Book excerpt: In 1948, a refugee from his native Palestine, unable to finish his education and forced to abandon his family's property and possessions, all the cards were stacked against Elia Nuqul. Growing up in the ancient town of Ramleh, Elia Nuqul's sole ambition was to be an engineer. In 1948, he was beginning his studies at the American University of Beirut when his family were expelled from their home during the catastrophic War of 1948 and seek sanctuary elsewhere. Elia Nuqul at once gave up his studies to join them in Jordan where he immediately assumed responsibility for his family's welfare.Yet, somehow, despite this inauspicious start, Elia Nuqul managed to fulfil his early promise and become one of the most successful businessmen in the Middle East. How did he make this extraordinary journey and what does his unique story teach us, not only about the world of business but also about adapting to life in exile? How has he bridged the gap between being Palestinian and Jordanian? And how does he juggle the management of an international business empire with the Middle Eastern tradition of commitment to family?" A Promise Fulfilled" vividly explores Elia Nuqul's long and productive life and demonstrates how his core values of loyalty, innovation and attention to detail lie at the heart of a family company which stands as an example throughout the Middle East and beyond.