Business & Money | Thursday 1 January, 2015 9:52 am |

Women nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and charities dominated the winners of this year’s King Khaled Award, indicating the growing role of Saudi women in social welfare and empowerment.
Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, handed over the prizes and awards on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. The glittering ceremony was attended by the winners at Faisaliah Hotel on Tuesday night in the presence of the royal families, top Saudi officials, ministers and businessmen.
“What distinguishes this country is its leaders’ keenness to do charity and their encouragement for us to do so,” Prince Salman said in his speech adding, that these charitable organizations, named after the kings of this country, reflect one of the bright aspects of the country’s cultural heritage.
He said: “Tonight, while celebrating the winners of the King Khaled Award, we are reminded of the achievements and qualities which symbolize the generosity, sincerity and goodness of our leaders who are dedicated to this country.
"We are blessed to have seen these qualities in all the kings of this country since the time of the founder, King Abdulaziz, to the era of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.”
The event was also addressed by KKA Chairman Prince Faisal bin Khaled who said that the foundation acts as a mirror that reflects the image of the nation in all public and private institutions.
“We have a clear message and transparent goal, and work with a specific vision, but above all, we want to tell the world that this is Saudi Arabia, a country which was established by its extraordinary founder Abdulaziz who has been succeeded by a number of devoted leaders including its reformer King Abdullah."
He added: “We in the KKF work in an organized manner with an eye to cherish the great values held dear by King Khaled. He was a model of sincerity and dedication and was known for his love for the Saudi people.”
Chairman of the awards, Riyadh Alabdulkareem , announced the winners giving a brief background of their activities.
The winners for the development partners’ category were Dr. Sarah Al-Abdulkareem in first place for her initiative “Ahdhan.” Aisha Shubaily bagged the second prize for her initiative “Innovation Center for Saudi Women,” while the third place went to Saleh Al-Nasse, for his initiative “Bio-architecture.”
The winners of the nonprofit organizations’ Excellence Award were the “Women Renaissance Association” or “Nahdah” in the first place represented by its vice president, Fawziah Al-Rashid. Al Faisaliah Women Charitable Society in Jeddah represented by Khairiyah Raheemi, member of the board, took the second prize and the third place was awarded to “The Voice of Down’s Syndrome Association represented by Nawal Babaqi, head of the association.
According to Al-Abdulkareem, the winning prize in the competitive category went to the National Company for Petrochemical Industries “NATPET” which was represented by chairman of the board, Khaled Ahmed Yousif Zainal. Binzagr Unilever Limited was second with Abdullah Binzagr, president and CEO, receiving the award on behalf of his company. The Saudi Investment Bank represented by Abdullah Juma, chairman of the board, claimed the third prize.