HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem lauded for his services to tourism

Kerzner, chairman and CEO of Kerzner International, is set to present His Excellency, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman, Dubai World, with the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) 2009 Leadership Award at the fifth AHIC conference to be held on May 3, 2009.

Bin Sulayem, who is frequently acknowledged by the real estate and hospitality industries for his role in steering growth in the region, has been singled out by the hotel investment sector in recognition of his contribution to the growth of Dubai.

According to AHIC co-organizer, Jonathan Worsley, Bin Sulayem won the award following online nominations made by AHIC’s 50-strong, key industry leader, advisory board.

As an AHIC Leadership Award winner, Bin Suyalem joins HRH Prince Al Waleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Holding Company (2005); HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai (2006); Maurice Flanagan, vice chairman and group president of Emirates, UAE’s international airline (2007); and His Excellency, Mohamed Ali Alabbar, chairman of Emaar (2008).

“This award for leadership in the investment sector recognizes Bin Sulayem’s dedication to the growth of the investment sector in the region and for his efforts in helping to put Arabia on the map, especially through his steadfast role at Dubai World,” said Worsley.

Worsley observed that the 2009 conference theme, The Challenge of Maintaining Growth, reflects the critical role that Bin Sulayem has played in developing Dubai World into a truly global brand and business.

He confirmed that for the fifth year running, AHIC is held under the patronage of HH Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

“We are thrilled to have His Highness Shaikh Ahmed confirm his support and attendance again this year. This is a true sign that AHIC has cemented its place as the significant event on the region’s hotel investment calendar,” Worsley said.

The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference will run from May 2-4, 2009 at Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah Convention Centre and is jointly organized by The Bench and MEED. Details can be found on www.arabianconference.com .