Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group, was given the award by the UAE-based Indian Business and Professional Council on the eve of India's 66th Republic Day. He is the first ever recipient of this award.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Social Development Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan presented the award in the presence of royal family and other senior Emirati dignitaries, diplomats and members of the Indian community.
Al Habtoor's youngest son Ahmed Al Habtoor, who is a CEO in the group, received the award on his behalf.
"It was an honor to receive this award from the IBPC. India is very important to the UAE. We have a strong history together and there are a lot of Indian expatriates living and working here," Al Habtoor said in a statement.
IBPC (Dubai) is one of the only recognised bodies of Indian businessmen and professionals under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It acts as a catalyst to boost the Indian-UAE economic, trade and investment relationships.
The Al Habtoor Group is a UAE-based conglomerate. While best known for construction, it is globally recognised through its involvement in the hotel, automotive, real estate, education and publishing sectors.