Nominations have been invited for the Second Annual Middle East Business Achievement Awards (Meba).

The event, organised by Leaders in partnership with Dubai Holding, will recognise and reward outstanding success, innovation and ethics across the Middle East business spectrum.

Nominations are being accepted for 10 diverse categories promising winners vital recognition from industry peers and improved visibility throughout the region, said a statement.

Along with regional recognition, award winners will gain valuable competitive advantage through the use of the Meba Seal of Distinction endorsement that may be used for company marketing and promotional purposes, it said.

A shortlist will be selected from qualifying submissions and the winners will be announced and honoured at an elaborate gala dinner to be held on November 16, 2008 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Festival City, Dubai in association with Gulf Business.

Participation in this event also offers a prestigious platform in which to network with over 800 regional industry leaders and government officials, as well as high-profile, keynote speakers from the Leaders in Dubai Business Forum, who will also present the awards that evening.

The judging panel is made up of internationally-recognised and respected judges from a variety of industry sectors and disciplines and is carefully chosen to ensure the selection process is fair and objective, the statement said.

This year’s panel includes Alan Patching of Alan Patching & Associates; Brett King, CEO international of the American Academy of Financial Management; Jennifer Harwood, business champion of Direct Incite Pty Ltd; Tim Walmsley, regional director of Impact Porter Novelli; and John Ford, chief executive director of The One Center (The final list of judges will be confirmed on September 1, 2008.)

The ten award categories developed after detailed industry and market consultation include: Marketing Strategy of the Year; Recommended Employer of the Year; Environmental Contribution of the Year; Corporate Social Responsibility Leader of the Year; Best Small Business of the Year; Best Family Business of the Year; Best New Company of the Year; Entrepreneur of the Year; and Businessman and Businesswoman of the Year.

Nominations should relate to individuals and/or companies within the following countries/territories of the Middle East region: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE and Yemen. They must be entered in English by  September 25, 2008 and must include the nomination entry form, an outline of the reasons why the nominee deserves to be recognised, supporting material to validate the nomination and a brief biography of the individual or company nominee. Judging will be based on the strength of submissions and according to key award criteria.

All submissions must be submitted online via email or delivered to the coordinating office by 6 pm at the latest on the last day of entry. More information on the awards is available at www.MEBAawards.com. -TradeArabia News Service