Kuwait, 30 September 2014: M.H. Alshaya Co. (Alshaya), the leading international retail franchise company headquartered in Kuwait, was last night named Retail Company of the Year at the Arabian Business Kuwait Awards. The award was collected on behalf of the company and its team by WassimArabi, Chief Executive Officer for Alshaya, at a gala dinner held at the Crowne Plaza.

The company was singled out by the team at Arabian Business, the leading GCC weekly business news magazine, for its commitment to customer service, its investment in talent, its successful partnerships with international retail brands and its positive economic impact - particularly in relation to job creation and its commitment to the skills development of nationals. Alshayassummer internship programmein Kuwait, which this year celebrated its seventh year, was cited as an example of how corporate leadership is creating opportunities for young people.

Edward Attwood, editor of Arabian Business, said: Retail is playing an increasingly important role in not just the Kuwaiti economy,but that of the broader Gulf region as well. Alshaya has shown itself to be one of the region's top retailers and has masterminded the entry of some of the world's most famous brands into the Middle East and beyond.

Commenting on the awards, MrArabi said: Retail makes a significant contribution to the private sector economy and its a great honour to be recognized by our business peers for the companys achievements. This award reflects the contribution of thousands of people who come to work with Alshaya each day, and who together ensure that our customers receive exceptional service and want to return time and again to our stores and restaurants. We have built our business by putting our customers first and recognizing the contribution of our people and we are delighted that our contribution has been awarded in this way.

Since opening its first retail franchise store in 1983, Alshaya has been a pioneer in the retail industry driving innovation, shaping standards in customer care, and introducing some of the worlds best known and best loved brands to customers in the region. The company, which today has more than 70 leading brands in its portfolio - including Starbucks, H&M, Mothercare, Debenhams, American Eagle Outfitters, P.F. Changs, The Cheesecake Factory, Victorias Secret, Boots, Pottery Barn and KidZania - operates more than 2,600 stores and restaurants across the Middle East and North Africa, Russia, Turkey and Europe.

The company employs more than 40,000 people from over 110 nationalities across a diverse range of sectors covering Fashion & Footwear, Health & Beauty, Food, Optics, Pharmacy, Home Furnishings and Leisure & Entertainment.