Badr Al-Shibani, founder and CEO of Kai Company, has been named one of the 50 leading inspirational figures in Saudi Arabia’s business world by Forbes, one of the world’s most influential business magazines.

The accolade, granted by the Middle East edition of Forbes magazine, described 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 award ceremony in Riyadh on Dec. 10, where the magazine said they represented “a diverse roster of professionals who have all initiated change and inspired an entire nation.”

Forbes said: “They don’t just lead to operate their respective companies, but also lead to inspire other people.”

Forbes is globally recognized for its feature articles and reports on business, technology, science and law, and its lists and rankings have become international news events in themselves. Al-Shibani said the award was “more than a personal honor.”

The recognition from Forbes Middle East follows a remarkable 2012 for Al-Shibani who was chosen out of thousands of nominees as a torchbearer for the Summer Olympic Games in London.”

“I dedicate both this award from Forbes and the honor of relaying the Olympic flame to all Kia employees who work tirelessly toward achieving a common goal for the benefit of the general public,” said Al-Shibani, who holds a Bachelors degree in pharmaceutical sciences from King Saud University, with degrees in entrepreneurship and business management and a Masters in business administration.