Winners of the 2009 Rawabi Holding Awards

The 2009 Reception for the award of the Rawabi Holding Awards was held on 27th January 2009 at the Institute of Directors. Mr. Abdulaziz al Turki, the donor, awarded prizes and inscribed plaques to the winners, Mr. Michael Rice and Mr. William Facey. The Saudi Embassy was represented by HE Abdullah Shaghrood, Minister Plenipoteniary. Mr. Rice's long connection with the Kingdom, in particular his work on setting up regional museums throughout Saudi Arabia and his continuing advice in the cultural and historical fields, was recognised. Mr. Facey's connection with the Kingdom (also dating from the 1970s when he, too, was involved in setting up museums) in particular his scholarly books on aspects of the Kingdom's history and the publications he now produces on Saudi Arabia and other Arabian countries was recognised with the award. Both winners gave speeches which may be read below in summarised form.

Mr. Rice's speech

Mr. Facey's speech