The Swiss Business Council Qatar (SwissBCQ), in cooperation with the Embassy of Switzerland, held recently the 6th SwissBCQ Excellence Award 2024 at Hotel Mersa Malaz Kempinski, the Pearl Qatar.
Present on the occasion were HE Florence Tinguely Mattli, Ambassador of Switzerland; Dr Fariborz Samadian, President of Swiss Business Council Qatar; Max Tuñón, Head of International Labour Organization (ILO) Qatar; dignitaries, Swiss Business Council Excom members Madam Amal Ameen (Vice President), David Bühler (Vice President), Antoine Berberi (Treasurer), Utaha Hajson (Communications), Sarra Messaoudi (Representative of Swiss Hub), Alex Wensky (Administration Officer), Mabrouk
Benattia (Business Development Officer) and Fouad El Hadad (Auditor); members of Swiss business community,awardees of the year, and guests.
In recognition of their outstanding and excellent contributions to strengthening bilateral relations of both the countries in the economic, educational, commercial, cultural, humanity and political sectors, the Swiss Excellence Award was
presented to Adem Yayla, General Manager of Sika Qatar; and Tarek Eido, CEO of UBS Qatar. The ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ was given to Mohamed Yousuf Al Jaber, CEO and Managing Partner of Al Jaber Group of Companies.
In her address on the occasion, HE Florence Tinguely Mattl said, “This event provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Swiss businesses to the Qatari economy and to honour some of our key enterprises.”
She commended SIKA Qatar for its commitment to environmental and social responsibility, and UBS Qatar for its expertise in wealth management.
“UBS remains the largest private wealth management company globally, and here in Qatar, they continue to excel.”
Matti acknowledged Al Jaber for his longstanding trust in Swiss companies, spanning over 60 years across various brands that represent Qatar. “Through his support, Swiss brands have truly thrived in Qatar, bringing high-quality products to Qatar,” the Swiss envoy added.
In his earlier welcoming address, the President of the Swiss Business Council Qatar, Dr Fariborz Samadian, said that as the founding President of the Swiss Business Council in Qatar, he was honoured to welcome all the distinguished guests present at the 6th Excellence Award ceremony.
He said that since the council’s inception nearly a decade ago, “we have hosted over 80 business and cultural events, connecting a diverse membership that includes Swiss multinationals and individuals dedicated to fostering ties between Switzerland and Qatar. Our members share a commitment to the renowned quality of Swiss products and services, which I often summarize with three words: Quality, Quality, Quality”.
Dr Samadian said, “Our message—’Attitude is Altitude’—guides us as we expand Swiss values globally. This event, organised by our Executive Committee under the patronage of the Swiss Ambassador, celebrates those strengthening Swiss-Qatari relations.”
He quoted Roger Federer, one of the world’s sports top achievers, saying ‘Nothing is effortless…it was the work of 10 years day and night training’.
“Like Federer, we continue striving, working, and competing to build lasting connections.”
The recipients of the Swiss Business Council Qatar Awards in earlier years included Sheikh Faisal Al Thani, President of ABB and Al Fardan Jewelry (2016); Hamad Al Mulla, Professor Anna Grichting and Chris Franzen (2017); Prof. Al Maadheed (Head of Red Cresent), Bahman Dastvareh and Stefan Spichtig (2018); Ashraf Abu Issa, Samy Bishoy and Zaher Abou Khamis, General Manager Nestle (2019); Akbar Al Baker, Barbara Henzen and Holcim Qatar (2022).
Miss Samantha, a renowned saxophonist in town, enchanted the guests with her masterful melodies, filling the air with the soulful sounds of her skilful artistry.
