The fifth edition of the Okaz PR Arabia National Auto Award 2016/2017 ceremony was held last week in Jeddah.
It was held under the patronage of Prince Abdullah bin Saud and was attended by Prince Sultan bin Bandar Al-Faisal, president of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, as well as several businessmen and officials from the automative industry.
Waleed J. Kattan, head of the award’s committee, Mazen Batterjee, vice chairman of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCC), and Hasan Dahlan, secretary general of the JCCI, graced the occasion.
Senior executives from NCB — Alahli Lease Finance Program, the award’s strategic partner, and Shell Helix, its main sponsor, were also in attendance.
The ceremony began with a presentation about the Saudi auto market and events associated with the sector in the last year. It also enlightened the audience about the different phases of the awards, including the launch of its promotional campaign, selection of nominations, voting process, and the winning criteria.
Around 286,990 votes were received, an increase of 34 percent from last year’s vote count.
Kattan in his speech said the awards are one of the most prestigious awards in the region’s auto sector.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal received the title of the “Best Motor Sport Driver” for his accomplishments in international races.
Mahara Racing won in the “Best Motor Sport Program” category. It is a motor sport development initiative by an academy that trains talented youths in professional racing.
For the second consecutive year, Juffali Automotive Company won in the “Best After-Sales Services” category.
Community Jameel won in the “Best CSR Program” category.
Saudi journalist Ahmed Alshihri, who has a large following on social media, was named the “Best Auto Journalist.”
Abdul Latif Jameel Co. Ltd., dealers of Toyota cars in Saudi Arabia, won in the “Best Marketing Campaign” category.
Wallan Trading Company won in the “Best Digital Showroom” category for their Hyundai Digital showroom in Riyadh.

Source: Arab News