Khaled Al Darwish, the CEO and co-founder of Manuel Market, is named Esquire Middle East 2019 Businessperson of the Year. Originally based in Jeddah our winner launched a chain of supermarkets that is literally taking the country by storm.

At a ceremony at One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai, Mr. Al Darwish said he was “honored” to win the prestigious award. The recipient of the Business Person of the Year award is an individual that has demonstrated leadership, vision and community involvement, and business achievement. But what really impressed the judges, and millions of Saudi customers for that matter, is his success in becoming the first food retailer in Saudi Arabia to introduce organic food. Again, this has been a novelty in the Kingdom and a real game changer when it comes to healthy living.

At the annual event celebrating the outstanding achievements of men and women across the Middle East , Al Darwish said: “When I was a kid I dreamed to someday be in this position, and I thank God for being here”. “I started from scratch, I have love and passion for business, and I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives.” The Esquire Awards 2019, which celebrated their tenth anniversary this year, recognizes individuals in key sectors: business, arts and media, entrepreneurs, culinary, and community service. In addition to Khaled Al Darwish, the Esquire ME recipients also include: Izu Ani, Jeetendr Sehdev, Elissa Freiha, Oliver Percovich, Butheina Kazim, Anthony ‘The Mooch’ Scaramucci, Kashif  Siddiqi and Bacary Sagna, and Ahmed Helmy.

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