The plans Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain made in 2009 for its Baytik Ijara Card have paid dividends both in terms of what it has achieved for customers and in terms of industry recognition. The card was declared the "Best Islamic Covered Card" by Banker Middle East at a prestigious Gala Dinner Awards night on 20th April at the Emirates Tower Hotel in Dubai. Banker Middle East is widely considered the most authoritative voice of the banking industry in the region. It sets the standards for financial journalism and has gained its reputation based on its accurate reporting, in-depth analysis and an unbiased editorial approach. Mr. Abdulhakeem Alkhayyat, Managing Director and CEO of KFH-Bahrain said, "It is an honour to receive such an esteemed award, especially as The Banker Middle East Awards are known for recognising excellence across a wide range of banking and financial services. Over the past ten years it has been a matter of particular prestige for any institution to garner an award from them." Mr. Nigel Rodrigues, Chief Executive Officer of CPI Financial, publishers of Banker Middle East commenting on KFH-Bahrain's achievement echoed his sentiments saying, "This is a clear recognition of the Bank's efforts towards taking the Baytik Ijara financing vehicle to the next level and does indeed represent a new concept in Islamic Financing." Talking about the award, Mr. Khalid Rafea, Executive Manager and Head of Banking Group at KFH-Bahrain explained "Winning this award is a point of pride for KFH-Bahrain as it is a testimony to the pioneering role we have played in creating Baytik Ijara which represents a new concept in Islamic Banking and Financing." Receiving the award on behalf of the Bank was Mr. Mazen Sater, Deputy Head of Banking Group at KFH-Bahrain.