HSBC organizes a training workshop for treatment of the physically challenged children
AME INFO - 31.03.08
For the first time in the region, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, in cooperation with Families and Friends Society of Persons with Disabilities, organised a training workshop for 13 Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists who work with physically challenged children in both Government and NGO Centres.

In this workshop, therapists were trained on the best way of assisting physically challenged children, using a standardized Assisting Hand Assessment. This will assist therapists diagnose and plan effective treatment.

Coca-Cola Treasure Hunt allows youth to get a word in on Bahrain's environmental issues
AL-BAWABA - 30.03.08
Organizers of the fifth annual Coca Cola Environmental Treasure Hunt, Eventscom-Bahrain, a leading Events Management consultancy, with the support of the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife (the Commission), are organizing a stimulating and environmentally-educational Youth Workshop, in collaboration with the Crown Prince Training Program for Youth, which falls under the direction of Shaikha Marwa bint Rashed Al-Khalifa.

The Youth Workshop is one of countless supporting activities which aim to reach a diverse range of the general public, preceding the highly anticipated Treasure Hunt event, which is taking place on 25 April 2008, under the patronage of H.H. Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Head of the Commission.

McDonald's Kuwait and the Kuwait National Olympic Committee launch the McDonald's Champion Kids Program
ZAWYA - 30.03.08
Aiming to educate the children in Kuwait about the Olympic Games, and adhering to its commitment to promote active lifestyles, McDonald's Kuwait launched the Champion Kids Program under the auspices of Shiekha Naima Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in association with the Kuwait National Olympic Committee (NOC).

The launch was announced in a press conference held at the premises of the NOC and attended by representatives from the involved parties and the local press.

VARCC-Arabian Communications signs cooperation and partnership agreement with Zikra Initiative
AME INFO - 29.03.08
VARCC-Arabian Communications has signed a cooperation and partnership agreement with Zikra Initiative which offers community services to the youth and establishes ties between them and the Jordanian families.

This step stems from VARCC's belief in supporting social initiatives and projects based on serving the community, and furnishing the basic requirements for the underprivileged areas of our community.

'Glass Recycling- A clear vision of the future'
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 28.03.08
This insight was gathered from the presentation of Abdul Elah Al Hasso, General Manager of Jebel Ali Container Glass Factory which he delivered at Emirates Environmental Group's (EEG) second Community Lecture of the year.

Mr. Abdul Elah Al Hasso emphasized that with the growing concern about climate change and global warming, it is everyone's responsibility to follow the principles of the 3R's - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

TECOM Investments plays key sponsor to Handicapped Guardians Association Forum 2008
AL-BAWABA - 27.03.08
TECOM Investments, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding announced recently its major sponsorship for the Handicapped Guardians Association (HDA) Forum 2008.

The event held under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah serves as a platform for exchanging ideas to better the lives of special needs individuals and their families in the region.

Sama Dubai completes first environmental responsibility campaign
AME INFO - 26.03.08
Sama Dubai, the international real estate investment and development arm of Dubai Holding, has successfully concluded its first Sama Dubai Environmental Responsibility Campaign to raise employees' understanding of sustainable development and enlist their involvement in safeguarding and protecting the environment.

The awareness campaign was the first in a series of activities promoting the company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Umniah acts as catalyst to abolishing computer illiteracy
24/7 PR - 25.03.08
Alighted with its strong sense of social responsibility, and its aim towards a computer literate community, Umniah announced the launch of its computer training center last month.

Offering a comprehensive 2-week training course on Word, Excel, Windows, Power Point and internet applications, free of charge Umniah designed the course to cater to the career development needs of individuals coming from low and medium income earning households.

Dubai first Arab city to join Earth Hour
DUBAI CITY - 24.03.08
The City of Dubai has joined the WWF's Earth Hour movement, as part of a global climate change initiative, which will see thousands of lights turned off all over the city at 8:00pm on Saturday March 29, in the largest voluntary power down in history.

Dubai Holding and the Dubai Water and Electricity Authority (DEWA) have linked up to lead the initiative that also has the support of Dubai Municipality, Dubai International Financial Centre, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai World Trade Centre, Nakheel, Emaar and Leo Burnett.

MCN to join the Dubai 'switch off' initiative
AME INFO - 23.03.08
The Middle East Communication Networks group of agencies in Dubai will wholeheartedly support the World Wildlife Foundation's Earth Hour being observed in Dubai.

MCN Dubai is asking all staff and clients to 'switch off'! MCN's intranet is spreading the word across all the agencies it owns and manages - including Fortune Promoseven, Lowe, Weber Shandwick, Universal Media, Initiative, Innovations, Magna, Promoseven 360 and Mint.

Aswaaq reveals opportunities and advantages for SME members in introductory meeting
BUSINESS MAKTOOB - 22.03.08
'aswaaq', the biggest retail project in the UAE and a public joint stock company of which the Dubai government has 45% stakes, held an introductory meeting yesterday with members of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment For Young Business Leaders (SME) at the Grand Hyatt Dubai.

Attended by high officials from both 'aswaaq' and SME, the meeting saw the participation of approximately a hundred SME members who have different business and service activities in the Emirate of Dubai and receive the attention and support of the Establishment.

Inaugural Insurance Taskforce on Corporate Governance meets in Dubai
WAM - 21.03.08
Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance (Hawkamah) and The Arab Forum of Insurance Regulatory Commissions (AFIRC) yesterday held the first ever Insurance Taskforce on Corporate Governance meeting in Dubai.

The half-day event brought together insurance regulators, industry representatives and insurance experts from selected MENA countries, and of the Financial Services Volunteer Corp to discuss the results of a MENA wide survey on corporate governance practices and prepare recommendations for corporate governance policy modernization and reform in the region's insurance industry.

UN OCHA/IRIN hold first Humanitarian Reporting Workshop in partnership with International Humanitarian City and Dubai Press Club
EYE OF DUBAI - 20.03.08
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN), hosted a unique training programme designed to provide journalists with key humanitarian references and reporting techniques.

Held in partnership with International Humanitarian City (IHC) and Dubai Press Club, the one-day interactive training session was conducted by senior UN representatives in the country, and focused on the main principles, players and mechanisms of humanitarian assistance. The event also highlighted necessary tools and techniques needed by journalists who report on humanitarian issues.

Ras Laffan and community outreach
AME INFO - 19.03.08
As part of Ras Laffan Industrial City and its End-Users social responsibility and the continuous strive to reach out to the local community, RLC held a meeting mid last week with the Al Khor and Dakhira community representatives to provide feedback on environmental and social projects.

Members of Al Khor and Dakhira Municipality, Community representatives, National Council for Culture, Arts & Heritage as well as Al Khor & Dakira Schemes & Services representatives attended the meeting.

Dubai Bank donates Dhs1.1m to Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Foundation
CSR MIDDLE EAST- 18.03.08
As part of its continued efforts to promote charitable and humanitarian activities, Dubai Bank, the fastest-growing ethical and Shari'a-compliant financial institution in the UAE, has recently delivered a cheque of Dhs1,172m to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Foundation.

The donation comes as part of a cooperation pact signed by the two institutions in November 2007, under which a banking account has been opened for supporting charity projects sponsored by the Foundation for the benefit of the largest possible number of the needy and disadvantaged.

mtc touch supports Social Welfare Institute
AME INFO - 17.03.08
mtc touch, the leading mobile telecom company in Lebanon, offered to equip the IT laboratory at one of the Social Welfare Institute's centers with several personal computers, to enable the children to apply their theoretical knowledge.

From her end, Corporate Communications and Relations Manager at mtc touch Ghada Barakat commented: 'Our initiative aims at enabling the children at this center with modern equipment which will allow them to improve their skills and widen their knowledge'. She added: 'our responsibility towards the Lebanese society is increasingly growing and we are looking into implementing the proper and convenient programs which can most benefit to the concerned social categories.'

Lime Green Entertainment launches Lime Green Interactive
BI-ME -16.03.08
Lime Green Entertainment, the events and entertainment company formed by a group of Dubai Musicians in 2007 continues its rapid expansion in the Middle East with the launch of a new division of the company - Lime Green Interactive.

With plans to become the largest English language online entertainment providers in the Middle East, Lime Green Interactive will be responsible of all of the company’s online entertainment assets and its expansion of new platforms and communities scheduled in the next 36 months.

Dubai Bank sponsors orphan care programme
ZAWYA - 15.03.08
Dubai Bank, the fastest-growing ethical and Shari'a-compliant financial institution in the UAE, organized an outing for orphaned children to the Mall of the Emirates in cooperation with the Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services (DDHMS), as part of its efforts to contribute to strengthening interaction between the community and the disadvantaged.

Ms. Masouma Ahmed, the head of the DDHMS Social Services and Medical Care Unit, paid homage to the tireless efforts exerted within the project, and said, 'One of the key goals of the Friends' Forum initiative, which is in line with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai, is to inculcate charity work as being a means for building up a healthy society,' she added.

Dubai Chamber seminar highlights consumer protection issue
EYE OF DUBAI - 14.03.08
As part of the 3rd GCC Consumer Protection Day spearheaded by the UAE Ministry of Economy, the Better Business Desk at Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry organised a Consumer Protection Seminar.

The seminar aimed to spread awareness of consumer rights and to protect the consumers in every possible way to ensure their satisfaction and loyalty. Industry experts at the event spoke in length about the implication of Federal Law no. 24 of 2006 concerning consumer protection which they feel is expected to significantly transform the way business will be conducted by setting out ground rules covering consumer transactions.

DED creates 'largest Dhs10 note chain' to raise funds for wounded and sick in Palestine
AME INFO - 11.03.08
The Department of Economic Development organised a campaign to raise funds for the wounded and sick people in Palestine.

The DED created a huge chain of Dhs10 currency notes with staff members contributing the money. The campaign supports an initiative by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charity and Humanitarian Establishment (MBRAMCH) for the welfare of the sick in Palestine.

Brother Group reduces total carbon emissions by 60% in 2007
ARAB WIDE WEB- 10.03.08
Brother Group, a global leader in the development and manufacturing of printing, communication and digital imaging products for homes, SOHOs and enterprise announced that it has achieved a 60% drop in carbon emissions in 2007 compared to its CO2 levels in 1990.

The Group has also shaved off its total energy consumption of electricity and fuel use by an equivalent of 31 tons of CO2 emissions in 2007. The tremendous results of the company's environment-focused initiatives are in line with the launch of a trade-specific voluntary action plan in its global headquarters' location in Japan, which is set to decrease the industry's production of carbon wastes by 28% in 2010 against levels in 1991.

Zain major contributor to the success of the 4th Autism Walkathon
AME INFO - 9.03.08
In the framework of its social responsibility legacy, Zain Kuwait was a major contributor to the success of the 4th Autism Walkathon, organized at the beginning of March by the Kuwait Center for Autism on the Gulf Road.

In total, some 1200 participants took part in the recurrent event, which kicked off at the swimming complex and finished at the Green Island, where participants and winners were honored by organizers and sponsors.

RU'YATAK: The new initiative from Abdali that nurtures the aspirations of Jordanian youth
AMMAN PRESS- 08.03.08
Abdali's success as a project has always depended on its relation to the greater community: the company has made it a priority to address the needs of Amman and take into consideration the social and environmental aspects of its development.

Building on this philosophy, Abdali launched its first full-fledged program, RU'YATAK, the social responsibility arm which seeks to empower Jordanian youth from all ages and backgrounds.

Al Tomooh signs MoU with Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders to foster UAE entrepreneurship
AME INFO - 07.03.08
Emirates NBD's Al Tomooh Scheme and Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support entrepreneurship throughout the UAE.

Al-Tomooh, an Emirates NBD Initiative which provides financial support to arising projects and UAE Nationals willing to establish private commercial projects, will work with the Establishment to offer financing options for both start ups and existing projects and support the development of the country's small and medium enterprises.

Emirates Gas educates students on LPG and industry safety standards
ZAWYA - 06.03.08
Expanding on its corporate social responsibility programme, Emirates Gas, a member of the ENOC Group, recently hosted a visit from a group of 30 Grade 11 Al Ahliya School students.

Aimed at educating the students on the importance of safety in LPG and at providing them with an overview of the industry, the visit to the EMGAS plant in Jebel Ali proved to be immensely beneficial to the students.

Nation to Honor Mohammed Jameel and ALJCSP
ARAB NEWS - 05.03.08 / KSA
Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel, president of Abdul Latif Jameel Co. (ALJ) and Abdul Latif Jameel Community Services Programs, will be honored at the opening ceremony of the annual Culture and Heritage Festival at Janadriya by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah today.

A great philanthropist and an amiable and easily accessible businessman, Jameel has developed a community program committed to further promoting job opportunities for thousands of young Saudi men and women each year.

CSR Middle East becomes Official Partner for CSR Reporting Event
CSR Middle East - 05.03.08
Purists would claim that ‘CSR is about doing good when no one knows’, negating the need for a proper and structured report. In an ideal world without stakeholders that maxim would hold true. To withhold information of CSR initiatives defeats the purpose of doing CSR in the first place. CSR Reporting or Sustainability Reporting provides stakeholders with quantifiable data on each and every aspect of the CSR programmes which affect them. The linear progression of CSR toward sustainable development brings the inevitable fact that CSR/Sustainability Reporting will form the basis of future business decisions.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Group, presented the most prestigious Business Awards held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to 17 winners from a cross-section of organisations and business establishments for their outstanding performance and unflinching contribution to the development of the UAE national economy, the overall business atmosphere and the society at large.

CSR Middle East and Centre for Sustainability and Excellence to offer regional CSR planning and projects
AME INFO - 04.03.08
Centre for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) and CSR Middle East announce their collaboration in promoting the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainable Development though advanced solutions to MENA region.

By this collaboration, Middle East business professionals will find special articles and reports from CSE at CSR Middle East. CSE will give access to CSR Library to CSR Middle East members.

QCVA drive gets RasGas backing
GULF TIMES - 02.03.08 / QATAR
Under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, RasGas joined hands with the Qatar Center for Voluntary Activities (QCVA) to support its awareness campaign promoting the value and benefit of voluntary work.

RasGas Public Relations manager Abdulla Hashim along with his colleagues presented a cheque to Yousuf Ali al-Kazim, Secretary General for QCVA and the Arab Federation for Voluntary Activity on behalf of RasGas.

Jordanian schools extend support to Al-Aman Fund for the future of orphans
AME INFO - 02.03.08 / JORDAN
Al-Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans recently gained support from several Jordanian private schools, contributing to Al-Aman Fund's mission of equipping orphaned youth across the Kingdom with the education and tools needed to become self-reliant and productive members of society.

These schools supported Al-Aman Fund in several different ways. Students from the Ahliyyah School for Girls (ASG) were given a presentation about Al-Aman Fund and the support it offers its beneficiaries, increasing their awareness of the nature of the Fund's work and of the large number of orphaned and abandoned youth in desperate need of society's support.

Hawkamah and CFA Emirates to promote corporate governance reforms
AME INFO - 01.03.08 / UAE
The Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance (Hawkamah) today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Certified Financial Analysts (CFA Emirates), the UAE society for CFA charterholders and candidates, to cooperate with each other to actively promote and improve good corporate governance practices in the UAE, GCC and the MENA region.

The memorandum states that Hawkamah and CFA Emirates will work together to advocate corporate sector reform and enhance existing corporate governance standards across the region. This goal is supported by three broad objectives, namely to: improve the corporate governance practices of private and public sector entities; help develop national legal and regulatory frameworks with respect to corporate governance; and cooperate on corporate governance institution-building to develop a communication strategy and increase the training capacity of institutions.