DR. Badr Al-Shibani, founder and CEO of Kai Company, has been named one of the fifty leading inspirational figures in Saudi Arabia’s business world by Forbes, one of the most globally influential business magazines.



The accolade, granted by the Middle East edition of Forbes magazine, described Dr. Al-Shibani as an “inspirational fitness guru” and “one of the leading fitness experts in Saudi Arabia”.



The 50 notable figures in the list were honored at a special Forbes Middle East gala evening and award ceremony in Riyadh on Dec.10, 2013, where the magazine said they represented “a diverse roster of professionals who have all initiated change and inspired an entire nation”.



“They don’t just lead to operate their respective companies, but also lead to inspire other people,” Forbes said. Dr. Al-Shibani said the award was “more than a personal honor”.



“I began my business ventures out of a passion for advancing the health and fitness industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a desire to help people in the Kingdom understand the benefits of physical activity and cultivate a healthy lifestyle,” he said. “People’s health and fitness play significant roles in acquiring a desirable lifestyle, and through Kia and its subsidiaries World Gym Saudi, Hadath PR, Wazen Fitness Solutions and Dereak, we aim to motivate people by getting them involved in physical activities, exercises, and sports.”



The recognition from Forbes Middle East follows a remarkable 2012 when Dr. Al-Shibani was chosen out of thousands of nominees as a torchbearer for the Summer Olympic Games in London, which gave him “another opportunity to promote the benefits of physical activity among children and adults”.



“I dedicate both this award from Forbes and the honor of relaying the Olympic flame to all Kia employees who work tirelessly towards achieving a common goal for the benefit of the general public—to promote physical health awareness,” he said.



Dr. Al-Shibani founded premier investment holding company Kia Company in 2005. Based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Kia holds and manages a portfolio of successful companies from the industries of physical fitness, fitness equipment and consultation services, medical and pharmaceutical consultations, and business branding and public relations.



Dr. Al-Shibani is a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Riyadh’s King Saudi University, with degrees in entrepreneurship and business management and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, as well as several diplomas and certificates in fitness and weight loss management. Dr. Al-Shibani also serves as general manager and project manager to several local companies involved in providing fitness services and healthcare solutions and is currently Ambassador of International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) in Saudi Arabia, as well as being an active member of JYBC and Entrepreneur's Organization (EO). – SG