In a remarkable acknowledgment of his contributions to Bahrain’s development, Indian-origin businessman Dr. Ravi Pillai, Chairman of the RP Group, has been awarded the prestigious Medal of Efficiency (First Class) by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Dr. Pillai is the only foreign businessman to receive this distinguished honor.
"We appreciate Dr. Ravi Pillai for his exceptional service and contributions to the Kingdom, and we are honored to present him with this distinguished award as a sign of our deep gratitude," said King Hamad in a royal proclamation.
The Medal of Efficiency (First Class) is one of Bahrain’s highest accolades, reserved for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary service to the nation. Dr. Pillai’s work in refinery operations, community development, and strengthening Bahrain’s global presence has made a lasting impact.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Pillai remarked, "I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this recognition from His Majesty the King of Bahrain. This award is a reflection of the collective efforts of my team, the support of the people of Bahrain, and the unwavering trust of the Kingdom. I dedicate this recognition to Bahrain and its people."
He further added, "This award is also dedicated to my dearest employees and their families, whose hard work, dedication, and commitment have played a pivotal role in all our achievements. Additionally, I dedicate this honor to all Indians, especially the expatriates in the Gulf region, whose contributions have been instrumental in the growth and prosperity of this region."
Dr. Pillai also extended his thanks to HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, and Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the board of directors, BAPCO Energies, for their visionary leadership and support. "Their dedication to Bahrain's progress is an inspiration to all of us," he noted.
Dr. Ravi Pillai, often referred to as the "King of Steel" due to his business ventures in the steel industry, is a celebrated entrepreneur and philanthropist. He founded the UAE-based RP Group, a multinational corporation with a revenue of over $5 billion. The group operates in construction, hospitality, healthcare, education, retail, and IT across 20 cities in nine countries, employing over 100,000 individuals.
The RP Group’s philanthropic arm, the RP Foundation, channels a significant portion of its earnings into charitable causes, supporting education, healthcare, and community welfare. Dr. Pillai, who was conferred India’s Padma Shri in 2010, has also established schools, hospitals, and cultural initiatives in India.
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