Aramex becomes first logistics company in Middle East to use hybrid vehicles
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 30.0.08
Aramex today announced that it has introduced four hybrid cars to its ground fleet, becoming the first logistics company to use hybrid vehicles in the Middle East.

The move is part of Aramex's bid to help reduce its carbon foot print across the region, demonstrating the company's commitment to environmental sustainability as it takes a step toward its ambitious goal of becoming the industry's first carbon neutral provider.

World Bank and Al-Aman Fund provide internship opportunities to orphaned young girls
AL-BAWABA - 29.06.08
In 2008, Al-Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans received a grant from the World Bank Youth Innovation Fund in support of 'Woman-to-Woman Mentoring and Capacity Building' initially targeting orphaned young women in Jordan.

'Woman-to-Woman' aims at helping 18 -21 year old orphaned young women develop their professional and life skills. With the support of the project, these young women are introduced to job opportunities and successful women as role models, while working in a secure environment.

Dubai First organises 'Little Steps for Safety' workshop at KHDA Summer Camps
ZAWYA - 28.06.08
Dubai First, the consumer finance company from Dubai Group, a member of Dubai Holding, organised the 'Little Steps for Safety' workshop during the Knowledge & Human Development Authority Summer Camp yesterday at Al Ibdaa School for Girls in Dubai.

'Little Steps for Safety' was launched by Dubai First on 18 April as part of its corporate responsibility programme to raise awareness on road safety for children. Implemented in cooperation with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Knowledge & Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai Police, and the Emirates Driving Institute (EDI), Dubai First is the first private company invited by KHDA to organise such an initiative across schools.

Guiding the way to convert risks as a tool for sustainability
AME INFO - 27.06.08
Staying true to its annual repertoire of locally relevant and up-to-date workshops on themes in Corporate Social Responsibility, the Emirates Environmental Group rolled out its first workshop for 2008.

Entitled 'Corporate Responsibility Risk Assessment and the UN Global Compact', under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, the day-long seminar drew in the attendance of a diverse assembly of delegations from major public and private sector companies.

Muscat Private Hospital to have a blood donation drive
ARABIAN BUSINESS - 26.06.08
Every two seconds, someone somewhere is in need of blood and every year, on an average, scores of units of blood are required out of which only a meager amount of blood is actually available.

It's not that people don't want to donate blood. Many a times it's just that they are not aware of a need. As a result, needy people end up going through a lot of pain. If only, there was a platform where donors and recipients could come together! And this is exactly what Muscat Private Hospital (MPH) intends to do.

Green ICT initiatives and cabling systems
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 25.06.08
While organizations try to reduce energy consumption to cut costs and reduce their environmental damage, they must also meet the expectations of customers and employees and anticipate new regulations, found a new study by 3M.

Green ICT is a new approach to reduce the energy consumption of ICT systems and aims to improve the environmental sustainability of organizations. One telling statistic about the need for Green ICT is that the global information and communications technology industry accounts for approximately 2% of global CO2 emissions - a figure equivalent to the aviation industry.

Water must be managed as a social good to avoid Middle East social and economic unrest
EYE OF DUBAI - 24.06.08
Metito, the international desalination, water, and wastewater treatment specialist, urged governments and the private sector to manage water as a social good.

Speaking at the 2nd Annual PPP Middle East and North Africa Summit in Amman, Jordan, Metito warned that global lessons in Public Private Partnerships (PPP's) in regards to water utilities must be considered if the Middle East and North Africa are to improve the water services.

Tanmia signs MoU with General Civil Aviation Authority to increase job prospects for Nationals in aviation sector
ARABIAN BUSINESS - 23.06.08
Tanmia, the National Human Resource Development and Employment Authority, has recently announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), to boost employment opportunities for UAE Nationals in the aviation sector.

According to the terms of the MoU, Tanmia will liaise with GCAA to identify its job requirements; perform job matching; nominate suitable candidates; work with GCAA to develop training programs to meet competency gaps of selected candidates; liaise with GCAA to select appropriate training providers; jointly invest in training of selected candidates where required and agreed; provide adequate monitoring of any and all training programs during implementation; and provide a mechanism for post-employment follow-up of job seekers.

JA More than Money launched to teach financial skills to young children
AME INFO - 22.06.08
HSBC Holdings plc and JA Worldwide launch a $3.4m, three-year, global programme to teach basic financial skills to children.

JA More than Money will expand globally one of JA Worldwide's most successful youth financial literacy programmes and involve HSBC staff initially in 15 countries including UAE, Oman and Egypt. This strategic commitment is designed to build upon the breadth and depth of HSBC's commitment to financial education and its support for JA Worldwide, known as Injaz Al Arab in the Arab World.

Graduating students to get food, meat safety training in Australia
KHALEEJ TIMES - 21.06.08
As part of its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme in the region, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) has for the eighth consecutive year sponsored an intensive two-week food and meat safety training programme in Australia for select graduating students from Abu Dhabi Men's College.

As future meat and food inspectors in the UAE, trainees will get an international exposure to advanced meat production and processing technologies, food and meat safety, export and import strategies, and conformity to the international standards.

Towell Auto Centre 'Tyre Care Plus' outlets bullish on Omanization and training policies
OMAN NEWS - 21.06.08
Omanisation and training are two keystones of Towell Auto Centre's employment policy.

The Tyre division of Towell Auto Centre is now at the forefront of the omanization process and has achieved a successful 72% omanization level across the 16 Tyre Care Plus outlets. TAC is the sole distributor of Bridgestone tyres in Oman.

JA More than Money launched to teach financial skills to young children
AL-BAWABA - 20.06.08
HSBC Holdings plc and JA Worldwide launch a $3.4m, three-year, global programme to teach basic financial skills to children.

'This programme will address the changing needs of young students in the UAE at an age when financial literacy is not being offered. It will have a positive impact on their behaviour as future professionals and conscious consumers. It can also help students apply their mathematical teachings to everyday life, resulting in a more comprehensive and practical learning experience,' said Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Al-Nehayan, Vice Chairman of INJAZ Al-Arab and Chairman of INJAZ - UAE.

Dubai Women Establishment launches 'UAE Women Leadership Program' in cooperation with Mohammed Bin Rashid Programme for Leadership Development
AME-INFO - 19.06.08
Dubai Women Establishment today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development to formulate a custom made program for training and developing potential Emirati leaders under the title 'UAE Women Leadership Program'.

The MOU was signed by Mona Al-Marri, Chairperson of the Board of Dubai Women Establishment, and Adel Al Shared, Director of Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development. DWE will help identify high-caliber participants from across the UAE, while the Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development will design the program in accordance with DWE's objectives.

Jordan Commercial Bank sponsors Entrepreneurship in Jordan
ZAWYA - 17.06.08
Stemming from its strong sense of social responsibility, Jordan Commercial Bank (JCBank) announced its silver sponsorship of the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship (QRCE).

Commenting on this sponsorship, the General Manager of JCBank, Dr. Jawad Al Hadid said, 'We at JCBank are very happy to be the silver sponsors of the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship, since we believe that through this sponsorship we will be helping our community. We will contribute to the development of our country. We believe that this sponsorship will be fruitful for both parties, as we hope that we would offer our clients distinguished banking solutions stemming from this collaboration.'

Etisalat highlights its corporate social and environmental responsibility at Corporate Social Responsibility Summit
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 16.06.08
Etisalat participated today in The Corporate Social Responsibility Summit as technical partner. The summit is being held in JW Marriot Hotel in Dubai between 15th to 19th of June and organized by IIR Middle East.

The summit witnessed the participation of a large number of senior executives and officials representing many regional and international companies and organizations, presenting numerous presentations from experts covering topics such as their own CSR experiences, how this concept is steadily gaining ground, its importance in raising the profile of companies in their markets, the future of CSR, and many more related subjects.

Two global consultants ensure long-term sustainability of Salam Yiti Project in Oman
ARABIAN BUSINESS - 15.06.08
Sama Dubai, the international real estate investment and development arm of Dubai Holding, today announced the Salam Yiti - Oman project has yielded positive results from the studies conducted by Oman-based environmental consultants HMR, and Dubai-based Energy Management Systems (EMS).

Mandated to monitor the project for mitigating any negative impact on the environment during its construction phase, HMR, which conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), confirmed in a recent report that initial dredging works have not had any effect on the local marine environment.

Nakheel's Waterfront receives sustainability accolade at Facilities Management Awards
AME-INFO - 14.06.08
Nakheel, one of the world's largest and most innovative real estate developers, has won the Sustainable Initiative Award for its Waterfront Palm Canal Towers development at the inaugural Facilities Management Middle East Awards 2008.

Nakheel saw off tough competition in the hotly contested category of Sustainable Initiatives and was highly commended by the judges for its efforts in obtaining one of the Middle East's first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications. The award recognises Nakheel's achievements in implementing recycling, energy and water reduction programmes, pushing for sustainable building practices and its involvement with corporate and social responsibility initiatives.

WOQOD gives 10,000 Sidra trees to encourage the planting of trees
ZAWYA - 13.06.08
Qatar Fuel 'WOQOD' in keeping with its commitment to preserve the environment has announced its participation in Qatar Petroleum's Environment Fair.

As part of its involvement, WOQOD will give away to the public, 10,000 Sidra trees to be planted all over Qatar. The event is one of the largest exhibitions staged in the region and attracts thousands of visitors and has been organised to promote environmental awareness especially among children and young adults as well as their families.

ENOC showcases key environmentally responsible initiatives at region's leading Blue Fair
AME INFO - 12.06.08
Showcasing a range of environmentally-responsible initiatives, ENOC's participation at Blue Fair, an event featuring environmental projects from across the region, was met with tremendous success.

ENOC's participation was part of its overall CSR programme and is in keeping with its vision of being the reliable Energy Partner of Choice in each sector in which it operates. The three-day event held from June 4th-6th at Ibn Battuta Mall was held to extend support of the Global Environmental Day and pay tribute to the numerous eco-friendly initiatives currently underway in Dubai.

HSBC signs MoU with HCT to promote educational and working opportunities in financial services
AL-BAWABA - 11.06.08
HSBC, the largest international bank in the UAE, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), to establish a HSBC Professor of Financial Services at HCT and to provide both local and international job opportunities for UAE nationals at the bank.

The MoU was signed in Dubai by HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology and Youssef Nasr, Chief Executive Officer HSBC Bank Middle East Limited.

SABB employees cheer-up the students of Jeddah Autism Centre
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 10.06.08
A group of SABB employees headed by Mr. Alaa Al-Jabri, Area General Manager, Western Province, paid a visit to Jeddah Autism Centre, where they met with the Centre students, and distributed gift items among them, in a gesture that highlights the bank's care for this dear group in our country.

Mr. Ibrahim S. Abo-Mouti, Head of Corporate Communications at SABB, said: 'SABB is paying great attention to its responsibility towards the community, and this visit comes as part of the programmes offered by the bank in this regard, and an attempt to enhance the existing collaboration with charitable societies in the country, and emphasis our support to the programmes carried out by these societies, which care for special needs children in the Kingdom.

One Million Tree Campaign pledges get a boost from Chalhoub Group
AME INFO - 09.06.08
The One Million Tree Campaign pledge of EEG has increased by 25 more indigenous palm trees through the effort of Chalhoub Group.

As a part of their world Environment Day 'Adopt a Tree' Campaign, green warriors from Chalhoub Group raised money to donate palms to Dubai Centre for Special Needs. The 25 palms were planted within the school campus by enthusiastic students, Chalhoub employees, teachers' and EEG staff. An enthusiastic bunch of people came together to physically plant the palms on the hot morning. The sweltering heat did not deter the group from going ahead with the planting and along with the enthusiastic bunch of kids, they planted with gusto.

Hawkamah signs agreement with Securities and Investment Institute
ARABIAN BUSINESS - 08.06.08
The Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance (Hawkamah), the leading centre for corporate governance in the MENA region, announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Securities and Investment Institute (SII), the largest and most widely respected professional body for those who work in the securities and investment industry in the UK, to actively promote and demonstrably improve good corporate governance practices in the UAE, GCC and the MENA region.

As part of the agreement, Hawkamah and the SII will work together to promote financial market integrity through corporate sector and corporate governance reforms and will cooperate to improve the corporate governance practices of private and public sector entities.

Surprise Modhesh visit to children warms hearts
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 07.06.08
Modhesh, the much loved mascot began the annual Modhesh Goodwill Tour to visit children's hospitals around the region with a surprise appearance at the Royal Hospital in Oman & Hope Centre for Children with Special Needs in Bahrain.

This year the colourful, larger than life character will also be visiting hospitalized children in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and, for the first time outside the Arab world, in the United Kingdom, distributing gifts, treats and hugs. 'These visits come in line with the corporate social responsibility of Modhesh as a lovable caring Character and a true friend for all children. Our goal is to bring hope and a happy memory for hospitalized children which will lift their spirits and put a smile on their faces,' said Laila Suhail, CEO, Dubai Shopping Festival Office.

Panasonic onboard with 'green' solutions for World Environmental Day
BUSINESS MAKTOOB - 06.06.08
Panasonic Middle East are putting their full support behind World Environment Day, taking place across the globe today, after Panasonic's global initiation of its Eco-Ideas strategy.

In October 2007, Panasonic announced the 'eco ideas' strategy to accelerate its activities to realize one of the twin business visions, 'Coexistence with the global environment', and promised to promote three 'eco ideas' initiatives. Panasonic Deputy General Manager, Corporate Communication, Taeko Danno says that World Environmental Day is the perfect time to highlight the three main aspects covered in Panasonic's Eco Ideas philosophy: the products themselves; their manufacture and the society i.e. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

DNRD launches 'Youth without Smoking' campaign
AME-INFO - 05.06.08
Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department (DNRD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, launched an anti-smoking campaign titled 'Youth without Smoking' including an internal awareness scheme and a photo exhibition at the main headquarters on June 1st and 2nd.

Members of the public as well as the staff underwent medical check-ups and had the chance to attend a variety of awareness workshops while anti-smoking posters and leaflets were distributed to raise awareness about the importance of quitting smoking.

Aramex recognized for excellence in 3PL and commitment to CSR
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 04.06.08
Aramex was recognized by the supply chain industry for its outstanding achievements in third party logistics (3PL) and Corporate Social Responsibility (SCR), as it scooped up trophies at the annual Supply Chain and Transport Awards (SCATA).

The win is a testament to Aramex's world-class 3PL capabilities, which include value-added supply chain management, storage and distribution solutions customized to the needs of a wide-range of industries. Capitalizing on regional outsourcing trends, third-party logistics are a key component of Aramex's overall regional growth strategy, with its Jebel Ali facility acting as a dynamic hub for the various markets it serves across the GCC.

Epson announces its 'Environmental Vision 2050'
EYE OF DUBAI - 03.06.08
Epson unveiled at a press conference held in Brussels, Belgium, the company's Environmental Vision for the next generation, an ambitious multi-part program to address some of the most pressing environmental concerns facing the global community looking towards 2050.

Specifically, among the goals introduced, was a plan to significantly reduce the company's CO2 emissions across the lifecycle of products and services, ensure that all products are either reused or recycled, and take an active part in biodiversity projects.

ENOC launches plastic collection drive
TRADE ARABIA - 02.06.08
In line with its commitment to the environment and the community, ENOC recently launched a plastic waste collection drive in association with its vendors.

The drive, spearheaded by the ENOC Group Corporate Services, aims to leverage the company's network of vendor sites to collect as much non-biodegradable waste as possible for recycling. ENOC has been collecting waste paper for recycling since June 1, 2006.

Rivoli Group announces a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, in association with Emirates Arthritis Foundation
ARABIAN BUSINESS - 01.06.08
Rivoli Group, the leading luxury lifestyle retailer in the region, has announced a unique initiative in Corporate Social Responsibility in association with the Emirates Arthritis Foundation (EAF), aimed at creating awareness on the emergence of arthritis as a serious health issue in the UAE.

EAF, a non-profit organization, was launched under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; and Dubai Bone and Joint Centre (DBAJ), the premier center for musculoskeletal treatment and research in the Middle East.