UAE. Dubai Duty Free Joint COO Salah Tahlak has claimed the ‘Best Leader of the Year in Sports and Tennis’ award at the Business Leadership Awards held recently in Dubai.
Widely respected in the travel retail industry, Tahlak was recognised for his role as Tournament Director of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships for the past 20 years.
Organised by the Business Fair Magazine, the award celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions in hospitality, IT, retail, corporate, media and entertainment, and sports.
The award was presented by Ras Al Khaimah International Airport Department of Civil Aviation Chairman HH Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, along with University of Dubai President HE Eesa Al Bastaki, and Sharjah Media City Chairman HE Dr. Khalid Al Midfa.
Tahlak said: “I am delighted to receive this award which is a testament to all the hard work put in by each and every one across the board to make the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships successful year after year.”
Tahlak was appointed to the 12-member WTA Global Tournament Council Board in 2014 and has been an ATP Global Tournament Council member since 2010. He is the first Arab to have become a member of both male and female Tennis Tournament councils, allowing him to take on a pivotal role in the governance and future of tennis globally.
His 20-year leadership in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and his role in both tennis councils prove that he is an “excellent ambassador” for Dubai and Dubai Duty Free, the travel retailer noted. The company added that Tahlak has proven his “unparalleled commitment” to tennis, both in the UAE and around the world. 
