A year to remember for high-achieving Middle East CEOs

(CNN) -- Business leaders who cut red tape, improved efficiency and kept ahead of multiple demands on their organisations were recognised at the Middle East CEO of the year Awards in Dubai this week.

The awards, now in their fifth year, are organized by the Middle East Excellence Awards Institute.

Eight business leaders from a range of sectors, including banking, hospitality, health care and heavy industry were honoured.

Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his efforts to build understanding between the Middle East region and the rest of the world.

De Villepin said influence was replacing force as a source of power, and leaders must think globally to get ahead.

"There is no leadership without information, without connections, and without anticipation of the world's problems," he said.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum, founder of the A1 Grand Prix who juggles the role of chairman of Dubai International Holding Company with being CEO of the Al Fajer Group, was named Young CEO of the Year.

His Excellency Mohamed Bin Saleh Taher Benetten, president of the Saudi Post Corporation, won Multiple Industry CEO of the Year.

Ahmed Ramadan, chief executive of Dubai-based Roya International Hospitality and Leisure Consultants, was judged Service Industry CEO of the Year.

The other award winners are:

Government CEO of the Year: His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the board and executive director of the RTA, Dubai, UAE.

Banking and Finance CEO of the Year: R. Seetharman, CEO of Doha Bank

Corporate Management Development CEO of the Year: H.R.H. Prince Khalid Bin Mishal Bin Saud Bin Abdulaziz, general director of administrative development in general administration of the Ministry of Interior, KSA

Health Care Industry CEO of the Year: Engr. Sobhi A. Batterjee, president and CEO of the Saudi German Hospitals Group, KSA

Industry CEO of the Year: Khalid Mohamed Salem Al Bakhit, managing director of Unimix LLC, Dubai, UAE. E-mail to a friend