ArabWeeks

The four awardees of the Education UK Alumni Awards 2016 in Saudi Arabia were announced at a gala award ceremony hosted last night by Simon Collis, British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.  

Dr. Hani Choudhry was awarded the Professional Achievement Award, Dr. Fawaz A. Saad won the Entrepreneurial achievement Award and Dr. Abdullah Al Fraidan won the Social Impact Award at a ceremony held at the British Embassy in Riyadh.  The awards were organized by the British Council with support of the British Embassy in Saudi Arabia.   Tamara Talal Tayeb was presented with the UK Alumni Ambassador Award for 2016 for her achievements in public health sector.

Speaking at the ceremony, HMA Simon Collis said, “Education has the power to transform lives. The winners of this year’s Education UK Alumni Awards clearly demonstrate how a UK education can produce outstanding individuals who possess the competitive edge to thrive in a global job market. As we mark a century of diplomatic relations between the UK and Saudi Arabia, I would like to thank all UK alumni in Saudi Arabia for their important contribution to strengthening ties between our two countries.”

Charlie Walker, Director British Council Saudi Arabia said, “I am delighted that this year we are able to recognise for the first time in Saudi Arabia the achievements of those who have used their studies to outstanding effect in their professional lives, implementing the knowledge and skills they acquired in the UK to positive effect in the Kingdom. We look forward to seeing more of you in 2017.”

The Education UK Alumni Awards 2016 in Saudi Arabia received over 100 applications out of which 10 finalists were selected through a competitive process. The awards were presented by Dr Lubna al Ansary, Shoura member and UK alumni, Vic Annells, Head UK Trade and Investment in Saudi Arabia, and The Rt Hon. the Baroness Neville-Jones DCMG.

The awards aim to demonstrate the impact that a UK education can have upon individuals in countries around the world, as well as to inspire others to reach their potential by studying in the UK. This year the awards were held in 10 countries — Brazil, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the USA.

At the awards ceremony in Riyadh, all three winners of the Education UK Alumni Awards Saudi Arabia said their UK education was transformational, expanding their vision and equipping them with the skills that are crucial to their success and careers.

All UK alumni who have returned to Saudi Arabia after completing their higher education studies in the UK, and graduated within the last ten years were eligible to apply or be nominated for this award.  The Education UK Alumni Awards, created by the British Council in partnership with UK higher education institutions, are intended to recognise outstanding success in Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurial Achievement and Social Impact by people who have studied at UK higher education institutions over the last ten years.

Quotes from the winners:

Dr. Hani Choudhry recipient of the Professional Achievement Award, said that his time in the University of Oxford gave him an opportunity to work with leading figures in cancer research who had a great impact on his understanding and intellectual capabilities in cancer research.  According to Hani, “the interaction among professors and classmates enhanced his critical thinking and broadened his vision – crucial in developing his skills as a researcher.” Dr Choudhury is the head of the Cancer Biology Unit at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah.

The Entrepreneurial Award recipient was presented to Dr. Fawaz A. Saad. ‘’I started to find myself in Cardiff University Student Union, participated a lot in its ‘Lifelong learning center’ as well as some other courses in professional leadership certification” From the competitions organized by Cardiff university I got to know Entrepreneurship for the first time! I was delighted to know that your innovative research could be transformed into a start-up! From that day I started so many activities among 14,000 Saudi Students living in the UK between (2008-2011). I organized more than 120 scientific, social and training events. I founded MVRmedia.net with other 2 friends as a social entrepreneurship project which is recognized by all Saudi Students worldwide and it is still up and running. I also co-founded Excellence Entrepreneurship Centre with another 2 friends. We rained more than 2000 Saudi students in the UK about Business model generation” Said Fawaz.

Dr. Abdullah Al Fraidan, winner of the Social Impact Award, says that his time at University of Essex allowed him to “fully realize my passion. I am trying to apply all the things I learned from my UK life for 5 years. This was reflected on my social life and also my work life. When I was studying, I was heading the Saudi Society at Essex University and from there I started helping hundreds of students to get settled down in Colchester and to help them get enrolled in Essex and other universities. The challenging multicultural environment honed my confidence and developed persistence and courage that make me who I am today”.

Dr. Abdullah Al Fraidan currently is the Dean of eLearning and Distance Education at King Faisal University.

Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski’s signature Ottoman restaurant, Tuğra, has been awarded as ”Middle Eastern Restaurant of The Year” by 2016 Food and Travel GCC Tourism Awards, where the restaurant has earned this prestigious award amongst many elite restaurants spread across the GCC.

The Awards Ceremony took place in Manama, Bahrain, last February, under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, Bahrain’s Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism. The event was a part of the ‘Manama Gulf Capital of Tourism 2016’ calendar of events, where the Middle Eastern Restaurant of the Year Award was handed over by H.E. Mr. Abdullah bin Abdulmalik Al Al-Sheikh, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia at Bahrain, to Patrick Butscher, the Director of Food and Beverage at Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski.

The awards are designed to highlight the Gulf’s culinary destinations that represent the pinnacle of taste and luxury in the region. In addition, this award signifies Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski’s growth in Saudi Arabia, consequently confirming the Kingdom and GCC’s prime position on the touristic map.

Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski is Riyadh’s exclusive address for European excellence and Arabian hospitality, where Tuğra restaurant serves high-end culinary creations to food enthusiasts. The restaurant is known for its extravagant ambiance and attentive service.

Patrick Butscher, the Director of Food and Beverage at Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski has stated, ”Winning this award further enriches Tuğra’s remarkable achievements, which reflects on the team’s impeccable dedication to serving excellence.” Butscher also added that the restaurant is devoted to providing the ideal match between Arabian hospitality and European luxury, which is in line with the hotel’s overall aims.

Al Faisaliah Hotel, Riyadh’s leading luxury hotel and suite property continues its commitment to international cuisine through a new partnership with leading hotel group, Belmond. Two visiting Belmond chefs from Italy will bring an authentic culinary experience to guests dining at La Cucina, the properties renowned Italian restaurant. Celebrating the greatness of Italy, the event will be co-sponsored by Maserati, fusing together two of Italy’s most admired exports; exceptional food and exclusive luxury cars.

Visiting chefs, Chef Roberto Toro and Chef Corrado Corti stem from two of the finest 5-star hotels in Italy, the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo and the Belmond Hotel Splendido in Portofino. These award-winning chefs are considered to be the crème de la crème of culinary masterminds in their home country and from the 6th to the 12th March 2016 they will be sharing their talents with diners in Riyadh, exclusively at La Cucina.

Both chefs plan to present their own regional specialties. Born and raised in Sicily, Chef Toro grew up with his mother’s authentic recipes and it was while he watched her at work that he developed an early passion for food. Chef Corti dedicates his work entirely to Italian cuisine, with an emphasis on regional dishes using local herbs and seafood, prepared according to Tuscan traditions.

Considered to be the finest and most stylish Italian restaurant in Riyadh, La Cucina’s contemporary and sophisticated design, combined with innovative, modern Italian cuisine and renowned service makes it the ideal setting for this culinary extravaganza.

Commenting on the exciting announcement, Alexander Blair, General Manager said:

“Italian food has long been synonymous with fine dining and gastronomic excellence. We are extremely proud of our food and beverage offering at Al Faisaliah and we strive to provide innovative and memorable dining experiences at all our outlets. We look forward to welcoming the Belmond Chefs to our property and to hosting this unique event and sharing the special showcase with our guests.”

During the event, Chef Toro and Chef Corti will be cooking up a storm for lunch and dinner as well as brunch on xx March. They will also share their talents through two exclusive cooking classes on the xx and xx March. Availability is extremely limited and bookings are essential. For more information and for reservations, please visit www.alfaisaliahhotels.com or call 011 273 2222.