Sama Dubai showcases environmental programmes at COPEDEC 2008 Summit in Dubai
EYE OF DUBAI - 28.02.08 / UAE
Sama Dubai, the international real estate investment and development arm of Dubai Holding, today showcased its extensive water quality environmental management plans (EMPs) to global marine professionals at the 7th International Conference on Coastal and Port Engineering in Developing Countries (COPEDEC 2008).

Taking place in Dubai, more than 1,000 marine engineers and scientists from developing countries have come together at the conference that is built around the theme of 'Best Practices in Coastal Environment'. The conference which opened on 24 February will conclude on 28 February.

Sharq Village & Spa adopts the Al Noor Blind Institute
THE PENINSULA QATAR - 27.02.08 / UAE
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company B.V have built a legacy of extraordinary service. This tradition extends into the hotel chain's social responsibility program, Community Footprints, and inspires to positively impact the lives of others through community outreach and corporate giving.

In 2008, the Ladies and Gentlemen of Sharq Village & Spa have made a commitment to actively support the Al Noor Blind Institute, a local institution catering to children with special needs and related communication disorders.

New study on climate change supported by the British University in Dubai
BUSINESS MAKTOOB - 26.02.08 / UAE
The map of the Middle East could be reshaped by rising seas and populations displaced by global warming, according to major new research exploring the ongoing consequences of climate change.

Developed by Professor Geoffrey Boulton of the University of Edinburgh, the new body of data will be discussed this week at The British University in Dubai (BUiD), the region's leading research-based educational institution. The study will attempt to analyse the extent to which global warming will impact the world - and the Arabian Gulf in particular - over the coming years.

Al-Sorayai Group sponsors Jeddah Photographers Exhibition 'Ibdaat Fanan'
ZAWYA - 25.02.08 / KSA
Al-Sorayai Trading and Industrial Group, one of the Middle East largest carpet manufacturers and exporters, is sponsoring Jeddah Photographers Exhibition 'Ibdaat Fanan' in Jeddah, from 23rd of February to 1st of March 2008.

'Ibdaat Fanan', which is organized every year by Jeddah photographers club ,is the most comprehensive yearly exhibition specialized in showing Hajj photos, every season. Every year the exhibition receives wide response from the visitors buying up the photos.

NBAD hosts a Q&A session with Alan Greenspan
AME INFO - 24.02.08 / UAE
As part of its 40th anniversary's celebrations, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, will start its Awareness Sharing Knowledge (A.S.K.) lecture series in 2008 with a Q&A session with Dr. Alan Greenspan, the former Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve, on Monday February 25, 2008 at NBAD head office in Abu Dhabi.

The lectures provide an interactive forum for customers' employees, business partners, and members of the community to share and communicate up-to-date information, market news and future opportunities and expectations.

Accor Hospitality grants wishes of Dubai Centre for Special Needs
CSR MIDDLE EAST- 23.02.08 / UAE
Accor Hospitality visited the Dubai Centre for Special needs on Wednesday (February 20) to make a valuable contribution and to have a tour of the centre.

The European hotel leader donated 10 colour printers and 3 fully equipped computers which fulfilled a part of the centres wish list. Christophe Landais, Managing Director, Accor Hospitality Middle East along with Estelle Chambost, HR Director, Accor Hospitality Middle East were given a tour and had the opportunity to meet students and other members of the centre.

Dubai Bank puts smiles on faces of autistic children
EYE OF DUBAI- 22.02.08 / UAE
Dubai Bank officials paid a visit to the Sharjah Autism Centre as part of the Bank's ongoing corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.

Present for the visit were Mr Ahmed Yousef Al Ali, manager of Dubai Bank's Buhairah branch in Sharjah, and a group of Dubai Bank employees, who delivered educational toys and other gifts for the children at the Centre.

Solidarity and Shamil Bank honoured for outstanding contributions to society
ZAWYA - 21.02.08 / BAHRAIN
Solidarity, one of the largest takaful companies in the world, and Shamil Bank, a leading commercial and investment bank in Bahrain, were honoured for their outstanding support for education and community-based programmes.

Al Badeel Training and Development Center awarded the corporate social responsibility certificates at an event, held under the patronage of inJAz Bahrain Executive Director, Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa at the Chamber of Industry & Commerce.

Sharq Village & Spa donates products for Qatar charity organization
AME INFO - 20.02.08 / QATAR
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company B.V have built a legacy of extraordinary service. This tradition extends into the hotel chain's social responsibility program, Community Footprints, and inspires to positively impact the lives of others through community outreach and corporate giving.

'At the Ritz-Carlton, we see Corporate Social Responsibility as a core part of our business' said Hossein Vetry, General Manager, Sharq Village and Spa. 'By giving our ladies and gentlemen the opportunity to give back to their local areas, we carry on our company's long history and deep commitment to community involvement. We want to help make Doha, a better place to live and work.' added Vetry.

Qatar Today Green Awards is partnered by HSBC
GULF TIMES - 19.02.08 / QATAR
Qatar Today Green Awards - Qatar's first environmental award gets HSBC on board as the presenting partner.

Incorporated to recognize the initiatives taken by corporate, institutions, schools and individuals towards a better and greener environment, these awards will spread the message not only in Qatar, but throughout the region.

Emaar International Jordan sponsors opening ceremony of recycling expo
BI-ME - 19.02.08 / JORDAN
Emaar International Jordan, the country subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, sponsored the opening ceremony of the Middle East Recycling, Water & Environmental Management Exhibition and Congress held from February 17 to 19 at the Kempinski Dead Sea Hotel.

The annual event serves as a platform for regional and international dialogue on sustainable development issues.

Al Aqah enhances CSR program with Dhs30,000 donation to Thalassemia patients charity
CSR MIDDLE EAST- 18.02.08 / UAE
In a move to further demonstrate their exemplary initiative of social responsibility and human interaction, the management of Le Méridien Al Aqah recently donated the generous sum of Dhs30,000 to the Thalassemia Patients Charity in the UAE.

This is the same amount of money which was granted to the hotel by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Community Development for winning the prize of first runner up at the tourism tournament awards which were organized in line with the UAE's National Day celebration.

EDI's children safety campaign 'Mama I'm Home' wins the 2008 Gulf Effectiveness in Marketing Awards in Best Use of CSR category
AME INFO - 18.02.08 / UAE
The Emirates Driving Institute received an award from the recently held Gulf Effectiveness in Marketing Awards (GEMAS) 2008 ceremony at Al Joharah Ballroom at Madinat Jumeirah.

The event was attended by more than 600 people, representing leading marketers, representatives of communications industry and the media. In all, awards were presented in 12 different categories.

International Advertising community promotes social responsibility in a new program broadcasted on EuroNews
ARABIAN BUSINESS - 17.02.08 / JORDAN
The International Advertising Association (IAA) is supporting the production of "One Minute of Responsibility" program, which is organized by ACT Responsible, an initiative of AdForum, featuring spots for non-commercial, social and environmental causes.

The program, which is being broadcasted daily several times on EuroNews, beginning mid last month, comprises 25 campaigns which are part of the global ACT Responsible exhibition touring the world in 2007/8.

A new online CSR initiative from Bahrain
GULF DAILY NEWS - 16.02.08 / BAHRAIN
A website promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been launched in Bahrain. It can be found at www.bahraincsr.com and has been created by Al Badeel for Training and Development. The main aim is to raise awareness about CSR and to help connect local companies with projects that need support.

According to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, CSR is "the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large".

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority organises blood donation campaign
AME INFO - 15.02.08 / UAE
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) organised a one-day blood donation campaign today for its employees in association with Al Wasl Hospital.

Held at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) headquarter, a significant number of DSOA volunteers donated blood as part of the company's corporate social responsibility. The donated blood will go towards helping 'Thalassemia' patients as well as others in need of blood.

Corporate Social Responsibility concept part of Hilton Family of Brands values
AME INFO - 14.02.08 / EGYPT
Recently The Hilton Family of Brands in Egypt hosted the Brands' International Sales Conference & Trade Show 2008. The conference was held in Conrad Cairo during the period of January 28th - 31st 2008. This remarkable event is the first of its kind in the Middle East, where Egypt had the honor of hosting it this year.

As an active member towards the Egyptian community and part of Hilton's corporate social responsibility, Hilton donated the amount of LE25,000 that were initially planned as giveaways to the guests to Dar El Orman Association in a donation ceremony on the 29th of January that took place at the Conrad Cairo Hotel. Mr. James Farrow, Senior Vice President Sales Hilton Europe & Africa handed the check to Mrs. Sahar El Sherbini Executive Manager of Dar El Orman Association. Attendees included Mr. Bob Dircks Senior Vice President Sales Hilton International and Jan Monkedieck General Manager of Conrad Cairo.

Talking phones empower 90 blind users in the UAE
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 14.02.08 / UAE
Nattiq Technologies announced the completion and delivery of 90 mobile phones equipped with Talks, mobile phone screen reader software, to the Red Crescent Society of the UAE.

The Red Crescent ordered Talks software from Nattiq Technologies which was installed on the 90 handsets supporting both Arabic and English.

Dubai Chamber organizes one-day networking event on CSR Reporting
AL-BAWABA - 13.02.08 / UAE
Dubai Chamber members and stakeholders had the chance to debate and discuss various issues on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting at a day long networking event which was yesterday organized by Dubai Chamber's Center for Responsible Business.

The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting event was organized in partnership with the internationally renowned Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and sponsored by Aramex, Nakheel and the National Bank of Abu Dhabi. It was attended by a number of Dubai Chamber's members, as well as the representatives of non government organizations (NGOs), public agencies, auditors, investors, HR professionals and others engaged in the local and regional CSR community.

Bahrain schools benefit from tree planting initiative
AME INFO - 13.02.08 / BAHRAIN
As part of The Riffa Views Tree Planting Initiative ten trees were planted at four Bahrain schools. Richard Browning, CEO of Riffa Views and Hugh O'Shea, Sales & Marketing Director, were present at each school as part of a road show that involves visiting 60 schools for the planting of more than 80 trees.

Cityspace concludes another successful series of 'Workplace Freedom' seminars
ZAWYA - 12.02.08 / UAE
CitySpace, an independent interior design company specialising in corporate workplace solutions concluded the last session of the 'Workplace Freedom' seminars at the Office Exhibition 2008 witnessing more than 300 participants over the seminar period.

Eames Demetrios, together with leading international specialists highlighted workplace-related developments and innovations. The seminars highlighted the work and philosophy of Charles and Ray Eames, creating office space for innovation, global warming and its impact on the way we work, corporate social responsibility, the tactile office, ergonomics, flexibility to change using the benefits of cable management flooring solutions, the impact of technology on human efficiency and intelligent storage solutions.

Waqf Trust Services signs MoU to promote Awqaf & Minors Affairs Foundation
AJP PRESS - 12.02.08 / UAE
Waqf Trust Services (Waqf), an initiative of DIFC Investments and Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Awqaf & Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) to cooperate and coordinate activities and endeavours for economic and social development within the UAE community.

The Awqaf & Minor Affairs Foundation is a Dubai Government initiative to adopt and care for minors, manage and invest their funds, and socially qualify and empower them until they come of age. The AMAF's prime responsibility is the management and investment of its funds to set up successful economic projects by following the most modern methods of fund investment according to Islamic Shari'a provisions.

Group Aims to Drive Home Effects of Recycling
ARAB NEWS - 11.02.08 / KSA
People in Saudi Arabia are not yet familiar with the three-curved-arrow logo that indicates that a plastic or paper container can be recycled, a recent poll by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) employees showed.

To raise awareness on environmental issues, a group of environmental activists gathered recently to organize a campaign under the title “Recycle Your City”.

du and Microsoft launch the 'Let your dream mobile application out' competition
BUSINESS MAKTOOB - 11.02.08 / UAE
Creating a new platform for young and talented scientific minds, du, the UAE's new telecom operator and Microsoft have joined hands to organise the 'Let your dream mobile application out' Competition for all students of colleges and universities in the UAE.

The competition is designed to unleash the students' creativity and innovation in developing intelligent mobile application suites around the themes - social networking, lifestyle and environment. This presents an opportunity for all students from Universities in the UAE including members of the du-Microsoft .Net Club at the University of Sharjah, UAE University and the American University of Dubai to discover how far their ideas can really take them while creating a different era of next generation mobile applications.

Taqa CSR - a work in progress
AME INFO - 11.02.08 / UAE
Corporate social responsibility is gaining greater legitimacy and importance throughout the Middle East, but how does a company go about developing such a programme? One thing for certain is that developing an effective CSR program is no simple task. Companies must conduct extensive planning and preparation to determine what they want their CSR programme to achieve and the mechanisms they will put in place to make it a success.

One firm currently developing its own CSR programme is the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (also known as Taqa). Established in 2005, Taqa is a global energy company with assets worth $21bn and investments in North America, Europe, India, Africa, and the Middle East.

Dubai Properties launches 'Mubadara' to support community-oriented programmes / UAE
TRADE ARABIA - 10.02.08
Dubai Properties, leading master developer, announced the launch of 'Mubadara', an exclusive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative that aims at supporting environmental programmes, charity campaigns, and focusing on benefits to employees.

'Mubadara', meaning 'initiative', is part of the company's strategy to invest in diverse CSR programmes. Under the programme, the company will organise several initiatives during the year for the National Environment Day, Emirates Energy Award, contribute to Beit Al Khair Association, offer help to employees to perform 'Umrah' and hold internal CSR awareness seminars.

Top figures from across Islamic world gather in support of $10bn solidarity fund for development and poverty reduction
AME INFO - 10.02.08 / BAHRAIN
A High-Level Advisory Panel for the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD),' a window for the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), concluded a one-day meeting in Bahrain where panel members called for enhanced efforts to ensure participation by the private sector in the Fund, including that by high-net-worth individuals and corporates as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, the more effective channelling of Zakat and ways to mobilise further government contributions from IsDB member countries.

Participants further highlighted the importance of technical resource assistance with the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran committing itself to providing technical training and education to some 1,000 students from targeted beneficiary countries.

Pioneering agreement supports UAE education
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 09.02.08 / UAE
Deyaar Development PJSC has signed a pioneering agreement with The British University in Dubai (BUiD) to support scholarships for students to pursue Masters Degrees on a full or part-time basis.

The UAE's leading developer is funding the scholarships as part of its wider programme of developing local talent and providing support to meritorious students in their career development.

National Bank releases first annual CSR report
ARAB TIMES - 09.02.08 / KUWAIT
NBK, the leading provider of financial services in Kuwait and the Middle East, recently released its first annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report concurrently with the release of the Bank's 2007 annual financial report.

Depicting the latest 12-month episode of a decades-old tradition of community involvement and a long-standing legacy in social responsibility, the recently released 16 pages CSR report sheds light on the Bank's various philanthropic, social, educational as well as sports-related initiatives and contributions throughout the year 2007.

Ford grants help Emirati youth speak up for the environment
AME INFO - 08.02.08 / UAE
Emirates Environmental Group engages young people's interest in the environment through competition and debate.

In a time when general awareness levels towards the world's environmental challenges are still considerably low, an increasing number of organizations are working tirelessly in an attempt to make a difference and raise public consciousness to the many issues that confront the planet.

Corporate Social Responsibility part of Hilton Hotels values
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 07.02.08 / EGYPT
The celebration was held in Conrad Cairo January 28th - 31st 2008. This remarkable event is the first of its kind in the Middle East, where Egypt had the honor of hosting it this year.

The company put a name to its unique brand of service that has made it the best known and most highly regarded hotel company: be hospitable®. Along with this aspiring slogan adopted by Hilton series through different eras, another slogan emerged (Corporate Social Responsibility) in all the communities that Hilton existed in.' said Mr. Farrow.

Emaar International Art Symposium lends creative flourish to DSF 2008
AME INFO - 06.02.08 / UAE
Emaar International Art Symposium (EIAS), the fine arts event organised by Emaar Properties as part of its support of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), lends a distinctive artistic flourish to the festivities, as artists from around the world bring a new perspective of creativity to the city from February 6 to 28, 2008.

'The Emaar International Art Symposium defines Dubai's creative spirit and is truly a global showcase of talent,' said Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, UAE Managing Director, Emaar Properties. 'Every year, the standard of the artists is inspirational, winning the appreciation and respect of art lovers, and general observers, in the region.'

ALJ CSP Sets New Goals
ARAB NEWS - 06.02.08 / KSA
The Abdul Latif Jameel Community Services Programs (ALJ CSP) announced on Monday night that efforts would be made to offer 25,000 new work opportunities for Saudis in 2008. “We have succeeded in providing 42,000 such opportunities until the end of 2007,” Muhammad Abdul Latif Jameel said at the awards ceremony.

“We will support at least 3,500 small projects and work hard until we achieve to offer 50,000 new work opportunities by 2011,” he said, adding that various programs have been successful due to its dedicated 300-member team. “Nothing can work without love. So, we promise you, we will continue to go along this path because we love you,” he said and presented awards to various individuals and organizations including the media for their support.

Ahli United Bank (Egypt) plants seeds of goodwill through Sanabel Al Kheir Certificate
AME INFO - 05.02.08 / EGYPT
To celebrate the charitable nature of Sanabel Al Kheir, a pioneer financial product offered by Ahli United Bank (Egypt), the bank sponsored an all day event at the Children's Cancer Hospital Foundation 57357.

Sanabel Al Kheir is a certificate of deposit (CD) which offers clients the option to donate the interest generated from the deposit to the Children's Cancer Hospital.

Corporate social responsibility picks up in Kuwait
AME INFO - 05.02.08 / KUWAIT
Kuwait has been recognising private firms for their corporate social responsibility achievements, a step that aims to encourage others to contribute to launching more projects that would support Kuwaiti society.

During Kuwait's first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards event, The Kuwait Project Company (Kipco) won an award for its public awareness campaign on dyslexia.

EEG Brings Back Full-Fledged Training on Corporate Social Responsibility for GCC businesses
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 04.02.08 / UAE
The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) hosted a comprehensive training on Corporate Social Responsibility for managers and key executives. The six-day event, consisting of two parts, took place at Sofitel City Centre Hotel & Residence, Dubai. Joining hands with main sponsor Oryx Enterprises and support sponsor Sinak Corporation, EEG organised the full training programme conducted by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM). AIM is one of the top-ranking business schools worldwide, well-recognised for its cutting-edge expertise on CSR.

EEG has brought back AIM for the second time to deliver a locally-relevant version of its premier “Reinventing CSR” programme. The objective of boosting EEG’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainability in business is realised through such programmes by encouraging GCC companies to adopt CSR principles as well as create their own unique CSR strategy and structure. The training aims to overcome barriers to CSR implementation in the region by yielding a generation of qualified, trained CSR practitioners within organisations.

Hawkamah and the UAE Bankers' Forum launch Corporate Governance Award
AME INFO - 04.02.08 / UAE
The Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance (Hawkamah) and the UAE Bankers' Forum today announced the creation of an award to encourage and promote the adoption and implementation of good corporate governance practices among banks in the United Arab Emirates.

The Bank Corporate Governance Award, developed by Hawkamah, will enable the UAE Bankers' Forum to obtain an independent and credible assessment of the quality and extent of corporate governance standards within banks across the UAE. Subsequently, UAE banks will also benefit from this process and will be able to use the award as a reference to set bench-marks for further improvements.

CSE develops Sustainable Solutions for Corporate Social Responsibility in the Banking Sector
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 03.02.08 / UAE
In recent years, public and private entities, including the banking sector, are expected to operate in a manner that is accountable both to organizational strategy and to stakeholders. The surfacing importance on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has stimulated business thinking on ways corporate values can be aligned with stakeholder expectations in manner that is both socially and environmentally sustainable. However, while in theory, the co-habitation of the corporate and socially pillars of business operations may seem like an easy task, in reality, it entails the input, dedication, and co-ordination of common resources, which need to be incorporated and aligned within the same strategy.

A common mistake made by businesses is the notion that CSR is an external component of operations, which is not part of corporate strategy. Findings show that such misalignment, not only prevents businesses from sustaining CSR programs, but most importantly, but is in conflict with business stakeholders, which include customers, employees, communities, regulators, suppliers, governments and a range of civil society groups.

Middle East Toy Fair to donate toys to the children of Palestine
AME INFO - 03.02.08 / UAE
Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organizer of Middle East Toy Fair which will take place from March 31st to April 2nd 2008 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, announced that they will provide participating exhibitors with the opportunity to donate their samples after the show to the French NGO C.I.E.L.O. which will collect toys and games for the El Masarah Palestinian toy library in the West Bank.

'Children are paying a serious and heavy price due to the continuing conflict in Palestine. As a corporate entity we feel that more needs to be done to ensure that all the region's children are protected both from the direct and indirect influence of this dispute, and in our own way we are playing a part through this event to help the children,' said Eckhard Pruy , Chief Executive Officer, EPOC Messe Frankfurt GmbH.

Saudi business sector urged to focus on water as part of CSR
MENAFN - 02.02.08 / KSA
The business sector in Saudi Arabia has been urged give top priority to tackle the water issue as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Saudi Arabia is among the 10 most deficient countries in terms of fresh water resources. "There exists an opportunity for the corporate sector to fulfil social responsibility," according to Dr Asya Al Al Shaikh, chairman and CEO of Jeddah-based Tamkeen Management and Development Consulting.

Dubai Chamber Organizes a One-day Networking Event on CSR Reporting
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 01.02.08 / UAE
Dubai Chamber members and stakeholders had the chance to debate and discuss various issues on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting at a day long networking event which was yesterday organized by Dubai Chamber’s Center for Responsible Business. The event featured exclusive discussions that were handed by a group of local, regional and international experts on CSR reporting.

The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting event was organized in partnership with the internationally renowned Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and sponsored by Aramex, Nakheel and the National Bank of Abu Dhabi. It was attended by a number of Dubai Chamber’s members, as well as the representatives of non government organizations (NGOs), public agencies, auditors, investors, HR professionals and others engaged in the local and regional CSR community.