Grameen-Jameel Secures More than $15 million in Financing for Microfinance in Jordan and Morocco
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 30.04.08
Grameen-Jameel Pan-Arab Microfinance Limited (Grameen-Jameel) today announced that it has facilitated $15.3 million in commercial bank loan financing for two of its microfinance institution (MFI) partners: FONDEP of Morocco and Tamweelcom of Jordan.

“FONDEP and Tamweelcom share our commitment to building more inclusive financial systems throughout the Arab World and we are pleased to support their efforts to expand the economic opportunities available to the poor in Morocco and Jordan,” said Heather Henyon, General Manager of Grameen-Jameel.

Deutsche Post World Net starts global climate protection program GoGreen
AL BAWABA - 30.04.08
Deutsche Post World Net, the parent company to DHL, aims to reduce its carbon footprint for every letter mailed, every container shipped and every square meter of warehouse space used by 30% by the year 2020.

With this target, the No. 1 global logistics company is the first major company in its industry to set a quantifiable climate protection target. 'As the leading logistics provider and one of the world's largest employers, we acknowledge our broader responsibility in the battle against climate change, caused by industries and humans,' said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Frank Appel. 'Our GoGreen Program will help us be the obvious first choice for customers who seek climate-friendly logistics solutions'.

ADC launches campaign in cooperation with JOHUD to introduce scholarships program to school students
ZAWYA - 29.04.08
As part of its corporate social responsibility and commitment to creating sustainable social development projects, the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) launched a campaign in cooperation with the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD) and the Education Directorate in Aqaba to introduce secondary school students to the benefits, requirements and procedures of joining ADC's scholarships program.

The one week campaign, which was launched on Sunday 27th of April, included question and answer sessions on the scholarships program, discussions with students concerning their academic and future career paths, in addition to providing the students with consultation and advice on the best approach to achieve their goals and turn their ambitions into a reality.

SABB employees participate in 'Cleaning One Million Square Meters'
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 28.04.08
SABB employees participated in 'Cleaning One Million Square Meters' drive, initiated by Riyadh Municipality, in an attempt to maintain a clean environment.

Mr. Ibrahim Abo-Mouti, Head of Corporate Communications at SABB, said: 'SABB always pays great attention to its responsibility towards the community. The Bank's participation in this drive, comes from its deep rooted believe in the aims of such campaigns, that goes along with our strategy to improve and enhance the environment in which we live. It also highlights the Bank's role as a friend of the environment, and to support the efforts exerted in this regard, in addition to participating in community awareness programme to highlight the importance of caring for the environment.'

BinHendi goes 'Green'
AME INFO - 28.04.08
BinHendi Enterprises, one of the most progressive and diverse business conglomerates in the UAE is taking a more active role in reducing waste production in the city.

'We have actively supported various community service initiatives as a way of giving something back to the community which has in turn been instrumental in the success of BinHendi over the years. This year, we are focusing some of our efforts onto environment-related initiatives and we are delighted to announce that we will be implementing a recycling program in the company,' said Amna BinHendi, CEO of BinHendi Enterprises.

Dubai Healthcare City organizes blood donation drive
ARABIAN BUSINESS - 27.04.08
Dubai Healthcare City, a member of Tatweer, in collaboration with the Blood Donation Centre, the central blood bank of the Department of Health and Medical Services in Dubai, organized a blood donation campaign as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative.

More than 150 of DHCC employees, customers and visitors queued up to donate blood of which 60% will benefit Thalassemia patients, while the rest will be reserved for the Trauma Centre that requires a daily volume of 150 bags of 450 cc each.

AW Rostamani supports the green drive to protect the environment
BUSINESS MAKTOOB - 27.04.08
A new school mini-bus was handed to Sharjah English School, winners of an Emirates-wide competition in support of a green environment, organised by the EnviroFone Schools Project and supported by the AW Rostamani group.

The Urvan mini-bus was handed over at the Deira showroom of Arabian Automobiles, flagship company of AW Rostamani and exclusive dealer of Nissan, Infiniti and Renault vehicles.

Sama Dubai joins United Nations Global Compact GCC States network
MENAFN - 26.04.08
Sama Dubai, the international real estate investment and development arm of Dubai Holding, today announced it has joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) GCC States network, committing to align its business operations to the UNGC principles.

The concept received further fillip with the launch of UNGC GCC States network earlier this month, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. At the launch, Sama Dubai was awarded, along with 17 other companies in the region, for its pioneering role in bringing the UN initiative to the region.

EEG organizes its eighth Inter School Environmental Public Speaking Competition
AME INFO - 25.04.08
To commemorate the 'Earth Day', EEG organized its Eighth Inter School Environmental Public Speaking Competition on April 21 and 22, 2008 at JW Marriott, under the theme of 'Tomorrow's Environmentalists'.

Under the patronage of H. E. Dr. Hanif Hassan Ali, Minister of Education, this year it attracted well above 600 students and guests with 92 participating teams from schools all over UAE, creating a record in the history of this competition by being the biggest so far and covering schools from all the seven emirates.

Qatar Business Women Award 2008 unveils its logo and website and announces the launch of workshops
AME INFO - 24.04.08
Launched under the auspices of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Misnad in December 2007, the Qatar Business Women Award (QBWA) 2008 unveiled its logo and website, and announced the launch of a series of workshops for Qatari ladies interested in applying for the award.

The first workshop will take place at the Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI) on 28 April 2008. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the QCCI headquarters by Mr. Abdul Aziz Abdul Raheem Al-Emadi Vice-Chairman of QCCI, Mrs. Aisha Alfardan, Vice-Chairwoman of Qatar Business Women Forum, and Mr. Andy Brown, Shell Country Chairman in Qatar.

ALJCSP introduces 200 salesmen to the local market
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 24.04.08
In close cooperation with Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), and in coordination with training institutions specialized in qualifying and preparing human resources in sales field, Abdul Latif Jameel Community Services Programs (ALJ Prog) prepared and introduced 200 young males to join the sales field in establishments and companies of the private sector.

Supervised by Target Training Consultants, the program provides training on English language and computer skills, as well as sales skills and work behaviors. In addition, practical part of the training program at the employers’ premises exceeded 50% of the program period.

Dubai First launches 'Little Steps for Safety' campaign
EYE OF DUBAI - 23.04.08
Dubai First, the consumer finance company of Dubai Group, a member of Dubai Holding, today launched the 'Little Steps for Safety' campaign to promote road safety for children in the UAE.

The initiative comes as part of Dubai First's commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), and marks the successful completion of its first year in operation. The campaign will be implemented in cooperation with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), and the Emirates Driving Institute (EDI).

Dubai Healthcare City sponsors three therapists at Dubai Autism Center
AL BAWABA - 22.04.08
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), a member of Tatweer, announced it has joined hands with Dubai Autism Centre to sponsor three of its therapists for the period of 2008, as part of its commitment to raise awareness on autism and enhance the services offered to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The therapists, Mohammed Ali Ftieha, Rabab Abdelwahab and Ana Slovana Yordana, have demonstrated outstanding ability in generating knowledge and adopting innovative approaches to complex autism disorders.

Lexmark launches 'Earth Month', a unique environmental campaign
TRADE ARABIA - 21.04.08
Lexmark International, the leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of printing solutions, leads a unique environmental campaign in April.

During 'Earth Month' April 2008, Lexmark contributes to the Rainforest Foundation UK1 to help protect 242 hectares of rainforest. The scheme also promotes environmental responsibility to help business users to print less and reduce their impact on the environment.

Last chance to support 'Sorouh Faces' and to contribute to Sorouh Real Estate's $1m donation
AME INFO - 21.04.08
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sorouh Faces is a $1m charity donation project which has already succeeded in creating the largest poster in the world.

Sorouh, the leading Abu Dhabi-based real estate company with more than Dhs45bn of projects under way, today urged people to take the last chance to 'donate' pictures of themselves to the Sorouh Faces campaign.

Dubai companies renege on CSR promises
ARABIAN BUSINESS - 20.04.08
Dubai is lagging behind the rest of the world in terms of corporate social responsibility (CSR) according to a recent survey.

The survey, conducted by MVM Events Dubai, revealed that only 18% of companies in Dubai had increased their awareness of CSR issues relating to corporate events in the past 12 months.

Green strategies take centre stage at AHIC as hotel operators embrace sustainable development
AME INFO - 19.04.08
A debate regarding 'green' building standards is due to take centre stage at the 2008 Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) in May this year, according to AHIC co-organiser, Jonathan Worsley.

This follows the initiative of Dubai's ruler, HH Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who has been calling for governance in environmentally-aware building values for some time now.

From beggar to businesswoman: banking for the poor
AME INFO - 18.04.08
Many companies launch Corporate Social Responsibility schemes, but Muhammed Yunus, founder and MD of Grameen Bank, created a whole genre of social business that has helped many of the poorest people climb out of the poverty trap.

In the Middle East micro credit programmes are setting up in countries such as Jordan, Yemen and Lebanon. In Bahrain, Grameen has joined forces with the government to set up Family Bank. But it is in Bangladesh where micro-credit has really taken off and is making a difference to the lives of those who borrow money.

UN Initiative on Corporate Citizenship takes root in the Region
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 17.04.08
The Global Compact was introduced to companies in the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring states at the behest of the Emirates Environmental Group, the UAE-based NGO. EEG, as it is also known as, floated a Corporate Social Responsibility Network in year 2004, which was an extension of its long term successful engagement with the business and corporate sector.

During the launch the Global Compact participants from the GCC states were felicitated by the Executive Director Georg Kell for being the pioneers and front runners of the initiative in the Region. A commemorative signing of membership by a new member Sabban Property Investments provided the right atmosphere and motivation.

S&P, Hawkamah launch environmental corporate governance and sustainability indices for MENA markets
BI ME - 17.04.08
Standard & Poor's, the world's leading index provider, and Hawkamah, the Institute for Corporate Governance, announced today a partnership to create a series of environmental corporate governance and sustainability indices for equity markets in the Middle East and North Africa.

The S&P-Hawkamah ESG MENA indices are expected to include stocks from 11 markets initially and will raise the profile of local companies that perform well along the three parameters of environmental, social and corporate governance responsibility when compared to their peers.

Ducab pursues a dynamic National Development Program
AME INFO - 16.04.08
Ducab, the premier cable manufacturer in the Middle East, has recently engaged in a National Development Program offering new entrants a unique and competitive recruitment package.

The program encourages UAE nationals to further their individual career paths in the fast-growing cable industry through orientation, training and guidance. The program is set to attract a variety of job seekers at the Careers UAE event being held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 15 - 17 April, where Ducab is reaching out to ambitious and competent National graduates seeking to pursue a career across all departments.

TAMEER awarded UN accolade for CSR initiative
GULFBASE - 15.04.08
TAMEER Holding, the region's leading realty developer has been awarded an accolade from the Local United Nations Global Compact Network for the GCC states for its pioneer-ship and commitment to initiatives that aim to promote corporate social responsibility and ethical business standards in the region.

The accolade, bestowed by the UN Global Compact and under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince and President of the Executive Council of Dubai, was awarded during the regional launch event for the initiative, aimed at assisting corporations in aligning and implementing universally accepted principles concerning human rights, environment, anti-corruption and labour issues.

Sabban Property Investments signs the 'United Nations Global Compact'
ZAWYA - 15.04.08
Sabban Property Investments (SPI) has announced that its CEO - Issam Al Sabban has signed in support of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in a bid to further strengthen its CSR initiatives and demonstrate leadership in responsible business practices within its sphere of influence.

Issam Al Sabban's signatory was acknowledged during the launch of the GCC Global Compact Network held recently at the Dusit Dubai and organised by Emirates Environmental Group (EEG).

STME rolls up sleeves for good cause
AME INFO - 14.04.08
As part of its efforts to promote charitable and humanitarian activities, STME, the leading provider of integrated enterprise systems solutions in the Middle East, has donated a substantial amount to the Children's Cancer Hospital 57357 in Egypt to help children who have been diagnosed with cancer.

The Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt, also known as the 57357 Hospital, was initiated by Dr. Sherif Aboul Naga, an Egyptian Pediatric Oncology Physician who used to work with the National Cancer Institute.

Join THE One in fighting child abuse
ARABIAN BUSINESS - 13.04.08
For the second year running, THE One has joined forces with the Jordan River Foundation (JRF) to help raise money for the Jordanian Child Safety Programme through the sale of its 'Power of Colour' paintings.

The international home fashion brand is currently selling an exclusive selection of paintings from the JRF's 'Power of Colour' initiative, with all proceeds going towards the protection and empowerment of abused children.

WFP presents the world's first humanitarian video game in Arabic
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 12.04.08
The world's first humanitarian video game in Arabic - an action-packed educational game about hunger and the importance of humanitarian aid work - is being unveiled today in Dubai.

'Food Force' was created by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the UN's frontline agency in the fight against hunger and the world's largest humanitarian organisation, to raise awareness amongst students about the problem of global hunger.

ALJCSP is the first professional corporate social responsibility organisation in Saudi Arabia, with activities in the areas of employment, environment, vocational training, youth programmes and international projects. 'We believe it is essential to educate youth of today about the big issues facing the international community,' said Dr Fatih Mehmet Gül, International Affairs Coordinator for ALJCSP. 'Global hunger is undoubtedly one of those issues, and through WFP's video game Food Force, youngsters can learn both about the problem and about the solution,' he said.

Business executives need to get more active on corporate social responsibility front, says study
AL-BAWABA - 11.04.08
A 2007 survey by Dubai Chamber's Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) revealed that companies in Dubai are demonstrating interest, enthusiasm and tangible commitment to social responsibility

Twenty thousands two hundred (2,200) companies were surveyed, out of which 310 responded, yielding a response rate of 15%. Now, CRB releases 'Changing Together: The State of Corporate Social Responsibility in Dubai, 2007 - Executive Summary highlighting some major findings of the study.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and Intel Corporation to train 2 million teachers in the Arab World
AME INFO - 10.04.08
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Intel, to provide free of cost online professional training for 2 million teachers in the Arab World, by 2011.

The partnership will extend the Intel® Teach programme to the Arab World, and target 150,000 teachers in 2008. Also, it will develop an Arabic online professional development and training community, to enable even remote areas to access high quality training. The MoU will open new channels of discussion on specific topics in support of education development in the target countries.

Qatar Business Women Award 2008 announces first workshop for potential candidates
ZAWYA - 09.04.08
Launched in December 2007 under the auspices of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Misnad, the QBWA 2008 announced today that the first workshop for potential candidates interested in applying for this award will take place in Doha on 28 April at The Ritz Carlton Hotel.

This award is being promoted and organised by a partnership comprising the Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Qatari Business Women Forum and Qatar Shell.

Hawkamah and SHOORA to promote Corporate Governance in Family Businesses
BI ME - 08.04.08
The Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance (Hawkamah) -the leading Institute for Corporate Governance in the region and SHOORA - Family Business Advisors LLC today announced the creation of the Forum for Families in Business.

The Forum is a joint initiative that will provide second and third generation members of regional business families with an interactive forum to share, analyse and discuss key business and governance issues affecting the region's family businesses.

Al-Jazeera Academy kids learn about protecting nature from Pearl-Qatar expert
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 07.04.08
Nearly a hundred schoolchildren from the Al-Jazeera Academy recently received an exciting real life lesson about how we can all help protect Mother Nature, both big ways and small.

The ten year olds, who have been leaning about mankind's effect on the natural environment, received a visit from Peter Bolton, who is the Head of Environmental Protection and Control at United Development Company, developers of The Pearl-Qatar.

ENOC to host fire safety meet in Fujairah
ZAWYA - 06.04.08
As the leading oil and gas company, ENOC is set to spearhead an industry initiative aimed at raising safety practices in the petroleum industry by hosting a two-day Fire Safety Conference in Fujairah, in conjunction with the Fujairah Civil Defence.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamed Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, the conference will be held at Al Diar Siji Hotel from April 9 to 10 with the joint support of Vopak-Horizon Fujairah Limited and the Fire Safety Engineering College in the Sultanate of Oman.

Gulf Social Services Festival honors Engineer Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 05.04.08
The Gulf Society Services Festival honored Engineer Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel for his great role as a pioneer in the area of community services on the individual level in Saudi Arabia.

Engineer Jameel expressed thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for approving the nomination, and to HE Minister of Social Affairs for supporting the nomination. Engineer Jameel said, 'Beneficiaries and employees of ALJ Prog are the drive force behind this honor. The award comes as another tribute to ALJ Prog and represents additional responsibility to upgrade, develop, and improve our programs.'

Al-Aman Fund hosts beneficiary lunch and workshop on the occasion of Arab Orphan Day
AME INFO - 04.04.08
On the occasion of Arab Orphan Day, Al-Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans celebrated by hosting a lunch and interactive workshop for its beneficiaries on Friday, April 4th, 2008.

The Fund, an independent non-governmental organization founded by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah in 2006 with the mission of providing a brighter future for Jordan's orphaned and abandoned youth, organized this event to honor these young men and women on this special occasion, while simultaneously presenting them with the opportunity to interact with each other, gain knowledge, and develop new skills that will help them reach their future goals.

McDonald's UAE and the National Olympic Committee launch the McDonald's Champion Kids Program
ARABIAN BUSINESS - 03.04.08
Aiming to educate the children in the UAE about the Olympic Games and adhering to its commitment to promote active lifestyles, McDonald's UAE launched the Champion Kids program in association with the UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC).

Commenting on the launch of the program, Rafic Fakih, Managing Director of McDonald's UAE said: 'Our social responsibility and commitment towards the wellbeing of our children in the UAE lead us to initiate unique programs that can effectively influence them and encourage them to adopt active lifestyles. The McDonald's Champion Kids program coincides with this vision, and possesses a strong potential to achieve the objectives through offering a lifetime opportunity that will engrave joyful memories in our children's minds and divert their thinking towards healthy practices.'

CSR Reporting Training 2008
CSR Middle East - 03.04.08
Taking place on the 18-19 May 2008 in Dubai , the CSR Reporting Training 2008 is on schedule presented to you by Marcus Evans. Supported by the official media partner, CSRMIDDLEEAST.ORG, This workshop will analyse and present the tools and notions for proper CSR/ Sustainability Reporting. Over the 2-day training, participants will learn about the latest trends in CSR Reporting, engaging and stakeholders and most importantly, developing a good, representative and transparent CSR report that complies with world-renowned standards.

Gain value from this vital training and secure advise on perfecting the CSR report and making it more relevant to the organisation's business goals, simplifying data collection for reporting, enabling accurate CSR reporting to refelct the organisation's true CSR activities for attracting investors and building and maintaining credibility with the stakeholders. This training has received the patronage from the Ministry of Social Affairs UAE and has the support from the Centre for Sustainability Excellence and United Nations Projects for Services. For event brochure and exclusive discounts, please contact Marketing Manger, Miss Bernardine at BernadineM@marcusevanskl.com today!

DIFC facilitates corporate social responsibility partnership with Visionaire
AL_BAWABA - 03.04.08
Canadian-based SMART Technologies and Visionaire FZE, a UAE based convergence technology provider today signed a memorandum of understanding with educational charity, Indemaj to donate 35 SMART Boards to rural schools in the UAE.

The agreement, facilitated by the Dubai International Financial Centre's (DIFC) High Flyers team through corporate social responsibility program, was signed at the Ministry of Education, Dubai, by Khawla Al Mualla, Chairperson of Indemaj and Aneeta Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of Visionaire.

EFG-Hermes Foundation combats Hepatitis B
AME INFO - 03.04.08
As part of an initiative to build awareness among the population about the dangers of the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), the EFG-Hermes Foundation, the corporate and social responsibility arm of leading regional investment bank of EFG-Hermes, is sponsoring the National HBV Campaign, launched this month by the National Committee for the Control of Viral Hepatitis and the Ministry of Health and Population.

The campaign is part of a larger program that is slated to take place over the next four years in partnership with private sector sponsors and civil society groups. Known as a 'University Awareness Campaign,' it seeks to provide free HBV vaccinations for final year medical students - a segment at great risk of coming into contact with the virus.

Nuqul Group signs CSR project
CSR Middle East - 02.04.08
Nuqul Group signs an agreement with the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD)/ The Queen Zein Al Sharaf Institute for Development (ZENID) to assess the needs of the adopted Al Koura District.

As part of the Group's community development in Al Koura, Nuqul Group has recently signed an agreement with JOHUD/ ZENID to conduct needs assessment in the District.

An unforgettable desert adventure for children
AME INFO - 02.04.08
In their second activity as part of the Beloveds' Forum initiative, Dubai Bank on Saturday took a group of orphaned children on a desert safari.

The Beloveds' Forum is part of a larger scheme being implemented by Dubai Bank, one of the fastest growing ethical and Shari'a-compliant banks in the UAE, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Medical Services, Government of Dubai.

BAE Systems launches educational initiative with Young Arab Leaders Bahrain
ZAWYA - 01.04.08
BAE Systems has signed a partnership agreement with Young Arab Leaders (YAL) Bahrain to train and develop a select group of enterprising Bahraini leaders.

The agreement, signed between Mark Simpkins, Director, BAE Systems, Bahrain and His Excellency Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al- Khalifa, Chairman, YAL, reflects BAE System' commitment to the community it serves.

CSR Summit to debate reducing the carbon footprint
CSR Middle East - 01.04.08
Forget arguments over whether global warming and climatic change is real, companies the world over - including the Middle East - are taking part in a green revolution aimed at reducing man's impact on the environment, say the organisers of the 5th Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Summit.

'With a city like Dubai having one of the world's highest per capita carbon footprints, reducing a company's impact on the environment and its energy costs should be a core element of any CSR programme for every business in the emirate,' said Kosta Petrov, Conference Manager for the Summit that takes place at the JW Marriott Hotel, Dubai, from 14 to 19 June 2008. Sponsors of the 5th CSR Summit are the Dow Chemical Company, Dubai Properties and Microsoft. Supporter of the Summit are CSR Middle East, Dubai Centre for Corporate Values, and the UN Development Programme.