JEDDAH: Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal announced the winners of the first Makkah Award for Excellence yesterday at a press conference in the governor’s office in Jeddah. Eight of 250 applications received were recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the province.
Prince Khaled expressed satisfaction at the number of nominations for the award. The award is to encourage outstanding work from both individuals and organizations in the governorate.
“It completes our development strategy in the region by encouraging outstanding work from both individuals and organizations,” he said.
The award was established last year and organized by the Makkah Board of Culture headed by Prince Khaled. It aims to increase competition and creativity by giving recognition in selected fields. “The award is open to anyone who feels that he or she has contributed significantly to the development of the region,” the prince said. The award is also open to both local and international companies. “What’s important is the significance of their contributions to the Makkah region,” Prince Khaled said.
The Makkah Award for Excellence is divided into eight categories. A panel of specialized judges decide the winners in each category.
The Award for Excellence for Haj and Umrah services went jointly to the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and the Binladin Group for the Jamrat Project.
Saudi Aramco Western Region clinched the Prize for Administrative Excellence for the company’s unique commitment to employees and job satisfaction.
Abdul Maqsood Khoja was awarded the Cultural Excellence Award for hosting Al-Ithnainiya, a cultural gathering held every Monday evening at his home. He was singled out for his contributions to cultural activities in the region and for publishing numerous books and literary works.
The Economic Excellence Award went to businessman Saleh Kamel for initiating significant projects in the province.
The Community Excellence Award went to Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel for the Bab Rizq Project, which is recognized as a model for productive community service programs.
The Architectural Excellence Award went to the Khuzam Development Project initiated by the Jeddah municipality and Dar Al-Arkan Company. The project is turning an undeveloped area into a city landmark.
The Environmental Excellence Award went to Arafat Tree Project initiated and funded by Abdul Rahman Faqeeh.
The Scientific and Technical Excellence Award went to professor Samira Islam for her significant contributions to safe drug use and a study on the hereditary impact of, and reaction to, drugs among Saudis.
