Network Worldwide, an award-winning, membership-based international organization with representatives from various industries and chapters across the globe. The Burj CEO Awards gala was launched in 2016 in Washington, D.C., USA, with succeeding editions in London, UK, Shenzhen, China, and Mauritius, while its 5th edition was part of Expo 2020 Dubai. Over the years, the events have recognized and awarded more than 300 business leaders and organizations for their outstanding achievements.
Speaking about the significance of the awards, Dr. Tariq A. Nizami, Founder & CEO of CEO Clubs Network Worldwide, said, “Excellence is never an accident; it is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution, and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities. We celebrate the extraordinary achievements of international leaders who have embraced excellence and made a lasting impact on the world through their dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to success in business and other sectors.”
Ms. Sarah Dong, Managing Partner added, “After all, leadership is not just about reaching the top; it’s about empowering others to rise with you, creating jobs and manifesting dreams. We are very proud that CEO Clubs is one of great pillars supporting business partnerships and bridging billion-dollar deals.”
Attended by over 100 award nominees, VIP guests, senior government officials, CEOs and entrepreneurs from the international business community, this year’s Burj CEO Awards took participants on a unique journey, taking in beautiful destinations such as Athens, Mykonos, Bodrum and Marmaris. Delegates also joined the Burj CEO Summit, which staged a series of stimulating panel discussions and various industry-focused sessions, as well as powerful networking opportunities, and nightly star-studded concerts, as part of the first-of-its-kind awards event.
Dr. Nizami concluded, “Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to Go Turkiye for their generous and pivotal support. Their engagement is poised to unleash a substantial, positive influence on both the present and future of Turkiye’s economy. “
