The high-profile award was presented to him by French Ambassador Bertrand Besancenot. Al-Hadi was honored for his distinguished role in boosting commercial relations between the two countries in the field of perfumes and cosmetics. He became the first Saudi businessman in this sector to have received the prestigious medal.

His was also the first company in the sector to get an ISO certification from the British Standards Institute in 2008-2009.

Speaking on the occasion, Besancenot expressed his appreciation for Al-Hadi and also the Saudi government. 

“I am pleased today to grant this medal to a personality who has worked for France with passion and determination,” the ambassador said in Arabic. “Your determination and courage are amazing as you started from a very small shop in Batha in Riyadh and today you own 250 shops. You are also selling your products in more than 2,000 shops, making French perfume your first love,” he observed.

He said the French president’s decision to honor him is a tribute to Al-Hadi’s effort in promoting French perfume in the Kingdom.

Expressing his thanks and gratitude, Sheikh Al-Hadi said this great honor was tantamount to recognizing the efforts of all Saudi businessmen for their sincerity in promoting French products in the market. Without their cooperation and support, such an outstanding result would not have been possible, he added. “While I am accepting this valuable gesture, I am more than honored to present this medal to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and to Crown Prince Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior,” he said.

“I am so pleased that we are now reaping the fruits of our efforts and have achieved, together with our French friends, that level of cooperation which would not have been possible without the will of Almighty Allah and the excellence guidelines and support of the heads of the two countries,” he added.

On his part, Abdulrahman Ali Al-Jeraisy, chairman of the Riyadh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said Al-Hadi deserved the medal for his untiring efforts in strengthening mutual trade relations between the two countries, especially in the perfume and cosmetics sector.

“This honor has shown Sheikh Ali was representing Saudi businessmen and the people of this blessed country.”

He said Al-Hadi serves his religion, his country and his king.

He said recognizing the efforts of a Saudi national was also a great honor for his country, adding: “This landmark development has come about at a critical juncture in the history of the Saudi-French trade relations, especially in the nonoil sector like perfumes and cosmetics.”