Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor, owner and chairman of Al Habtoor Group, has been awarded the prestigious International Peace Prize instituted by United Cultural Convention of the United States of America. An honor of a lifetime, the International Peace Prize recognizes the work of an individual for achieving results across political, religious and ethnic divisions for peace and justice. Being awarded for such a rare distinction is not only a moment of pride for the Al Habtoor Group but also the nation as a whole.

Mr. Al Habtoor is a prominent and highly respected citizen of the United Arab Emirates with an extensive influential business group at his command. While congratulating Mr. Al Habtoor on receiving the award, Mr. J. M. Evans – President & General-in-Residence, United Cultural Conventions says that, “Your impact on the international level of understanding and willingness to share your talents with others is the basis of your nomination for the International Peace Prize. I applaud you, respect you, and admire you. Let the United Cultural Convention be a forum of leadership for you and give you the praise you deserve.”

Established in the year 2000, the United Cultural Conventions pledges to make the world more peaceful. The UCC instituted the International Peace Prize with the motto “Daring to soar and creating a harmony of humankind.” No wonder such a prestigious recognition honors Mr. Al Habtoor. His determination, hard work and foresight have made the Al Habtoor Group one of the most dynamic and successful business groups in the Middle East employing over 14,000 people. He has been personally leading the group since its inception in 1970. 

The award is based on the observations of the United Cultural Convention over the decades on Mr. Khalaf Al Habtoor’s endeavor, how he makes a difference in the present-day society, whether it be national or global. Given to very few individuals of great stature chosen from across the world, the International Peace Prize is represented by a hand-sculpted award depicting a Dove of Peace engraved in crystal rising from the Guardian Eagle in antique gold. The spirit of the Eagle represents strength, honor, and freedom; and the Dove of Peace in flight above relecting hope courage and unity.

Mr. Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor

Lebanon Man of the Year 2003 for Foreign Investors

 During the ceremony of “Woman and Man of the Year 2003”on February 27, Mr. Khalaf Al Habtoor, Owner and Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, was elected  “Man of the Year 2003 for Foreign Investors”, as a result of Mr. Khalaf’s faith in Lebanon as a country with enormous potential for business and growth. He aimed to enhance Sin El Fil area, not motivated by profitability, but by looking for long-term projects that would employ locals and stimulate the economic growth.

He developed new creative theme projects in Lebanon with approximate total investments of $400 Million, which is an important step forward in the process of rebuilding the country.

Mr. Khalaf gave a speech that received continuous applause. Here are some extracts from it:

“ When I first started out as a lowly employee”, Mr. Khalaf said, “a prominent businessman from the United Arab Emirates, my mentor, told me that if I wanted to succeed in life and to invest abroad, I had to pick a country that is not very far from home, a country whose people are friendly and a place, which is easy to travel to. I followed that advice and picked Lebanon”.

“I love this country and like and respect its people and potentials”, he added. “However, as a businessman I face many difficulties everyday through the slow legislation, tough bureaucracy procedures and lack of promotion, and I urge the government to update and modernize the investment laws in order to facilitate business for foreign and local investors. I can assure you that regardless the encountered difficulties, Al Habtoor Group’s strategy is to continue investing in Labanon so it could offer the public unique and distinguished projects, as well as to create more jobs for the Lebanese people.”

Royal Jet Announces Exclusive Contract with Al Habtoor Group

Al Habtoor Group has signed an agreement to use Royal Jet exclusively for all the company's executives’ business travel for the next two years.  At a press conference today the Chairman of Royal Jet, H.E. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan commented "We are delighted to be signing this agreement with Al Habtoor Group, because it demonstrates recognition by local companies of the high quality service offered by Royal Jet."

The deal with Al Habtoor is the longest duration contract signed between Royal Jet and another company to provide air services.  CEO of Al Habtoor Group, Mr. Mohammed Al Habtoor, commented "This deal with Royal Jet makes commercial sense for us.  Every year our executives fly to various destinations for business around the world many times.  We need flexibility, reliability and comfort at the same time giving consideration to security."