THE Union of Arab Banks' summit 2017, held recently in London, honored Eisa M. Al Eisa, Chairman of Samba Financial Group, who has been unanimously chosen as the Arab Banker of the year 2017. Al Eisa received the award during the opening ceremony of the 2017 Arab Banking Summit, organized by the Union of Arab Banks, from Sheikh Mohamed El-Sabbah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Union of Arab Banks; Dr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States; Wissam Hassan Fattouh, Secretary General of the Union of Arab Banks; and a group of Arab and international banking and financial leaders, with high participation of a large number of ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic missions of the Arab countries residing in London. Sheikh El-Sabbah noted that the selection of Al Eisa for this prestigious award was made by the board member representing 20 Arab states, who have chosen Al Eisa for this award in recognition of his continuous efforts and wise leadership of the leading posts he held. "Al Eisa is a source of pride for the banking sector, not only in Saudi Arabia, but on an Arab and international level", Sheikh El-Sabbah was quoted as saying. Al Eisa expressed his pride for winning this prestigious award by the Union of Arab Banks, being one the most important Arab organizations, concerned with unification of Arab banking efforts, overcoming the challenges that hinder the advancement of the Arab banking and financial industry, assuming a leading role in the development of the prospects of this vital industry and adopting the highest standards to improve the professional practices of the Arab banking and financial institutions, promote their performance and raise their competitiveness. Al Eisa further expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Sheikh Mohamed El-Sabbah, as well as its board members and Secretary General. Thanks to his achievements as well as his resounding local, regional and international reputation, Al Eisa won many high recognition awards during his banking career. He won the "Lifetime Achievement" Award by Euromoney banking and financial publication. He also won "Lifetime Achievement Award for Business Sectors in the Middle East" by CEO Middle East magazine; «Best CEO in Banking and Financial Institutions Sector in Saudi Arabia» by the Middle East Excellence Awards Institute; "Best CEO in the Middle East" by Emeafinance; and "Preferred CEO of the Year" by Human Resources Gathering and Award, in addition to other prestigious awards.
