Culture & Education | Sunday 3 May, 2015 12:52 am |

WAAAUB presents award for his contributions to the community and to the world

Under the auspices and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, the Worldwide Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut (WAAAUB) honored Mr. Riad T. Al Sadek, Chairman of Al Habtoor Leighton Group, as the WEAA Distinguished Alumnus of 2015 for his significant contributions to the community and distinctions in his professional career.

At a gala dinner attended by former Prime Minister of Jordan Mr. Abdel Salam Al Majali, Mr. Nabil Azar, President of the American University of Beirut Worldwide Engineering and Architecture Alumni Chapter, Mr. Hamid Jafar, Chairman of the Board of the Crescent Group of Companies and Chairman of Dana Gaz, Dr Makram Suidan, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at AUB, distinguished guests and his family, Sheikh Al Nahayan honored Mr Al Sadek for his many contributions and achievements in nearly 50 years.

Sheikh Al Nahayan said: "Thank you Riad for the many contributions you have given to the community, both here in the UAE, the region and the whole world. Your outstanding performance, behavior and your good relationship with everyone will serve as a hope and inspiration to us. Your support to the community in Lebanon, Palestine, UAE and the American University of Beirut is very important. The UAE today represents creativity and innovation because of your significant role in majority of these developments, in both our economy and society. We look forward to your continued achievements and contributions and we wish you all the success!"

Dr. Suidan who represented AUB president Peter Dorman, said: "We are very fortunate to have Mr Riad as a prominent member of our university. He served as an example for many students and alumni for his renowned entrepreneurship and business leadership. He delivered one of the most iconic landmarks in the region and in the world and this commitment served as an inspiration to aspiring scholars to pursue their dreams. His appreciation of the human values and his educational vision make him a successful leader in our community. Mr Riad is a strong pillar in the vision of the American University of Beirut.”

Mr. Jafar elaborated on the many achievements of Mr Al Sadek after his graduation from the American University of Beirut including his years in Saudi Arabia and in 1967 when he moved to Dubai and started his construction business. He said: “Mr Riad translated his visions into reality and his drive leads to the realization of his vision. His business ethics and integrity are the cornerstone of his long time success. This is a well deserved recognition.”

On receiving the award, he said: "I would like to thank WAAAUB for giving me this honour. I am confident that there are many others around the world who deserve this but thank you for this recognition. Thank you for all the kind words. Life for me is a journey and it is full of challenges, it has its ups and downs, joys and tears but with hard work, dedication and honesty, one can take this challenge. Even if there's a mountain of obstacle, one can overcome it through hard work, dedication and honesty.”

The Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award is presented to an alumnus who provides outstanding service to the university, significantly contributed to the community and has achieved distinction in his or her professional accomplishments.

Founded in 1866, the American University of Beirut (AUB) bases its educational philosophy, standards, and practices on the American liberal arts model of higher education. A teaching-centered research university, AUB has around 800 instructional faculties and a student body of around 8,000 students. It encourages freedom of thought and expression and seeks to graduate men and women committed to creative and critical thinking, life-long learning, personal integrity, civic responsibility, and leadership.