• Al Tayer Motor’s Supun Chamara Kaludewa in the UAE took top prize in the Service Advisors awards, with Hassan Ali from Qatar’s Almana Motors scooping the coveted Technician of the Year title.
• Competing technicians took on a series of challenges testing diagnostic skills, problem-solving, and hands-on abilities, saw teams from six markets compete.
• The inaugural Service Advisor competition rewarded proactive communication, leadership in streamlining workflow, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Dubai, October 30, 2025 – Ford Middle East and North Africa (MENA) East recently celebrated the pinnacle of automotive expertise at its annual MENA Skills Contest awards night, honoring the region's top technicians and, for the first time, outstanding service advisors. The prestigious event, held last Saturday in Dubai, showcased the unparalleled skill, dedication, and customer-centric approach that defines Ford's service network across the Middle East.

Taking top spot in the Technician category, displaying a remarkable depth of knowledge and precision under pressure, Hassan Ali from Almana Motors, Qatar, with Alghanim Auto, Kuwait’s Sarath Babu a close second showcasing a true mastery of his craft. Abdul Barish from Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies, Saudi Arabia, boasting a steady hand and methodical approach throughout the day, rounded out the Top 3 in the fiercely contested skills challenge.

Bringing together Ford’s finest service teams from across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, and Iraq, the competition saw competing technicians tackle a series of demanding tasks designed to test their diagnostic skills, problem-solving abilities, and hands-on expertise under pressure, with Hassan Ali deservedly coming out on top.

Marking a significant milestone for Ford MENA, the inaugural Service Advisor awards were distributed, seeing service advisors rewarded for their exceptional customer service, swift decision-making, and collaborative spirit in scenarios mirroring real-world situations. The event, witnessed by more than 100 spectators, underscored the crucial role these professionals play in maintaining Ford's legacy of quality and customer trust.

Supun Chamara Kaludewa from Al Tayer Motors in the UAE was crowned the number one Ford service provider for 2025, thanks to his proactive communication, leadership in streamlining workflow, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Running him close, but ultimately securing second place, Bassem Al Shazli from AJVA in Saudi Arabia stood out for exemplifying the crucial link between clients and the technical team, providing clear and empathetic guidance. Third place went to Abdul Mujeeb Mohammed from Qatar’s Almana Motors, whose exceptional customer service, swift decision-making, and collaborative spirit truly stood out.

John Mueller, Service Engineering & Operations Manager, Ford Middle East and North Africa, said: “Our technicians and service advisors are the true backbone of our operations, ensuring that our vehicles deliver the performance, reliability, and safety our customers expect. This competition is not just a showcase of their technical skills and customer focus, but a testament to their unwavering hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence.”

Nicolas Lory, FCSD Director, Ford Middle East and North Africa, added: "This year's MENA Skills Contest was particularly special, as we welcomed our service advisors to compete alongside our technicians, truly reflecting the holistic team effort behind every Ford customer experience. The passion, expertise, and commitment demonstrated by every participant, especially their ability to adapt to new technologies and build lasting customer relationships, ensures our vehicles not only meet but consistently exceed customer expectations, strengthening the Ford brand across the region."

The annual MENA Skills Contest awards night serves as a powerful reminder of the talent and dedication that drives Ford forward, celebrating the vital contributions of these professionals who embody Ford's commitment to delivering exceptional service and customer satisfaction across the region.

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