In recognition of his role in conserving and reviving Egyptian heritage, Mounir Ghabbour, chairman of the National Egyptian Heritage Revival Association (NEHRA), has been awarded the 2021 Fakhr al-Arab Award (literally “Pride of the Arabs”) in a mega celebration held in Dubai.
Mr Ghabbour was chosen for this year’s award due to his recognised experience in societal work, as well as in the economic and tourism fields. He was the first to establish private sector insurance companies in Egypt: the Pharaonic Insurance Company, and al-Mohandes Insurance Company. He had a vision to establish in the desert a luxurious and residential hotel resort, Mirage City, in New Cairo; and has built and operated a number cruise ships along the Nile.
Mr Ghabbour represented Egypt at one of major French companies “Renault VI” since 1970, and was awarded the Chevalier d’Honneur from France.
In an endeavour to promote the national project of reviving the Trail of the Holy Family Flight into Egypt, Mr Ghabbour established NEHRA in order to develop several sites on the path (trail). He also has an ambitious plan to develop Zaitoun district in east Cairo, which houses the church of Holy Virgin on the domes of which St Mary manifested herself in luminous form in 1968.
Mr Ghabbour was honoured by the Council of Arab Economic Unity (CAEU) sponsored by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Fakhr al-Arab Award is a specialised award to honour the Arab personalities and the Arab origins, who constituted a turning point in the course of life and were most influential in Economics and Sociology, and a pioneer in the movement of progress and comprehensive development and Social Responsibility in the Governmental and private sectors at the level of the Arab Region and globally.
Other Egyptian prominent figures won Fakhr al-Arab Award, among whom were Dr Hala al-Saeed, Minister of Planning and Economic Developmen, and economist Muhammad al-Etreby, President of Banque Misr.
Watani International
5 November 2021