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2 Bahraini businessmen on Times list

Manama, November 10, 2007

Two Bahraini businessmen named in a list of the most influential people in the Gulf have said they are flattered to be listed among such prestigious company.

Managing director of the Kanoo Group Khalid Kanoo and Gulf Finance House chairman Esam Janahi were included in the British Times newspaper's GulfPower25 - a new register which lists the region's most talented figures.

They featured alongside some of the best known figures in the Gulf such as Dubai ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was rated number one, and King Abdulla of Saudi Arabia, rated second.

Kanoo, who is also chairman of five other companies, deputy chairman of two more and a director in six in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, was ranked 18 on the list.

"I am flattered that they put me next to these people," Kanoo told the Gulf Daily News, our sister newspaper.

"But I would expect much better people than me for this position and I feel it is very kind of them to include me in the list."

The former chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has just turned 60, but is still full of ambition and has no plans to slow down.

"When the time comes when I feel unable to perform, then I will start relaxing and having more fun," said Kanoo.

"I have many interests. I have books to write and a lot of things I think I can do for the community.

"I am interested in the arts and history of the area."

Janahi, the principal investor in the $1.5 billion (BD567 million) Bahrain Financial Harbour and driving force behind energy cities planned for Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Beijing, was placed at 24.

He was named Islamic Banker of the Year at the World Islamic Banking Conference in Bahrain in 2003 and picked up the title of Young Chief Executive of the Year in 2005.

Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa also awarded him in 2005 for his contribution to the region.

"I am fortunate to come from a country that actively encourages both education and entrepreneurship - a country built on the professionalism of its people and the clear vision of its political leadership," he said.

"Both the Gulf and neighbouring countries are moving forward rapidly with their economic development and I am proud to play a role in that very vital process.

"I am very pleased to receive recognition from the London Times for my contribution towards shaping the future of the Middle East." -TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Times | GulfPower 25 |

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