Expatriate Accolade Award Ceremony honored 115 people from different walks of life here Thursday night. There were four award categories: National Pride, Skilled Professional, Outstanding Businessman and Outstanding Performance. The awards were presented to the professionals in the fields of civil aviation, business, sports and the media. One of the organizers Captain Imran Khan said the main objective of the program was to serve as “a bridge among different communities and organizations” in order to give support to each other and acknowledge their work. Three members of the Saudi Gazette staff team won awards in various categories. Its Acting Editor-in-Chief Dr Muhammad N. Shoukany was the guest of honor, although he could not make it to the function because he was indisposed. Managing Editor Shams Ahsan was given “Skilled Professional Award.” Urdu Section In-Charge and Editor of the Saudi Gazette's Awaz, Sameera Aziz won the “Pride of the Nation Award.” Saudi Gazette's former Jeddah Bureau Chief late Mazhar Siddiqi was posthumously given the “Pride of the Nation Award.” Dr. Fahad Al-Agran, Chief Editor of Al-Madina newspaper, who was one of the awardees, told expatriates that Saudi Arabia was their country. Zahir A. Eskander, one of the award winners and Vice President of Western Province Cricket Association, announced the launching of International Cricket Project, building the first cricket stadium in the Kingdom. “The stadium is a joint venture of Saudi Cricket Center (SCC) and a well-known Saudi Group.” Accepting the award, Sameera Aziz said that her story consists of ‘bold incidents, struggle and hard work.' “I would convey my message to men to accept the abilities of women with open heart and respect them.” Shahnaz Shaikh, Station manager of Pakistan International Airlines, was awarded for his efforts to promoting hockey in the Kingdom. “These programs not only encourage people who have done extraordinary work for their country, but also give encouragement for the upbringing of new generation.” Hasan Kabir, President of Saudi Cricket League, said this award will be encouraging him to put more efforts to promote cricket. Naureen Talat Arooba, poetess, said good societies always encourage good people. “I do thank the Saudi government for giving special opportunity to live here with freedom and to allow us to get in to different professions as women.” The six-hour long event was accompanied with some cultural performances and song presentations. Students from Greenland International School and some other schools presented song items and tableaus. Swathi Krishna, Aswa Aslam, Sahib Khan (Junior Himesh of Jeddah), Amir Pervez, Ameer Mohammad Khan also performed on the occasion. The program was conducted by Mariam Shahid, Sania Zia, and Ameera Usman. Art direction and choreography was done by D.J and Vishwa Nath. The function was organized by Black Rock with cooperation of Jeddah Rock Stars and Hum Naujawan Group. __
