Nuqul Group Partners with Hikmat Road Safety for Better Roads
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 27.08.08
As part of its continuous efforts to develop the surrounding community and driven by the strong belief in the importance of being an active corporate citizen, Nuqul Group has recently announced its partnership with Hikmat Road Safety initiative launched in cooperation with Greater Amman Municipality and the Traffic Department.

The agreement entails Nuqul Group's adoption of "Al Sherif Naser Bin Jamil Street" located in Shmeisani next to Safeway; the Group's role will focus on improving the road safety measures to reduce the risks of accidents by equipping the road with the right infrastructure.

Abu Dhabi to host second Arab Charity Forum in Jan
KHALEEJ TIMES - 26.08.08
A number of philanthropists and community development leaders will attend the second Arab Charity Forum in Abu Dhabi on January 5 to promote the ‘culture of giving’ and concept of corporate social responsibility among individuals and companies.

Dr Adel Al Shameri, executive manager of Zayed Charity Initiative, said the two-day forum would be jointly organised by the Emirates group for Social Responsibility and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Red Crescent Authority. The meeting will coincide with the Abu Dhabi Corporate Social Responsibility Conference which focuses on social development in the Arab World.

eHosting DataFort Launches Two CSR Initiatives
ZAWYA - 25.08.08
eHosting DataFort (EHDF), the region's leading IT outsourcing service provider and a member of TECOM Investments, today announced two new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives - Marifaty and Muthabara.

The Marifaty initiative will impart information on safe computing practices to schools, the government and public sectors. Issues such as hazards of cyber crime will be brought under focus as part of its overarching agenda. The Muthabara programme aims to raise awareness on data security among university and college seniors majoring in IT, computer science and related fields. Muthabara, which means perseverance, also aims to empower select group of candidates through a Continual Professional Education (CPE) programme.

Bee'ah strengthens its position as the environmental expert with the appointment of two new directors
ZAWYA - 24.08.08
Bee'ah, The Sharjah Environment Company announced a double appointment of directors, whose expertise will play a key role in underpinning the rapidly expanding environmental activities of the company.

Previous positions held include: Project Manager for Raytheon Middle East Systems in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he was responsible for implementing WMS (Warehouse Management System) software and revising supply chain practices; Logistics Director for Pan Emirate Furniture in Sharjah, UAE, with responsibility for supply chain analysis, WMS software implementation and project management; and over six years at Intercol, a warehousing and distribution company in Bahrain.

Dubai World companies join forces to strengthen ties with community
AME INFO - 23.08.08
Dubai World, along with its flagship companies DP World, Economic Zones World, Istithmar World, Nakheel and Dubai Maritime City, today announced the setting up of a Ramadan Tent at Tamani Hotel at the Dubai Marina with the aim of raising funds for charity.

The tent and its activities are in line with the leading global investment group's commitment to humanity and its policy of respecting tradition and culture. The tent, which will cater to the entire Dubai World family, including employees from all its group companies, will host a variety of cultural, and entertainment activities and contests aimed at encouraging inter-company social interaction at all levels. The tent will also be open to the general public.

NBK hosts Iftar banquets during Ramadan
KUWAIT TIMES - 22.08.08
National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) is set to host Iftar daily banquets during the Holy Month of Ramadan as part of an extensive social program specifically developed by NBK in concordance with the spirit of Ramadan and as a further testament of the Bank's commitment to its social responsibility.

NBK Public Relations Manager, Manal Al Mattar said that in light of the remarkable success Al Watani Iftar Banquets witnessed during the last two years, NBK decided this year to take in advance preparations necessary for the successful hosting of Al Watani Iftar Banquets within an extensive Ramadan social program that comprises a multitude of philanthropic activities

Batelco staff volunteers distribute Ramadan Gift Baskets to the needy
AL-BAWABA - 21.08.08
As part of the company and its employees' continuous support for the community, a group of Batelco staff volunteers are helping teams from local charities with the distribution of Batelco Ramadan Gift Baskets to the needy families across the Kingdom.

Batelco, Bahrain's leading telecommunications company annually donates thousands of gift baskets to needy families identified by charity societies in their home areas as needing extra support during the holy month of Ramadan.

Autobus donates wheel chairs for the physically challenged
AMMAN PRESS - 20.08.08
Autobus (Comprehensive Multiple Transport Co. ) has recently donated new wheel chairs for the physically challenged in a step aiming at facilitating the lives of these people and enhancing their role in our society.

The donations went to two of the physically challenged institutions. Mrs. Rima Zureikat, Head of Families & Friends Society of Persons with Disabilities (FFSPD), has received the wheel chairs which will be distributed to the list of beneficiaries on its long waiting list of physically challenged.

Great Properties pledges support to a great, green environment
MENA-FN - 19.08.08
Great Properties, the UAE-based real estate agency, has recently announced its commitment to protecting the environment by taking up numerous initiatives, which include becoming members of Dubai's Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), taking part in the Group's activities, in addition to numerous other self-established prospects.

The decision to join hands with the EEG is part of Great Properties' strategy to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development and protection of the environment.

Burgan Bank holds blood donation drive to support Kuwait Blood Bank
AL-WATAN - 18.08.08
In keeping with its corporate citizenship agenda of supporting healthcare in Kuwait, Burgan Bank held a blood donation drive for its employees at the Bank's headquarters.

The bank employees participated in the drive and contributed in providing units of blood towards Kuwait Blood Bank's Sweet Hearts Blood Donation Campaign.

Counting down the stars of the green carpet
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 17.08.08
The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) has been leading an energetic search for companies across the Arabian Gulf which are actively practicing corporate responsibility.

The Group had officially announced the closing of entries to the very first Arabia Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards on 15th August 2008. The task is now passed onto the distinguished panel of international experts to identify the first set of winners for the three categories.

Ministry of Social Affairs signs MoU with du to develop comprehensive web portal for UAE NGOs
MENA-FN - 16.08.08
The UAE Ministry of Social Affairs, today announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with du, the integrated telecom operator in the UAE, to establish a comprehensive web-portal of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the country.

The MoU was signed by Abdullah Rashid Al Suwaidi, General Director and Ministry of Social Affairs of the UAE Ministry of Social Affairs and Osman Sultan, CEO du at the Ministry offices in the presence of H.E Maryam Mohd Khalfan Al Romi, Minister of Social Affairs, UAE.

SEDD concluded a summer training program for Sharjah's students
AME INFO - 15.08.08
Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) has concluded a summer training course for 20 students various educational levels at the emirate's universities, Higher Colleges of Technology and schools.

They trainees were able to learn working habits, as well as to blend the theory with the application to enhance the meaningfulness of the learning process, leading the students to be innovative at the classrooms and successful in their future jobs, while giving a unique opportunity for pre-university students to understand the nature of work place in order to redefine their future studies accordingly.

Ministry of Social Affairs launches 'Dirham Wa Bas' Campaign
KHALEEJ TIMES - 14.08.08
The Social Responsibility Fund, an Initiative of the Ministry of Social Affairs, today announced the launch of 'Dirham Wa Bas' Campaign (One Dirham Only), a campaign for raising funds for social care and development projects in the UAE

Supported by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the 'Dirham Wa Bas' Campaign invites financial contributions from the public to support the Social Responsibility Fund. By encouraging contributions of as little as a dirham, the campaign seeks to facilitate public participation in the fund-raising effort.

Fujitsu Siemens Computers and ITQAN host Green IT Forum to signify commitment to Green IT Solutions
ZAWYA - 13.08.08
Fujitsu-Siemens Computers together with ITQAN will host a Green IT Forum in Abu Dhabi, on August 20, where industry professionals will discuss and address the challenge of implementing energy efficient IT systems and datacenters in the face of rising global energy prices

'While companies recognize the high cost of major data centers, many are unfamiliar with the technology and business processes available to help combat the inflexible nature of IT systems,' said Chandan Mehta, Product Manager Enterprise Product, Fujitsu Siemens Computers. 'As an industry leader in green technology, we consider it our responsibility to facilitate constructive debate and provide accurate information which will empower both individuals and businesses to make green choices in the future.

Coca-Cola CEO: Food and beverage industry must invest in poor regions to preserve global food supply
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 12.08.08
Muhtar Kent, Coca-Cola's new Global CEO, has called on the food and beverage industry to invest in poor communities to sustain the world's food supply as it moves towards an increasingly uncertain future.

Citing UN Secretary General Ban-ki Moon's estimate that it will take approximately $15bn and $20bn a year in new investments and innovations in agriculture and food technologies to offset the current food crisis, Kent urged industry leaders to channel the investment into infrastructure to 'serve the most under-served consumers in the most underprivileged regions of the world - those hundreds of millions of people today who will ascend to the middle class in the coming decade.'

Qatari youth join IBQ's unique Qatari Training and Development Program
AME INFO - 11.08.08
The International Bank of Qatar announced that it has successfully recruited 12 talented and enthusiastic Qatari nationals for their Qatari Training and Development Program.

IBQ's ambitious growth and expansion strategy has generated an increasing employment opportunities and IBQ has a clear focus on recruiting Qatari nationals to fill these new positions.

Aramex appoints Chief Sustainability and Compliance Officer
MENA-FN - 10.08.08
Aramex announced that it has appointed Mr. Raji Hattar as its Chief Sustainability and Compliance Officer (CSO) to lead the company's ambitious Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, in order to build on its fully sustainable business model that aims at including all of its stakeholders' interests.

In addition to overseeing a range of CSR initiatives, Hattar will be directly responsible for monitoring Aramex's participation in the UN Global Compact Initiative and other international human development treaties

RTA stages a two-day blood donation campaign
AME INFO - 09.08.08
In an effort to enhance its commitment to various segments of the community, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has recently teamed up with Blood Transfusion & Research Dep't in the emirate of Sharjah to stage a blood donation campaign.

Najeeb Al-Zarooni, Director of Parking Dep't said that RTA was always keen to promote effective involvement in a number of social and human events & initiatives which will boost the partnership with various community sectors & institutions such as hospitals and medical establishments.

Dr. Maryam Matar appointed Chairman of the Evaluation Committee for 'Rad-Al-Jameel' Program
ZAWYA - 08.08.08
HE Dr. Maryam Matar, Director General of the Community Development Authority (CDA), has been appointed Chairman of the Evaluation Committee of Dubai World Leadership Center's 'Rad-Al-Jameel' Corporate Social Responsibility Program, which will look to raise funds for charity during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The program is an initiative by Dubai World Leadership Center involving the alumni of its Dubai Leaders program, the development initiative in association with Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, that aims to create and make available a talent pool of highly qualified management personnel to fulfill senior leadership positions that will take Dubai World to greater heights of success.

Dubai CCI supporting corporate social responsibility
AME INFO - 07.08.08
Dubai Chamber donates computer sets and accessories to Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charity and Humanitarian Foundation.

This initiative goes in line with Dubai Chamber's interest in enhancing its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), encouraging its implementation among institutions and corporations, as well as supporting the efforts of national foundations that provide charity and humanitarian services.

Dubai World Leadership Center launches 'Rad-Al-Jameel' Corporate Social Responsibility Program
UAE TODAY - 06.08.08
The Dubai World Leadership Center, responsible for instigating the ambitious Dubai Leaders Program (DLP), announced the launch of the 'Rad-Al-Jameel' Corporate Social Responsibility Program to raise funds for charity during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The CSR program, designed as a leadership exercise with a communal and humanitarian premise, has been exclusively shaped to perform by the graduates of the Dubai Leaders Program, a development initiative that aims to create and nurture a cadre of highly qualified management personnel to take up senior leadership positions at Dubai World.

UNICEF launches campaign to combat Vitamin A deficiency
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 05.08.08
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has launched a new campaign to combat shortage in essential human nutrient Vitamin A in cooperation with Pampers and a big number of dignitaries, officials, and nutrition experts.

The launch of the new campaign witnessed the presence of a host of artists and stars, who expressed full support and solidarity, including budding actress, Ghada Adel, up-and-coming artist Mahmoud el-Eseily, iconic actress Karima Mukhtar who was keen endorsing the campaign, highlighting artists' responsibility towards their society, and actor Mahmud Qabeel who attended the event in his capacity as a UN Goodwill Ambassador.

Dubai Chamber staff offer gift of life
ARABIAN BUSINESS - 04.08.08
Give blood, give life was the motive behind the staff blood donation drive organized by Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry in association with the Blood Donation Center of Al Wasl Hospital at the Chamber premises on Tuesday, August 5.

With the noble intention of donating blood for children suffering from Thalassemia and cardiology patients who undergo open heart surgeries, leukemia patients or those with a bleeding tendency, a large number of Dubai Chamber staff members queued up to offer the gift of life in the wake of the fast approaching 'giving month' of Ramadan.

NBK concludes its Energy Saving Awareness Campaign
AL-BAWABA - 03.08.08
National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), the leading bank in Kuwait and the highest rated bank in the Middle East, successfully concluded its energy saving awareness campaign tagged 'Put your energy into Saving Energy' with more than 10,000 long-life light bulbs being freely distributed to public at the avenues.

The awareness drive, which is part of NBK's ongoing 'Think Twice' environmental campaign, aimed at promoting sustainable practices and motivating people to take advantage of the energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs freely distributed during the event by volunteers mainly comprised from NBK personnel and summer interns of NBK Academy.

Al Salam Bank-Bahrain donates $2m to the Royal Charity Organization
AME INFO - 02.08.08
Al Salam Bank-Bahrain has donated a total of $2.016m to the Royal Charity Organization in support of university scholarships for distinguished students selected by Royal Charity Organization (RCO).

The contribution comes within the Bank's social responsibility which focuses on social developmental aspects of the communities the Bank is serving, Yousif Taqi, the Bank's CEO said.
Marking the recent signing of the Cooperation Agreement for the Support of Al Salam University Fund with RCO, Taqi said that the agreement emanates from the Bank's desire to bolster the social partnership with the Organization. The Bank realizes the importance of providing higher-level education to orphans and children from needy families in order to fulfill their aspirations and bring up a competent generation that would dedicate its efforts towards the development and prosperity of the society, he added.

Crescent Petroleum and AMAR Foundation to launch development centre in Southern Iraq
ARABIAN BUSINESS - 01.08.08
Crescent Petroleum, the Middle East region's oldest private upstream oil and gas company, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the AMAR International Charitable Foundation for cooperation to support capacity-building and local communities in Iraq.

The MoU - signed at Crescent Petroleum's London offices by Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne, Executive Chairman of AMAR, and Majid Jafar, Executive Director of Crescent Petroleum - forms part of a landmark corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme initiated by Crescent Petroleum, which focuses on environmental, educational and community development in Southern Iraq.