His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa awarded Indian-origin businessman Dr Ravi Pillai of the RP Group the Medal of Efficiency (First Class) for his Outstanding Contributions to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Kingdom of Bahrain: In a distinguished recognition of his significant contributions to the progress and development of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, has awarded Dr Ravi Pillai, Chairman of RP Group, with the prestigious Medal of Efficiency (First Class). According to the Royal Order, “Dr. Pillai is the only foreign businessman to receive this esteemed title from His Majesty the King.”
This esteemed award reflects His Majesty’s deep appreciation for Dr. Pillai’s outstanding contributions to the Kingdom. Dr. Pillai’s work in refinery operations, local community development, and strengthening Bahrain’s global position has been instrumental in shaping Bahrain’s growth. His dedication to the Kingdom’s prosperity and unwavering commitment to excellence have been evident in his numerous projects and initiatives.
In a royal proclamation, His Majesty the King stated, “We appreciate Dr Ravi Pillai for his exceptional service and contributions to the Kingdom, and we are honoured to present him with this distinguished award as a sign of our deep gratitude.”
Dr Ravi Pillai, in a display of his humility, expressed his gratitude, “I am deeply humbled and honoured 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.”
Furthermore, Dr Pillai said, “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 honour to all Indians, especially the expatriates in the Gulf region, whose contributions have been instrumental in the growth and prosperity of this region.”
In addition, Dr Pillai thanked His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain and His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Directors, BAPCO Energies for their limitless efforts towards the progress and well-being of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Their support and guidance have been crucial in successfully implementing Dr. Pillai’s initiatives.
“Their visionary leadership and dedication to the progress and prosperity of Bahrain are an inspiration to all of us, and I am deeply grateful for their continued support,” Dr. Pillai remarked.
The Medal of Efficiency (First Class) is a prestigious accolade for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to the nation. It symbolises the Kingdom’s highest recognition and further exemplifies Bahrain’s commitment to honouring those who play a transformative role in its progress and success.
Business with a human touch
Commonly referred to as the “King of Steel” because of his significant commercial interests in the steel industry, Dr Pillai is also the recipient of the Padma Shri, India’s highest civilian award, which the Government of India bestowed in 2010.
Dr Pillai Founded the UAE-based RP Group, a multinational company with a combined revenue of more than $5 billion in construction (mainly oil and gas industrial contracting and premium civil contracting), hotels, health care and wellness, education, retail malls, commerce, travel and information technology. The group has also founded the charity RP Foundation, and a significant portion of its earnings are distributed annually for the benefit of humanity.
The organisation has expanded into a multifaceted entity, employing over 100,000 individuals and operating in 20 cities across 9 countries, including the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Australia, Korea, India, and the USA. The group’s operations have also paved the way for many Asian organisations to enter the Oil and gas sector.
Ravi Pillai is noted for his charitable efforts and contributions to numerous social causes. He has founded educational institutions and hospitals in India and participated in a variety of charity activities. He also enjoys the arts and has supported a number of cultural initiatives.
