Emirates Environmental Group launches co-operation with Swiss Business Council
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 15.09.08
The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) and the Swiss Business Council Dubai (SBC) signed a Memorandum of Co-operation (MOC) at an iftar event at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel on Sunday evening.

The MOC stipulates a closer working relationship between the parties with the SBC agreeing to promote and support EEG programmes and activities through its network

Qatargas to sponsor international diabetes conference
AME INFO - 14.09.08
Qatargas announced today that it will support the 'International Conference on Diabetes in Children and Adolescents' with a gold sponsorship.

The conference, being organized by Qatar Diabetes Association is scheduled to be held from 10 - 12 October at the Sheraton Hotel in Doha. The sponsorship was confirmed during a meeting between Mr. Abdulla Hijji, Qatargas Public Relations Manager and Dr. Abdullah Al-Hamaq, Executive Director of Qatar Diabetes Association.

Dubai Investments Park launches traffic safety campaign during Ramadan
GULF NEWS - 13.09.08
With an increase in the number of traffic accidents in Dubai and the consequent rise in casualties and damage to properties, the Dubai Investments Park (DIP), a subsidiary of Dubai Investments, has launched a traffic safety campaign throughout Ramadan under the banner, 'Drive slow while people fast'.

By organizing the campaign, DIP officials aim to keep drivers reminded of the principles of safe driving and being alert to traffic rules in order to preserve the safety of DIP's tenants, workers and visitors.

Dubai Autism Centre receives Dhs1m donation from Apparel Group
UAE TODAY - 12.09.08
Apparel Group, one of the leading fashion retailers in the Gulf region, with over 450 stores and 50 brands under its umbrella, has donated Dhs1m to Dubai Autism Centre.

Mr. Nilesh Ved, Chairman, Apparel Group, handed a cheque for Dhs1m to H.E. Dr. Omar Bin Suleiman, Vice Chairman, Dubai Autism Centre and the Governor of DIFC at his office. Also present on the occasion was Mr. Mohammad Ameen Al Emadi, Director General, Dubai Autism Centre.

Flying Eye Hospital to help launch Noor Dubai's educational programming
EYE OF DUBAI - 11.09.08
Noor Dubai, a charity drive aiming to deliver eye health services to over one million people worldwide, today announced that the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital has made a successful landing at the Dubai International Airport on 7th September in preparation of this week's Noor Dubai events.

Orbis, an international partner of Noor Dubai and operator the world's only airborne ophthalmic surgical and training facility, will help launch Noor Dubai's education component later this week through offering training programmes and symposiums on improved ophthalmic surgical techniques and practices to medical professionals locally, regionally, and internationally.

Saraya Aqaba launches 'We Share' initiative during Ramadan
AL-BAWABA - 10.09.08
As part of its commitment towards the local community in Aqaba, and in a statement of unity, interaction and active involvement, Saraya Aqaba launched 'We Share' initiative on the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan, which extends to cover the last quarter of 2008.

Stressing on the importance of engagement with the local community Mr. 'Shadi Ramzi' Majali, General Manager of Saraya Aqaba, elaborated that Saraya Aqaba's involvement come as part of Saraya's corporate social responsibility strategy. The strategy aims at improving the living standards of the local communities and the various initiatives are tailored to the needs of the communities in which it operates.

Emaar, The Economic City hosts CSR workshop for senior management team
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 09.09.08
Emaar, The Economic City (Emaar.E.C), the Tadawul-listed company developing King Abullah Economic City (KAEC), recently, held an orientation workshop for its senior leaders including the CEO Mr. Fahd Al-Rasheed in preparation for setting a comprehensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, which will be unveiled shortly.

Emaar.E.C will work hand in hand with The Centre for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE), a leading international advisory, coaching and training organisation with offices in Athens, Brussels and Cyprus, carrying our activities in more than 15 countries including MENA region.

Dubai counts down for 2nd Annual Corporate Social Responsibility Conference
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 05.09.08
Marcus Evans with the support of CSR MIDDLE EAST brings to you the 2nd Annual Corporate Social Responsibility Conference taking place on the 2-3 November 2008 in Dubai. The first Middle East Corporate Social Responsibility Forum held in November 2007 was a stellar success. Delegates who attended were able to delve into the finer inner workings of CSR by systematically approaching CSR from the design stage to the reporting stage. This enabled CSR proponents who attended to have a quantifiable platform to thrust their initiatives in the right direction. Sustainable development is the flavour of this new century. Corporations are making a concerted effort to ensure they are able to sustain their resources where heavy emphasis is given to the environment. Working along those parameters, this year’s forum will place heavy emphasis on climate change, with a multitude of speakers presenting papers on managing carbon footprint and carbon trading.

Global and regional experts will congregate over these three days to expound the importance of galvanising the CSR movement. Day 1 and 2 of the forum will allow delegates to interact with speakers whose pantheon of knowledge on CSR is second to none. Day 3 will be a post-forum workshop covering the all important matter of CSR transparency: Reporting; and Socially Responsible Invesment(SRI). Book now to enjoy the special discount for all CSR Middle East members with a discount of 15% per delegate.

Dubai Chamber workshop highlights the need for sustainability practices in supply chains
ZAWYA - 05.09.08
As part of their highly successful workshop series aimed at creating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) awareness and building capacity for businesses in Dubai and the UAE, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry's Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) organised a one-and-a-half-day workshop on Environmental and Social Impacts of Supply Chains on August 31 and September 1.

Attended by delegates from leading companies like Canon Middle East, Emirates Group, DAFZA, Laing O'Rourke and Bawadi, a member of Tatweer, the workshop focused on building the business case for social and environmental best practices in supply chains, what are the risks and opportunities, how companies are integrating sustainability issues into their supply chain management while reacting and adapting to pressures in the light of some best practice examples by companies.

TAMANI Hotel Marina and Dubai World spread charitable spirit with Ramadan Tent
AME-INFO - 04.09.08
KM Holding, parent company of KM Properties, and TAMANI Hotels and Resorts, announced that the five stars TAMANI Hotel Marina is selected by Dubai World to be the official venue for their Ramadan activities to experience the most traditional local hospitality.

TAMANI Hotels and Resorts known for its strong commitment to Social Corporate Responsibility and its various charity driven initiatives in the market stood out as the perfect venue to host the various activities of Dubai World companies including its flagship companies DP World, Economic Zones World, Istithmar World, Nakheel and Dubai Maritime City.

Gulf Air launches Corporate Social Responsibility initiative
GULF NEWS - 04.09.08
Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air, today unveiled its new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plan. The airline has developed an integrated program of research, development, education and outreach focusing on three key areas - climate change and clean air, waste management and community service, with goals to support each.

The comprehensive plan, which was developed through consultations with external partners including Boeing and IATA, will see the airline launching a number of initiatives in the coming months which will improve the environment, benefit the community and improve the airlines operational efficiency.

Al Ahli Group launches CSR division with youth project
AME INFO - 03.09.08
Al Ahli Group, one of the UAE's leading business conglomerates, has launched a dedicated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) division to oversee a series of youth programme initiatives aimed at encouraging and empowering young Emiratis.

'It is our aim to lead by example and show the private sector what can be achieved with active and actual social responsibility,' said Khammas, a business leader renowned for his 'hands on' approach to leadership. 'Through our dedicated CSR division it is our aim to develop Emirati youth, building their skills and widening their horizons and exposure. To achieve this we work with passion, honesty and integrity, using the power of partnership and co-operation with organizations such as Junior Achievement Argentina who we believe can support us in providing the Arab youth with the skills and knowledge needed to become the business leaders of tomorrow.'

Sheikha Manal launches 'Manal Bint Mohammed Voluntary Program' to mark Ramadan
BUSINESS MAKTOOB - 02.09.08
Her Highness Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Presidential Affairs, today announced the launch of 'Manal Bint Mohammed Voluntary Program'.

The 'Manal Bint Mohammed Voluntary Program' is an initiative to train Emirati women on the basics and importance of voluntary work, especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Water-smart landscaping & erasing carbon footprint to debut at Abu Dhabi event
EYE OF DUBAI - 01.09.08
As concerns continue to grow about the effects of global warming on the environment, CMPi UAE, organizers of Gulf Landscaping scheduled to take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 17th to 18th November 2008 announced that water smart landscaping technology and methods of offsetting carbon footprint will make their Middle East debut at the two-day event.

Alongside the exhibition CMPi UAE will also organize a one-day conference on sustainable construction as part of their support for the 2030 initiative - Estidama - designed to make Abu Dhabi the sustainability capital of the Middle East. The conference will cover the key subjects of sustainability, design & build, environmental issues, carbon footprints, urban planning, Abu Dhabi 2030 Initiative, water management and new product technologies.