Haj Saeed Ahmed Lootah, Founder and Chairman of Al Islami and Lootah Group, spearheaded development of ‘Halal Food’ and ‘Islamic Banking’ in UAE
Dubai: President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred on National Day the “Head of State Merit Award” on the founder and chairman of Al Islami Foods, in recognition to his distinctive role in the building of the Union, and other prominent personalities.
The UAE President said, “As our country looks forward to more prosperous future, it does not forget the founding fathers and others who had built the federation and made the UAE an advanced state”.
The event was attended by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Their Highnesses, Members of Supreme Council, Rulers of Emirates and Crown Princes.
Saleh Abdullah Lootah, Managing Director of Al Islami Foods commented:
“ This is a great honour for us and we are very delighted to have another jewel in the crown of Al Islami. Our employees are elated and proud of being a part of the noble visions of Haj Saeej Lootah. We are committed to continue this legacy”.
Haj Saeed Bin Ahmed Lootah is a self-made businessman who progressed from being an entrepreneur to an accomplished teacher, author, economist, banker, businessman and a visionary community leader.
With the enduring values of education, cooperation and economy set as the foundations of his work, Haj Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Lootah started a number of businesses as well as not-for-profit education and research ventures, with an aim to serve the people of the United Arab Emirates.
Haj Saeed Ahmed Lootah pioneered the development of ‘Halal Food’ and ‘Islamic Banking’ in UAE that spread across the Middle East band beyond. One such testament and model is ‘Al Islami Foods’ company, formerly known as Co-op Islami, established in 1981 which has become a leading trend-setter in the GCC’s processed halal food industry; and establishment of Dubai Islamic Bank.
HH Sheikh Khalifa expressed his appreciation of the efforts of these personalities, who significantly contributed to the Union since its inception alongside the founding fathers. ” We give these, men alive or dead, all the appreciation and respect, and value their historical role in establishing the state and consolidating it until it becomes today one of the most developed countries in the world.” The honouring of such a category of men, he continued, is a “token for gratitude of the UAE to all loyal citizens whose work had contributed to the formation of the current standing of the UAE among nations”
