EY announces finalists and judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year Award 2016 in Saudi Arabia

EY announced the Eight entrepreneurs shortlisted as finalists for the Saudi Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) award. The award honors noteworthy, high-growth Saudi entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and remarkable success in their businesses and communities alike. The event will be held on the 21st of April at the Laylaty Hall, Jeddah.

This year, the emphasis is on fast growing medium-sized enterprises with prospects of promoting the national economy. 

This year's finalists comprise a group of noteworthy Saudi entrepreneurs: Abdulmohsen Al Haqbani,; Abdulrahman Al Shetwey; Dr. Mohammed Fitaihi, Nawwaf Al Shammari, Saeed Saeed, Eng. Sultan Sobhi Batterji, Turki Al Yahya, and Yaser Bakur, Talah Aljood.

A group of outstanding Saudi businesspeople with experience in the formation and management of businesses which have had a remarkable impact on the Saudi business community have been selected as members of the judging panel.  

The independent judging panel comprises of: Mr. Mohammed Yousef Naghi, Dr. Saleh Malaika, Mr. Hussein Shobokshi, Mr. Osama Alsyed, Mr. Anees Moamina, Mr. Ammar Shata and Ms. Lama Ghazzaoui. 

Ahmed Reda, Office Managing Partner, Jeddah and EOY Leader at EY said: “We are pleased to recognize these outstanding entrepreneurs for their vision, innovation, courage, and leadership in building and growing successful businesses. These enterprises influence the way we live, the products and services we depend on, and the economic vibrancy of our local communities. By identifying and recognizing their achievements, we aim to promote an environment where innovation and creativity can thrive and is celebrated. EY has been committed to supporting entrepreneurial businesses throughout their growth journey for over 30 years. It is essential that the entrepreneur’s voice is heard if our economies are to thrive in the future. The EOY program is a natural extension of this commitment.”

This year’s EOY will focus on medium-sized enterprises, highlighting their achievements and the importance of their growth and success. 

The judging panel will meet with and assess the finalists prior to selecting the winners for the EOY award. The finalists will be judged on the basis of six criteria: entrepreneurial spirit, financial performance, strategic direction, innovation, community impact and personal integrity/influence.